After curfew, Violet sneaks to the riverside to collect ingredients—fonilee berries and other items—for poisons ahead of challenges. Climbing a familiar oak, she hides when Imogen and then Xaden arrive, followed by nearly two dozen marked riders, illegally assembling in a group larger than three.

From the branches, Violet overhears the meeting: the seniors, led by Xaden and supported by Garrick, Imogen, Bodhi, and others, mentor struggling first-years. They assign small-group combat training and advise on Battle Brief. Xaden delivers a brutal truth about survival, insisting effort is required.

The mood turns when a first-year asks when they can kill Violet. Imogen demands revenge, but Xaden asserts control, declaring Violet "his" to handle. Garrick argues against punishing children for parents’ sins. Xaden ends the meeting and orders dispersal in threes to avoid detection.

After waiting alone, Violet descends but is seized by Xaden, who exposes her eavesdropping. He lowers his dagger and reveals his signet: shadow-wielding. Violet demonstrates precision by bracketing his head with thrown daggers; Xaden’s shadows return them to him. He warns her to intimidate Jack Barlowe, then demands to know if she’ll report the gathering.

Violet refuses to betray them, recognizing the tutoring intent and its lethal consequences if exposed. Xaden accepts her answer, says he’ll “owe a favor” if she keeps her word, and departs, reminding her to return before the wingleader notices—only for Violet to realize he is her wingleader. She leaves with her gathered poisons.