The protagonist expresses frustration with Brennan dismissing concerns about the Samara problem.
The protagonist heads to the sparring gym late at night, where it's empty except for Xaden standing on a mat.
Xaden anticipated a confrontation, thus choosing the sparring gym as their meeting place.
Their conversation moves to Xaden's secret-keeping and the implications of Assembly decisions.
Xaden confesses to losing a vote regarding an unspecified issue that is classified.
An intense, personal discussion ensues including a physical sparring exchange where Violet threatens Xaden with a dagger.
Xaden highlights his emotional vulnerability and expresses his desire to ensure effective communication in their relationship.
Violet demands full disclosure in their relationship, to which Xaden agrees.
Xaden shares personal background information about his family on Violet's insistence.
The emotional exchange concludes with mutual reaffirmations of their love and commitment.
Xaden presents Violet with gifts of two daggers as replacements for the ones she lost.
In a reflective moment, Violet writes the date and contemplates the Assembly's refusal to act with the solstice approaching.
During a Battle Brief, the protagonist engages with fellow cadets and instructors about recent shifts in enemy positions and the looming threat.
Professor Devera and Brennan lead a strategic discussion, with speculation regarding enemy movements and defenses.
Brennan navigates a room with palpable tension, fielding questions from worried cadets about their families and defense strategies.
The protagonist, Violet, challenges the lack of action from the Assembly to defend civilians.
A new theory emerges that Samara is a distraction and the real target is possibly Basgiath, the hatching grounds.
Violet and her squadmates abruptly leave the Battle Brief to act on this suspicion.
They encounter Xaden outside the Assembly chamber, and Violet shares her theory about the enemy strategy.
The protagonist grapples with the morality of aiding Navarre despite past grievances and the potential risks.
Violet decides that inaction would align them with their enemies, and they resolve to fight to defend innocent lives.
The chapter ends with the understanding that they will go to the Assembly to seek support for their decision to fight, prepared to act independently if necessary.