AFTERWORD

Chapter 37

Chapter Forty-Two

Overview

Violet wakes in Xaden's bed in Aretia and they share an intimate morning together before emerging to find the quadrant's cadets have arrived at the fortress. The Assembly confronts Xaden over bringing them without permission, accusing Violet of compromising their location, while Xaden reveals himself as the seventh member—the lord of Riorson House—and claims responsibility for all decisions made. Andarna contacts Violet through the Archives for the first time in months.

Summary

Violet wakes from a nightmare of the Sage and Varrish to find herself safe in Xaden's sunlit bedroom at Riorson House in Aretia. She and Xaden share an intimate encounter before descending to find the fortress filled with a hundred cadets from the Riders Quadrant—the result of the recent mission. Upon reaching the foyer, Rhiannon reports the Assembly has kept everyone waiting without explanation. When Xaden and Violet approach the Assembly chamber, they find Bodhi, Garrick, and Imogen standing before six council members who are furious about the cadets' arrival and Violet's presence. Xaden enters boldly, claiming full responsibility and revealing his role as the seventh member of the Assembly—the lord of Riorson House itself. The council members argue that Violet has compromised their hidden location and that the cadets are a liability rather than an asset. Brennan defends Violet, and Xaden counters that Melgren cannot afford to attack them given the kingdom's crisis. He shows the scar on his chest, identical to those on his back, indicating he has now taken responsibility for Violet as he did for the marked ones. Ulices and Battle-Ax voice concerns about arming so many untrained cadets and defending against Melgren, but the quiet woman accepts the situation conditionally. As the council debates logistics, Andarna reaches out to Violet through the Archives for the first time in months, causing Violet overwhelming relief and joy.

Characters

  • Violet SorrengailProtagonist; recovers from her ordeal and brings cadets to Aretia, facing Assembly scrutiny for potentially compromising their location
  • Xaden RiorsonReveals himself as the seventh Assembly member and lord of Riorson House; takes full responsibility for Violet and the cadets
  • RhiannonGreets Violet and reports that the cadets are waiting without explanation from the Assembly
  • AaricStands apart from the squad, and Violet promises to keep his family secret safe
  • BrennanDefends Violet against the Assembly's accusations and mentions needing Old Lucerish translation for Warrick's journal
  • SuriAssembly member who shouts about exposure and the problem of receiving cadets instead of riders
  • Ulices (Hawk Nose)One-eyed Assembly member who accuses Violet of compromising their location and suggests confining her
  • FelixAssembly member who comments on theatrical behavior while accepting the valid question about the cadets
  • Battle-AxAssembly member who worries about defending without a forge and the burden of untrained cadets
  • The quiet woman with black hairAssembly member who ultimately accepts Violet conditionally but expresses concern about being unable to arm the drifts
  • BodhiStands on trial before the Assembly alongside Garrick and Imogen
  • GarrickStands on trial before the Assembly; swears under his breath during the confrontation
  • ImogenStands on trial before the Assembly with Bodhi and Garrick; comments dryly on accusations
  • AndarnaDragon who reaches out to Violet through the Archives for the first time in months, filling her with relief and joy
  • CathMentioned as vouching for Dain Aetos's loyalty
  • JesiniaMentioned as having helped steal Warrick's journal and being the only reason they have it
  • Dain AetosMentioned as confined to quarters pending loyalty assessment; called the formation after killing the vice commandant