AFTERWORD

Chapter 52

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Overview

Violet's squad gathers at Rhiannon's sister's house to reveal a critical decision: raising the wards in Aretia will prevent the fliers from channeling magic. The fliers react with shock and anger, but Violet offers them maorsite-imbued conduits as an alternative power source. Later, Xaden returns from a mission where he killed a venin near Draithus, and Violet reveals she has discovered how to raise the wards—requiring dragons, not riders—but postpones the full discussion until after a squad training mission.

Summary

Violet attends a gathering at Raegan's townhouse where Rhiannon has assembled the entire Second Squad to discuss the wards. Violet explains that she has translated Warrick's journal and believes she can raise the protective wards before the approaching wyvern threaten Aretia, but doing so will prevent the fliers from wielding magic. The fliers, especially Cat, react with fury and fear, as their gryphons are still adjusting to altitude and losing their powers would leave them vulnerable. Cat confronts Violet aggressively, but Bragen restrains her. Violet promises to tell Xaden immediately when he returns, though she acknowledges he will likely prioritize raising the wards for Tyrrendor's safety. To address the fliers' concerns, Violet produces six maorsite-imbued conduits that Felix provided, offering them an alternative source of power. That night, Violet experiences a recurring nightmare in which the Sage touches her for the first time, wrapping his hand around her throat and predicting she will tear down the wards herself—not for power or greed, but for love, or she and Xaden will both die. She wakes in Xaden's bed unharmed. Six days later, during a training mission where Second Squad must find summoning runes hidden along the western range, Xaden returns to Basgiath with a full riot of ten dragons. Violet learns from Garrick that Xaden killed a venin just outside Draithus. When she confronts Xaden privately, he quickly deduces that she has figured out how to raise the wards. Violet reveals her key discovery: the journal's reference to 'the six most powerful' refers to dragons, not riders. Xaden suggests he can raise the wards immediately, but Violet refuses and insists on discussing it later, as she must depart on her training mission.

Characters

  • Violet Sorrengailprotagonist who has translated Warrick's journal and discovered how to raise the wards; experiences a nightmare about the Sage; participates in squad training mission
  • Rhiannonorganizes the gathering to inform the squad of the wards plan; acts as wingleader during training mission
  • Xaden Riorsonreturns from a mission where he killed a venin; deduces Violet has discovered how to raise the wards; urges immediate action
  • Ridocmember of Second Squad; attends the gathering and training mission; expresses worry about fliers' reactions
  • Sloanerecognizes maorsite when Violet produces the imbued conduits; participates in training mission
  • Catflier who reacts with anger and fear to learning the wards will prevent wielding; confronts Violet aggressively; participates in training mission
  • MarenViolet's study partner; defends the wards decision; participates in training mission
  • Imogenspeaks in favor of raising wards for safety; keeps watch on Cat during confrontation
  • Jesiniajoins the gathering and sits with Sawyer by the fire
  • Sawyerattends gathering and signs with Jesinia; participates in training mission; lost his position as executive officer
  • Quinnattends gathering and is protected by Imogen and Visia from Cat
  • RaeganRhiannon's sister; hosts the gathering at her townhouse
  • Neveflier who talks with Cat and Quinn at the gathering
  • Aaricfirst-year cadet; helps cover for Violet's mistake about Old Lucerish; participates in training mission
  • Kailone first-year flier without Luella; tells stories on the couch during gathering
  • Bragendriftleader and new XO; restrains Cat during confrontation; helps organize training mission groups
  • Visiafirst-year who questions Aaric about his origin; participates in training mission
  • Aaricfirst-year cadet; helps cover Violet's mistake; participates in training mission
  • TairnViolet's bonded dragon; offers advice about dreams and argues with Andarna about flying
  • Andarnayoung bonded dragon; repeatedly asks to fly on training mission; insists on testing her wing
  • The Sageappears in Violet's nightmare; touches her throat and predicts she will tear down the wards for love or both she and Xaden will die
  • Felixprovided six maorsite-imbued conduits to Violet
  • Garrickmentions Xaden's venin kill to Violet
  • Deveraorganizes squad exercises with Trissa
  • Trissaorganizes squad exercises with Devera; has been working on summoning runes
  • Heatonrider whose dragon returns with Xaden
  • Emeryrider whose dragon returns with Xaden
  • Ciannarider whose dragon returns with Xaden
  • Feirgegryphon that Violet passes during mission departure