CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Contains spoilersOverview
Violet’s Archives duty rekindles old ties and exposes missing folklore references, while Sawyer’s metallurgist signet manifests and the dangers of delayed signets are clarified. After Violet ends things with Dain, a first-year inntinnsic is executed in the courtyard. That night, unbonded cadets attack her, and Andarna freezes everyone, revealing a formidable, unknown power.
Summary
On Archives duty, Violet reconnects with first-year scribe Jesinia, who cannot find The Fables of the Barren or any catalog entries for wyvern or venin, which unsettles Violet. Professor Markham passes with trainees, acknowledging Violet’s rare double bond. Violet wrestles with homesickness but affirms the Riders Quadrant feels like the right home.
At lunch, Ridoc reveals Sawyer’s signet manifested as metallurgist; Aetos took him to Professor Carr. Imogen and Quinn warn that if a rider doesn’t manifest, channelled magic can consume them after months. On the way to flight, they note Caroline Ashton newly rebonded to Gleann after his rider died, reminding them unbonded still have chances.
During flight, Tairn drills Violet with combat spirals, catching her repeated falls. After landing, Dain confronts her about falling “a dozen times,” prompting Tairn’s protective threat. Dain’s fear and criticism escalate into an argument over rules and faith. Violet declares his lack of belief is the real issue and cuts him out of her life.
In the courtyard, first-year Jeremiah manifests as an inntinnsic, involuntarily broadcasting others’ thoughts—including Dain’s—while panicking with a drawn blade. Xaden’s shadows bind Jeremiah’s mouth, and Professor Carr immediately breaks Jeremiah’s neck, executing him as the crowd watches. The group absorbs the lethal consequences of uncontrolled signets.
That night, Tairn’s warning rips Violet from a dream as unbonded cadets—led by Oren and aided by a betraying door-opener—invade her room to kill her and claim Tairn’s respect. Her scale-armor stops a sword; she wounds several with daggers but is overpowered as Oren chokes her and sets a blade to her throat. The door explodes open, and Andarna screams “Mine,” unleashing power that freezes everyone in the room except Violet, saving her in utter silence.
Who Appears
- Violet Sorrengail
Protagonist; visits the Archives, argues with Dain, witnesses an inntinnsic’s execution, and survives a night ambush when Andarna freezes attackers.
- Tairn
Ancient black dragon; trains Violet aggressively, threatens Dain, warns her during the night attack but cannot directly intervene.
- Andarna
Young golden dragon; rarely present, then freezes all assailants with a powerful “Mine,” saving Violet.
- Dain Aetos
Violet’s best friend and squad leader; confronts her about falling, thoughts exposed by Jeremiah, relationship severed.
- Jesinia Neilwart
First-year scribe and old friend; assists Violet and cannot find Fables/wyvern or venin lore in the Archives.
- Professor Markham
Scribe professor; leads trainees through the Archives and remarks on Violet’s rare double bond.
- Sawyer
Friend and rider; manifests metallurgist signet, struggles with unintended metal movement.
- Imogen
Upperclassman trainer; explains signet overload risks and continues Violet’s harsh training.
- Quinn
Upperclassman; adds context about average timelines for dangerous signet overload.
- Ridoc
Friend; recounts Sawyer’s manifestation and provides comic relief amid rising stakes.
- Rhiannon
Friend; trains alongside Violet and witnesses the courtyard crisis.
- Xaden Riorson
Wingleader; positions himself between Violet and danger, gags Jeremiah with shadows, then departs.
- Garrick
Wingmate; with Xaden during Jeremiah’s meltdown, nearly has secrets exposed.
- Professor Carr
Wielding professor; executes Jeremiah to end uncontrolled mind-reading.
- Jeremiah
First-year whose inntinnsic signet manifests violently; panics, reads thoughts, and is killed.
- Oren
Hostile cadet; leads unbonded attackers into Violet’s room, throttles her, nearly kills her.