Violet is given a private room now that she is officially a dragon rider. The next morning, she and Rhiannon walk together, and after some light teasing, Violet admits that she felt no spark when Dain kissed her. They meet with Ridoc and go to breakfast, where other first-year cadets are quick to give Violet their seats and greet her with warmth. The three also observe Jack being ostracized by their peers. The rest of the Flame squad joins them at breakfast; this group includes Imogen, who explains that Tairn’s presence has caused a significant power shift among the cadets.

The squad gossips about the other bonds, and the first-years learn more about their higher-ranking squad members. Imogen instructs Violet to meet her for strength training, and Violet realizes that her new connection to Xaden is not a secret. The first-years attend flight training; Tairn arrives, but Andarna stays away, as her small frame prevents her from carrying Violet’s weight. While Violet and Tairn fly, they banter telepathically. Violet insists that Tairn refrain from using his magic to keep her on his back, but she repeatedly falls off, making it necessary for him to dive to catch her.