Chapter 95

The irids reject Andarna and refuse to help the group, revealing that there is no cure for venin and that souls of dark wielders cannot be saved. The conversation ends in bitter dismissal, but not before Xaden's eyes briefly flash red—revealing his status as a dark wielder to Ridoc, who immediately confronts Violet about what she's been hiding.

On a black sand beach, Andarna attempts to negotiate with the irids for their help against the corrupted ones, but the tallest irid criticizes her as a weaponized creation rather than accepting her as a true irid. When Andarna presses for answers about defeating dark wielders in the Great War, the female irid delivers devastating news: there is no cure for venin. She explains that when dark wielders trade their souls for power, the soul dies piece by piece—death has no cure. As Xaden and Garrick arrive, Ridoc signs to them about the irids' refusal and the lack of a cure. The irids reject Andarna entirely, declaring her irid only in scale and name, and denying her entrance to their isle. The female irid calls Xaden an abomination, and his eyes flash red—revealing the amber-spotted irises of a dark wielder. Both Andarna and Xaden shield themselves from the bond. Tairn departs to follow Andarna into the jungle. Ridoc, having witnessed Xaden's transformation, confronts Violet, demanding she explain what she's been hiding about him being a dark wielder.