Chapter Thirty-Nine

Summary

• The chapter opens with the protagonist, presumably Violet, urgently requesting ice to treat an injury.
• The injured character, Brennan, seems to have a broken nose, and it's hinted that Violet or her sister Mira might have caused it.
• Mira and Brennan have a heated argument over family issues. Mira resents Brennan for letting them believe he was dead for six years, and the family dynamic is revealed to be tense.
• Brennan, who is a Lieutenant Colonel, issues orders to deploy riders to scout for deserters or potential threats.
• There is sibling conflict; Violet attempts to mediate between Mira and Brennan, who blame each other for past grievances.
• Xaden arrives, shifting the mood as Violet greets him affectionately. They share a personal moment, highlighting their intimate relationship.
• The siblings' interactions are intense, with themes of family betrayal, duty, and protection coming to the forefront.
• Violet reveals a crucial plan, needing the blood of six powerful riders to raise wards, presumably magical defenses.
• The group, including the Assembly and additional characters like Bodhi and Ulices, initiate a ritual outside Riorson House to raise wards by combining their blood with a wardstone.
• Despite their efforts, the ritual to activate the wardstone fails, leaving the characters disheartened and vulnerable.
• There’s a discussion about acquiring a "luminary" and negotiations with Tecarus, highlighting political tensions and strategy.
• Violet grapples with the failure of the ritual, sparking determination to fix her mistake.
• Brennan and Violet contemplate undergoing training with a signet, hinting at unexplored powers or abilities.
• Xaden adamantly opposes Violet's suggestion to go to Tecarus, indicating the risk involved.
• Violet, driven by her sense of responsibility and determination, ignores Xaden's warnings and decides to proceed with her plan.
• Brennan demonstrates loyalty and concern for Violet, referring to their childhood and Violet’s stubbornness.
• Violet enlists Mira's help, suggesting that family bonds, despite their strain, remain a central theme in facing upcoming challenges.