Chapter 125

In the Assembly chamber, Violet, Xaden, and Brennan strategize a desperate response to Theophanie's ultimatum: the dark wielder holds Mira hostage and demands Violet, Xaden (called "brother"), and possibly Jack Bodhi meet her at a field north of Draithus, or the city falls to an invading force. The group must choose which objectives to prioritize—rescuing Mira, defending Draithus, or protecting the civilian evacuation pass—knowing they cannot accomplish all three.

Violet stands in the Assembly chamber as heated debates rage over how to respond to the military surge toward Draithus and Theophanie's hostage demands. A red line on the map shows the enemy has surged toward Draithus in twenty-four hours, ignoring easier targets. Xaden demands a plan that achieves multiple objectives; Brennan emerges as tactician and calls for a three-dimensional projection of Draithus's terrain from Professor Kaori, revealing the city sits in an intermontane plateau accessible only through valleys, a western river, or air—the latter controlled by Theophanie. The squad volunteers en masse to fight, despite Officer Trissa's objections. Xaden accepts only volunteers, excluding first-years. Garrick reports Theophanie's original demand: bring Violet and "brother" to keep Draithus standing. Xaden and Sgaeyl realize "brother" may refer not to Xaden but to Jack Bodhi, Liam's friend, suggesting Theophanie's true target is eliminating those connected to Violet. Brennan clears the chamber except for seven trusted people and forces Violet to choose a single objective, arguing that Theophanie deliberately created an impossible scenario knowing Violet will try to save everyone. Violet eventually realizes the true objective must be killing Theophanie herself. Brennan approves and outlines a plan: unlock the armory, gather runes and maorsite arrowheads, and ensure Violet adheres to orders without straying. The chapter ends with Violet's commitment to save Mira "whatever it takes."