Violet steels herself to cross the parapet in a violent storm, repeating that she will not die. After giving her name, she steps out when Jack Barlowe threatens to shove her. Rhiannon goes ahead, and Xaden’s glare and order push Violet into motion.

On the narrow, rain-slick stones, Violet keeps calm by reciting the Continent’s history and geography. Gusts hammer her, forcing her to crouch and inch forward. She passes halfway but sees Jack pause behind her, seemingly waiting.

Horror strikes as Jack grabs a gangly candidate and hurls him off the parapet, then advances on Violet. She slips, nearly falls into the ravine, and recovers with deliberate movements. Jack closes in, taunting, but Violet focuses on the citadel walls and sprints the final stretch.

Leaping down into the courtyard, Violet draws a dagger and pins Jack at the edge, the blade poised between his legs. She cites Codex regulations forbidding harm in formation. Two third-year riders back her interpretation, warning Jack that executions are swift. Violet lowers the blade and lets him descend. Jack obeys but promises to kill her.