The character reflects on Xaden, her relationship with him, and his role as a wingleader, expressing simultaneous hope and dissatisfaction.
The character's enemies advance, and a violent confrontation ensues, including the character using her knowledge and skills to successfully wound her attackers.
Xaden shouts a warning during the fight, indicating that he's observing the events, but rules prevent him from intervening.
The character's dragon ally, the golden dragon, demonstrates its fierceness by intimidating one of her attackers into submission.
Xaden and his dragon Sgaeyl decide to leave the scene, leaving the character to deal with the enormous black dragon.
The black dragon shows awareness and concern for the character's injuries, and commands her to stop bleeding. He also reveals that he knows her name, indicating a deeper knowledge or connection.
The black dragon demands the character climb onto his back, indicating he has chosen her as his rider. Despite their size difference and her injuries, she manages to climb aboard.
Once she's aboard, the dragon reveals his impressive lineage and name, but simplifies it to "Tairn" for the character's benefit.
Upon taking flight, the intensity causes the character to fall from Tairn's back, ending the chapter with her entering free fall.