This chapter brings a lot of information to the table regarding dragon bonds. We start with a satisfying moment between Jack and Violet. Now that Violet knows Jack is a coward, and has the protection of Tairn, she’s confident enough to talk her shit. Violet’s biggest priority right now is holding her head high, and not letting anyone perceive her as weak. We learn that Jack has bonded with an orange dragon, which are known for being unreliable and unpredictable. This match works for them in that sense.
Violet being the only rider to bond two dragons brings up some interesting theories. One of the more common theories I see are people predicting the death of one of her dragons, since riders die if their bonded dragon dies. If she has one dragon, she should be safe if one dies. Personally, I hate the thought of either one of them dying, so I try to not think about that theory too much.
We’re also introduced to the Empyrean, which adds more complexity to the mysterious nature of the dragon world. The Empyrean consists of the dragon leaders, and what is discussed in those meetings is confidential. No human knows what happens during the meetings. General Melgren’s dragon, Codagh, enters the scene. He is even larger than Tairn.
I was so happy to find out that Sawyer, Rhiannon and Ridoc successfully bonded their dragons. Unfortunately, Trina didn’t make it, but we didn’t connect with her that much as readers due to her reserved nature. Still, it’s a tragedy, unlike Tynan.
The interaction with Dain pissed us all off. He jumps to the conclusion that Violet will have to choose a dragon, and begs her to choose Andarna. His whole “save Violet” motive is getting old at this point. Now that she’s bonded to two dragons, she’s a rider, making her life a non-guarantee every single day. It’s nice that he cares about her safety still, but she can’t be protected at this point. Him begging her to choose Andarna so she can remain a professor at Basgiath is just offensive at this point. She’s been given the opportunity to go into battle with one of the most powerful dragons on the Continent. She’s obviously not meant to keep her nose in a book the rest of her life. She’s proven it time and time again.
The conflict between her, Dain and Xaden furthers this ideology. Dain is massively threatened by Xaden and Violet’s forced bond. He still believes that Xaden wants to kill or harm Violet, and accuses Xaden of rigging Threshing. Xaden retorts that he wouldn’t want to be stuck with Violet, but they have no choice now. Xaden challenging Dain by asking him to choose the rules or Violet helps us understand that Dain will always choose the rules over her. Even though Violet subconsciously knew this, Dain saying it out loud hits different. Xaden sees right through Dain, and is tired of him holding Violet back. Xaden is now on Violet’s side. He’s shown it by protecting her, but not shielding her from danger. He lets manage her problems by herself, and this independence and understanding is what she’s been craving. Xaden also informs her that she’s going to have a target on her back, which makes us wonder if Xaden is going to be keeping an eye on her to keep them both safe. Even though the forced proximity between her and Xaden is against her will, there’s a part of her that isn’t complaining. Their chemistry is undeniable at this point. Finally, she’s told that she can keep both dragons, which was such a relief.
Violet receiving her relic is one of my favorite scenes. I love how Tairn is able to project an image of what he sees into her mind. The telepathy between dragon and rider is intriguing. Her relic is absolutely beautiful, and she knows it too.
The chapter ends with the infamous kiss between Dain and Violet. Violet has been waiting for this moment most of her life. She’s ecstatic, but she doesn’t feel the sparks she’s been anticipating for years. Dain’s reassurance seems forced and fraudulent, and I believe that she feels this in their kiss. She knows deep down that he’ll choose the rules over her life, which doesn’t allow for a lot of trust between them. Not a great foundation.
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