On the way to Battle Brief, Imogen warns Violet that Bodhi’s schedule shifts can’t continue unnoticed, notes that Andarna remains in the Dreamless Sleep, and says Tairn will go to the Empyrean. They discuss Violet’s distance from friends and Xaden’s letters; Imogen bluntly advises Violet to reconnect and focus on surviving RSC.

Violet finds Rhiannon reading a regional notice from her village urging people to reject strangers seeking shelter. Professor Markham seizes the paper and, in class, presents it as evidence of dangerous border crossings. He claims Poromish announcements of destroyed cities are propaganda and says classified recon found Poromiel’s cities intact. Professor Devera confirms she read reports reflecting that conclusion, deepening Violet’s mistrust.

Struggling with the lie and knowing wyvern—not dragons—level cities, Violet battles surging power as Tairn warns her to control it. She endures the briefing, then flees the hall and releases lightning safely against the outer wall to vent the buildup.

Rhiannon follows, but Violet, overwhelmed, lies that she is fine and runs. She heads through the tunnels to the Archives, where her sudden arrival draws attention and a rebuke from a professor.

Jesinia intervenes, guides Violet out of sight, and accepts the return of a book. When Violet admits that people will die if she fails to find answers and that she has not told her squadmates, Jesinia urges her to give them a choice. Jesinia agrees to bring a new selection of texts that night on the bridge at eight and warns Violet to stick to Saturdays to avoid detection.