The narrative starts with characters emerging from a cave into morning light and encountering Professor Grady.
Rhiannon and the protagonist discuss acquiring a patch as a symbol of overcoming a challenge.
Dain avoids the protagonist, who does not push for conversation, considering his recent respectful actions.
Ridoc expresses concerns about the protagonist isolating themselves, suggesting they should relax and socialize more.
Sawyer agrees, noting the protagonist's detachment due to bonding with a dragon mated to a rider from a different year.
Rhiannon reveals that a character named Sorrel died during an interrogation, adding to the loss suffered during the protagonists' absence.
Unusual behavior from a scribe cadet and a group of First Wing squads hints at tension and curiosity regarding a "classified patch" that the protagonist's group wears.
The main discussion revolves around how the protagonist's squad escaped interrogation without disclosing any secrets or methods.
There is a significant plot twist when it's discovered that Zolya has fallen, and the protagonists react to the shocking news of a city destroyed by dragon fire, raising questions of propaganda versus truth.
There is disbelief among the characters as they debate whether the leaflet announcing Zolya's fall is a genuine report or a crafted piece of propaganda for an exercise about critical assessment.
The professor, Markham, dismisses the valid concerns of the protagonist's squad, framing the entire situation as an educational exercise on propaganda.
Markham then moves to distract the room from the leaflets' content with the revelation of a great achievement by Colonel Nolon, obscuring the events of Zolya's fall.
A cliffhanger ensues as it's announced that Jack Barlowe, a character presumed dead, is revealed to have survived under Nolon's care, setting the stage for future conflict.