AFTERWORD

Chapter 6

Chapter Seventeen

Overview

A tense standoff erupts in the courtyard when First Wing wingleader Aura Beinhaven holds a Tail Section flier at knifepoint, forcing a challenge that threatens to shatter the fragile peace alliance. As Dain attempts to de-escalate without raising his blade, Violet realizes she must intervene directly to prevent bloodshed and stop Aura from using her fire signet against an unarmed opponent.

Summary

Hours after the previous day's attack, Violet, Ridoc, and Rhiannon wait in the gathering hall for news from Brennan and Mira. Rumors spread through the cadets, and soon Baylor and Sloane rush in with urgent news: First Wing has seized a Tail Section flier in the courtyard and is forcing a challenge at knifepoint. Violet rallies the Aretian riders and calls on Dain, who is eating with third-years. They race to the courtyard to find a dangerous standoff: Aura Beinhaven, a senior wingleader, holds a terrified first-year flier, while Navarrian riders surround them wearing smirks. Caroline Ashton takes bets nearby. Violet, Imogen, Quinn, and others position themselves to physically prevent their riders from engaging. Dain invokes Article Four, Section Four of the Codex, arguing that challenges require a combat master's presence, but Aura counters with Article Two, Section One, claiming Dain is outside the chain of command. Gryphons and dragons land on the courtyard walls, including Cath. Dain disarms Aura and shoves the flier to safety, earning her bitter accusation that he's no longer Fourth Wing's wingleader. Ewan Faber and Iris Drue call for Dain to be challenged, revealing that without full leadership, the leaderless quadrant is a tinderbox. Dain drops his dagger and faces Aura unarmed, attempting to talk her down. Aura argues that the fliers' presence is a betrayal, that their departure weakened the wards, and that Navarrian riders fought harder to defend Basgiath. She proposes a combat challenge: if Dain defeats her, the fliers live; if he falls, she'll kill them. She removes her glove to reveal her fire signet. Andarna cryptically insists that Dain isn't the strongest. Violet realizes what Aura intends—to use fire wielding against Dain—and throws her dagger, pinning Aura's glove to the dais. Aura's flame extinguishes, and she turns to face Violet, who steps forward to confront her, welcoming power into her fingertips and declaring herself the true opponent.

Characters

  • Violet SorrengailProtagonist who intervenes in the standoff, physically prevents Cat from fighting, invokes the Codex, and ultimately throws her dagger at Aura to stop her from using fire wielding against Dain
  • Dain AetosFourth Wing wingleader who attempts to de-escalate the challenge by invoking the Codex, disarms Aura, and refuses to raise his blade against her until directly confronted by Violet
  • Aura BeinhavenSenior wingleader from First Wing who orchestrates the challenge, holds a flier at knifepoint, and attempts to use fire wielding against Dain before being stopped by Violet
  • Rhiannon (Rhi)Squad member who reads about Tyrrish knotwork, observes the spreading news, and helps drag Kai back during the standoff
  • RidocSquad member who drums his fingers waiting for news, moves to flank Violet during the confrontation, and shouts support for Dain against Faber
  • Cat TanagerAretian flier who attempts to engage the Navarrian riders and must be physically restrained by Violet and Maren
  • BaylorFirst-year squadmate who runs into the gathering hall with urgent news and leads the group through the crowd to the front
  • SloaneFirst-year who enters with Baylor and reports that First Wing has grabbed a Tail Section flier and is forcing a challenge
  • ImogenThird-year who edges in beside Violet and draws her sword against Kaveh to prevent escalation
  • QuinnRider who sets her labrys on the ground and squares off against Hedley to prevent him from attacking
  • AaricTall first-year flier who unexpectedly flanks Violet during the standoff, glares menacingly at the Navarrian riders, and comments on the situation throughout
  • MarenCat's friend who holds her back by hooking her arms around Cat's waist
  • Caroline AshtonAppears near the far staircase taking bets on the challenge
  • NeveThird-year flier who is pushed behind Quinn for safety
  • TairnViolet's dragon who lands on the courtyard wall and asks if she is in danger
  • AndarnaYoung dragon who senses the danger and cryptically indicates that Dain is not the strongest
  • CathGryphon spotted behind the dais when dragons and gryphons land
  • KavehThird-year from Second Wing who holds a sword toward Cat's stomach and is confronted by Imogen
  • HedleyFirst Wing rider who squares off against Quinn during the standoff
  • Ewan FaberFourth Wing rider who steps out of the crowd and calls for Fourth Wing to defend their wingleader against Dain
  • Iris DrueLeader of First Wing who joins Faber's side and declares First Wing's loyalty to Navarre
  • Xaden RiorsonReferenced but absent; his shields prevent him from sensing the danger, and his leadership is contrasted with Dain's current inability to command the quadrant
  • The terrified first-year flierHeld at knifepoint by Aura as the focal point of the crisis