Violet debriefs with Rhiannon about her night with Xaden, then watches Rhiannon demonstrate a newly manifested signet—short-range summoning—by calling a book into her hands. Liam gifts Violet a carved Tairn figurine. In the corridor, Violet spots Xaden with the wingleaders, including newly appointed Lamani Zohar, before Dain urges a private talk.

Dain confronts Violet for refusing to share her memory during Amber’s exposure; Violet counters that he demanded access and never asked. They discuss the complications of her bond to Tairn and Xaden’s link via Sgaeyl. Violet asserts her autonomy as a rider and asks Dain to respect her choices; he apologizes and warns Xaden has secrets, and they part on tentative, reset terms.

In Carr’s class, Violet reports no signet; Carr invokes Mira’s warding and Brennan’s rare mending, expecting greatness from Violet. Weeks pass as Violet trains visualization, basic wielding through her relic, and combat; she wins two challenges without poison. Ridoc manifests ice, Sawyer’s metallurgy strengthens, and Liam’s farsight sharpens. Violet withholds time-stopping to avoid draining Andarna, and Xaden avoids discussing their kiss.

Seeing the board, Violet learns Jack will be allowed to challenge her and asks Liam not to interfere. In the sparring gym, Emetterio sets rules: no wielding, tap-out or knockout. The fight turns brutal; Violet cuts Jack twice but he flips her, uses apparent death blows, throws a dagger that lodges in her forearm, and then illegally floods her with a violent, vibrating power. Prepared, Violet rams a vial into his mouth, exploiting his severe orange allergy.

Both collapse—Jack choking as his airway closes and Violet trembling from the assault. She later wakes in the Healer Quadrant infirmary at night to find Xaden watching over her, the outcome emphasizing the peril of sanctioned challenges and Violet’s reliance on strategy over brute force.