AFTERWORD

Chapter 56

Chapter Sixty-One

Overview

Violet and the Assembly successfully activate the wardstone at the top of the hill using dragonfire, and she and Xaden fly to the cliff edge to defend against an approaching horde. During a tense private moment, Xaden reveals his hidden signet: he is an inntinnsic who can read intentions, a revelation that deeply unsettles Violet. The wards prove effective when three wyvern and seventeen venin attack, but the chapter ends with troubling news that the wards may not be functioning properly.

Summary

Violet, Brennan, Dain, Xaden, and Rhiannon climb to the wardstone chamber with six dragons positioned around it. Violet explains that the wardstone requires dragonfire from representatives of each dragon den to activate—a discovery she made through careful retranslation of the ancient journal. The dragons simultaneously breathe fire into the chamber, and the wardstone pulses with magic, creating a tamed, anchored feeling throughout the surrounding area. Violet and Xaden fly to the cliff edge overlooking the high plains to watch for approaching wyvern. There, away from observers, Xaden finally reveals what he has hidden: his signet allows him to read intentions—a subset of inntinnsic ability. He explains he can perceive the subconscious motivations and instinctual impulses of others, usually as images. This signet has been concealed because inntinnsics are executed upon discovery. Violet's immediate emotional response—a brief moment of doubt about whether her love is genuine or influenced—deeply wounds Xaden. She recovers, affirming her love despite the shock, but raises her shields to block him from her mind. Minutes later, the coordinated wyvern attack begins. The horde includes at least seventeen venin, including the Sage from Resson. Three individual wyvern test the wards and are killed upon crossing the barrier, validating Violet's translation work. Violet wields lightning at the attacking force, and the Sage withdraws. The group returns to Riorson House to celebration. However, Mira and Syrena bring urgent news: General Melgren has requested a meeting for the following day, requesting two marked ones, Violet, and Mira, with their mother present. More troubling, Syrena demonstrates that she can still wield magic despite the new wards, suggesting the wardstone is malfunctioning or incomplete.

Characters

  • Violet SorrengailMain protagonist who successfully translates and activates the wardstone with dragon assistance; confronts Xaden about his hidden signet; participates in the defense against the wyvern horde
  • Xaden RiorsonReveals his hidden inntinnsic signet ability to read intentions; participates in defending against the wyvern horde; requests a later conversation with Violet
  • Brennan SorrengailAssists Violet with wardstone translation; participates in activating the wardstone with his dragon
  • TairnViolet's bonded dragon who flies to the cliff edge and defends against the wyvern horde; expresses anger over the revelation of Xaden's signet
  • SgaeylXaden's bonded dragon who flies to the cliff edge and participates in defending against the attack; metaphorically exposes herself to Xaden in solidarity
  • RhiannonParticipates in wardstone activation ceremony with her dragon Feirge; greets Violet upon return to Riorson House
  • DainAssists with wardstone imbuing and translation; present during activation ceremony
  • SuriParticipates in wardstone ceremony; arrives at cliff edge during attack to report coordinated incidents along other parts of the border
  • SyrenaBrings urgent news about Melgren's meeting request; demonstrates that she can still wield magic, indicating the wards are not functioning properly
  • Mira SorrengailReferenced as being requested by General Melgren for the meeting; brings news alongside Syrena
  • FelixArrives on his Red Swordtail during the wyvern attack; confirms the fallen wyvern are dead; calls Xaden to the Assembly chamber
  • CathDragon present during wardstone activation ceremony
  • MarbhDragon present during wardstone activation ceremony
  • FeirgeRhiannon's dragon; participates in wardstone activation
  • The SageDark wielder riding a wyvern in the attacking horde; previously encountered at Resson; directs the coordinated attack before withdrawing
  • AndarnaReferenced as having slain another dragon in self-defense and now carries the burden of that act; not physically present
  • General MelgrenCommanding general of Navarrian forces who requests a meeting; his presence at the meeting is implied as a strategic advantage
  • RidocGreets Violet upon return to Riorson House
  • SawyerGreets Violet upon return to Riorson House
  • SloaneReferenced as being in the foyer during celebration
  • UlicesReceived the missive from Melgren while stationed at the Terria outpost