The protagonist wakes up from a nightmare and starts her morning routine while still feeling the aftereffects of the bad dream.
She encounters first-year cadets and her friend Imogen while leaving the barracks.
There is tension and concern between the protagonist and her friends regarding the security of their borders and the presence of the enemy known as "venin."
The protagonist experiences residual pain from a previous burn and discusses matters of training and duty with her friends.
There is an air of secrecy and mourning regarding mission outcomes and the implications for the security of their territory.
The protagonist and Imogen go for a run to improve their speed and stamina, revealing deeper fears and traumatic memories of a recent battle.
The protagonist attends the first Battle Brief of the academic year, which includes updates on recent border attacks.
Details emerge about two attacks involving gryphons near Esben Mountains and Athebyne outpost, raising questions among the cadets about enemy tactics.
The protagonist is challenged by memories of her experiences at Athebyne and grapples with her knowledge of the truth behind the "Poromish unrest."
The briefing continues with discussions on enemy tactics, and the protagonist participates in the analysis, masking her deeper understanding of the situation.
The protagonist feels emotionally conflicted and seeks to be more involved, only to be reminded to focus on her immediate responsibilities and safety.
Rhiannon reveals suspicions about unusual activities in the Healer Quadrant, which leads to speculations about prisoners or other issues involving healers.
The protagonist dismisses Rhiannon's concerns with a plausible but false explanation while internally dealing with the burden of her secrets.
The protagonist skips lunch with friends to research the histories of unification and peace between humans and dragons, feeling unsatisfied with her findings.
While observing combat assessments, the protagonist is confronted with the enmities of the past and the ongoing challenges of maintaining her cover.
A shocking event occurs as a bullish first-year cadet unexpectedly kills another cadet, Nadine, by snapping her neck, leaving the protagonist and others in shock.