In flight back toward Navarre’s border, Violet wrestles with jealousy after recognizing Catriona as Xaden’s ex. On landing at an outpost, Xaden admits his past with Cat and explains Viscount Tecarus will only trade a luminary if he can see Violet wield lightning and keep the device in Cordyn. Distrusting Tecarus and refusing to risk Violet, Xaden declines and secretly arms her with a concealed venin-killing dagger.

They exchange updates: the Battle Brief leak on Zolya is dismissed as propaganda, Nolon has kept Jack Barlowe alive, and Varrish dislocated Violet’s shoulder during interrogation after Dain refused to use his signet. Violet also describes a new elixir that dulls rider–dragon connections and signets; she believes she or Brennan might devise an antidote.

The next afternoon at Basgiath, Tairn warns of punishment, deflects questions about Andarna’s prolonged sleep, and Violet passes the Gauntlet field, advising Sloane. Professor Emetterio quietly coaches Violet to frame her AWOL as her legendary dragon’s overwhelming pull and urges stronger mental shields.

Near her rooms, Varrish and his aides, including Nora, intercept Violet, search her bag, and demand the jacket off her back. Professor Kaori intervenes, challenges Varrish’s authority, and reveals Commandant Panchek has accepted Kaori’s judgment that Violet will not be punished for her dragon-driven absence. Foiled, Varrish leaves empty-handed.

Inside Rhiannon’s room, Violet learns Rhiannon pulled the hidden dagger through the wall—an unexpected surge of her signet—to keep it from Varrish, preventing evidence that could implicate Xaden and the marked ones. Tired of secrecy and recognizing the risk, Violet tells Rhiannon, Ridoc, and Sawyer that the dagger is for killing venin.