The chapter begins with Professor Devera beginning Battle Brief. Battle Brief is taking place in an enormous lecture hall, with cadets and riders of all years. Violet makes eye contact with Professor Markham, a scribe who was supposed to mentor her throughout her time in the quadrant. Violet feels a sense of shame because she feels as if she let him down by joining the Riders Quadrant.
Professor Devera informs the cadets of an attack from gryphons that took place in the middle of the previous night near the village of Chakir. The attack is unique, because certain events aren’t adding up. Navarre is protected by invisible, magic shields called wards. The wards faltered, which made it possible for the gryphons to attack. The reason the wards fell is unclear, and Devera and Markham dance around the true nature of the attack since it is classified information. The attack took place at a high altitude, making it hard for gryphons to fly and channel power. The attack seemed to be predicted as well, since reinforcements were on their way before the attack even took place. On top of this, the motive is unclear. Xaden comments on this, believing they were looking for something based on the casualties and destruction.
As Battle Brief takes place, Jack bullies Violet for her obscure, yet correct, answers. We are introduced to some new characters: Pryor, Aurelie and Luca. Pryor is indecisive. Luca is catty and Aurelie checks her when she teases Pryor for his indecisiveness.
Later in the chapter, the cadets are sparring each other in the gym. Rhiannon and Violet make a deal to help each other–Violet will help Rhiannon academically if Rhiannon helps Violet with combat. Ridoc loses to Aurelie, Jack breaks the neck of one of his opponents, and Professor Emetterio asks Violet to spar with Imogen. Imogen is a child of the rebellion, most of which believe that Violet’s mom is responsible for the death of their families. This puts Violet at a political disadvantage because not many want to form alliances with the daughter of a general, especially the children of the rebellion.
Imogen’s resentment funnels into the spar, which results in her using her powers and weapon to try to kill Violet. Luckily, Violet dodges being stabbed thanks to Mira’s armored corset hidden underneath her clothing. Ultimately Violet refuses to yield to Imogen in fear of coming off as weak, so Imogen breaks her shoulder.
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