Chapter Forty

Violet is rescued from her cell by Xaden after she kills Vice Commandant Varrish with his help. Her mother appears on the stairwell and reveals she orchestrated Violet's placement in the Riders Quadrant years ago as part of a deal with Xaden's father, then provides the antidote to Nolon's serum. Xaden and Dain call a formation where they reveal the truth about the venin threat and offer cadets a choice to join them or stay. Nearly half the quadrant—around three hundred riders and dragons—departs Basgiath that night in a massive flight toward Tyrrendor and Aretia, where Violet is reunited with her brother Brennan.

Violet awakens in her cell to find Xaden holding a sword and dagger over the dying Varrish. She prevents Xaden from killing him, insisting it is her right. Though barely able to stand, she drives a dagger into Varrish's heart with Xaden's support, fulfilling her promise. Xaden reveals he has killed dozens and orchestrated chaos at the border using dragons to drop wyvern carcasses, forcing leadership to scramble. Violet's mother, General Sorrengail, appears in the stairwell with the antidote to Nolon's drug. She explains she placed Violet in the Riders Quadrant to protect her from the scribes' conspiracy and reveals she made a deal with Xaden's father years ago to place the marked ones in the quadrant in exchange for Xaden watching over Violet. Violet learns Xaden's actions toward her have never been entirely his choice. Her mother warns that Markham remains in Calldyr with the king, then orders Violet to live. Xaden carries Violet out, and she and her mother climb the stairs together, discussing the moral costs of protecting children. Upon reaching the Archives tunnel, her mother departs, leaving Violet's survival in Xaden's hands. Dain calls a formation in the courtyard and announces the truth about the venin and wyvern. When chaos erupts and Professor Carr attacks with fire, Bodhi reveals he can counter signets by extinguishing Carr's flames. Xaden uses shadow magic to intimidate the gathered cadets into making a choice: fight for Navarre or the Continent. Devera and other professors reveal they support the rebellion. Nearly three hundred dragons and over three hundred riders depart within the hour, flying south through Tyrrendor. Tairn carries Andarna, who remains in an unnaturally prolonged sleep that concerns the dragon elders. After more than a day of flight, the riot reaches Aretia and lands at Riorson House, where Brennan greets them with shock and concern over Violet's injuries.