The chapter begins with a recovered message to Sloane Mairi, indicating a similarity between her and the character Violet.
The protagonist is distressed by the battlefield and the presence of dark wielders, indicating an ongoing war with high stakes.
Xaden has knowledge of the enemies' plans but avoids sharing details with the protagonist.
The protagonist is concerned with raising protective wards but is limited by the number of dragons available to power them.
A choice must be made between securing one location over another, and Xaden prioritizes the protagonist's location, implying a deep personal connection.
The protagonist confronts Codagh, a dragon, about her knowledge of a secret concerning dragonkind that she doesn't elaborate on.
Xaden and the protagonist share a moment of affection and loyalty, reinforcing their relationship amidst the chaos.
The protagonist races against time to imbue a wardstone with power to save her allies, reflecting on past losses and her determination.
Andarna, introduced as an adolescent dragon, is revealed to be a unique seventh breed distinct from known dragon types.
The protagonist's mother intervenes, implying a history and a plan involving Sloane, a character with a siphoning ability.
Tensions rise as the protagonist's mother enacts a plan, sacrificing herself to imbue the wardstone with power, while others urge against it.
Sloane is coerced into using her siphoning ability to facilitate the wardstone's imbuing process, despite warnings and protests.
The protagonist's mother completes her plan, channeling her power into the wardstone at the cost of her life, and the wards rise as a result.
The protagonist, Brennan, and others reel from the loss of their mother, while the presence of an ignited wardstone marks her sacrifice.