Chapter Sixty-Three

Violet confronts Xaden about his secret signet ability and they reconcile with new rules for honesty. Later, during Battle Brief, Violet realizes that the enemy forces waiting at Samara may be a distraction—the real threat could be an attack on Basgiath's hatching grounds during the solstice. She decides they must defend Navarre despite the Assembly's refusal, rallying her squad to prepare for immediate action.

Violet meets Xaden in the sparring gym late at night to confront him about keeping his mind-control signet secret from her. After some initial tension, they establish new boundaries: full disclosure between them regarding information that affects her agency, with Xaden promising not to withhold details even if classified. Violet confesses her fear of being set up for failure by not asking the right questions, and they reconcile with declarations of love. Xaden reveals his mother left when he was ten, as stipulated by their marriage contract, and that only Sgaeyl knows about his signet, which manifested a month after his shadow ability. Two days before the winter solstice, Violet attends Battle Brief where Professor Devera and Brennan present updated maps showing enemy forces concentrated at Samara's border for three days without advancing. During the discussion, Violet realizes the wards at Samara cannot be breached by wyvern and that Melgren's vision of their defeat may be compromised if three relic-bearers are present. She deduces the real attack is planned on Basgiath's hatching grounds during the solstice, using Samara as a distraction. Walking out of Battle Brief with her squad, Violet finds Xaden and convinces him that despite Navarre's historical betrayals, they must defend their homeland and its civilians. Xaden agrees to support whatever she decides, and Violet commits to going to Basgiath to fight, declaring they have no choice if they are to remain morally superior to their enemies.