CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Contains spoilersOverview
During a tactical exercise led by Mira, tensions flare between Dain and Xaden as Xaden reveals a telepathic link with Violet and demonstrates overwhelming shadow-shrouding. Mira warns that dependence on Xaden could stunt Violet’s growth. When gryphons approach with the wards down, Mira orders an evacuation. Xaden compels Violet to flee, leaving Mira to face the attack.
Summary
In Montserrat’s highest turret, Mira runs a battle brief, splitting the cadets between patrol and a reaction group. She forces them to plan a rapid retake of a captured keep, emphasizing real-world unpredictability. Dain assumes command for the exercise, but friction mounts with Xaden’s presence and Violet’s divided loyalties.
Mid-brief, Violet discovers a new telepathic link with Xaden, likely a by-product of Tairn and Sgaeyl’s bond. Pressed on capabilities, Xaden blankets the room in complete shadow, proving he can conceal an entire outpost. The display unsettles the riders, and Mira notes the threat his power could pose even as it’s tactically invaluable.
Outside the room, Mira scolds Dain for letting personal issues undermine leadership and challenges Xaden over the mated dragons’ forced proximity. She warns Violet that overreliance on Xaden could keep her from reaching her potential, and learns Violet still struggles to keep her seat in flight. Before they can resolve anything, Teine and Tairn warn of an incoming drift of gryphons and fallen wards.
Mira orders evacuation of the first-years, prioritizing survival over engagement. The squad races to the roof amid mounting panic. Despite Violet’s refusal to abandon Mira, Xaden kisses her, then coordinates with Tairn’s arrival. Tairn scoops Violet onto his back, Sgaeyl lifts Xaden, and they launch as a dozen gryphons envelop the keep below.
Who Appears
- Violet Sorrengail
Cadet narrator; discovers telepathic link to Xaden, struggles to keep her seat, resists leaving Mira, is evacuated by Tairn.
- Xaden Riorson
Wingleader; reveals mind-to-mind link, demonstrates overwhelming shadow-shrouding, clashes with Dain, kisses Violet, forces her evacuation.
- Mira Sorrengail
Lieutenant and instructor; runs tactical exercise, reprimands Dain and Xaden, warns Violet, orders evacuation when gryphons approach.
- Dain Aetos
Squad leader; leads the scenario, bristles at Xaden, ultimately supports evacuating first-years and launches on his dragon.
- Tairn
Violet’s dragon; advises on mental shielding, arrives in time to scoop Violet and carry her from the besieged keep.
- Sgaeyl
Xaden’s dragon; mated to Tairn, arrives with Tairn and carries Xaden during the evacuation.
- Liam
Cadet; contributes farsight in the exercise and launches early during the evacuation.
- Quinn
Cadet with astral projection; used in the exercise to scout the keep, then takes to the air.
- Emery
Third-year air wielder; participates in the scenario and launches from the wall during the evacuation.
- Ridoc
Cadet; quips through the brief, participates in planning, and departs early into the air.