CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Summary
- The protagonist argues with Xaden outside of Professor Markham's office about whether Xaden still plans to betray them. Xaden insists that his feelings have changed.
- The protagonist worries about her sister Mira, who they left behind in Montserrat. When Professor Markham finally confirms Mira is alright, the protagonist breaks down, revealing the emotional strain they've been under.
- The protagonist asks Xaden more about his life to better understand him and the affections she's slowly developing for him.
- Xaden reveals he had a custom saddle made for the protagonist's dragon, Tairn, to improve her riding. She initially refuses, feeling it signals her weakness, but accepts with encouragement from others.
- The protagonist and her squad are preparing for the War Games, a schoolwide competition in which they have to defend a flag while attacking an 'egg', both representing points in the match. Tension arises between the protagonist and Dain, leading to Xaden revealing romantic interest toward her.
- The protagonist reflects on feeling truly alive and a sense of belonging while racing through the air on Tairn's back.
- The protagonist's power is on edge as she readies herself for the War Games.
- Detecting a tower with dragons guarding it, the protagonist and her team break formation when these dragons attack.
- As the protagonist battles, she fears her pent-up power, called 'signet', might backlash against her.
- She manages to maintain control, avoiding the icy attacks of an enemy and noticing a likely spot for the egg she's looking for.
- The protagonist and her dragon, Tairn, aid their team in battling other dragons and riders, focusing on a particular adversary named Jack who rides an Orange Scorpiontail known as Baide.
- Jack manages to wound their teammate, Liam, and knock him off his dragon, Deigh, in mid-air.
- Using a power from her friend, Andarna, the protagonist creates a time-freezing bubble around her and Tairn that allows them to rescue Liam from his fall.
- Upon transferring Liam to the care of their fellow teammate, Rhiannon, the protagonist targets Jack in her rage.
- Using her pent-up power, she produces a powerful lightning bolt that strikes the tower where Jack is standing, causing a mass explosion of stone.
- Jacks falls down the mountainside, presumably unable to survive, leaving Baide mourning below.
- Returning a victorious Tairn's cry with pride, the protagonist is dubbed a "Lightning wielder".