Chapter no 1
Violet Sorrengail, the daughter of a legendary general, faces Conscription Day at Basgiath War College. Unlike her peers who have trained for years, Violet has only had six months to prepare for the Riders Quadrant, a brutal path where survival is not guaranteed. Despite her passion for books and a lifetime preparing to be a scribe, her mother has decreed that she must join the riders, a decision that could very well be a death sentence.
Violet’s sister, Mira, tries to support her by offering last-minute survival advice and gear modifications. Mira, a seasoned rider, emphasizes the dangers of the Riders Quadrant, warning Violet about treacherous conditions and deadly rivals. Mira’s concern intensifies when she learns that Xaden Riorson, the son of a rebellion leader executed by their mother, is a senior cadet who harbors deep hatred for their family.
As Violet approaches the parapet—a narrow, deadly bridge separating candidates from the Riders Quadrant—her doubts and fears mount. The treacherous crossing, combined with the unpredictable weather, symbolizes the perilous life ahead. Despite her fear, she steels herself for the challenge, determined not to let her weaknesses define her fate.
Tensions heighten when Violet encounters Xaden, who immediately recognizes her as the general’s youngest daughter. Their hostile exchange reveals the depth of his animosity, but he lets the parapet itself be her test. As Violet watches another candidate fall to their death, she realizes the gravity of what lies ahead. Her survival depends on courage, wits, and the determination to prove she belongs.
Chapter no 2
Violet Sorrengail faces the deadly challenge of crossing the parapet, a narrow, slippery bridge that separates potential dragon riders from their deaths. With the storm raging and her fear mounting, she clings to her mantra, “I will not die today,” while reciting facts from her studies to calm her nerves. Every step is treacherous, and her chances of survival are further jeopardized by Jack Barlowe, a hostile candidate determined to eliminate her as a perceived weak link.
As Violet carefully makes her way across, Jack ruthlessly throws another candidate to his death, confirming his willingness to kill. When he sets his sights on Violet, her fear turns to resolve. Despite slipping and nearly falling herself, she reaches the courtyard at the end of the parapet just ahead of Jack. There, she draws her dagger, aiming it at his most vulnerable spot to prevent him from attacking her further.
The tension escalates as Violet invokes the Riders Quadrant’s rules against harming fellow cadets in a formation, forcing Jack to back down. However, his threat remains clear—he vows to kill her at the first opportunity. Violet knows her survival will depend not just on physical strength but also on outsmarting enemies like Jack and navigating the brutal world of the Riders Quadrant.
Though shaken, Violet’s quick thinking earns her the begrudging respect of the senior riders observing the altercation. As she officially enters the Riders Quadrant, she realizes the deadly challenges have only just begun, and she must adapt quickly to prove she belongs—or risk becoming another statistic in Basgiath’s unyielding trials.