Chapter Thirty-Seven
Contains spoilersOverview
Violet wakes from a nightmare in Aretia and, after finding solace with Xaden, confronts chaos as defected cadets flood Riorson House. A hostile Assembly challenges the decision, but Xaden claims his authority and responsibility for Violet, pushing to train the cadets despite lacking wards and a forge. Andarna’s telepathic link returns, restoring Violet’s sense of wholeness.
Summary
Haunted by the Sage in a recurring nightmare, Violet startles awake in Xaden’s bedroom in Aretia, reminding herself she is safe and that Varrish is dead. Seeking affirmation of life and safety, she and Xaden share an intense, mutual moment of intimacy; afterward, they confirm the room is sound-shielded.
Leaving the room, Violet and Xaden find Riorson House crowded with defected cadets, all waiting without guidance. Violet checks in with Rhiannon and briefly reassures Aaric that his family secret is safe. Determined to get answers, Violet follows Xaden to the Assembly chamber.
Inside, six Assembly members berate Xaden, Brennan, Imogen, and Garrick for exposing Aretia by bringing cadets and dragons. They reveal Dain and the scribes are confined pending loyalty checks. Violet defends Dain and Jesinia and confirms they have Warrick’s journal, which needs translation from Old Lucerish. Xaden argues Melgren won’t attack now, bares a scar marking himself responsible for Violet, and asserts his right to the seventh seat and to host his “guests.” The Assembly grudgingly accepts trusting Violet while stressing they lack wards and an operational forge.
Xaden proposes organizing the cadets into wings and resuming instruction with the professors he brought, trusting the scribes and citing Cath’s support of Dain. As the debate ebbs, Violet hears Andarna’s voice in her mind for the first time in months and feels whole again.
Who Appears
- Violet Sorrengail
Protagonist; wakes from a Sage nightmare, seeks comfort with Xaden, defends allies, witnesses Assembly clash, and reconnects telepathically with Andarna.
- Xaden Riorson
Asserts bringing cadets was necessary, shows a scar marking responsibility for Violet, claims the seventh seat, and urges training despite no wards or forge.
- Brennan Sorrengail
Defends Violet, participates in the Assembly debate, and notes they need Old Lucerish translation for Warrick’s journal.
- Ulices (Hawk Nose)
Hostile Assembly member; suggests confining Violet and argues the cadets endangered Aretia.
- Suri
Assembly member; protests the cadets’ arrival, calling them unmanageable and unsanctioned.
- Battle-Ax
Assembly woman with an axe; claims Violet ruined their security and laments doubled patrols, no wards, and no forge.
- Felix
Bearded Assembly member; tempers arguments, acknowledges valid concerns, and questions next steps.
- Quiet Assembly Woman
Calm, sharp-eyed member; agrees to trust Violet but stresses they cannot arm drifts without a working forge.
- Rhiannon
Squadmate; checks on Violet and reports the cadets’ confusion while awaiting orders.
- Imogen
Stands with the Resson fighters before the Assembly; backs Violet and Xaden during the confrontation.
- Garrick
Present with the Resson group; remains ready as tensions rise in the Assembly chamber.
- Aaric
Observes the chaos; secures Violet’s promise to keep his family secret.
- Bodhi
Resson fighter; stands before the Assembly as decisions about the cadets are debated.
- Andarna
Dragon; reestablishes her mental voice to Violet, restoring Violet’s sense of completeness.