CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

The chapter opens with the narrator facing a Gryphon rider, an enemy of her kingdom of Navarre.
It is revealed that her fellow kingdom member, Xaden, is working with the Gryphon riders, delivering shipments of unspecified goods to them.
Xaden is confronted and there's an altercation, in which Xaden admits to being involved with the enemies of Navarre.
The Gryphon riders warn Xaden and the narrator of an upcoming attack by mythical creatures called Venin, previously believed to be only fables.
They are told that the horde of Venin is heading north, towards their trading post on the border across from their garrison at Athebyne.
Xaden gives the narrator a dagger equipped to fight the Venin. She accepts it but remains skeptical and distressed.
A conversation ensues, revealing that venin exist and have become a threat.
Xaden warns the narrator that if the memory of this encounter is discovered by their authorities, everything will be lost.
The group travels to their assigned outpost at Athebyne, where they find it deserted.
A mention of Aetos being able to extract memories on touching someone's face concludes the chapter.

The protagonist is shocked and in disbelief at the suggestion that Dain, a character she trusts, could have read her memories without her consent.
Xaden, another character, tries to persuade her that it's possible, contradicting her belief.
Garrick hands Xaden an envelope, which the protagonist recognizes as coming from Colonel Aetos.
The envelope reveals a mission known as "War Games", which terrifies Xaden who interprets it as a death sentence.
The protagonist realizes that Dain did indeed violate her trust and read her memories. She feels guilt, believing she has unknowingly betrayed Xaden and the rest of the group.
Another character, Liam, warns that something bad is approaching their location.
Xaden assures the protagonist the situation is not her fault, but confirms their grim predicament, stating they've been sent on this mission to die.

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