Chapter 117

After the irid Leothan fires the wardstones to protect Aretia and Tyrrendor, he reveals himself to be Andarna's distant family and offers to take her home to learn irid ways. When Andarna chooses to leave with him, Leothan severs her bond with Violet, severing their connection and departing with her into the sky, leaving Violet devastated and nearly catatonic with grief.

The chapter opens with relief that Aretia is safe following the wardstone activation. Leothan, the irid who fired the wards, meets with Andarna while Violet and Rhiannon approach. Leothan initially criticizes Andarna's behavior and values, but Violet defends her, causing him to clarify that he actually approves of Andarna's honorable motives. Leothan reveals he is of Andarna's bloodline—they share the same den heritage—and offers her the chance to come with him to learn irid ways and eventually be accepted by their kind. Violet realizes Andarna would have to leave for years and depart alone. When Andarna hesitates, Leothan dismisses Violet's concern by noting she will be safe under her mentor's protection. He reveals that Violet's dual bond with both Tairn and Andarna is impossible for ordinary humans and only an irid could create such a connection, instructing Andarna to break the bond and come with him. Despite Violet's declaration of love and support for Andarna's happiness, Andarna is conflicted. Leothan suddenly cuts their bond without warning and launches skyward with Andarna, who roars in apparent distress before following him into the darkening sky. Violet collapses, experiencing a profound sense of emptiness and disconnection, until Tairn forcibly grounds her through their remaining bond. Xaden, Rhiannon, and numerous allies gather around her as she confirms Andarna is gone, leaving her devastated.