Chapter 48

Xaden keeps vigil as Violet awakens after three days of poisoning, her life hanging in balance. Upon waking, she quickly realizes they are in Aretia, a supposedly destroyed city that has been secretly rebuilt, and learns that Liam is dead. Xaden confesses his love but Violet, while agreeing to join the rebellion, refuses to trust him with her heart again—until her brother Brennan, believed dead, reveals himself and welcomes her to the revolution.

Xaden has spent three sleepless days watching over Violet in his bedchamber at what is revealed to be a rebuilt Aretia. The venin poison nearly killed her, spreading to her brain and causing memory damage. When Violet wakes, Xaden discovers her side has healed into only a thin silver scar. She drinks water and Xaden confesses his terror at almost losing her. Though she initially seems confused about memories, Violet quickly pieces together that they are in Aretia through the distinctive Temple of Amari visible from the windows. Xaden admits they have been secretly rebuilding the scorched city and explains that Melgren cannot see outcomes when more than three rebels gather, which keeps their location hidden. Violet asks if Liam is truly dead, and Xaden confirms this with a carved figurine Liam was working on. After bathing and changing, Violet meets with Xaden privately. She tells him she will fight with the rebellion but refuses to trust him with her heart again, citing his ease in keeping secrets from her. Xaden argues he has never lied to her and that she still loves him, vowing to spend every day earning back her trust. As they stand near the window, her brother Brennan—whom she believed dead—appears in the doorway and welcomes her to the revolution, revealing that the poison attack at Athebyne was no accident and that Xaden's earlier claim about a poison master mentor was Brennan himself.