CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Xaden publicly accuses Wingleader Amber Mavis of orchestrating an attempt on Violet's life and presents the case before a quorum of wingleaders and the assembled dragons. Violet must contend with Dain's refusal to believe her and her own horror at the swift execution that follows, carried out by Tairn's dragonfire.

The chapter opens with a death roll ceremony and Violet concealing the bruises from her near-murder while Xaden reveals nothing to leadership about the night's attack. At breakfast, Violet confides in Rhiannon but notes Xaden's silence on whether he believes her account of Amber's involvement. During morning formation, Xaden orchestrates a squad reassignment, moving Liam Mairi—a strong first-year marked with a rebellion relic—into Dain's squad as Violet's bodyguard, which she vehemently protests. Commandant Panchek interrupts the formation to address a Codex breach. Xaden steps forward as the accuser, publicly detailing how he interrupted the attack on Violet and executed six attackers with witnesses Garrick Tavis and Bodhi Durran. He names Amber Mavis as the orchestrator who fled before his arrival. The revelation shocks the quadrant; Dain refuses to believe it, insisting wingleaders are beyond reproach and demanding Violet recant or share her memory with him. Violet refuses to allow Dain access to her memories, fearing he will discover her ability to stop time. When Dain presses, she threatens him. Xaden calls for a wingleader quorum, and Nyra and Septon Izar join him on the dais. As chaos erupts, six dragons—including Tairn and Sgaeyl—arrive and hover over the courtyard, their presence lending terrifying weight to the proceedings. Amber frantically denies the charges and accuses Xaden of revenge for his father's death, but when Tairn shares Violet's memories with the other dragons and riders via a mental connection, all doubt dissolves. The quorum unanimously finds Amber guilty. Amber protests that removing weak riders protects wing integrity, and when she calls to her dragon Claidh for help, Tairn dominates the smaller orange dragon, forcing her submission. Violet, overcome with guilt and horror at the consequences of her accusation, begs for Amber's life to be spared, even suggesting they might reconcile. Xaden shows no emotion and offers no mercy. Tairn leans down and incinerates Amber with dragonfire in a swift, gruesome execution, her scream shattering a window as Claidh mourns her bonded rider's death. Violet is left devastated by the finality and brutality of justice dispensed.