After the plot of the first volume of The Fourth Wing, Skye learns about the existence of venin in the Wasteland and the formation of the second rebellion by Xaden Riorson, her boyfriend... their relationship was suspended because Xaden cheated on her. Skye was kidnapped by General Varish and tortured by what she knew about the start of the second rebellion and by knowing about the venin what the kingdom wanted to conceal.... Xaden deserted to save her, then took her to Riorson House, where they return to their relationship... A few months later, something like a second Basgiath is created at Riorson House, because more and more cadets and riders go over to their side. It turns out that the Venin have destroyed the academy in Zoyla, where the enemies of Navarre trained, the gryphon riders make deals with Tyrendor and the gryphon riders to accept their cadets to Riorson House to help in the rebellion. When they do, it turns out that Xaden's ex-girlfriend is among them and he tries to win him away from Skye. Xaden ex name is Catriona

Skye and Xaden are in Xaden's room at Riorson House, getting ready to go to bed, but then there is a knock. Xaden walks over to open the door, behind which stands Catriona in a see-through bathrobe