Chapter Twenty-Five

Violet arrives at Samara with supplies and reunites with Xaden in an intense public kiss. Her sister Mira, newly stationed at the outpost, appears and confronts Violet about her feelings for Xaden. Later, Violet learns critical information about ward structure from Mira and nearly reveals the existence of wyvern before catching herself. That night, Xaden joins Violet in her room, and they discuss trust, secrets, and the upcoming RSC interrogation challenge.

Violet lands at Samara with Tairn carrying heavy, power-imbued bags. As she crosses the courtyard, Xaden intercepts her and demands she ask him to kiss her, which she does. Their passionate kiss in front of numerous riders draws the attention of Mira Sorrengail, Violet's sister, who has been newly stationed at the outpost. After setting Violet down, Xaden takes the bags to his room, promising to see her that night. Mira immediately questions Violet about her relationship with Xaden and deduces that Violet is in love with him. The two sisters spend time in the sparring gym throwing daggers, where Mira reveals crucial information about the ward system: it functions like an umbrella with the wardstone as the stem, wards are woven into the ground, and power supplies at outposts extend the wards' reach. Mira also mentions she saw wyvern over the border during a patrol. Violet nearly tells her sister about Brennan being alive and about the wyvern threat, but catches herself, hinting instead that Mira saw wyvern. Mira dismisses this as sleep deprivation and stress from combat. After Mira leaves for duty, Xaden enters Violet's room after midnight. They discuss their relationship, secrets, and trust. Violet confesses she almost told Mira everything and feels isolated by keeping secrets from everyone. Xaden reveals he will hold the weapons for another couple of weeks before meeting a drift. He also mentions an incident where infantry killed civilians at the border. When Violet asks what the weaving book he gave her is for, Xaden hints it connects to Tyrrish culture and suggests exploring it together. They discuss her nightmares about Resson, and Xaden holds her close. The chapter ends with Xaden confirming that alloy is made of Talladium, other ores, and dragon egg shells, and with Xaden telling Violet he knows who she really is despite her secrets.