Chapter Twenty-Four

During flight maneuvers, Vice Commandant Varrish attempts to punish Violet for Andarna's absence, but Tairn intervenes dramatically, attacking Varrish's dragon Solas and forcing a public apology. Three nights later, Violet and Rhiannon have an emotional confrontation on the flight field where Violet finally breaks her silence about witnessing Liam's death, revealing the trauma driving her behavior—only to be interrupted by Varrish conducting a suspicious search of her belongings.

The chapter opens with Violet's anxiety about facing Varrish, who is clearly aware that Andarna is missing and seems pleased about it. Her squad notices Varrish's unnerving focus on her. When the second-years prepare for flight maneuvers, Varrish publicly confronts Violet about Andarna's absence and charges her with dereliction of duty, ordering her to submit to punishment with Professor Carr. Tairn intervenes violently, attacking Solas and forcing Varrish to kneel and apologize to Violet, asserting that dragons do not answer to human authority and that Andarna is beyond Varrish's command. After Varrish and Solas retreat, the dragons on the field raise their heads in acknowledgment, leaving Violet concerned that she has now made Solas a permanent nemesis.

Three nights later, Rhiannon confronts Violet on the path to the Gauntlet, frustrated by Violet's silence and secrecy. They discuss the purpose of the Gauntlet, and Violet defends it as preparation for real danger, which triggers Rhiannon's accusation that Violet has been distancing herself and avoiding her friends. Violet's anger erupts as she describes witnessing Liam's death—holding his body as he died while Deigh lay dying nearby, the trauma of that moment, and how watching her friends die has made her a better soldier. She acknowledges how callous it sounds but insists the brutal losses prepared her for survival. Violet apologizes, and Rhiannon asks her to talk more openly. However, as Violet nearly decides to share the truth, Tairn blocks her mentally. Varrish suddenly appears from behind nearby boulders with guards, conducting a suspicious search of Violet's pack while Rhiannon watches in confusion. After they leave, Violet explains the searches are routine suspicion related to Xaden's family name. Rhiannon says she prefers Violet's anger to her silence, and Violet admits that nothing is all right.