Dain Aetos

Liam is a fellow cadet who could have been assigned with Dain’s group, but Xaden selects him for the headquarters squad because of his skills and loyalty.

Mira reprimands Dain for letting his conflict with Xaden affect his squad leadership and reminds him of his potential for advancement.

Dain is Second Squad’s leader and directs Rhiannon into his squad. Their first interaction is wary: he orders her to keep Violet’s condition private, and she pushes back.

They grew up together from early childhood, and Dain has repeatedly supported Violet through family losses and changes. He protects her in the Riders Quadrant, worries over her safety, and calls her his best friend; Violet trusts him deeply, with some mutual flirtation and possible romantic tension.

Dain is a squad leader and Xaden is a wingleader in his chain of command. Their authority places Dain under Xaden’s command, and Xaden openly challenges Dain’s closeness to Violet.

Dain says he was very good friends with Amber, now a Third Wing wingleader, during the previous year. He cites her as evidence that riders respect the Codex.

Cath is Dain’s bonded dragon. Their bond channels magic to Dain and gives him the ability to use lesser magic and develop his signet.

Dain approaches Markham to arrange Violet’s transfer to the Scribe Quadrant for her safety. Markham agrees to take her and says he can keep the transfer from Lilith until Violet is inducted.

Dain holds authority over Imogen during training and reprimands her for using her powers against Violet. He assigns her punishment for the violation.

Dain asks Nolon not to mend Violet, hoping her injury will let her leave the Riders Quadrant and survive. Nolon rejects the request and mends her.