Chapter Ten

At a celebration party for second-year riders, Violet learns that Xaden is being deployed to the front lines with leave only once every two weeks. Major Varrish arrives as the new vice commandant, delivering orders that separate Violet and Xaden and restrict the bonded dragons Tairn and Sgaeyl from staying together, causing them significant pain.

The gathering hall erupts in celebration as second-year cadets enjoy a rare evening without hierarchy, drinking and socializing freely. Violet's squad discusses privileges of second year, including potential access to the village of Chantara. When asked about their experience at Resson, the cadets initially avoid discussion until Imogen breaks the silence, offering Violet unexpected respect for her role in survival. Violet notices Xaden across the hall in officer flight leathers and joins him in the commons. He reveals he is leaving immediately rather than waiting until morning. As they speak in the rotunda, Colonel Aetos appears with Major Varrish, the new vice commandant. Xaden receives orders assigning him to the Southern Wing front, while Violet receives orders granting her only two days of leave every fourteen days to fly with Tairn to Sgaeyl's location. This arrangement means the bonded dragons will be separated for a week at a time, causing them distress. Xaden accepts the orders calmly and cryptically warns that dragons give their own orders. Colonel Aetos departs with a sinister comment about secrets and leverage, implying he knows information Violet and Xaden are hiding.