CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Violet is attacked by three cadets—Jack, Tynan, and Oren—in an ambush meant to kill her and her dragon. During the fight, she uses her daggers to injure and outmaneuver her opponents, though she sustains serious wounds. An enormous unbonded black dragon named Tairneanach intervenes, incinerates Tynan, and offers Violet a ride. As she climbs onto his back and he takes flight, she loses her grip and begins to fall from the sky.

Violet faces three opponents in a coordinated attack designed to kill both her and her bonded golden dragon. Jack Barlowe, Tynan, and Oren charge at her, and Violet relies on her throwing knives and close-combat skills to defend herself, exploiting their weaknesses—Jack's shoulder injury from their previous challenge, and general vulnerabilities in their technique. Xaden and his dragon Sgaeyl arrive to witness the fight; though he cannot interfere due to wingleader rules, his presence and commentary provide some advantage. As Violet weakens from blood loss and exhaustion, Tynan moves in for a killing blow. Before Xaden can break protocol to help, an enormous black dragon appears, sheltering the golden dragon under its wing. The black dragon, Tairneanach, speaks directly into Violet's mind, revealing he is unbonded and centuries old. He orders the golden dragon to fly away to safety, then incinerates Tynan with dragonfire before offering Violet a ride. Despite her injuries and fear, Violet climbs onto his back using his lowered leg as a ramp—an act of submission no dragon typically performs. When Tairneanach launches into the sky, the angle and force of his flight cause Violet to lose her grip and begin falling.