Violet and Cat circle on the mat as Cat weaponizes taunts about her history with Xaden, trying to destabilize Violet. The fight turns brutal: Cat lands a hard shot and briefly pins Violet with a choke, but Violet breaks free, cracks Cat’s ribs, and mounts, driven by fury.

Cat whispers bigger stakes: she sought a crown, was once engaged to Xaden, and claims Xaden spared Violet first year for a plan she shared. Cat then cheats, pressing mindwork that floods Violet with rage. Violet’s grip tightens at Cat’s throat as bystanders shout for a tap, and Violet recognizes the intrusion but can’t release.

Xaden arrives, tells Violet he will respect her choice but urges her not to kill. Violet tears her hands away, but her uncontrolled power surges; lightning strikes and ignites the bleachers. Xaden casts shadows to smother the flames. Imogen calls out the mindwork, and Professor Kiandra orders Cat escorted by Bragen and Maren as the crowd reels.

Rhiannon tosses Xaden the conduit, and he carries Violet from the hall, the mindwork’s fog fading with distance. In the Assembly chamber, Xaden clears the room, gently checks Violet’s injuries, and admits he heard everything, leaving Violet humiliated but in control again as the implications of Cat’s revelations and cheating hang over them.