Chappy’s changeling reveal ignites a riot in the Colosseum. Templeton is ordered away from battle and rescues a prophetic, wounded Swiftwind. Scraat infiltrates the Kept and opens the North Gate. Smurk strikes from above. Fert fails to calm prisoners but leads the escape, surviving the crushing gate as Chauntea’s new Champion.

The Flame, still scattered across Fey Ember, push through their separate trials in hopes of overcoming the darkness closing in. Templeton reunites with his father, Commander Cecil P. Hedgepaw, and immediately struggles to assert himself as a soldier rather than the battalion leader’s son. Cecil is overwhelmed with joy but fumbles to express affection, especially as Templeton presents himself with disciplined, stoic composure. Their reunion is short-lived. After Templeton rep

As the Onyx Order’s army stretches across the horizon, Templeton and Rayna stand on the walls of Fey Ember. Two different generations of soldiers staring into the storm. A missing statue, a fading goddess, and a city on the brink. Chaos erupts when the green flares color the air and sky splits. Skirmishes ignite, fear spreads, and Templeton must decide whether to flee or lead.