CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Contains spoilersOverview
In the wake of Threshing, the dragons’ Empyrean rules that Violet’s unprecedented dual bond with Tairn and Andarna stands. The revelation that Tairn is mated to Sgaeyl binds Violet’s fate to Xaden’s, making her the prime target of unbonded riders. Violet is marked with her rider relic, mourns Trina, and recognizes a rift with Dain after his rigid adherence to rules and a sparkless kiss.
Summary
At the field infirmary, Violet endures treatment for a sliced arm and sprained ankle while generals argue about her unprecedented dual bond. Professor Kaori confirms no rider has ever bonded two dragons and warns Jack Barlowe—freshly bonded to Baide—that Tairn would incinerate him if he advances. As Codagh leads the dragons to convene the Empyrean, Violet waits between Tairn and Andarna.
With the dragons gone, Violet reunites with Rhiannon, Ridoc, and Sawyer, learning their bonds (Feirge, Aotrom, and Sliseag) and that Trina fell to her death. Dain pulls Violet aside, insisting she choose Andarna as the “safe” option and revealing Tairn is mated to Sgaeyl, which would station Violet with Xaden. Violet refuses to choose.
Xaden emerges as Dain accuses him of manipulating Threshing. Xaden denies it, explaining Sgaeyl alerted Tairn but Tairn chose Violet himself. He forces Dain to admit he would not break rules to save Violet, a confession that wounds her trust. The dragons return as the Empyrean concludes.
Xaden explains the stakes: Tairn’s power and mating bond mean Violet’s death could cascade to Sgaeyl and Xaden, so he will guard her. With forty-one unbonded riders eyeing her, Violet becomes target number one while her new bonds are still fragile, and Tairn orders her to stay near the wingleader.
General Melgren announces the Empyrean’s decision: there is no dragon law against two dragons selecting the same rider, so both bonds stand. General Sorrengail closes the ceremony, and Violet is branded with her rider relic—Tairn in flight flanked by Andarna—seen through Andarna’s eyes. Dain declares he’d do anything to keep her safe but clings to rules; he kisses her, and Violet realizes there is no heat between them.
Who Appears
- Violet Sorrengail
Injured but resolute; bonds to Tairn and Andarna are upheld; becomes target for unbonded; receives relic; cools on Dain.
- Xaden Riorson
Wingleader; reveals Tairn–Sgaeyl mating ties Violet to him; confronts Dain; vows protection for self-preservation.
- Dain Aetos
Urges Violet to choose Andarna; fears Xaden; admits he wouldn’t break rules to save her; kisses Violet without spark.
- Tairn
Powerful black dragon; bonds Violet; attends Empyrean; orders her to stay safe; mate to Sgaeyl.
- Andarna
Young golden dragon; bonds Violet; participates in Empyrean; shares vision of Violet’s new relic.
- General Melgren
Top general; announces Empyrean decision via Codagh; imposing presence at the ceremony.
- General Lilith Sorrengail
Violet’s mother; closes the ceremony and welcomes new riders; avoids engaging Violet directly.
- Professor Kaori
Treats Violet’s injuries; explains dragon governance and warns Jack against provoking Tairn.
- Jack Barlowe
Hostile first-year; bonds Baide; confronts Violet but backs off under threat of Tairn.
- Rhiannon
Violet’s friend; bonds Green Daggertail Feirge; reunites and celebrates amid losses.
- Ridoc
Friend; bonds Brown Swordtail Aotrom; welcomes Violet and shares squad losses.
- Sawyer
Friend; bonds Red Swordtail Sliseag; reports Trina’s death during Threshing.
- Codagh
Melgren’s battle-scarred dragon; leads dragons to the Empyrean meeting.
- Sgaeyl
Xaden’s dragon; mate to Tairn; alerted Tairn to Violet’s danger.