The chapter opens with the protagonist hearing the sound of wyvern bodies thudding down in the ward chamber.
Andarna, a character with golden eyes, appears briefly to seek forgiveness before returning to a doorway.
The protagonist is experiencing emotional turmoil, witnessing a companion, Brennan, draping his flight jacket over his mother's body.
The protagonist is promised survival by Tairn and learns through Dunne that Xaden, with whom she has a bond, is alive.
Exiting the southwest tower, the protagonist observes a victorious celebration with cheers and gratitude towards the gods.
A character named Dain covered in blood attempts to approach the protagonist, Violet, but is pushed aside by Rhiannon who is elated with their victory.
Rhiannon reports on the condition of their comrades and learns about the death of Violet's mother in service to the wardstone.
Violet struggles with her emotions and seeks to find Tairn and Xaden as a way of coping.
The leadership discusses the gravity of the attack and realizes that the kingdom's citizens will soon learn the truth they've been hiding.
Violet encounters Tairn and Andarna, who insinuate that they need to have an urgent discussion.
Sgaeyl, a dragon, allows Violet to proceed to Xaden, who is standing at the edge of a ravine.
Xaden reveals that he killed his father, thus snapping their connection and his body is now within the ravine.
It is disclosed that Violet's mother sacrificed herself using another character, Sloane, to power a life-saving wardstone.
Xaden expresses sympathy for Violet's loss, despite the fact that her mother killed his father.
Violet and Xaden discuss the necessity of their return to Aretia as the wards there are weakening.
The chapter closes with a dramatic revelation from Xaden, indicating that Violet should fear him, as his eyes display an ominous red ring, suggesting a deeper threat.