Chapter Forty-Three

Violet reunites with Andarna after the dragon's three-month Dreamless Sleep, discovering that Andarna's left wing did not fully develop and will prevent her from ever bearing a rider. Later, during Battle Brief, a riot of forty dragons approaches Aretia, led by Mira on the green dragon Teine. Mira reveals she and other riders have defected from Navarre after their mother revealed the truth about Violet's departure, and Xaden led them to Aretia's location. The chapter culminates in the emotional reunion of all three Sorrengail siblings—Violet, Mira, and Brennan—though Mira's initial response is to punch Brennan in the face.

Violet finds Andarna awake in the valley above Aretia, relieved to see her after the extended coma. However, she discovers that Andarna's left wing did not fully develop during her Dreamless Sleep, a consequence of the rapid growth forced upon her in Resson and the extended wakefulness during her recovery. Tairn reveals the elders believe Andarna will eventually fly through compensatory muscle training, but she will never bear a rider—a painful truth that weighs heavily on Violet, who blames herself for the complications.

Three days later, Violet attends the first official Battle Brief at Aretia, held in a rebuilt theater at Riorson House. Professors Devera and Brennan brief the cadets on the situation: Navarre's public remains unaware of their departure, the wyvern has been defeated at border outposts, and enemy forces have taken Anca and are consolidating around Zolya. Violet learns that fliers attacked Samara four days earlier seeking weaponry, and no riders were lost. Fourth Wing is celebrated for keeping Flame Section completely intact.

During the briefing, Tairn alerts Violet to an approaching riot of dragons. Brennan orders everyone to the great hall, but Violet breaks away, fearing the worst. She reaches the courtyard to find forty dragons landing, led by Teine carrying Mira. Tairn restrains Teine by the throat while Mira dismounts and explains: Xaden came to Navarre and led them here. Their mother revealed the truth about Violet's departure after the wyvern was dropped at Samara's gates, giving the riders an ultimatum. Half chose to leave, and leadership allowed the desertion rather than risk mutiny or information leaks.

Mira and Violet embrace, with Mira apologizing for not believing Violet at Samara. Brennan emerges from the house, alive after six years, and Mira—shocked and trembling at seeing him—punches him in the face upon realizing he survived.