#dain x violet

[initialsaint]

I'm nearly done reading Onyx Storm and am I literally the only person who likes Dain and Violet together.

I read FW, and thought it was great to see a female MC not get shoved into a love "triangle" (corner), and ended up really liking her chemistry with Xaden. I was also mad as hell at Dain and loved that Violet rightfully stood up to him. Then I read IF and had to force myself to finish it because the first half dragged so much and the romantic side of things was genuinely painful to read, and not in the high-stakes tension way, in the this is just unenjoyable way. And I found myself more interested in Dain's development- because he arguably had more than Violet's actual love interest.

I know Xaden has had progress, but watching Dain go from Violet's childhood friend who seemed like he was always going to be on the wrong side of history, who wouldn't break a rule even it got Violet killed, to the wingleader who killed for her the moment he saw things for what they truly were, who had to grapple with knowing his own father was complicit in leaving people dying on Navarre's doorstep, who has spent the rest of the series helping Violet- and Xaden- and trying to be worthy of her trust and friendship again-

is infinitely more interesting than seeing Xaden go from secretive, to slightly less secretive.

150 pages away from the end of OS, I almost wish the love triangle had happened.

[fancytheoristluminary]

Yall Dain is a rider, with the training of a scribe and personality of an infantry. If you don’t think he is the future general of Basgiath you are lying to yourself

[court-of-secrets]

i love fourth wing couples because if Xaden woke up in the middle of the night to Violet dragging a dead body into their room he’d be like “Baby don’t even worry, you go shower off/ go back to bed, I’ll deal with the body.”

And if Dain woke up in the middle of the night to Sloane dragging a body into their room he’d be like “Really?” and then she would give him a look and start to deal with it but he’d sigh and be like, “No baby I’ll deal with it but you’re gonna sit on the bed and think about what you’ve done.”

[aprill-99]

*After the Gauntlet.*

Amber: “You can’t do that!”

Violet: “Not to worry, I have a permit.”

Dain: “This just says ‘I can do what I want-’”

Xaden: “-And she can. 10/10. 5 Stars.”

[highladyofterrasen7]

Xaden: hello and welcome to this meeting of the Fuck Dain Aetos Club, where we gather weekly to say a collective “fuck you” to him

Xaden: but before we begin I would like to introduce our newest member, Sloane Mairi

Sloane: I may have misinterpreted this

[yelyahrodrigo]

Headlines for Characters of The Empyrean

Violet Sorrengail:

Jack Barlowe:

Imogen Cardulo:

Xaden Riorson:

Lilith Sorrengail:

Cat Cordella:

Xaden, when Violet tells him she loves him:

Xaden and Cat:

Iron Squad:

[violetsorengail]

fourth wing ch. 16

everyone else was cut off and then there's sgaeyl just mocking xaden the whole time. the dragons are like... having an emergency business meeting yet she still has time to whack his ass #girlboss

[thestarseternaal]

does anyone else get deja vú by sloane and dain? a first year and her wingleader? your father killed my brother? they're so xaden and violet coded 🥹🥹

[lowytavis]

But you're not Xaden - Bodhi Durran x Reader

Warning - love confessions

____

"But you’re not Xaden, and I don’t want you to be fucking Xaden, Bodhi! Why don’t you get that?" she screamed, her voice raw with frustration.

Then, before I could even open my mouth to respond, she slammed the door in my face.

The sharp bang echoed down the empty hallway, leaving me standing there, fists clenched, jaw tight.

My arms were trembling—with anger, frustration, and grief.

“Please, open the door, Y/N,” I pleaded, my voice raw with emotion. But nothing.

No response.

I waited another ten minutes in front of her door, clinging to the desperate hope that she would change her mind.

But nothing happened. No footsteps, no muffled sobs—just silence.

“What are you doing here?” Xaden’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

He was walking down the hallway, Violet tucked securely in his arms.

The sight of them made my anger flare up instantly.

“Why the fuck do you care Xaden? Not everyone can be as fucking perfect as you are.” I snapped, my voice harsher than I intended.

Without wasting another second, I turned on my heel and stormed into my own room, slamming the door shut behind me.

____

(YN POV)

I muffled my own silent cries. Bodhi didn’t need to hear them, and I was certain—100% sure—that he was still outside my room.

A few minutes ago, I heard his desperate pleas, begging me to open the door.

But now? Silence.

Until suddenly, his voice erupted again—but not directed at me.

He was yelling at someone else. Xaden. Great.

Exactly the person who started this whole mess. Well, not on purpose, but still.

Bodhi just didn’t get it. He didn’t need to be like Xaden. Hell, I didn’t want him to be like Xaden.

But that didn’t stop him from trying.

Not once, since we started dating a few weeks ago, had he just been himself.

Before all of this, before us, he was Bodhi.

But now? Now, he wasn’t Bodhi Durran anymore. He was acting like a fucking Riorson.

And it was driving me insane.

From the other side of the door, I heard Bodhi’s voice, sharp with frustration. “Why the fuck do you care, Xaden? Not everyone can be as fucking perfect as you are!”

Then—frantic footsteps. Fading. Leaving.

I let out a sob, loud and unrestrained, no longer caring if anyone heard.

A soft knock followed.

I hesitated, then pulled the door open—only to be met with a confused-looking Xaden and a frowning Violet.

"Hi," I choked out, stepping aside to let both of them in.

Violet gave me a concerned look as she walked in, her voice soft.

"What’s going on, Y/N? I thought you and Bodhi were almost... boyfriend-girlfriend official?"

She muttered the last part hesitantly, like she wasn’t sure if she should say it out loud.

Xaden, on the other hand, just frowned in confusion, dropping into my armchair without a word.

"I thought so too," I sobbed, wiping at my face. My gaze flickered to Xaden. "But your cousin—he’s trying too hard to be a Riorson. To be you. When all I want is Bodhi."

Xaden let out a short, amused chuckle. "He what?"

I exhaled shakily, frustrated beyond words. "He tries to act like you. It’s our fifth date, and things were getting pretty serious, Xaden. But he keeps ruining it by doing shit you would do. Not what he would do. You and Bodhi are polar opposites, but he just—" My voice cracked, and I shook my head. "He doesn’t seem to understand that he is enough."

Another sob escaped my lips before I could stop it.

Violet wrapped her arms around me, holding me in a gentle embrace.

Her voice was soft, almost hesitant. "Is there anything we can do? Anything I can do?"

I shook my head, swallowing the lump in my throat.

"No... but thank you for stopping by."

I hesitated, my fingers gripping the hem of my sleeve.

"Also—please don’t tell Bodhi anything. I... we’ll see how—if—this turns out."

Violet exchanged a glance with Xaden, but she just nodded, squeezing my hand reassuringly.

____

Breakfast was awkward.

Uncomfortably so.

Usually, we all sat together—Xaden and Violet, Dain and Sloane, Ridoc with one of his flings, Sawyer third-wheeling him, Rhiannon and Tara.

And then there was always Bodhi and me. Snuggled up together, even before we were dating. Because we were best friends.

But now? The dynamic had shifted. Bodhi sat at another table with Garrick and Imogen, his back turned to me.

It felt wrong.

Like something had cracked in a place I didn’t know could break.

I must’ve looked lost because Sawyer tapped my side, snapping me out of it.

"Hey, Y/N, scoot down here," he said, smiling knowingly.

I swallowed hard and slid down next to him, murmuring a quiet "Thanks."

Tears pricked at my eyes, threatening to spill.

"Try to hold them in, love," Sawyer muttered, nudging me gently.

His voice was warm, kind. One of the kindest souls I knew—along with Bodhi. And that thought alone nearly broke me.

I stabbed my fork into my food, but I hadn’t taken a single bite. Hadn’t even tried. My stomach was in knots, and I knew—if I did eat—I wouldn’t be able to keep it down.

Bodhis POV

I felt her before I even saw her. The air shifted, thick with the weight of her presence, and it took me a long while to muster the courage to actually look at her.

She slumped in her seat. Not in her usual spot. But then again, neither was I. She sat next to Sawyer, who nudged her lightly. J

ealousy pricked at me, but I quickly reminded myself that she wasn’t mine. Sadly.

She slammed her fork into her food with a sharp *clink*, but didn’t take a single bite.

*Cuir,* I called through our bond, my voice low. *Tell Clover to tell Y/N she must eat.*

*Very well,* Cuir responded. His tone made my skin crawl with a mix of annoyance and something deeper I couldn’t place.

But I didn’t have time to argue with him as the rest of my table began standing up, preparing to leave.

I glanced at Y/N one last time, unable to stop myself.

Our eyes locked for a brief moment.

She held the fork in her hand, but then slowly, painfully, placed it in her mouth. She forced a smile, but the tears welling in her eyes—those were impossible to hide.

And it broke me. 

"Can we talk?" Y/N mumbled from behind me, her voice barely audible.

I was already preparing for the sparring match with Xaden, mentally focusing, tightening my grip on the moment.

''No,'' I said sternly, pulling my shirt off and stepping onto the mat. I didn't look back. I couldn't.

Xaden and I squared off, the fight beginning with each of us pushing and pulling, testing each other's limits.

My movements were sharp, but my mind kept drifting. Every punch, every block, felt empty—like I was trying to fight off something that wasn’t even in the ring with me. 

I could feel the adrenaline coursing through me as I squared off with Xaden.

The mat beneath my feet was slick with sweat, and my muscles were already burning from the intensity of the fight, but I refused to back down.

This wasn’t about winning; it was about control—something I had to find, especially with everything else falling apart.

Xaden moved first, a blur of motion. He swung high, testing my defense. I blocked, stepping back, trying to predict his next move. He was faster than I expected, more fluid than anyone I’d ever sparred with. But I wasn’t going to let him get the better of me.

I jabbed toward his ribs, but he anticipated it, dodging to the side with a grin that was almost too knowing. Damn him, I thought. He was always so composed, like he knew exactly how to push me without breaking a sweat.

I lunged again, this time more aggressively, swinging for his head. He blocked easily, the force of his arm knocking me off balance. My heart hammered in my chest as I stumbled back, trying to regain my footing.

"You need to focus, Bodhi," Xaden's voice came low, taunting. I gritted my teeth, anger flaring inside me.

He was right. My mind wasn’t on the fight. It was on everything else—the mess with Y/N, the tension building between us, the way I couldn’t seem to do anything right lately.

Xaden’s next strike came without warning—a quick jab to my stomach, knocking the air out of me.

I wheezed, vision blurring for a second as I gasped for breath. He pressed the advantage, stepping closer, pushing me into a corner. I tried to push back, but it felt like my body was betraying me. He was everywhere, his fists like lightning, his movements a step ahead of mine every time.

I barely saw it coming. A punch straight to my jaw, hard enough to snap my head back.

Everything around me spun, and before I could even react, I felt the world tilt. The impact from the punch rattled my skull, and in that split second, I was completely out of control. My knees buckled, and I felt the floor rush up to meet me. There was nothing I could do to stop it.

The last thing I saw was Xaden's face, a flicker of concern mixed with something else—something I couldn’t place—before everything went black.

(YN POV)

I saw Xaden’s punch coming before Bodhi even had time to react, and I swear, I could feel it in my own chest when it landed. Bodhi stumbled, took a step back, then another. And then, he fell.

I didn’t think. I just moved.

I jumped up from where I had been sitting on the nearby mat and rushed over to him, my heart pounding in my throat.

Dropping to my knees beside him, I gently lifted his face, my hands trembling.

“Bodhi... Bodhi, Bodhi...” I muttered, my voice breaking with every word.

His eyes were unfocused, and his breathing was shallow. Panic surged through me, my fingers brushing against his skin, searching for any sign of life.

Xaden's hands were suddenly on me, pulling me away. His grip was firm, but careful, as he lifted me up by my arm.

“He’ll be alright, Y/N,” Xaden said, his voice oddly calm in the chaos of the moment. “A concussion, maybe. Let’s get him to his room.”

But even as he said the words, I could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on me, the uncertainty clouding my mind.

____

I had been sitting beside Bodhi’s bed for what felt like hours. Two hours, to be exact.

The rain outside had started pouring, the sound of it slapping against the window oddly soothing, calming me down.

Sitting here, next to him, felt like the only thing that could ground me right now. No matter the circumstances, he always felt like home.

I gently swiped a damp cloth over his forehead, carefully wiping away the last traces of blood, my hand trembling slightly.

He stirred then, a soft groan escaping his lips.

“Bodhi, carefully,” I mumbled softly, pressing him back down into the pillow.

“Y/N…” His voice was low, raspy, like he was waking from a dream, eyes wide and unfocused.

“Careful, Bod. You’ve got a concussion. Xaden got you pretty good.” I chuckled lightly, wiping his cheeks gently with the cloth.

“Thank you for taking care of me,” he murmured, his voice still thick with exhaustion.

“Always will,” I whispered back, my fingers lingering on his skin.

“I’m sorry I’m not perfect—” I didn’t let him finish.

I leaned closer, cutting him off before the words could leave his mouth.

“Stop, Bodhi. Please.” I swallowed the lump in my throat, my voice shaking.

“You are perfect. You are all I want. And yes, you’re not like Xaden. You’ll never be Xaden, Bodhi. But you are Bodhi Durran. My best friend. The kind one. You’re one of the kindest souls I know, and—”

I took a shaky breath. “God, I love you so fucking much, Bodhi. It hurts me.” 

The words slipped out before I could stop them.

I had confessed my love.

We had never said those words before, never crossed that line, but in that moment, it felt right. It felt fitting.

Bodhi’s eyes widened in shock.

“Say that again.”

I hesitated, feeling the weight of my own confession settling in my chest. But there was no taking it back now.

“I love you, Bodhi Durran,” I choked out, my voice trembling.

Tears didn’t fall, but I could feel them swelling behind my eyes.

“I’ve loved you for years. I think I always will, Bodhi.”

His expression softened, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“I love you too, Y/N. So much. So, so fucking much.”

My heart swelled at his words, a mixture of relief and joy flooding me.

Then, without warning, he pulled me in, his lips capturing mine in a soft, lingering kiss. The world seemed to fade around us, everything that had been heavy and painful just disappearing.

But then he pulled away, a low growl of pain escaping him.

I chuckled softly, pulling back just enough to smile at him.

“We better wait until you’re better to make out.”

“No fucking way.” Bodhi muttered, his eyes filled with mischief.

Before I could react, he pulled me back in, deepening the kiss immediately, ignoring the pain in favor of this moment we’d both been holding back for too long.

[incorrect-fourthwing]

Violet: From now on we’ll be using code names. You can address me as ‘Eagle 1’

Halden. Code name ‘Been there done that.’

Xaden is ‘currently doing that.’

Dain is ‘it happened once in a dream.’

Cat. Code name ‘If I had to pick a girl.’

Ridoc is… ‘Eagle 2.’

Ridoc: Oh thank god.

[shadowsingerofnight]

I was just thinking about xaden and violet (as one does) and, even if it’s obviously for plot reasons, how lucky they actually are tairn and sgaeyl are mated and therefore tolerate being around each other (more like relish in being together)

because like imagine sloane and dain have this tortuous, angry love story, they finally get together but then thoirt and cath have beef lmao

like decades long beef, especially both being reds hence from the same den and they just snap at each other every time

like sloane and dain fly out somewhere to be alone in some meadow or what not but they have to make sure their dragons can fit at least a hundred feet between them, it would be so fucking hilarious

[violentdelightshavevioletends]

[fancytheoristluminary]

I just realized that Sloane finds it attractive when Dain is doing his Wingleader duties. In Iron Flame, Chapter 43, they were climbing the Cliffs of Drailor. We all know Sloane’s personality—she was like, "What is he doing here?" But the moment she saw him commanding the others, she shut up. My girl was mesmerized.

[court-of-secrets]

sloane getting pregnant during the war and garrick just DECKS dain on the spot, sloane has to talk imogen out of stabbing him, and they have like five minutes of peace before mira shows up to haul dain off to see violet -in charge of riorson house and pissed- and is laughing the entire time going, “oh you’re dead aetos” because sloane is EVERYONE��S BABY SISTER

@violencelittlething and i have been bouncing ideas back and forth again!!

[aprill-99]

Violet: “What did you guys get in your yearbook?”

Rhi: “Prettiest smile.”

Liam: “Nicest personality.”

Ridoc: “Class clown.”

Dain: “Most likely to succeed.”

Imogene: “Most likely to start a bar fight.”

Xaden: “Least likely to start a bar fight, but most likely to win one.”

[saintsanddevils]

Never Alone - pt 2

Aaric Graycastle x Fem!Reader

Summary: You’re called to the Fourth Wing, much to Aaric’s annoyance.

Warnings: Iron Flame spoilers, ANGST, yearning, slow burn friends-to-lovers, dual POV (Reader & Aaric)

Word Count: 2.5K

Part One | Part Three

————

-Rider’s Quadrant-

(Reader POV)

My thighs are burning and my feet ache from climbing those damn stairs when I finally reach the top. The line of recruits is going by faster now. I’m hoping this means it’s almost over. Or maybe more people are falling to their deaths on the parapet.

Shit, this is such a bad idea.

I close my eyes to calm my breathing, counting backwards from 100 before I can feel the nerves slowly dissipate. I try to tap into that earlier anger and frustration. Remembering when I found Cam’s room empty and barren, a half-ass letter about touring the country twisting my gut. He’d never do such a frivolous thing. Halden would, but not Cam. Besides, he would’ve invited me to go with him. The fact that he didn’t was his first mistake.

Now, I’m sweaty, tired, and grumpy and about to strangle the life out of a Prince of Navarre.

I’m next in line when I freeze. Violet Sorrengail stares at me in horror. I’ve known her for far too long that I recognize the waves of shock, worry, and sorrow flit through her hazel eyes.

It’s Dain who speaks first, startling me by his presence.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” he mutters low enough so only the three of us can hear. “You too?”

I steel my spine, pinching my nails into my palms to keep myself from bolting. If Cam wants to get himself caught up in a war, I’m going to make sure he doesn’t die.

“Y/N… Thorne,” I wince, knowing I just used my mother’s maiden name. Hopefully, no one will see the connection. It’s too late now.

Both Violet and Dain stare openly, the latter looking as though he’ll crack a tooth from grinding his teeth so hard. Violet looks more understanding with the way her face begins to soften.

“I know why you’re here,” she says. “But I don’t think anyone can stop him.”

I narrow my gaze. “I know, that’s why I’ve come to make sure he doesn’t break that pretty neck of his.”

Violet’s mouth almost curves into a smile while Dain shakes his head in obvious annoyance.

“Let’s just invite the entire palace, while we’re at it,” he murmurs to himself.

“Y/N Thorne,” I repeat.

Violet nods, motioning to the woman next to her to write it down.

I turn away from them only to stop when Violet whispers, “Don’t die, Y/L/N.”

I smirk before stepping onto the parapet. “Promise, Sorrengail.”

——————————————

“Aaric Graycastle to Second Squad, Flame Section, Fourth Wing.”

Aaric Graycastle. I scoff. He must’ve made that last name up. I recognize his middle name, and I promise myself not to give in and tell him how much it suits him. He has enough arrogance as it is.

I don’t take my eyes off his sandy-brown hair as he makes his way to stand in the first row of the Fourth Wing, a few feet away from Violet in the second row. He stands perfectly straight as he waits next to a girl who looks like she might puke at any second.

The crowd of cadets thins the longer we stand here until the woman on the dais draws my attention away from Aaric. “Y/N Thorne to Second Squad, Flame Section, Second Wing—“

Dain stops her, speaking quickly before she nods, and he steps away, meeting my gaze.

“Correction,” she continues. “Y/N Thorne to Second Squad, Flame Section, Fourth Wing.”

I give Dain a nod of appreciation as I make my way over to Aaric’s and Violet’s wing. Violet gives me a look of relief, but as I look for Aaric, he’s glaring up at Dain on the dais.

“Miss me?” I mutter as I walk by him.

His tight fists are white by the time I find a spot in line. I’m two people away from him, but there could practically be no one around with the way I’m entirely too aware of his presence. He’s taller than all the first years, broader too, making it easy to see him in my peripheral.

Time moves quickly as speeches are made and when the dragons land heavily on the roof of the courtyard, panic grips me by the throat. Screams fill the air as they assess us like prey. They’re huge. This isn’t the first time I’ve seen a dragon, but it’s still just as terrifying. Survival instincts rise up and I feel myself begin to take a step back. A large hand suddenly grips my wrist, stopping me.

“Don’t move.”

Aaric is now beside me, holding me from bolting from the courtyard. With how quick he is in a fight, I’m not shocked he was able to maneuver his way next to me before the dragons could take notice.

His fingers tighten before slowly moving down my wrist to my palm, over the small scar, to the tips of my fingers. Warmth rushes through me from his touch, calming the rising panic. He slips his hand around mine and squeezes until they’re bound tightly together.

I count my breaths as he holds on to me, never letting go for a second. Not even as the new recruits around us scream and run for the parapet behind us.

Aaric suddenly stiffens as a one-eyed Orange Daggertail swivels its head towards them. And we’re directly in the way.

The dragon opens its massive jaw.

“Get down!” I hear Violet shout behind us just as Aaric lunges, tackling me to the gravel. He covers my body with his as fire blazes above us, close enough that the heat is practically suffocating. I curl to touch my forehead to the ground, holding back tears as a wave of overwhelming fear crashes over me.

I will not die.

I will not die.

I will. Not. Die.

I begin to count backwards from 100, breathing in and out, slowly. The crescendo of screams slowly begins to die down the longer we lie here, but the smell of burning flesh intensifies.

“You’re okay,” Aaric whispers in my ear. His breath tickles the skin of my neck. “Stay still. Keep counting, that’s it. In and out.”

I don’t acknowledge how I must be muttering the numbers aloud. I keep counting, as he instructed. My body trembles beneath his as I feel him slide his hands into mine. He tightens his fingers, grounding me.

I’m reminded of a time when I nearly drowned in the frozen lake near Cam’s winter home. We were reckless and young, and I remember him pulling me from the ice as he screamed for his guards. He was so scared as he held me on the shore, panicking over my lips turning blue. The way he held my hands, his warmth burrowing deep inside my bones as he wrapped around me, is similar to the way he holds me now. It’s achingly familiar.

As quickly as it came, the fire dies. Sulfur and burning flesh still fill the air.

And Aaric hasn’t let go of me.

His body cages me, his chest to my back. His breathing matching mine as I slowly rise out of the fog of fear. It lingers, but I’m more clear-headed now. And I’m now more aware of Aaric’s closeness. It’s been years since we were this close to each other, and the thought sends blistering heat up my body into my cheeks.

Now is not the time.

Aaric slowly rises, his weight lifting from me as he continues to hold my hand to help me scramble to stand next to him.

My heart swells with the idea of him protecting me, keeping me safe, but anxiety rushes over me as the smell of burning still lingers around us.

I look him up and down. “Are you hurt?”

He’s doing the same thing to me as he shakes his head. “No, I’m fine. Thank, Malek.” His hand squeezes mine, lingering before reluctantly releasing. He drops it back to his side quickly. “Are you?”

I shake my head, staring up into those concerned green eyes of his as everyone around us tries to get back into formation.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

Aaric visibly swallows before he nods and shifts to stand facing the dais. I catch sight of Violet over his shoulder, and besides her smoldering jacket, she seems okay. Her wide eyes meet mine, and she nods towards the line.

Right.

I turn away from Aaric and stand with my back straight, trying to keep still as Lyron Panchek yells from the dais to get everyone in order.

The trembling has settled now that I know I’m still breathing. In its place, guilt has settled like lead in my stomach. The gravity of what I’m doing is startlingly clear now. I could die any day at any moment. All because of my unwavering loyalty to the one man I’ve ever… I swallow that emotion down before it escalates any further.

I need to stay focused.

I would’ve been dead moments ago if it weren’t for Aaric. And because of me, he almost got hurt or worse. I can’t let that happen. Even if we’re in the one place guaranteeing we’ll die with even one misstep, I need to keep him alive.

No matter the cost.

————

(Aaric POV)

Aaric is waiting in the shadows outside of the girls’ dormitory when Y/N finally steps out. With the night cloaking him, he quickly grabs her from behind. She turns in time to throw her elbow into his stomach on instinct. Aaric drops his hands from her, holding his torso as pain racks up his ribs.

“Good shot,” he coughs.

Her eyes widen before she pushes him back into the corner he was hiding in.

“What the hell, Ca-“ she catches herself before continuing at a lower volume. “What the hell, Aaric?”

He leans against the stone, breathing deeply as he holds his stomach. “Well, I was hoping you and I could talk, but clearly you’d rather beat me up first.”

She rolls her eyes at him. “It’s your own fault for creeping around in the dark. You’re far too comfortable kidnapping me, it seems.”

Aaric can’t help the laugh that barks its way out of his mouth, causing pulses of pain from his newly bruised rib.

She visibly softens at the sound, her mouth twitching before she looks away to hide her smile. Aaric clenches his hand to resist the urge of grabbing her by the chin so he can see it.

“Well,” she leans against the opposite wall, giving each other ample space. Space Aaric really doesn’t want to give her, but he doesn’t move from his spot. “What is it? Curfew is in a few minutes.”

Aaric nods. “That won’t matter much longer because I found you a way out of here.”

She startles. “What?”

“Don’t worry, Dain will take you. He’ll escort you back home, and you can—“

In the next blink, she’s suddenly before him. Just as he steps back, hitting the wall, her hand reaches up to wrap around the collar of his leathers.

“Don’t make me slap you again,” she says slowly, menacingly. “Because I won’t hesitate.”

Aaric doesn’t doubt it. The tenderness of his cheek reminds him that she didn’t hesitate earlier.

“You listen to me, because I guess I wasn’t clear enough before,” she leans forward, her eyes blazing as she pulls him down by the collar so he’s inches from her face. “If you’re staying, I’m staying. You’re getting a dragon? I’ll get myself a damn dragon—”

“And what?!” He stops her, his voice gaining volume as the last of his patience wears thin, making him cling to desperation. “I jump, you jump, I die, you die? Is that what this is?” He shakes his head. Over his dead body would he let her die because of him. “I’m not going to let that happen, Y/N. You’re going home.”

“It’s not up to you,” she shakes her head before letting him go and stepping away as if he burned her. “You’re so concerned for me? Then stay alive. I’m not going anywhere.”

She tries to move past him to the door, but he crowds her against the wall, holding her hostage. Fury lights her eyes as she bears her teeth at him like a caged animal.

“Let me go, Cam.”

Aaric gives her a smirk as sharp as a blade. “Sorry, I don’t know who you’re talking about.”

She scoffs. “You’re being ridiculous.”

“And you’re being unnecessarily difficult.”

She glares up at him, and it’s only when the flames from a distant torch light her eyes that he softens his hold. He feels her chest brushing his, breathing heavily against him. Her skin pulses against his fingers as he holds her wrists to the wall. His thigh between hers to keep her from kicking.

This close, her scent is intoxicating, making his head swim with indecision. If this were an entirely different situation, he’d be trying to hold himself back from finally leaning down and capturing her soft lips with his—

He steps away, setting her free. Grinding his teeth, he watches her face contort from annoyance to confusion. He thanks every god he can think of for the darkness of the corridor.

“You can’t stay,” he chokes out. This plan went to hell, and now he has nothing left but to beg. “Please… Please don’t stay here.”

She tries to reclaim the space they lost by stepping forward, but he steps back. It’s better this way, or else he’ll never let her go.

“As long as you’re here, I’m staying.” Her voice is soft, calm. A part of him wishes she was yelling at him instead. It’d be easier that way.

Can’t she see how scared he is? How terrified he’s been since that deranged dragon tried to burn her to ash? He knows it’ll haunt him. He can’t live with himself if she ends up on that gods-forsaken death roll one morning.

Guilt creates a hole in his chest as she turns away, heading back to her dorm.

“Tell Dain if he’s going to take me back, I’m going down fighting. And if you ask him to do this for you ever again,” she gives him a cold, dead stare. “I’ll tell every single person who you are and find a way to ensure your father knows exactly where to find you.”

The threat stings, but he knew she’d use it. She held every card the second she stepped off the parapet. If only she knew how close he’d come to leaving when he saw tears in her eyes after the dragon’s fire.

“I can’t-“ he swallows, closing his eyes to compose himself. “I can’t watch you die.”

She doesn’t look back as she twists open the door. “Then don’t look.”