In the citadel courtyard after surviving the parapet, Violet shakes from adrenaline, pain flaring in her injured knee. Jack withdraws with a threat, and Rhiannon finds her. Dain Aetos intervenes, hiding Violet in an alcove, calming her, and confirming her condition. He directs Rhiannon to report both of them into his Second Squad, Flame Section, Second Wing.

Dain escorts Violet to his room through a hidden passage so she can bind her knee. He reveals his squad leader rank and urges her to escape via a tunnel to the Scribe Quadrant, arguing she won’t survive Riders training or bond a dragon. Violet refuses, citing her mother’s ultimatum. Dain pivots, deciding to keep her close and returns her to the courtyard.

As assignments begin, Commandant Panchek welcomes the new cadets and outlines the brutal path ahead. Violet and Rhiannon are called to Dain’s Second Squad, but after a tense exchange among wingleaders, Nyra orders a swap that moves their squad into Fourth Wing under Xaden Riorson, putting Violet directly under the command of the man she most fears.

Eight dragons descend to the outer wall in a terrifying show of power. When several cadets flee, red dragons incinerate them on the spot, underscoring the consequences of cowardice. Xaden addresses the courtyard, stripping away any illusions of invincibility and warning that many will die before graduation, leaving Violet resolved not to run despite her fear.