Chapter no 21 – 22

Chapter no 21

In this passage, Violet navigates her growing bond with Liam, her new bodyguard, who is tasked with shadowing her after recent attempts on her life. While she initially resents his presence, she finds it hard to dislike Liam’s easygoing and helpful nature, even as he endures prejudice as a marked one from the rebellion. Their conversation reveals Liam’s personal history, including his connection to Xaden and the harsh realities faced by the children of rebellion leaders, forced into the Riders Quadrant to prove their loyalty or die. Violet begins to see Liam’s loyalty to Xaden and his dedication to his duty, which creates a sense of reluctant camaraderie between them.

As Violet spends her days in the Archives and classrooms, she learns about her growing responsibilities as a rider, while Tairn, her dragon, remains distant from channeling his powers to her. Liam provides insights into the struggles of bonding with dragons, assuring Violet that patience is key. Their shared vulnerability over their incomplete abilities strengthens their understanding of each other. Meanwhile, Violet discovers that Xaden secretly warded her door for protection after the attack, a gesture that’s both controlling and protective, adding to the complicated dynamics of their relationship.

The broader world continues to intrude on Violet’s immediate challenges. Reports of border attacks and increasing dangers highlight the rising tension in Navarre. Despite this, her classes focus on historical battles, leaving Violet frustrated with the disconnect between academic exercises and the current threats. As the stakes grow, Violet begins to recognize her own evolution—she no longer feels entirely at home in the Archives or as a scribe. Her sense of identity is shifting, and her relationships with Liam and Xaden reflect her growing awareness of loyalty, trust, and survival in a world fraught with danger.

Chapter no 22

As December snow blankets the citadel, Violet grapples with frustration over her inability to channel her dragon’s power, while the unanswered questions about the attack on Sumerton deepen her unease. The gap between what is taught in battle classes and the grim realities facing their borders weighs on her, adding to her inner turmoil. Tairn finally channels power to her in an overwhelming and painful flood of energy, forcing Violet to confront her transformation as raw power saturates her body. With Xaden’s help, she learns to shield herself from Tairn’s emotions and control the energy coursing through her, gaining a newfound sense of strength and relief from the chaos threatening to consume her.

The bond between Violet and Xaden intensifies during a late-night encounter where Tairn’s emotions bleed into hers, overwhelming her with uncontrollable desire. Seeking refuge from Liam and herself, she stumbles upon Xaden, who helps her regain control by teaching her how to ground and shield her mind. Despite the tension, the lines between their emotions blur as their connection deepens, culminating in a fiery kiss that neither can deny. However, Xaden pulls back, reminding Violet that acting on feelings clouded by Tairn’s influence would be a mistake. His restraint underscores the complexity of their relationship, leaving Violet conflicted yet grateful for his intervention.

The night’s events leave Violet shaken, questioning her judgment and ability to separate her own desires from those of her dragon. The realization of her vulnerability—both to her powers and her feelings for Xaden—forces her to confront the depth of her attraction to him and the risks it entails. As she returns to the citadel, she reflects on the emotional chaos of the night, aware that the road ahead, both as a rider and in navigating her feelings, will be fraught with challenges and uncertainty.