AFTERWORD

Chapter 44

Chapter 99

Overview

After a twelve-hour debrief on their return, the squad faces the shocking revelation that half of Krovla has fallen while they were away. Battle Brief covers Suniva's destruction—a coordinated attack by twelve venin and wyvern that killed approximately twenty-five thousand people, including the queen. The class discusses military strategy and tactics, revealing evidence of a traitor and identifying Theophanie as a Maven-level lightning wielder. The chapter concludes with Violet, Ridoc, Rhiannon, and Sawyer meeting privately in the Archives, where Violet reveals the critical secret: Xaden is slowly turning venin.

Summary

Leadership separates and interrogates the squad for twelve hours following their return, with no punishment beyond the debrief itself. Violet discovers that far more territory has fallen than just Suniva—half of Krovla is now red on the maps, with Cordyn still standing but vulnerable. Mira and Garrick are stationed at Draithus, which faces severe supply shortages. The squadron struggles academically after missing over three weeks, though Rhi's notes help. In Battle Brief, Professor Devera and Kiandra brief the class on Suniva's destruction: twenty-five thousand estimated casualties, the city's queen dead, and the attack executed by twelve venin coordinating three separate strikes. The fire that consumed most of the city was started in the textile district and spread rapidly. Violet realizes the attack required a lightning wielder to safely navigate the thunderstorm that provided cover—likely a Maven named Theophanie. Discussion reveals that six crates of alloy-hilted daggers were in the armory and were taken by the venin, suggesting a traitor leaked the distribution schedule. Xaden arrives during the lesson and questions the professors, his shields raised against Violet. After class, Ridoc insists they visit the Archives, where they obtain a mysterious package delivered to Violet from a seamstress in Chantara. In a private study room, Violet reveals to Rhiannon and Sawyer what Ridoc already knows: Xaden is slowly turning venin.

Characters

  • Violet SorrengailProtagonist; recently returned from an expedition; realizes Theophanie's role in Suniva's attack; reveals Xaden's secret transformation to her squad
  • RhiannonViolet's squadmate; provides notes to help with academics; nominated Violet as a hypothetical solution to defending Suniva; learns Xaden's secret
  • RidocSquad member; knows Xaden's secret; insists the squad visit the Archives to discuss it privately
  • SawyerSquad member; prosthetic rider struggling with mounting his dragon; learns Xaden's secret
  • XadenProfessor and former squad leader; briefly appears in Battle Brief with shields up; his condition as a slowly-turning venin is revealed as a major secret
  • AetosLeadership official conducting interrogations; accidentally reveals King Tauri's protective stance toward Aaric
  • Professor DeveraTeaches Battle Brief; leads discussion on Suniva's fall and military strategy; questions Violet about her insights on tactics
  • Professor KiandraCo-teaches Battle Brief; provides details on the attack; emphasizes the need to learn from Suniva's destruction
  • MarkhamObserves some interrogation sessions; shows jealousy of Violet's experiences
  • MiraSquad member deployed to Draithus after the debrief
  • GarrickSquad member deployed to Draithus after the debrief
  • DrakeDeparts for Cordyn after interrogation
  • BrennanArrives from Aretia to treat Violet's ribs
  • AaricRecently returned king; present in Battle Brief with two captains guarding him
  • SloaneSquadmate of Aaric; present in Battle Brief
  • BaylorAsks question about fire wielders during Battle Brief
  • CatQuestions why Navarr won't accept civilians; participates in Battle Brief discussion
  • MarenSits with Violet; discusses troop deployment strategy
  • RidocDiscusses battle strategy from the observation area above
  • KaiAnswers question about Suniva's thunderstorms in March
  • ImogenMakes comment about venin strategy from above the classroom
  • Caroline AshtonQuestions the distribution schedule; nominates Xaden as the best defense
  • TheophanieMaven-level lightning wielder identified as part of the venin force that destroyed Suniva
  • King TecarusNew seat of power in Cordyn; Cat's uncle; mentioned as context for strategic decisions
  • BodhiStands with Xaden in the doorway during Battle Brief
  • JesiniaScribe in the Archives; intercepts Violet's package and escorts the squad to a private study room
  • King TauriMentioned as grateful for Aaric's return and forbidding punishment