Chapter 131

Violet and Bodhi face off against Theophanie on the battlefield after sending Tairn away with the unconscious Teine. Theophanie reveals herself to be a storm wielder far more powerful than Violet's mother—capable of creating tornadoes—and systematically outmatches both riders. Bodhi is forced to flee by Cuir, leaving Violet alone to confront an impossible situation: pinned by Theophanie while a wyvern horde bypasses the city toward the Medaro Pass.

With Teine unconscious, Violet convinces Tairn to carry him to safety by invoking the bond with her sister Mira, though Tairn warns her not to move from the field. Bodhi remains at her side as they wait for Theophanie, with Violet entering a focused mental state to act as bait and ensure the enemy comes to them rather than attacking others. When Theophanie emerges, she proves far faster and stronger than expected. During their initial exchange, Violet discovers Theophanie is not a lightning wielder but a storm wielder—one who can control the atmospheric conditions themselves, making tornadoes and sustained wind phenomena that dwarf even Violet's mother's abilities. Bodhi's signet, designed to counter lightning magic, proves useless against Theophanie's true power. Violet forces Bodhi to leave via Cuir before the winds become too strong for escape, citing his promise to Xaden. Trapped alone against Theophanie, Violet attempts an unconventional attack: tying a maorsite-tipped arrow to a rock and throwing it with the wind's momentum, which explodes on impact and temporarily disables Theophanie. The two engage in brutal close combat, but Theophanie easily subdues Violet, pinning her to the ground while taunting her about her limitations. As Theophanie gloats, a wyvern horde cuts north past the city toward the Medaro Pass, where thousands of innocents climb. Violet, restrained and unable to intervene, recognizes she cannot solve every problem—and that someone else must be the solution.