CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Summary

• The protagonist, referred to as 'I', discusses their recent interactions and activities with Rhiannon and their feelings about a kiss with Liam.
• Rhiannon reveals a new ability she has developed, a rare power that she can summon objects from a few feet away.
• Violet reveals her possible ability to stop time completely but is unwilling to test it further due to the impact it has on her dragon Andarna.
• During the protagonist's conversation with their old friend Dain, they discuss trust issues and previous incidents. Dain warns them about their complicated relationship with Liam and the consequences of his secrets.
• Violet makes it clear to Dain that she does not need protection and has the protection of two dragons.
• Violet learns that an individual named Jack has been granted permission to challenge her to a battle in the Riders Quadrant, a dangerous and probably deadly encounter.
• Violet asks Liam to keep the challenge a secret from Xaden, despite the danger it poses to her.

• The protagonist is ready to battle Jack, while Liam leaves the training ground to keep a promise.
• Jack and the protagonist spar using knives. Emetterio, the instructor, reminds them not to use lethal force.
• The protagonist, despite being physically overpowered by Jack, manages to injure him, aiming to frustrate and thereby weaken him.
• Ignoring the rules, Jack throws his knife at the protagonist which lodges in her arm.
• Jack then wields a mystical, violent power against his opponent, manifesting as internal, agonizing vibrations.
• In retaliation, the protagonist manages to overpower Jack by forcing him to ingest the contents of a vial.
• Ridoc, another character, rushes to the protagonist's aid as Jack falls to the mat, wheezing and choking.
• Jack suffers a serious allergic reaction to oranges, the content of the vial.
• The protagonist passes out from exhaustion and the ferociousness of Jack's assault.
• When she wakes up, night has fallen and she's in a infirmary. Instead of Ridoc, Xaden is at her bedside, questioning her use of oranges to incapacitate Jack.