Chapter One

Summary

• Aretia was burned by a dragon according to an old treaty after a separatist movement; survivors are few.
• The protagonist, who has almost recently survived a poisoning, enjoys a honeyed biscuit made by her older brother, Brennan, in a fortress kitchen.
• Brennan is surprisingly alive and there is a mention of real Venin, dark magic wielders previously thought to be myth.
• Aretia still stands even after being scorched due to its stone construction.
• The protagonist has a mysterious new scar and rekindles her bond with her dragon, Andarna.
• The protagonist struggles with the surreal reality of events and her brother's survival and other changes.
• It's revealed that Brennan is now a lieutenant colonel and had to change his last name.
• Brennan must now deal with a missive from Basgiath and an upcoming meeting with the Assembly.
• The protagonist senses a grand revolution, learning about hidden rebuilding efforts and magical relics protecting children of fallen rebellion officers from a powerful foe.
• The fortress's architectural grandeur is noted, and the protagonist overhears a high-stakes meeting discussing military strategy and political negotiations.
• Close associates Bodhi and Imogen join the protagonist, and tension regarding the protagonist's trustworthiness arises among the Assembly.
• Members debate over a luminary and the protagonist's presence and potential threat.
• It's revealed that the protagonist's brother, Brennan, and Xaden, a powerful figure she feels conflicted about, have hidden their association from her for years.
• Xaden discloses his strategy, subtly asserting authority over the Assembly.
• Questions about loyalty, the protagonist's mother's reputation, and the difficulty of keeping the protagonist confined are discussed.
• The protagonist, frustrated with being spoken about rather than spoken to, confronts the Assembly directly.
• It becomes clear there are factions within the Assembly and that some members hold the protagonist accountable for a past mistake.
• Xaden ends the meeting and suggests the protagonist stay and talk to Brennan, while he will go to meet the dragons with others.
• The chapter concludes with the protagonist facing her brother, prepared to ask him about the events of the past six years.