Chapter Forty-Four

Violet is reunited with her brother Brennan, who has been alive but hiding for six years, leading to an emotional confrontation with Mira. After the family tension settles, Violet attempts to raise the wards using Warrick's journal and the blood of six powerful riders, but the ritual fails. Angry and determined, Violet decides she must go to Tecarus to secure weapons, despite Xaden's refusal.

The chapter opens with Mira punching Brennan in the face upon discovering he faked his death six years ago. Violet separates the siblings and learns that Brennan is now a Lieutenant Colonel coordinating rider deployments. When Xaden arrives, Violet feels relief, and the group decides to attempt raising the wards. Nine people trek to a hidden chamber containing an enormous wardstone—a shimmering black pillar etched with runes matching those in Warrick's journal. Following Warrick's instructions, the six most powerful riders in residence (Xaden, Brennan, Violet, Felix, Suri, and Bodhi) cut their palms and place their hands on the stone, combining their blood as described in the ancient text. However, nothing happens. The stone remains inert, and the ritual fails completely. Violet is devastated, feeling responsible for months of work yielding nothing. Felix suggests training her signet instead. Ulices and others discuss negotiating with Tecarus for weapons and a luminary, but Tecarus wants Violet to demonstrate the luminary's power—a condition Xaden refuses outright, saying the warlord would keep her as a weapon. Frustrated by the failed wards and the desperate military situation, Violet determines she must go to Tecarus herself, despite Xaden's firm opposition. She leaves the chamber and encounters Brennan on the path down, who refuses to let her act alone. The chapter closes with Violet entering the great hall with Brennan, approaching Mira at her table and asking for her help.