Chapter Twenty-Nine

Summary

• The chapter opens with the protagonist feeling jealousy, anxiety, and insecurity about Xaden's ex as they fly back to Navarre.
• Tairn, the protagonist's dragon, reminds her she was chosen by dragons over Xaden's ex and encourages her to stop being insecure.
• Upon landing, Tairn asserts they should be ready to leave again by morning in hopes of mitigating any punishment for leaving abruptly.
• Xaden and the protagonist share a moment where they discuss not wanting to talk about Xaden’s ex or the protagonist’s previous lovers.
• Instead, they need to have a conversation about Viscount Tecarus and the luminary, a device crucial for completing Xaden's forge.
• Xaden reveals that Tecarus wants to see the protagonist demonstrate her lightning abilities before he will allow them to use the luminary.
• Xaden is protective and expresses concern that Tecarus may try to keep the protagonist for himself.
• The protagonist asserts her willingness to take risks if it could help, yet Xaden expresses he would lose the war rather than lose her.
• They also discuss the protagonist’s exes and a dangerous substance that can weaken the bond between riders and dragons.
• The protagonist acknowledges various issues such as leaks about a battle, a negotiation involving a character named Brennan, and a physical altercation with a character named Varrish.
• The duo continues to trust each other with more personal information.
• Back at Basgiath, there is a sense of pending punishment for absence without leave on the protagonist's part.
• As she approaches her living quarters, she is confronted by Varrish, who is ready to render her judgment.
• Professor Emetterio gives the protagonist guidance on how to argue her case against punishment.
• Professor Kaori confronts Varrish and defends the protagonist, revealing that she will not be punished as it was not her choice to leave, but her dragon's.
• Varrish demands the protagonist’s flight jacket, which is a significant object as it could implicate her and others if discovered.
• Rhiannon, the protagonist's friend and squad leader, manages to save an important dagger from discovery by Varrish using her signet powers.
• The protagonist finally decides to trust Rhiannon and the others with the truth about Xaden and her situation, potentially including the significance of the dagger.