CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Violet faces Xaden in a sparring match where he systematically disarms her and demonstrates his superior combat skills. He reveals he knows about her poisoning activities and offers tactical advice on fatal strikes, before letting her walk away alive. Later, Dain pressures her to transfer to the Scribe Quadrant for safety before Threshing, where first-years face dragons and senior cadets who may eliminate their rivals.

During weapons training, Professor Emetterio pairs Violet with Xaden for a demonstration. Dain protests from the sidelines, but Xaden dismisses his concerns. The fight begins with Violet throwing daggers that Xaden catches and disarms methodically, taking control and pinning her multiple times. As he holds her in a vulnerable position, Xaden whispers that she cannot poison every enemy she faces, revealing he knows about her poisoning activities. He teaches her fatal strike points—ribs, kidneys, and waist—while their bodies remain in close contact. Xaden then retrieves one of her daggers and guides her hand to demonstrate the techniques, creating an intensely charged moment before he releases her and walks away, allowing her to leave the mat alive. Later in Dain's quarters, he massages her injuries while discussing Xaden's intentions. Dain reveals he spoke to Colonel Markham about transferring Violet to the Scribe Quadrant after witnessing threats against her—crushed violets on her bed and shoves from Seifert. He reveals Markham has agreed to accept her, bypassing the normal Conscription Day process. Violet feels betrayed by Dain's lack of faith in her abilities despite her survival thus far. Dain explains that Threshing involves first-years being hunted by senior cadets seeking vengetas while dragons decide whether to bond with them, and he cannot help her. He pleads with her to transfer, emotional and desperate, and Violet reluctantly agrees to consider the offer.