Chapter Fifty-One

Violet practices runes with Xaden before class, learning about the protection stone given to him by his father before the Battle of Aretia. Later, the leadership announces that rider and flier cadets will be integrated into shared squads and offers six hours of sanctioned challenges to resolve grievances. Violet is called to face Catriona in single combat on the sparring mats.

The chapter opens with Violet working on a hearing rune in Xaden's room while he prepares for another supply run to the front lines. She discovers that the pearlescent power strands are now visible to her and learns to manipulate them. Xaden reveals that the stone he keeps by the bed contains a protection rune created by Colonel Mairi, one of 107 identical stones given to the children of officers before the Battle of Aretia. The rune was designed to protect those of his father's bloodline and activate only when killed by dragonfire—which occurred during the officers' execution, sending heat up his arm. He kept it for sentimental reasons.

Days later, Violet attends a mandatory assembly in the sparring gym where all cadets—riders and fliers combined—are gathered. Leadership announces the end of separation: classes will be integrated, and the Dragon Rider's Codex will apply to all cadets. To address mounting hostility and the frequent brawls between the two groups, Devera and Emetterio offer six hours of sanctioned challenges where cadets can request one-on-one sparring matches to settle grievances. The Iron Squad pledges to stand together through any challenges directed at them. As matches proceed, Violet notices a pattern: multiple fliers from Cat's drift are challenging Iron Squad members. When Catriona Cordella calls out Violet by name, Violet realizes Cat has deliberately targeted her. After handing over her weapons, Violet steps onto the mat to face Cat, who reveals her motivation: "This is for Luella." During the opening exchange, Violet recognizes that Cat fights with the same style as Xaden, having been trained by him as well.