Chapter Twenty-Two

Summary

• The protagonist has a vivid, fear-inducing nightmare about a chase and confrontation with a dangerous hooded figure named Venin, who offers her an ultimatum between death and joining him.
• Upon waking from the nightmare, the protagonist tries to reassure herself that it was just a dream.
• In a conversation with Xaden, the protagonist is invited to see Basgiath's forge, signaling a deeper level of trust between them.
• Determined not to confess her love to Xaden during an intimate moment, the protagonist instead shares a valuable piece of information about the founding wardstones, potentially leading to the one in Aretia.
• While heading to the forge, they are intercepted by Major Varrish, who plans for both of them to be taken for interrogation training.
• The squad members Rhiannon and Sawyer are already captured and bound for the same purpose.
• Xaden uses his powers to create a barrier to protect the protagonist, and they argue with Varrish about whether she should be allowed to leave or be taken for training.
• The protagonist reaches out to their wingleader, Sgaeyl, for help, and despite carrying contraband, Xaden is determined to argue and protect her.
• After realizing that direct confrontation won't change the situation, Xaden reluctantly allows the protagonist to be taken away but promises to return a book to the Archives for her.
• As Varrish takes the squad away, Xaden encourages the protagonist to remain strong, asserting that she is unbreakable.
• The protagonist repeats the affirmation to herself, trying to find strength while being led away by Professor Grady.