Chapter Thirty-Six

Violet barely survives an assassination attempt by Eya on the tower when Jack Barlowe unexpectedly saves her life by pulling her up from the edge. After Eya falls to her death, Jack reveals he considers them even for Violet having killed him before, and departs. Ridoc arrives to find Violet shaken and delivers crucial information about the vault's location and requirements.

Violet dangles from the tower edge as an assassin pulls her down, but Jack Barlowe suddenly hauls her back up to safety, his strength saving her from a fatal fall. Tairn, her dragon, arrives too late to assist. Once secure, Violet recognizes her savior and struggles to process that Jack—whom she previously killed—has chosen to spare her life. Jack explains he was on watch for First Wing, heard screams, and intervened. He frames his rescue as repayment for the second chance Violet unknowingly gave him when she killed him before, claiming they are now even. He departs the tower, leaving Violet alone with the body of the first assassin she killed. Violet retrieves her daggers and sits in shock, grappling with the knowledge that Eya is dead and that Aetos will continue hunting her companions one by one. Ridoc arrives moments later and finds Violet in a state of distress. After checking her for injuries, he shares critical information: Jesinia knows the location of the vault and can navigate its wards, but accessing it requires someone from King Tauri's bloodline. Violet realizes this necessity may actually be advantageous, as they have access to a prince—Xaden—who despises his father.