AFTERWORD

Chapter 39

Chapter 89

Overview

After Trager and Silaraine are killed during negotiations with Aaric's forces, Violet must suppress her grief and thank their killer to maintain command authority and secure the army's support. That evening, the squad gathers to mourn and plan to divert north to burn their fallen comrades on an uninhabited isle before continuing their search for the irids.

Summary

Violet witnesses Trager's death and Silaraine's collapse with devastating clarity. Xaden forces her to regain control by reminding her that Trager will have died in vain if she breaks ranks. Cat screams while being held back by Drake, and all the gryphons turn inward as Silaraine struggles toward Trager before collapsing. Andarna sends waves of grief and rage through their bond while Kiralair shields Sila's body. Violet, channeling her rage into a weapon, steps forward to face Calixta and the archer responsible. Despite her horror, she thanks them, sacrificing another piece of her humanity to preserve the mission and secure Aaric's agreement to send forty thousand troops. Eight hours later, the squad reunites at the field where Trager and Sila's bodies lie. Mira reports that Aaric accepted favorable terms, with an advance party arriving within months. Cat insists on flying north to an uninhabited isle to burn both bodies rather than burying Trager in Loysam or cremating Sila nearby where her bones might be disturbed. Violet agrees to the detour, understanding it costs them time but recognizing Cat's need. That night, lying beside Xaden under the stars, Violet confesses she froze during the negotiations. Xaden reframes her leadership not as a choice but as an inevitability: Tairn selected her as his rider, and a dragon general's choice supersedes human doubt. He reminds her of her past victories and tells her she must become better than him because there is no cure for his infection. Violet falls asleep as he promises she is his only hope.

Characters

  • VioletSquadron leader dealing with the death of her year-mate Trager; suppresses grief to complete the mission and secure the army's support
  • XadenViolet's partner who forces her to regain composure in the moment and later counsels her about leadership and her critical role in his survival
  • TragerYear-mate and squad member who is killed by Calixta's archer during negotiations
  • SilaraineGryphon bonded to Cat who collapses and dies during the negotiations, unable to reach Trager
  • CatTrager's partner whose screams are muffled by Drake; later demands the bodies be flown north to an uninhabited isle for burning
  • RidocChecks Trager's pulse and confirms his death; stands in shocked silence with the squad
  • DrakeHolds Cat back to prevent her from reacting during negotiations; later helps plan logistics for the detour
  • GarrickSteadies Ridoc after Trager's death and helps maintain formation
  • AaricLeader of the forces with whom Violet negotiates; accepts favorable terms including sending forty thousand troops
  • CalixtaArcher's commander present at the negotiations
  • The archerKills both Trager and Silaraine on Calixta's orders
  • MiraViolet's sister who accompanies her to the negotiations and reports the successful terms to the squad
  • MarenSquad member present at the evening gathering; trembles at the thought of losing Trager
  • KiralairGryphon who supports the dying Silaraine and shields her body with a wing
  • AndarnaSends waves of grief and rage through the bond at Silaraine's death; sleeps nearby that night
  • TairnViolet's dragon bonded to her; Xaden references his role as a general who selected Violet as his rider
  • RhiMentioned as someone Violet must inform of Trager's death
  • DainSuggests burning Trager in Loysam the next morning
  • SovaDragon whose head rises and clicks beak to suggest a direction for the minor isles
  • SgaeylXaden's dragon sleeping near Tairn with her head on his back
  • CathRed dragon on watch throughout the night
  • Neve, Bragen, KaiSquad members mentioned as people Violet will need to inform of Trager's death
  • MelgrenMentioned as someone who will be furious if the irids are not found
  • AetosMentioned as someone who may imprison them for dereliction of duty if they fail to find the irids
  • CodaghDragon general mentioned as speaking through Melgren
  • BasgiathReferenced as having forged Violet into a weapon