In the Omega mess hall, Manon observes the dangerous strain among the Ironteeth clans as rotations keep the Blackbeaks, Bluebloods, and Yellowlegs mostly apart. Because everyone wants the strongest wyverns and the clans are competing for status, even meals become a battlefield of threats and posturing.

While Manon waits for food with Asterin, Iskra Yellowlegs cuts in and taunts Manon about the Thirteen’s first flight in a decade. Manon restrains her temper but answers with insults about the Yellowlegs’ weakness, publicly challenging Iskra’s claim to dominance. The confrontation ends without bloodshed, and Manon takes satisfaction in the unity and pride of the Thirteen.

Later, Manon and the Thirteen prepare for the Crossing, a deadly plunge between mountain peaks meant to test rider and wyvern. With the Yellowlegs watching and Mother Blackbeak present, Manon mounts a small female wyvern and leads the Thirteen off the cliff. The wyverns dive, then catch the air and climb, proving that Manon and her coven can fly again.

Once airborne, Manon feels the sky restore a part of herself that had been missing. Asterin, Sorrel, Vesta, and the rest of the Thirteen form around her, exhilarated and victorious. Rather than return immediately, Manon decides to test the wyverns further in the canyon runs, turning the flight into a declaration of Blackbeak strength.

Afterward, Mother Blackbeak summons Manon and praises the Thirteen’s performance and discipline. She orders Manon to win the coming war games and become Wing Leader over all the Ironteeth clans, making clear that the Blackbeaks must control the armies after the king’s war and the reclaiming of the Wastes. Mother Blackbeak also warns Manon to keep Asterin close, because Baba Yellowlegs’s murder proves that even ancient witches can be killed by hidden enemies.