The chapter starts with Xaden leaning over the protagonist's shoulder, as she is practicing rune assignments on wooden disks.
Xaden offers help but distracts the protagonist with physical affection, prompting her focus on the task at hand.
The protagonist is grateful for staying in Xaden's room, enjoying the comforts like a private bath.
Xaden mentions his recent absence due to delivering weapons to the front lines and encountering an attack.
The protagonist works on creating a hearing-amplifying rune while Xaden picks up Warrick's journal and comments on its illegibility.
Xaden and the protagonist discuss how he incorporated an unlocking rune into her dagger, which has special parameters based on need.
The conversation shifts to a stone with a complicated rune held by Xaden, which was designed by Colonel Mairi for the protection of his father's bloodline.
The protective rune, which responded to dragonfire, was a one-time-use safeguard given to the children of officers before a major battle.
Xaden admits his emotional attachment to the stone, and the protagonist realizes the sentimental value without pressing further about a deal with her mother.
The protagonist hurries to class after a successful test of the rune, but not before contemplating the relationship dynamics.
Later, Devera, Emetterio, and Professor Kiandra announce that riders and fliers must integrate without separation in classes, following Dragon Rider's Codex.
It's revealed all squads, including the protagonist's Iron Squad, will absorb a group of fliers, challenging their tradition and unity.
To address the hostilities, the instructors allow challenge matches, where cadets can spar until one yields or is knocked out.
The protagonist observes the challenges, noting their own squad's strength and unity even amidst these changes.
The protagonist faces off with Catriona Cordella on the mat, a fight that starts based on past grudges associated with another character's death.
Cat attacks fervently, but the protagonist finds her moves familiar and is able to defend effectively, implying that Xaden's training is influential in her ability to counter.