Tris unexpectedly encounters Nick, who shows the same dagger mark as him, raising questions about their connection. Their reunion is interrupted by a hostile man demanding Nick be released, claiming the young Nightwyrm dragon belongs to him due to its powerful bloodline needed to heal his injured Firewyrm. He insults Tris, calling him a loser who failed to pact a beast, trying to convince the Nightwyrm to abandon Tris. As tensions rise, the dragon's loyalty hangs in the balance, leaving Nick and Tris challenged by this aggressive claim and uncertain what will happen next.