Chapter Nine

Summary

• The protagonist wakes up from a nightmare and starts her morning routine while still feeling the aftereffects of the bad dream.
• She encounters first-year cadets and her friend Imogen while leaving the barracks.
• There is tension and concern between the protagonist and her friends regarding the security of their borders and the presence of the enemy known as "venin."
• The protagonist experiences residual pain from a previous burn and discusses matters of training and duty with her friends.
• There is an air of secrecy and mourning regarding mission outcomes and the implications for the security of their territory.
• The protagonist and Imogen go for a run to improve their speed and stamina, revealing deeper fears and traumatic memories of a recent battle.
• The protagonist attends the first Battle Brief of the academic year, which includes updates on recent border attacks.
• Details emerge about two attacks involving gryphons near Esben Mountains and Athebyne outpost, raising questions among the cadets about enemy tactics.
• The protagonist is challenged by memories of her experiences at Athebyne and grapples with her knowledge of the truth behind the "Poromish unrest."
• The briefing continues with discussions on enemy tactics, and the protagonist participates in the analysis, masking her deeper understanding of the situation.
• The protagonist feels emotionally conflicted and seeks to be more involved, only to be reminded to focus on her immediate responsibilities and safety.
• Rhiannon reveals suspicions about unusual activities in the Healer Quadrant, which leads to speculations about prisoners or other issues involving healers.
• The protagonist dismisses Rhiannon's concerns with a plausible but false explanation while internally dealing with the burden of her secrets.
• The protagonist skips lunch with friends to research the histories of unification and peace between humans and dragons, feeling unsatisfied with her findings.
• While observing combat assessments, the protagonist is confronted with the enmities of the past and the ongoing challenges of maintaining her cover.
• A shocking event occurs as a bullish first-year cadet unexpectedly kills another cadet, Nadine, by snapping her neck, leaving the protagonist and others in shock.