Chapter Thirty-Six

Summary

• Xaden confronts Dain with bloodied weapons, intending to kill him, but Violet defends Dain, saying he saved her.
• Violet is heavily injured and is briefly held up by Dain and the power of shadows. Xaden is surprised by Violet's battered state and rushes to her side.
• Xaden tenderly cares for Violet, admitting he would find her anywhere, and they have an emotional reunion.
• Garrick arrives, joking about Xaden having eliminated all opposition, but shows concern for Violet's condition.
• Varrish, who was stabbed by Dain, accuses Dain of becoming a traitor. Dain implies disillusionment with his own father's actions.
• Xaden allows Violet to enact revenge on Varrish, assisting her in stabbing him, leaving Violet shaken by the act.
• Xaden prioritizes Violet’s safety and promises to escape with her, even if it means letting his home burn.
• Xaden declares his unconditional love for Violet, and Violet reciprocates, despite their dire situation.
• As they prepare to leave, Xaden helps Violet walk past her own blood, splints her arm, and avoids pressure on her injured ribs.
• Garrick warns of a problem outside the cell, leading to a tense confrontation with Violet’s General mother.
• Violet’s mother confronts Xaden about actions causing chaos and asks for a moment alone with Violet.
• In a private conversation, Violet’s mother offers her an antidote, reveals her knowledge about Violet’s past, and insists her decisions have been to protect Violet.
• Violet learns her path in the Riders Quadrant was orchestrated by her mother in exchange for a favor from Riorson.
• Violet’s mother reveals her husband also had the Riders’ marks and requests that Violet take a vial of antidote, urging her survival.
• Xaden and Violet, along with Garrick and Dain, rally ranks of the Riders to offer them a chance to fight for a just cause.
• Xaden and Violet attempt to sway the riders, but encounter resistance, confusion, and declarations of potential treason.
• Violet uses Tairn to share a pivotal memory with the riders, causing turmoil but convincing some of the truth.
• Professors arrive to stop the rider defection, leading to a standoff with Xaden taking decisive action.
• Dragons descend upon the courtyard, supporting the escaping riders, and some professors declare their intent to join.
• Xaden and Violet, along with a large number of riders, depart on dragons, heading towards an uncertain future and war.
• Exhausted and battered, Violet manages to survive the journey to Riorson House, where her brother Brennan confronts Xaden about her condition.
• Violet reassures Brennan that Xaden saved her, and they witness the arrival of the riders they have recruited to their cause.