Xaden narrates three sleepless days watching unconscious Violet breathe, crushed by guilt over Liam’s death and his secrecy about the venin. He notes the faint improvement in her color and wrestles with the fear of losing her and the depth of his feelings.

Violet wakes. Xaden checks the wound on her hip, now a thin silver scar, and gives her water. He admits his terror and kisses her forehead. For a moment she responds tenderly, but when he mentions the healer and possible effects of poison, Violet assesses through her dragons and takes stock of the room and view.

Realizing they are in Aretia, Violet demands the truth. Xaden confirms the city is being rebuilt and hidden in plain sight; Melgren can’t scry outcomes when too many relic-bearers gather, and the rebellion avoids attention. Violet asks about Liam; Xaden gives her Liam’s carving of Andarna and confesses he never left her side. Outside, Bodhi and Garrick discuss survivors (Syrena and her sister live) and an iron box Chradh sensed beneath Resson’s rubble.

Later, freshly bathed, Xaden asks Violet if she’s “in.” She agrees to fight with the rebellion but refuses to trust him romantically after his concealment. Xaden vows to earn her trust and asserts they still love each other. Persistent knocking interrupts.

Brennan Sorrengail enters, alive, revealing he and other rebels mended, not merely healed, Violet from the venin’s poison. His appearance confirms the scope and resources of the rebellion. “Welcome to the revolution, Violet.”