CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Contains spoilersOverview
Violet’s squad reaches Athebyne’s outskirts beyond the wards, where magic feels wilder. During a rest at a lakeshore, Violet and Xaden grow openly intimate, but two gryphon riders confront them. Xaden stops Violet from attacking and reveals he expected the visitors, signaling a secret rendezvous that threatens loyalties.
Summary
Violet, Xaden, and their assembled riders fly past the Cliffs of Dralor toward Athebyne. Crossing the wards, Violet feels a snap and Tairn notes magic is wilder outside, complicating command. They stop at a nearby lake for the dragons to drink; Andarna, exhausted, rides Tairn’s harness and sleeps. Violet, sore and anxious about the War Games, checks in with Liam while Xaden confers with Garrick.
Xaden openly takes Violet’s hand before the squad, breaking his discretion. He urges her to rest at the outpost so she can wield lightning at full strength later, then kneels to massage her cramped legs behind a boulder. Their talk turns intimate—promises to keep each other—and they kiss deeply.
The moment shatters when two gryphon riders appear. Xaden’s shadows briefly cloak Violet, but the intruders have already seen her and identify her as a Sorrengail. Violet channels power, ready to call lightning, but Xaden restrains her and pleads for her trust. Tairn lands with a roar, intimidating the gryphons; Andarna stays back, tempted but warned off.
Liam tries to hold Violet per Xaden’s orders, then releases her when Tairn roars in warning. With Garrick at his side, Xaden advances on the gryphon riders and says, “You’re fucking early,” revealing he anticipated their arrival. The encounter exposes a hidden rendezvous and leaves Violet stunned at the implications.
Who Appears
- Violet Sorrengail
Protagonist; exhausted but alert beyond the wards, grows openly intimate with Xaden, prepares lightning, and is shocked by his meeting with gryphon riders.
- Xaden Riorson
Wingleader and lover; shows public affection, urges Violet to rest, restrains her from attacking, and greets the gryphon riders he expected.
- Liam
Violet’s loyal friend; checks on her, briefly restrains her at Xaden’s request, then yields when Tairn roars.
- Tairn
Violet’s dragon; notes wilder magic beyond wards, protects Violet, and intimidates the gryphon riders with a thunderous landing and roar.
- Andarna
Young feathertail; too tired to keep pace, rides Tairn’s harness, stays back during the standoff despite curiosity.
- Garrick
Section leader; coordinates with Xaden and accompanies him to confront the gryphon riders.
- Imogen
Squadmate; rushes in with other riders to surround the scene without escalating.
- Bodhi
Trusted rider in Xaden’s group; arrives quickly to support during the confrontation.
- Unnamed gryphon rider (woman)
Confident veteran; confronts the group, identifies Violet as a Sorrengail, retreats warily when Tairn lands.
- Unnamed gryphon rider (companion)
Silent partner accompanying the woman; stands down at Tairn’s imposing arrival.