This chapter begins with a lot of the riders post-hook up, which builds the tension for Violet. She is a little envious that everyone else is getting some, when she’s left to her own devices. Luckily, now that she’s bonded, she doesn’t have to wake up early for duties. They want the riders to save as much of their energy as possible for flight training. Violet’s squad of first-years is ideal right now. Sawyer, Ridoc and Rhiannon are a great little group of supportive friends. After they talk about their dragon relics, we’re left wondering about Rhiannon’s. Where is it?
The shift in dynamic after Threshing feels very high school. The unbonded are really given the short end of the stick. The fact that they have to almost obey the bonded riders feels very yucky and exclusive. The nice thing for Violet, is she now has way more respect than she did before Threshing now that she’s bonded Tairn. Her older squadmates are more inclined to converse with her, even if it’s Xaden’s orders. Xaden’s intentions are still a little tricky to interpret as of right now. He has two possible reasons for wanting to protect Violet: 1. He has a massive crush on her. 2. He wants to give her the best chance of survival now that they have a complicated bond. I’d like to think it’s both.
It’s a little uncomfortable seeing Jack struggle with his bond. On one hand it’s funny to see him upset, but those emotions are only fueling his hate for Violet even further.
The flight training is also uncomfortable. You can see that Violet and Tairn’s bond is stronger than most, since he doesn’t let her fall to her death. The worry lies in the fact that she can’t keep her seat. It’s nice for Tairn to accommodate her, but in order for him to use all of his power he can’t waste any holding her to her seat. It’ll be interesting to see if the strength training with Imogen is going to help Violet.
Dain’s decision to not pursue a romantic relationship with Violet was a huge relief, even if his logic is flawed. This gives her more space to explore her chemistry with Xaden, without hurting his feelings by rejecting him. They left off on an amicable note, still referring to each other as best friends. If you ask me, this is the ideal friendzone situation.
The last thing I want to talk about is the relationship between Xaden and Imogen. Violet is under the impression that there is something going on between them. The way that Imogen took Xaden’s gear when he and Violet sparred on the mat, and the way that she seems to follow his orders on a personal level rubs her the wrong way. This sense of jealousy proves that Violet is undeniably crushing on Xaden.
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