Chapter Forty-Two

Summary

• Cadet Sorrengail's special signet allows her to extend wards but she struggles to produce her own without emotional distress.
• During the arena battle, the dark wielder causes decay and death, but Violet needs to focus on protecting Mira and herself.
• Violet uses Tairn's power, attempting to strike the dark wielder with lightning.
• The dark wielder attacks with a knife and taunts Violet, recognizing her as the one who commands the sky.
• Violet and Mira work together to fight him, using alloy-hilted daggers as their only effective weapons against him.
• Tairn signals that help is on the way, as Violet tries to think of a plan to stop the dark wielder.
• The dark wielder nearly kills a guard and attempts to harvest power from Violet and her allies.
• Violet's sister, Mira, attempts to create a shield to protect them, pushing her abilities to the brink.
• At the last moment, the dragons Sgaeyl, Teine, and Marbh contribute to their defense, intimidating the onlookers.
• Violet faces down the dark wielder alone, using smart tactics and timing to overcome the challenges of the battle.
• With Tairn's help, Violet ultimately kills the dark wielder using lightning channelled through the water-soaked arena.
• Post-battle, Xaden confronts Viscount Tecarus for his involvement in the events, threatening him if he doesn't show Violet respect.
• Tecarus reveals knowledge of the dark wielders and offers to share it in exchange for negotiations involving the luminary.
• Violet and her team, after drying off and changing clothes, negotiate with Tecarus and other aristocrats regarding the return of the luminary.
• Tecarus presents his offer, which includes a condition for Violet to become his guard and hints at his ability to fulfill people's deepest desires.
• After some back and forth, Tecarus attempts to change the terms of giving up the luminary, suggesting a trade involving weapons and the transportation of flier cadets to Aretia.
• The group reluctantly agrees to transport the cadets and exchange weapons for the luminary, even though it poses significant risks and challenges to all involved.