Jesinia visits the Riders Quadrant to deliver a century-old tome on the First Six to Violet. Violet lies about needing it for an assignment to protect Jesinia and herself. A screaming second-year is dragged into the courtyard by Professor Markham; Jesinia believes the incident is her fault because the rider requested a book the previous day, which, as a scribe, she must keep a record of. She leaves without mentioning what the book was, leading Violet to realize how dangerous her “assignment” really is.

Violet’s squad meets at the flight field with their dragons to work on running landings. Major Varrish notices Andarna’s absence and orders Violet to produce her by next week. When the time comes for Violet to visit Xaden at Samara, Bohdi gives Violet obscure information to relay. He accidentally mentions a woman named Catriona and implies that she and Xaden were involved in the past. Major Varrish delays Violet’s launch by searching her bag, finding nothing. After he leaves, Tairn admits he is carrying contraband for the rebellion.

At Samara, Violet and Xaden suppress their lust. Without full honesty between them, Violet refuses to give Xaden her heart, and he does not want to have sex until he wins it back.