Chapter Fifty-One

Violet and her companions arrive at Tecarus's island estate after flying all night. They discover that all riders and fliers have lost their magical connections to their dragons—Violet alone retains her bond with Tairn and Andarna. The dragons depart to hunt in designated valleys while the group prepares to explore the island's market before Prince Halden's audience with the king.

The group approaches the island, passing over white beaches, turquoise waters, and a hidden port city defended by dragon-killer crossbolts. They land at Tecarus's estate on the mainland, where a servant flees in terror at the sight of the dragons. Upon landing, Violet realizes that every rider and flier except herself has lost the ability to communicate with their bonded dragons—a startling discovery that disorients the group and complicates coordination. Mira explains they lost their connections crossing from the Continent, while Violet mysteriously retains hers with both Tairn and Andarna. Mira provides Violet with a lilac quartz stone marked with a protection rune from Trissa as a test of whether magic works on the island. Tecarus arrives in festive dress and grants the dragons permission to hunt in valleys three leagues south. Tairn departs immediately with the other dragons to ensure they hunt before anything goes wrong. Tecarus mentions Prince Halden is meeting King Courtlyn this afternoon and dismisses the group as commoners unfit for royal audiences. Violet and others plan to visit the market for books while resting before the meeting. Xaden remains at the water's edge, unusually calm and peaceful without access to magic or power, finding relief in the absence of temptation and lure.