Chapter 121

Violet trains intensively with Felix to improve her wielding, pushing her body to exhaustion over several days. Meanwhile, tensions escalate between Xaden and his cousin Bodhi over whether Bodhi should leave the Empyrean to take up duties as a rider, revealing that Xaden is preparing Bodhi to eventually take over his role as duke.

Two days after Mira's departure, Violet rejoins her squad for Professor Trissa's runes class in the valley. Though being near Tairn eases her grief, she struggles significantly with runes using his power, which is too strong to manipulate with the delicate approach that worked with Andarna's magic. Quinn advises her to use a more aggressive, forceful technique with the power. Felix arrives to pull Violet from class for afternoon wielding practice, justifying the intensive training by noting that if another threat like Jack Barlowe emerges, she must be ready for battle. He also criticizes her squad's tendency to follow her into danger and notes that her presence at the temple attack put civilians at risk because Theophanie hunts her. Over the next few days, Violet practices wielding extensively, leaving her exhausted and injured; Brennan heals her muscles repeatedly and warns her against burnout. When Xaden and Bodhi return to the Assembly chamber arguing, it emerges that Bodhi wants to leave the Empyrean to take an outpost or patrol Draithus, but Xaden refuses. Bodhi reveals that Xaden is training him to eventually take over as duke, stating he will be Xaden's right hand for life but needs Xaden to hold his position firmly. After Bodhi leaves, Brennan informs Xaden of correspondence, including a letter from the King of Deverelli referring to Violet as Xaden's consort and one from the high priestess of Dunne's temple offering him a favor. Xaden and Violet exchange small talk about their days, and when Violet presses whether he is preparing for his own death, he admits yes but insists he will not surrender a single day with her without fighting. They retire together, locking the Assembly chamber door.