AFTERWORD

Chapter 29

Chapter Sixty-Three

Overview

Violet returns to Basgiath after the Deverelli mission to find the venin are moving strategically southwest toward Poromiel, and she discovers that Xaden's eyes still bear amber flecks from the alloy exposure—a sign his progression may not have halted. When a second-year cadet suddenly manifests venin characteristics during combat training, she is immediately executed by Professor Carr, forcing Violet to accept that they must leave immediately to search the isles for a cure without waiting for formal orders.

Summary

Three days after returning from Athebyne, Violet attends Battle Brief exhausted, where Professor Devera discusses the fall of Vallia and concerning venin movement patterns. Violet analyzes the map and recognizes that the venin are moving deliberately southwest, likely toward the Aretian wards' eventual failure—a realization that alarms Devera and Violet alike. Over the following week, Violet immerses herself in her father's books alongside her squad members, decoding his clues and researching the isles they must visit. In the fighting pit, the group debates the logistics of searching all the isles, realizing the journey will take far longer than five months due to wind patterns and the need to report back to the Senarium. First-year Iron Squad members, led by Sloane, insist on helping despite initial resistance. When Xaden arrives to meet with Professor Tavis, Violet notices his eyes still contain amber flecks rather than returning to gold—indicating his progression from the Deverelli alloy has not reversed. Recognizing the urgency, Violet proposes they ignore orders and fly continuously through the isles without reporting back until they find the seventh breed. Bodhi privately gives her two vials (serum and antidote) and urges her to take Garrick on the mission. During a combat exercise, a second-year cadet from Claw Section suddenly displays venin characteristics—draining color from the mat around her hand. Professor Carr immediately executes her with an alloy dagger, killing her without question or attempt at cure. The swift execution and the reality of Xaden's worsening condition crystallize the danger they face.

Characters

  • Violet SorrengailProtagonist analyzing venin movements, decoding her father's books, recognizing Xaden's amber eye flecks as a sign of continued progression, and deciding to disobey orders to search the isles immediately
  • Xaden RiorsonReturns briefly to the pit looking well but with amber flecks still visible in his eyes, meeting with Violet and Professor Tavis
  • RhiViolet's close friend debating island logistics and helping decode information about the isles
  • Ridoc GamlynSquad member who flirts with a Cygnisen flier and participates in planning discussions
  • SawyerSquad member with a prosthesis listening to debates about the mission and noting the danger of court-martial
  • DainWingleader showing signs of exhaustion from decoding books and studying, ordering first-years to train their signets and helping plan the mission
  • ImogenTraining partner working Violet's muscles hard and defending the intensity of her methods
  • MarenSquad member participating in logistics discussions and research
  • CatSquad member offering observations about Violet's power and helping cast sound shields during planning
  • GarrickSubstitute instructor arguing with Professor Carr about combat methodology and later urged by Bodhi to join the mission
  • BodhiProviding two vials (serum and antidote) and insisting Garrick accompany the mission as contingency
  • Professor DeveraConducting Battle Brief lecture on Vallia's fall and confirming Violet's analysis of venin strategy shift
  • Professor CarrCombat instructor who deliberately endangers cadets in training and executes a venin-infected second-year with an alloy dagger
  • Sloane LexiFirst-year insisting she and her cohort help with the mission despite resistance from older cadets
  • AaricFirst-year asking Violet about the Deverelli mission's outcome and her current situation
  • BaylorFirst-year defending his cohort's right to help the mission
  • AvalynnFirst-year suggesting odd-numbered dragons aren't a problem
  • KaiFirst-year joining his cohort in offering assistance
  • LynxFirst-year arriving to help with the mission research
  • AndarnaViolet's young dragon providing mental reassurance about Empyrean support
  • TairnViolet's dragon occupied communicating with Sgaeyl after forced silence
  • Wingleader Timin KagisoSecond Wing's newly promoted wingleader engaging in combat training and creating dangerous fire scenarios
  • PanchekLeadership member observing training and ordering Carr to stop the cadet's transformation
  • Unnamed second-year cadet from Claw SectionManifests venin characteristics during combat and is executed by Carr