Plummeting after slipping from Tairn midair, Violet is caught in his claws and returned to his back. He steadies her with invisible bands that lock her legs and hands while he tests her with climbs, dives, and spirals, ordering her to trust him. She witnesses another rider fall to death, understands the stakes, and gradually shifts from terror to exhilaration.

As they head toward the training fields at dusk, Tairn says he chose Violet because she saved the small golden dragon. He calls her cunning and courageous, and their mental bond becomes clear when he replies to her thoughts, promising she will never be alone. They arrive to a vast audience of dragons and spectators; the crowd parts in deference to Tairn. He lands and helps her dismount, and Violet, limping on her injured ankle, briefly exchanges words with the golden, who improperly speaks to her.

Violet approaches the roll-keeper beneath the dais, where General Lilith Sorrengail, Melgren, Kaori, Panchek, and other officers watch, fixated on Tairn. Lilith demands confirmation without acknowledging Violet’s condition, fueling Violet’s anger. At the book, Violet states Tairn’s full name, and the recorder marvels at the legendary bond.

Then the golden supplies her own name, Andarnaurram, in Violet’s mind. At Tairn’s urging, Violet reports it to the roll-keeper. The recorder realizes Violet is bonded to both Tairn and Andarna, and as Violet nods, the field erupts into uproar at the unprecedented double bond.