Chapter Thirty

Violet and Rhiannon escape from an interrogation chamber and encounter Professor Grady, but manage to evade him. Days later, an unauthorized leaflet announcing the fall of Zolya to dragon fire circulates through the academy, causing chaos. In a shocking twist, Markham reveals that Jack Barlowe, a rider Violet previously killed, has been revived and mended by Colonel Nolon over months of secret work.

The chapter opens with Violet and Rhiannon fleeing a cave into morning daylight, where they are confronted by Professor Grady but manage to escape. When Rhiannon asks about knives Violet carries, Violet reveals Xaden had them made for her. Days pass in awkward silence between Violet and Dain, who averted a violation of her privacy. Violet's squadmates express concern about her divided attention between her mated dragon and Xaden. During this period, the interrogation assessment kills two second-years: Trysten during Gauntlet practice and Sorrel. Rumors circulate about how Violet's squad escaped, and other cadets seek advice. In Battle Brief, unauthorized leaflets are distributed announcing that Zolya, the third-largest city in Braevick Province, has fallen to blue dragon fire with an estimated ten thousand deaths, including General Fenella. Violet analyzes the leaflets and determines they were printed at the academy without official seal or approval, meaning either they are fake propaganda or real leaked information. Markham dismisses the leaflets as propaganda meant to test cadets' judgment, efficiently collecting them while praising his own cleverness in spotting deception. He then announces that Colonel Nolon has secretly spent months mending Jack Barlowe, a fellow rider whom Violet killed in War Games after he nearly killed her in a previous challenge. Violet watches in shock as Jack enters the briefing room, makes eye contact with her, and takes his seat, his expression suggesting he believes he deserves a second chance. Her squadmates immediately recognize the threat he poses.