On Conscription night, Violet walks the parapet barefoot to reach Xaden, who mourns alone. She admits she’s in love and challenges his distance, insisting they face fear with honesty. They confront jealousy and trust, clarifying there is “only” each other, and agree to stop pushing one another away.

Violet coaxes Xaden off the parapet and to his room, tending to him to ease his grief. They share vulnerabilities—his scars, her fears, and the looming separation after graduation. He won’t promise a future, but he chooses her now and asks for mutual trust; she commits.

They consummate their relationship with intense intimacy. Violet’s lightning responds to her climax, booming thunder and blasting out Xaden’s window, which he shields against to protect her. They joke about the “fireworks,” clean up, and return to each other, testing the new depth of their bond.

As they continue, pounding at the door interrupts them. Garrick calls Xaden to formation, reporting many dead and an ongoing attack. Shocked, Violet and Xaden scramble to dress, and Xaden is ordered to bring Violet as the Riders Quadrant is summoned to respond.