Chapter Thirty-Six

Contains spoilers

Summary

  • Xaden confronts Dain with bloodied weapons, intending to kill him, but Violet defends Dain, saying he saved her.
  • Violet is heavily injured and is briefly held up by Dain and the power of shadows. Xaden is surprised by Violet's battered state and rushes to her side.
  • Xaden tenderly cares for Violet, admitting he would find her anywhere, and they have an emotional reunion.
  • Garrick arrives, joking about Xaden having eliminated all opposition, but shows concern for Violet's condition.
  • Varrish, who was stabbed by Dain, accuses Dain of becoming a traitor. Dain implies disillusionment with his own father's actions.
  • Xaden allows Violet to enact revenge on Varrish, assisting her in stabbing him, leaving Violet shaken by the act.
  • Xaden prioritizes Violet’s safety and promises to escape with her, even if it means letting his home burn.
  • Xaden declares his unconditional love for Violet, and Violet reciprocates, despite their dire situation.
  • As they prepare to leave, Xaden helps Violet walk past her own blood, splints her arm, and avoids pressure on her injured ribs.
  • Garrick warns of a problem outside the cell, leading to a tense confrontation with Violet’s General mother.
  • Violet’s mother confronts Xaden about actions causing chaos and asks for a moment alone with Violet.
  • In a private conversation, Violet’s mother offers her an antidote, reveals her knowledge about Violet’s past, and insists her decisions have been to protect Violet.
  • Violet learns her path in the Riders Quadrant was orchestrated by her mother in exchange for a favor from Riorson.
  • Violet’s mother reveals her husband also had the Riders’ marks and requests that Violet take a vial of antidote, urging her survival.
  • Xaden and Violet, along with Garrick and Dain, rally ranks of the Riders to offer them a chance to fight for a just cause.
  • Xaden and Violet attempt to sway the riders, but encounter resistance, confusion, and declarations of potential treason.
  • Violet uses Tairn to share a pivotal memory with the riders, causing turmoil but convincing some of the truth.
  • Professors arrive to stop the rider defection, leading to a standoff with Xaden taking decisive action.
  • Dragons descend upon the courtyard, supporting the escaping riders, and some professors declare their intent to join.
  • Xaden and Violet, along with a large number of riders, depart on dragons, heading towards an uncertain future and war.
  • Exhausted and battered, Violet manages to survive the journey to Riorson House, where her brother Brennan confronts Xaden about her condition.
  • Violet reassures Brennan that Xaden saved her, and they witness the arrival of the riders they have recruited to their cause.