Chapter Twenty

Summary

• The chapter opens with a quote from Lieutenant Xaden Rierson to Cadet Violet Sorrengail reflecting on love, monstrosity, and a promise to be better.
• Violet and Tairn, her dragon, land at Samara, where they discuss whether Violet could perform a running landing for graduation.
• While engaging in playful banter about landing techniques, Violet senses her friend Sgaeyl's approach.
• Violet unbuckles from the saddle, experiencing pain due to long breaks, and removes packs from the dragon.
• Tairn and Violet mildly argue about safety and impatience as she carries heavy, enchanted packs.
• A company of infantry maneuvers around Violet as she walks to the fortress, signifying the military atmosphere of Samara.
• Violet encounters Xaden, stirring up mixed emotions and their bond that defies her mental defenses.
• Xaden quickly tells Violet they need to talk privately, instigating a public kiss to secure a private meeting.
• The passionate kiss between Xaden and Violet blurs the lines between pretense and genuine feelings, deeply affecting Violet.
• Mira, Violet's sister, interrupts them, revealing she is now stationed at Samara and suspects their relationship is deeper than it appears.
• Sisterly concern arises as Mira examines Violet for injuries and discusses her romantic entanglement with Xaden.
• The narrative switches to Violet's internal turmoil, hinting at secrets about a character named Brennan who is alive.
• Violet and Mira discuss survival expectations during upcoming grueling military exercises called RSC (Rider Survival Course).
• Mira's expertise in warding is revealed, and Violet prods for information on the wardstone and alloy, but Mira remains tight-lipped.
• Curiosity and secrecy continue as Violet questions Mira about mission reports, wardstone functionalities, and Poromish city damages.
• Mira seems oblivious to darker truths and suggests rest and tea to help Violet with her apparent stress and sleeplessness.
• Violet internally grapples with the idea of revealing vital secrets to Mira, but ultimately holds back to protect her.
• Xaden joins Violet in bed late at night, discussing her nightmares and comforting her with closeness and a shared moment of vulnerability.
• They negotiate the boundaries of trust, share personal concerns, and Xaden hints at his connection to Violet through his responses.
• Xaden shares classified information with Violet about alloy composition and how it includes dragon eggshells, demonstrating trust.
• The chapter closes with an intimate moment where Xaden holds Violet as she falls asleep, and he quietly acknowledges her love for him.