Chapter Forty-Seven

Summary

• Understanding a dark wielder's experience and age can be gauged by eye color and vein distention as described in a compendium by Captain Drake Cordella.
• The protagonist is in a confrontation with Cat, who taunts her with intimate knowledge of a man they have both been involved with.
• Their confrontation escalates into a physical fight, with Cat landing the first significant blow.
• Despite being provoked by Cat's taunts, the protagonist gains a physical advantage and seriously injures Cat by breaking her ribs.
• Amid the fight, the protagonist discovers that Cat and the protagonist are both involved in a bigger conflict over power and not just competing for a man’s affections.
• More is revealed about past engagements and aristocratic alliances hinting at a deeper backstory involving political machinations.
• The protagonist channels her rage skillfully during the fight, recalling training received from someone named Rhiannon.
• As the fight reaches a critical point, the protagonist is almost consumed by her anger when she is believed to be controlled by mindwork or strong emotions.
• Someone named Xaden intervenes, suggesting the protagonist is making a choice in her violent actions.
• The protagonist breaks free from the blinding rage, partly due to her deep feelings for Xaden, and recognizes Cat has been cheating using mindwork.
• The character Imogen accuses Cat of using mindwork during the fight, to which Cat responds defensively and continues to express hatred toward the protagonist’s family.
• An external event involving lightning and fire occurs, with Xaden quickly acting to subdue the flames with his own power.
• Xaden physically removes the protagonist from the confrontation, carrying her past various authority figures and into the Assembly chamber.
• Once in the Assembly chamber, Xaden orders others out and has a private moment with the protagonist, expressing concern for her injuries.
• The protagonist is left feeling vulnerable and raw as the extent of Cat’s power fades away, and contemplates how to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
• Xaden admits to having overheard the entire humiliating exchange during the fight, leaving the protagonist feeling exposed.