Chapter Fifty-One

Summary

• The protagonist climbs a crowded staircase to the fifth floor and avoids sharing bad news with friends Rhi and Tara.
• Ascending a dark service stairway with mage lights, the protagonist reaches the roof to meet Xaden who is sitting on a turret.
• Despite Xaden's reproach for risk-taking, they exchange comfort over chocolate cake, discussing the day’s troubles.
• Xaden feels overwhelmed by the enemy and the challenges of their defensive efforts, noting they’re spread too thin.
• The protagonist offers support, acknowledging their shared struggles, as they contemplate the heavy losses and tactical disadvantages of the war.
• Xaden reveals he almost died in a recent battle that also saw heavy civilian casualties, making the situation feel personal and dire.
• Despite the grim reality, there is an intimate connection between the protagonists, signified by a shared kiss.
• Time passes, with the protagonist and another character, Dain, working late into the night attempting to translate an important journal.
• They struggle with unlocking the secrets of the journal that could potentially help them in the war.
• The protagonist has an epiphany, realizing "blood" should be translated to "breath," which reveals the true nature of the ward-raising process.
• The protagonist realizes the significance of dragons rather than riders in the ward-raising and seeks out Rhiannon to share this critical discovery.
• Upon reaching Rhiannon, the protagonist hesitates to disclose the revelation, considering the ethical implications of their actions.