Xaden Riorson

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.

Liam serves Xaden by protecting Violet and keeping him informed about her safety. He says he owes Xaden and explains that reporting his concerns is how he alleviates Xaden’s worries.

Sgaeyl is Xaden’s bonded dragon and Tairn’s mate. Their bond creates pressure for Xaden and Violet to serve together, and Sgaeyl is accustomed to leading in flight.

Xaden is bonded to Sgaeyl, Tairn’s mate. Tairn’s bond with Xaden is consequential to Violet’s relationship with both dragons, though Tairn remains wary and angry over Xaden’s secrets.

Xaden has authority over his wing, and Amber insists that he handle alleged rule-breaking within it. He rejects her demand to disqualify Violet.

Xaden took personal responsibility for the loyalty of Bodhi and the other 106 children marked by the rebellion, accepting scars and the threat of execution if any betrayed Navarre.

Xaden’s father reportedly put an arrow in Brennan’s chest on the battlefield. That history contributes to the conflict and mistrust surrounding the Sorrengail and Riorson families.

Garrick is Xaden’s close ally and section leader, selected for his headquarters squad. He stands with Xaden during the meeting with the fliers and helps search the abandoned outpost.

Imogen is a marked rider under Xaden’s command and a trusted member of his group. She supports the decision to defend Resson and later urges that Violet be taken for treatment.

Xaden advises Violet to use her dagger-throwing ability to deter Jack, who has publicly threatened to kill her.

Soleil is a rider serving under Xaden’s command. She volunteers to fight at Resson and dies protecting the civilian evacuation.

Xaden and Lilith have a history of conflict tied to the rebellion and Xaden’s loyalty. Xaden says he paid a price for that loyalty, while Lilith regards his company as questionable.

Mira warns Violet to stay away from Xaden, believing he may kill her because she is Lilith Sorrengail’s daughter. Their hostility is grounded in the rebellion and its executions.

Xaden initially claims Violet as his to handle because of the conflict between their families and the rebellion. Their encounters are tense and threatening, though he ultimately lets her go after she promises not to expose the marked riders’ meeting.

Colonel Aetos is Dain’s father and part of Navarre’s leadership, which Xaden opposes as a marked one and son of the executed rebel leader. The chapter identifies the crown’s celebration as an occasion marking the defeat and death of the marked ones’ families.

Melgren is a powerful Navarrian general whose ability to foresee battle outcomes is blocked by Xaden’s rebellion relic. Their opposing positions and Xaden’s concealed rebellion make them adversaries.

Xaden associates the king’s rule with the rebellion’s loss of faith in Navarre’s leadership and the conflict that followed.

Xaden leads the fight against the venin and their wyvern at Resson, using shadows and a dagger to defend the town and his riders.