Chapter no 35 – 36

Chapter no 35

The scene opens with Violet witnessing a shocking betrayal as Xaden meets with gryphon riders, who reveal themselves as allies in a secretive mission to combat an ancient and supposedly mythical enemy, the venin. The riders warn of an impending attack, exposing a deeper conflict beyond Navarre’s borders that has been deliberately hidden by the kingdom’s leadership. Violet struggles to process the revelations, feeling the weight of betrayal not only from Xaden but from her own dragons, who kept these secrets from her. The gryphon riders’ departure leaves Violet isolated, as it becomes clear that every member of her squad, except her, carries a rebellion relic, marking them as descendants of separatists.

Xaden confronts Violet, trying to explain the truth about the venin and his actions, but she is overwhelmed with anger and heartbreak. He reveals that the kingdom’s wards, powered by a rare material, not only protect against venin but are also the reason Navarre does nothing to aid those suffering beyond its borders. Violet grapples with the moral complexity of this revelation, her scribe training allowing her to piece together how history has been rewritten to erase the existence of venin. Her heartbreak deepens when she realizes Xaden withheld the truth out of fear of Dain accessing her memories, a violation that she now suspects may have already happened.

The tension escalates when the squad arrives at the outpost of Athebyne, only to find it abandoned and eerily silent. A message from Colonel Aetos confirms their worst fears: the squad has been sent on a mission designed to kill them. Violet feels the crushing weight of her unintentional role in exposing Xaden’s activities to the leadership and must now confront the deadly consequences of both her loyalty and her naivety. As the squad braces for a fight against overwhelming odds, the stakes have never been higher, leaving Violet questioning who she can trust and how she will survive the looming battle.

Chapter no 36

Tension escalates as Violet and her squad face their deadliest challenge yet. They stand on the brink of annihilation, with venin, wyvern, and overwhelming odds pressing down on them. The grim reality of their situation is punctuated by the deaths of Deigh and Liam, a heartbreaking blow that sends shockwaves through Violet and Xaden. Liam’s final moments, filled with sacrifice and a plea for Violet to protect his sister, cement the devastating cost of their mission.

As chaos unfolds, Violet grapples with the loss of her closest ally, her grief fueling a fiery determination to avenge her fallen friend. Xaden, burdened by guilt and responsibility, takes a stand, creating a shadow barrier to buy the squad precious moments. Violet, however, refuses to retreat. Her rage transforms into resolve, and she steps into her role as a rider and wielder with unmatched ferocity.

Amidst the carnage, the wyvern prove to be an unrelenting force, driven by their venin masters. Violet’s bond with Tairn is tested as they dive into the fray, wielding lightning against the deadly creatures. Despite landing powerful blows, the relentless attacks from the wyvern leave her vulnerable. A sudden strike catches them off guard, and Tairn’s roar of pain signals a devastating turn in the battle.

The squad’s survival hinges on Violet’s ability to harness her immense power and outwit an overwhelming enemy. Her grief and fury fuel her actions, but the cost of this battle may be too great for her—or anyone else—to endure. The fate of the squad, the town of Resson, and perhaps the future of Navarre itself teeters on the edge of destruction, with Violet standing at the center of the storm.