After a grueling six-hour flight, Violet’s squad arrives at the Montserrat outpost for their weeklong reward. Major Quade outlines the fortress’s siege readiness and rider rotations as a patrol returns. Among the riders is Mira Sorrengail, whose unexpected arrival leads to an emotional reunion that briefly relieves Violet’s accumulated strain from Basgiath.

Two days later, Violet and Rhiannon attempt to sneak out to visit Rhiannon’s nearby village. Mira intercepts them, switches patrols after sensing Violet’s odd behavior, initially refuses, then agrees to accompany them. The trio leaves the walls together, prioritizing Rhiannon’s need to see her sister and newborn nephew.

At Raegan’s house, Rhiannon reunites with her family while Violet and Mira talk. Mira praises Violet’s growth but urges her to stop letting their mother block her signet. She reveals a long neck scar from a gryphon attack at Cranston after ward failure, notes frequent border assaults and classified operations, and admits leadership hasn’t acted on her dragon-scale armor idea. They discuss Violet’s strained friendship with Dain, Xaden saving Violet, and the dangers of trusting him. Mira has also safeguarded Violet’s childhood book about venin and wyvern and promises to return it at the outpost.

On the way back, Violet asks how long mated dragons can be apart. Mira estimates about three days—confirmed when Xaden steps from the shadows and says, “about three days,” his presence explained by the proximity demands of their dragons’ mated bond. The moment underscores Violet’s deepening entanglement with Xaden and the constraints imposed by Tairn and Sgaeyl’s connection.