#imogen cardulo smut

[saintsanddevils]

Unravel Me

Liam Mairi x Fem!Reader

Summary: Grief is your constant companion as you struggle to come to terms with losing Liam. You can’t handle the memories, so you ask Imogen to take them away.

Warnings: ‼️18+ (MDNI) explicit content‼️, smut, grief, death, blood, some violence, angst, ALL HURT/no comfort, first person reader pov

Author’s Note: This is probably my fav story I’ve written so far! Liam is my favorite of all of the Fourth Wing men & I’ve been dying to write this for so long. - also, every person who has checked in on me about burnout, thank you, you’re incredibly kind & I appreciate all the love!!

Word Count: 8.6K

AO3 link

Masterlist

• • • •

The stone archway is the only thing keeping me from collapsing to the ground. I lay my back against it, trying to keep myself standing. Breaths saw through my lungs in jagged, sharp inhales. A knife cutting through me from the inside out.

Storm clouds form in the sky above, ominous in the setting sun. The smell of wet stone and soil fills the air as I try to still my racing heart.

It’s been one month.

One month.

Four weeks.

Thirty days.

Seven hundred and twenty-two hours and counting since Liam has been gone.

Knees shaking, I close my eyes, breathing deeply. But the breaths come quicker and faster. The image of Liam’s broken, bloody face surfacing unbidden. The way his blue eyes frosted over before closing, his skin cracked and pale as he slumped against Deigh’s red scales.

Rough, uneven breaths escape me. Thunder rumbles the ground beneath my feet, the summer air chilled by the cool of rain. Each breath clouds around me as I stand beneath an arch, facing the open courtyard.

The very courtyard where I first met Liam.

I remember the way his eyes lit with a teasing gleam when they first met mine. He was playful, flirtatious, but his eyes captured me. Like crystal glass, filled with murky seawater shining in the sunlight. I’d never seen such a blue.

The memory stings, sharp and insistent with its presence. Since his death, I’ve been left with nothing but every memory I have of him. Each one imprinted upon me, unique and shining. How he smiled, fully and entirely intoxicating, when I entered the room. The way his skin glided against mine between sheets. The feel of his calloused hand gripping my own. His lips coasting mine, teasing, before claiming them for his own, stealing the breath in my lungs.

Every day since his death has been my own personal hell. Waking up, alone, forms a hollow ache within my chest that grows with every second. I never want to leave my bed.

For the first week, everyone grieved alongside me. But we’re in the middle of a war. We can’t waste any time.

Only the pestering of my squad mates and the force behind my dragon’s insistent encouragement force me out of my room now. Although they try to hide it, they’re concerned for me. I act like I can’t feel their penetrating gazes, but it’s suffocating.

Every day is suffocating.

Distantly, I hear someone call my name. With my eyes closed, I can pretend I’m not here. I can pretend he’s alive. I can pretend I will find him standing before me, smiling, when I open my eyes. That he’ll tell me I worry too much and he’ll kiss the rain from my cheeks and lips.

When I open my eyes, it’s not him standing there. It’s Imogen.

Concern lines her face as she stares at me. “I’m so sorry. I can’t.”

Tears burn my eyes as the rain begins to fall harder. Overcome by a heaviness crushing my ribs, my knees start to shake. I can’t tell if I’m holding on to the wall or if it’s the one keeping me up.

“Please,” I beg, voice cracking. “I can’t do this anymore. I can’t wake up tomorrow with this pain,” I grip my chest, swallowing the grief threatening to choke me. “It’s like a living, breathing thing inside of me. It’s poisoning me. I…I can’t do it anymore.”

Sobs escape from my lips, gasping and heaving. I must sound like a tortured animal as I collapse to the ground, cracking my knees against the stone. The pain grounds me as I slump against the wall.

This pressure on my chest, the one that settled there as I watched Liam limp towards Deigh a month ago, is stifling me. It’s growing more and more, crushing my lungs, severing my breaths as I cling to the stone beneath my fingers.

I completely forget Imogen until she’s stepping towards me. She watches the tears fall from my eyes, shared sorrow evident in her posture. She, too, knew Liam well. They all did. It wasn’t just me who lost him.

But she knows what he was to me. What I was to him.

I don’t know what convinces her. Maybe it’s the tears. Maybe it’s my pathetic whimpers. Or maybe it’s the hollow look in my eyes as grief consumes me. All I know is she’s staring at me with concern and hesitant understanding. And I cling to that like a lifeline.

“Okay,” her voice sobers me from my tears.

A shaky breath. Another.

“Really?” My whisper is broken in the space between us.

She nods slowly. “I’ll do it. But you have to know what you’re asking me to do.”

I nod back, aware of her hands as they clench and unclench at her sides.

The idea came to me last week when a cadet mocked Violet about losing her “guard dog”. Violet flinched and, suddenly, there he was. Xaden was a feral, untamed thing as he hurled himself at the cadet.

It should’ve been me. I should’ve hurt that dumbass cadet. I wish it had been me as I watched Xaden deliver blow after blow on the cadet before being thrown back by Garrick. My knees and hands were shaking as I watched him be crowded against the wall, restrained as the injured cadet ran down the hall like a fucking coward.

Grief is something that’s different for everyone. I think the only person who knew an ounce of what I felt was Xaden. He lost not only a friend but a brother. He loved him.

And as I stood there, staring as Violet calmed Xaden, I had known this grief would pass for him. It would haunt him forever, but it would scar over. He would heal because he had Violet. He had Garrick and Imogen and Bodhi.

I had Liam.

A steadiness settles in me as I meet her gaze. “I know what I’m asking.”

She closes her eyes, briefly, as if debating if this is worth the risk, before raising her hands towards me.

“You need to stay perfectly still,” she instructs, kneeling before me. “I’m not going to lie to you. This will hurt like hell, but the pain won’t last long. It should fade, along with the memories you want me to erase.”

I nod as trepidation and nerves slowly creep up my spine, causing my hands to shake. I clench them, steeling myself. Forcing determination to settle on my shoulders.

Imogen settles herself before me, waiting for my signal before touching the skin of my temples. The pink of her hair is darker in the low lighting, thunder gradually fading in the distance as rain continues to fall.

“Are you sure?” She asks, voice hesitant.

A flash of Liam’s smile has my gut twisting. Liam used to say that love was something he never thought would happen to him. That love was a fairytale.

After almost a year of being together, he whispered with shaky breaths, “I’ve never loved someone like I love you. You’re the other half of something I didn’t know was missing. Something so tied within me, I feel you always.”

I’d gripped him tightly, clinging to him as I kissed his collarbone, neck, all the way up to his jaw. “I feel you, too.”

He shook his head, lips brushing my ear. “Don’t you think it’s terrifying that at any moment, it could be gone? I could lose you?”

I’d given him reassurances. False promises.

I didn’t know I’d lose him so soon. I didn’t know loving him would become a curse.

Wanting something I can’t ever have again will kill me. I can’t do it anymore.

“Yes,” I answer Imogen. “I’m sure.”

She hesitates, only for a moment, before closing her eyes. I close my own, letting the rain wash my doubts away.

Pressure builds behind my eyes, steady and gradual at her fingertips. I can feel her presence in my mind.

“Start from your most recent memory,” she says. “And slowly go further and further until you reach the oldest one.”

I pause, my heart racing frantically in my chest as I immediately recall the last time I saw Liam.

“No!” I scream, but it’s too late.

Deigh slumps to the ground, motionless.

Blood drips from my hands as I run towards Liam, whose eyes meet mine in wide panic. I watch him stagger forward, limping, before collapsing to the dirt.

I’m there, holding him up as his body begins to slump. Xaden appears, helping me, but I barely glance at him. My entire focus is on Liam’s shallow breathing.

“Take me to him,” he whispers roughly, chest rising and falling jaggedly.

We help bring Liam to Deigh. My shaking hands cling to him as we settle him against the red scales of his dragon. Xaden lingers beside me as we both kneel before Liam, whose gaze is fixed on his friend.

“You’re the brother I’ve always wanted,” he smiles. “Don’t forget where you came from. Who you are, and who you’ll become.”

Tears well in Xaden’s eyes as he nods.

I feel like I’m intruding on a moment between them, but I can’t bring myself to leave Liam’s side.

“I-“ he swallows, gaze fixated on Violet behind us. “I hope I did enough-“

“You did,” Xaden smiles, tears now falling down his cheeks. “You did everything you could and more.”

Liam nods, tears in his own eyes. Xaden leans forward to hold him, one last time.

Liam mumbles something to him I can’t hear before Xaden backs away, back towards Violet. I catch Xaden looking at me, guilt written across his features, but I don’t acknowledge it. I can’t waste any second we have left.

Liam finally, finally, meets my gaze. His jaw clenches as he watches the tears streaming down my skin. His fingers reach up, wiping them away. I lean into his hand on instinct, forcing myself to memorize the way his calloused skin feels against mine.

“I don’t know how to say goodbye,” I whisper.

Liam’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “Then don’t.”

He pulls me forward, kissing me with his last breaths. I don’t hesitate. I kiss him with every fiber of my being, knowing I won’t have this for much longer. The feel of his lips will stay with me until I, too, meet Malek at the end of this life. Where I hope he waits for me.

When we part, I lean my forehead against his, breaths sawing through me like a serrated knife’s edge.

“I-I can’t lose you,” I gasp.

His skin is pale, almost gray-tinted, as his fingers softly touch my cheek. “You won’t lose me forever. I’ll see you again.”

A sob escapes my lips before I kiss him again. “I love you. Always.”

Liam’s smile is full of sorrow as he kisses me back. “I’ll love you beyond my last breath,” he whispers against my lips.

His fingers suddenly caress the back of my head, tilting my face to look up at him. There’s a severity in his eyes as he stares down at me. “Every moment we have had is something I’ll cherish long after I’m gone. I’ve never felt so lucky,” he kisses the tip of my nose, the top of my cheeks. “Whatever becomes of me, my soul,” a tear falls from his eye as his gaze holds me captive. “I’ll always be with you.”

I turn my head to kiss the palm of his hand. “I’ll always need you.”

“Not always,” he shakes his head. “I need you to promise me something.”

“Anything.”

“Live,” his smile is beaming as blood trickles down the side of his head from an open cut, staining his blonde hair. “Live and forget me.”

“But-“

“I want you to grow old, live a full life. Fight to live beyond whatever this war will bring.”

I shake my head. “How am I supposed to forget you? You’re all I have.”

“No, I’m not. You have so much to live for, don’t let me stand in the way of something greater ahead of you.” I try to refute, but Liam silences me with another kiss. “You’re the one thing in my life that’s made all of this worth it. For that, I’m grateful for the time I was given with you.”

A whimper escapes me and Liam holds me, breathing me in.

“I kept my promise.” He kisses me once, twice.

In the space between us, we breathe together. I hold my hand to his chest, feeling the rise and fall. One long, deep, shaky breath, a whisper of my name, and he stills.

Silence crowds around me, choking the air as I weep into the skin of his neck, holding him close. A scream builds in my throat as his body grows cold beneath me. Rage rises like a tidal wave within me, numbing the pain.

They’ll pay. Every last Venin will die for this. For what they took from me.

I’m covered in sweat, blood, and dried tears by the time the sun sets and the Venin are defeated in Athebyne. For now.

Flames reach towards the sky, flickering and grasping for the stars. I grip my sword, Liam’s sword, tightly in my hand. Blood trickles down my skin across the blade as I stare into the fire.

Liam’s body burns atop the pyre. Ashes scatter in the breeze as everyone stands to watch. We all lived, and it sickens me. We survived, and Liam, the best of us, didn’t.

Bitterness settles next to the grief. It burns like acid in my gut. The last thing I remember is Violet’s hand gripping my own in comfort.

“You’re not alone,” she whispers.

But I am. I’m entirely alone.

The memory is ripped from my grasp, leaving me gasping, heaving, as the ache in my chest burns.

Before I can steady myself, I’m thrown into another.

Arms wrap around my torso, pulling me close to a firm chest as dim light filters through the arched windows.

“Good morning to you, too,” I whisper, groggily.

A breathy chuckle against my spine has my skin prickling. “Morning, love.”

I bask in the warmth of his arms, the feel of his muscles flexing against my skin as he kisses my shoulder. He hums, continuing kissing up my shoulder to my neck, shifting my hair to kiss up my jaw. I shiver, as his fingers trail down my torso to my hips, pulling the hem of my nightdress up my thighs.

“Liam,” I breathe.

I feel him smile against my ear as he nips at it. “Yes, love? Need something?”

His fingers trail up my thighs, leaving goosebumps in their wake. When his calloused hand reaches the edge of my underwear, Liam’s lips caress my bottom lip.

I whisper against him, “I need you.”

“Whatever you want, I’ll give you,” he smirks before his lips collide with mine.

He kisses me with a lazy, unhurried pace. As if we have all the time in the world.

I shift in his arms, gaining better access to his mouth as I tangle my tongue with his. My fingers dive through his hair as his own slip beneath the lace of my underwear. His skin is warm and rough against me as the tips of his fingers glide across where I want him most.

“Already wet for me, darling?” He growls into my mouth.

I moan as his fingers sink inside me, pumping agonizingly slow. He continues to tease and caress as I melt in his arms. When his thumb rubs smooth circles around my clit, heat begins to prickle at the base of my core. I’m already climbing to my peak, heaving and gasping breaths as he pumps his long, thick fingers in and out, gaining speed the more I moan his name.

“You’re intoxicating,” he groans as he bites my lip. “I fucking love waking up to you like this. Soaked and ready for me.”

A gasp falls from my lips just before he pinches my clit. Light flashes beneath my lids as I cry out, fire blazing up my body as I fall into the rhythm of his fingers. I pulse and squeeze around him as my hands grip onto him tightly. When I come down from my climax, a pounding on the door has me jolting.

“Don’t make me break this fucking door down!” I hear Xaden’s voice yell.

Liam groans, slumping against me. “Shit.”

The bed shifts as he rolls off the bed, covering me with the blankets before throwing open the door.

“What?”

There’s a pause before I hear Xaden’s low chuckle. “Sorry to disrupt your morning, but we have to leave.”

Liam’s shoulders tense. “Now? What happened?”

People are running in the hall, shouts echoing off the walls that force me to sit up, staring in confusion at the chaos.

“Get dressed,” Xaden commands, all amusement gone.

“What’s going on?” Liam asks again.

I can see Xaden’s jaw clench as he stares at his foster brother. “They’re calling us down to the flight field. War Games.”

Liam’s grip on the doorframe whitens his knuckles. “How many minutes do we have?”

Xaden hesitates. “Less than ten, but you need-“

“We’ll meet you on the field.” Liam slams the door shut.

When he turns to me, his eyes are blazing like blue fire. He stalks forward, standing at the edge of our bed. His hands shoot out and drag me to the edge, making me squeal. His fingers tear the lace from me, leaving me bare before him before forcing my legs open. He’s kneeling as I sit up, watching him as he leans forward to lick up my slit in one swift, precise movement. I groan, head falling back as I buck against his unyielding grip.

“But we have to go,” I gasp when he does it once more.

His voice is rough and gravelly as his lips caress my heat. “Guess I have to make every second count.”

The memory fades, like the burning of paper. Ashes scattering in my mind as pain radiates up my spine, throbbing at my temples. I bite my lip to keep myself from screaming as the pressure builds.

My head pounds as I’m thrown further, another memory crashing over me.

“Fuck, baby, that’s it,” Liam groans against my ear, pumping deep into me. “You’re taking me so well.”

I whine, shifting my hips to meet him with every thrust. He hits inside of me deliciously, stars dancing across my vision as his hands hold my waist, pressing me into the sheets.

An urgency fills us as we stop pacing ourselves and chase that fire slowly burning beneath our skin. It races in our blood as our skin slicks with sweat, breaths gasping.

Liam shifts his hips upward on the next thrust, making me moan into his collarbone.

“Gods, do that again.”

Liam smirks, blue eyes glittering when they meet mine. “As you wish.”

The memory warps, lost to time, as I’m thrown further, again and again, into one memory after another and another.

The mat presses against my cheek as Liam holds me down. I can tell he’s holding back since his weight isn’t entirely crushing me.

That’s a mistake he’ll surely regret.

I twist my legs, elbowing him in the face as I throw my weight onto him. He rolls, falling to the mat as I climb atop him, my elbow pressing into his throat to cut off his air supply. My legs hold his arms down to keep him from moving.

He struggles for a moment, but the shining pride in his eyes is what causes butterflies to flutter in my stomach.

“I love it when you throw me around,” he chokes out. I raise my elbow slightly to lessen the pressure on his throat.

I chuckle, leaning forward until we’re inches apart. “You like it when I make you do what I want?”

He smiles. “Keep looking at me like that and I’ll beg for it.”

Paper crumples in his hand, frustration steeling his jaw as he throws it at the wall.

“Stop,” I say, reaching for his clenched fingers. “Stop blaming yourself. It won’t do anything good.”

His hard eyes meet mine, immediately softening. “I don’t know what to do,” his voice is broken, hushed. “I wish I could find her, hide her, take her as far from this as possible.” He shakes his head, closing his eyes. “Sloane doesn’t deserve this life.”

Bringing my hand to his cheek, I force him to open his eyes. “You can’t change the future just as you can’t change the past,” I give him a small smile. “She’ll be okay, Liam. She’ll have us.”

Liam’s gaze holds mine as he breathes deeply. We sit there, suspended in time, as he grips me with shaking hands. I know he’s fighting tears as much as he’s fighting the urge to throw a punch at the wall. But with me here, he slowly begins to calm.

When he grabs my hand laying on his cheek, he kisses it. “I guess I should be grateful she’ll finally meet you.”

I smile at the idea. “I hope she likes me.”

He grips me tighter. “She’ll love you. Besides,” he leans forward, inches from me. “She’ll have to since she’ll be putting up with you for a very, very long time.”

I raise a teasing brow. “How long will that be for?”

“If it’s up to me,” he breathes against my lips. “For the rest of our lives.”

The sunset flickers across the horizon over the distant mountains, casting the room in a dim, fading gold light. It refracts off Liam’s eyes, making the blue iridescent, as he smiles against my lips.

“Will you stay?”

I smile back, nipping his bottom lip. “Always.”

“I-I don’t want to wake up alone anymore.” He hesitates, swallowing. “Move in here with me. Share my bed and steal my blankets. Get dressed with me every morning. I don’t want to waste a moment without you next to me. Make this room both of ours.”

Tears gather in my eyes as warmth fills me, settling in my chest.

I kiss him recklessly, leaving us both breathless as I whisper, “Gods, I love you.”

He laughs, shaking his head. “You have no idea.”

Two cadets with fowl breath and malice in their eyes crowd around me. My heart beats wildly in my throat as I back away. Their hands sharp and insistent as they push me to the corner of the hall. Their hands locked on my wrists to keep me from running.

“Get. Your. Fucking. Hands. Off. Her.”

The words cut through the air like a knife laced with venom. It startles the men, who bolt upright to turn and see who spoke.

Liam’s face is a mask of fury as he strides down the hall. The second our gazes collide, he unleashes himself on them. He throws a punch at one of their faces, knocking them against the wall. The other, he tackles into the brick, cracking the back of the cadet’s skull. He groans as Liam throws punch after punch, blood spraying, before throwing the man to the ground. The other cadet is there, stumbling forward and hurling himself at Liam.

I scream when I see the flash of a dagger. Liam catches it within seconds. Being the best of our year has its benefits as he twists the blade out of the cadet’s grip and stabs it to the hilt into his arm. The cadet’s eyes widen, blood trickling from his mouth as he screams, falling to the ground.

The other cadet bleeds next to him, panting.

“What the fuck?” He groans.

Liam stands, blood soaking his clenched fists at his sides as he stares them down. “You touched her, tried to hurt her, you even scared her.” He shakes his head. “You don’t get to live after that.”

The cadet Liam punched over and over again is now trying to crawl away, but it’s too late. Liam is there, hauling him to his feet and holding him against the wall by his throat.

“Liam,” I whisper, fear rattling my voice.

He stops. Everything stops as he lets go of the cadet and turns to me. He’s there, holding me as he quickly examines every inch of exposed skin.

“Yes, love? Did they hurt you?”

I shake my head. “No, I’m f-fine,” I step closer to him, cradling his bleeding hands in mine. “Just please get me out of here.”

He nods, not even sparing them a second glance as he whisks me out of the corridor. We walk quickly until we’re outside in a courtyard. Under a stone arch he stops, pressing me against the wall as he holds me close.

“You looked so afraid,” he whispers in my hair. “I-I couldn’t handle it. Did-“ he hesitates. “Did I scare you?”

“You could never scare me,” I hold him tighter as the lingering fear begins to fade. A warmth settling in me from his close proximity. A sense of rightness at the feel of his arms around me.

He pulls back, looking me over once more. “If those fuckers laid a finger on you-“

I smile softly. “You stopped them before it got worse. I’m alright.”

He nods, forehead touching mine in defeat as his shoulders sag, releasing all the pent-up tension inside of him. “If I wasn’t there, if things were worse, I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you. Who I’d become.”

I burrow into him, letting his warmth chase every horrible thought away. “But you didn’t lose me. You won’t.”

Liam shakes his head. “I need you to promise me something.”

“Anything.”

“Promise me you’ll fight. You’ll fight till your last breath to stay alive, to see the next day. I can’t-“ he swallows. “I couldn’t live knowing I could’ve saved you. But I can’t always be there.”

“You don’t need to be, but I’m grateful you were there today,” I press closer. “I promise to fight and not give up.”

He nods, satisfied. Silence envelops us as the night breeze whistles through the courtyard.

The moon shines on his blue eyes, making them almost silver as he says, “And I promise to fight for you, too. To love you and keep you safe. Till my last breath. You can hold me to that.”

Music floats through the air as Liam holds me close, hands intertwining as he guides me to an alcove covered in shadows. I stifle a laugh as we race through the corridor. We ignore the shouting taunts from Ridoc and Sawyer down the hall as they head back to the party.

Once we’re out of earshot and covered by the dark, Liam presses me against the stone of the alcove. He doesn’t waste a second. His lips are on mine, holding me captive. He’s insistent and intoxicating as he consumes me with just a kiss. He smells of liquor and desire, making me feel lightheaded.

His rough fingers drag the fabric of my dress up as his lips begin to trail down my jaw, neck, and chest. Before I can protest, he’s kneeling, throwing the fabric up to expose my legs to the cool night air.

“Liam!” I whisper-shout. “Someone will see!”

Liam raises a brow. “Then you better keep quiet.”

He grips the back of my leg, tossing it over his shoulder as he disappears beneath my dress. His breath is hot against my skin as he licks up my inner thighs.

I bite back a squeal as he moves my underwear out of the way, fingers toying with my skin.

“Don’t worry, baby, I’ve got you.”

“Liam-“ I’m cut off by the feel of his mouth kissing my heat. His tongue diving deep inside me, causing me to throw a hand over my mouth, stifling a moan. My knees begin to buckle but he holds me in his firm grip, keeping me standing as he continues to twist his tongue deep inside, feasting on me.

I’m delirious with want as he continues to eat me out, thumb caressing my clit lazily. Pleasure spreads up my body, curling around my spine. My hips rock against him, pressure building and building before-

“Liam,” I gasp against my hand as my climax hits me, hard and fast. His fingers and tongue prolong my pulsing as I come all over his mouth. It feels like an eternity before my body gives out, sliding against the stone.

“Gods, I love the way you say my name,” he groans against me. “Especially when I fuck you.”

Liam stands, shifting his hands as I hear the sound of a buckle. Before I can calm my racing heart, he grips my thighs and holds up my legs to wrap firmly around his waist. I obey and immediately suck in a breath. The head of his cock is poised at my soaked entrance.

He suddenly leans forward, surprising me with a kiss on the tip of my nose. My heart swells before he finds my lips, kissing me. It’s consuming, claiming. Leaving me breathless and wanting.

“I love you so much, baby,” he says before pushing into me, stretching me. We moan together, breaths intermixing, as he bottoms out.

Using the wall as leverage, Liam adjusts me so my hips are at the perfect angle, his hands holding my ass firmly before he begins to thrust. My nails dig into his shirt as he hits me just right. This angle allows him to sink deeper and deeper, causing gasps to fall from my lips like whispered secrets.

He stops the sound with his mouth on my own, swallowing my moans. I taste myself on his lips and tongue. It’s incredibly erotic and fills me with immense pleasure as he thrusts harder and harder. I bounce against the stone, clinging to him for dear life as he begins chasing his own pleasure. I’m already climbing with him, breaths sawing through my lungs as I feel myself chasing another orgasm.

“That’s it, baby,” he coos. “You’re incredible.” He hisses as his cock hits me just right. My inner walls fluttering around him as he pumps faster. “Fuck, that feels-“

He groans just as his hips piston into me, wild and untamed as he releases inside of me. I’m right there with him. Like a flower bursting open in the sun, warmth burns through my body at the sensation. I don’t even care if anyone hears us anymore, I’m moaning his name loud enough to echo off the walls as I gyrate against him.

When we both finally come down, we’re twitching and panting, giving one another tired, lazy smiles. Liam towers above me, breathing heavily as he kisses my forehead, my temple, the corner of my mouth.

“Gods, you’re insatiable.”

I laugh before wiggling in his arms, causing his still-hard cock to sink further into me. He moans at the sensation.

“Another round?”

He laughs with me. “You don’t have to ask me twice,” his hands are firm on my wrists as he holds them above my head, trapping them against the cool stone. “As you wish.”

The stars are bright above the flight field as Liam and I lay back in the grass. It prickles the skin of my hands as a breeze flutters over us. The distant sounds of crickets and a nearby river fill the quiet. Both of our dragons lie close by, their sulfuric breathing filling the silence. We’re far away enough from them to feel as though we’re entirely alone.

Liam’s arm is close to mine as we lay, looking up at the constellations.

“What did Ridoc say to you earlier when we were leaving the gym?” I ask quietly. “You seemed annoyed.”

Liam’s breath hitches, his chest stilling. I feel his arm tense as he tries to slowly breathe out, almost like he’s calming himself.

“He, uh, just wanted to know about something.”

That piques my interest. I raise a brow. “About?”

Liam is quiet for a moment. “He wanted to know if you were single.”

“Oh.”

The silence is suddenly suffocating. The presence of our dragons makes this feel incredibly awkward, as if we have an audience. I can feel the weight of my dragon peering at us, like the gossip she is. I ignore her.

I don’t turn to look at Liam as I bite my lower lip. It’s been months of this constant flirtation. Months of tension that’s been building and building but I can’t tell if he’s just incredibly friendly with everyone or actually wanting a relationship with me. It’s driving me crazy.

Liam’s the type of guy who anyone can love and I hate how I’m one of them. How I’ve completely fallen for someone who probably only views me as nothing more than a friend.

A shaky exhale escapes me as I try and compose myself. “What did you say?”

Liam scoffs. “I told him to go ahead and ask you out.”

I startle, eyes wide and heart beating out of my chest as I turn to look over at him only to find he’s already staring at me. There’s a gleam of satisfaction in his eye as he watches my reaction.

Anger rises, sudden and quick. “Did you just say that to see what I’d do?!”

Liam shrugs before winking. “Just making sure you’re not interested in him.”

The anger dies as quick as it arrived. But my heart continues to pound, nerves sparking in my gut. “Why?”

Liam is suddenly leaning close, breath fanning over my face. He smells of mint, earth, and something so familiar, I ache to be closer to him. “I told him to go fuck himself. That you’re mine and he’d end up with a broken nose on that pretty-boy face of his as soon as he even spoke to you.”

My breath catches in my throat, a squeak escaping my lips. Liam’s mouth twitches at the sound.

“Who said I’m yours?” I whisper, unsure and entirely too hopeful for my own good.

Liam’s smile is beaming and brilliant. “You were mine the second you punched Jack in the throat after parapet.”

A laugh bursts out of me, startling the quiet of the night. Liam joins in, but his gaze is heavy and insistent on me.

“He deserved it,” I huff.

“He did,” Liam’s smile is contagious as his fingers move a piece of hair behind my ear, lingering next to my cheek. “But I also knew when you told me I’m just another big asshole at Basgiath,” he winks.

I roll my eyes playfully. “You came on too strong from the second you met me.”

He shrugs. “Didn’t want anyone to steal you away from me before I got the chance to sweep you off your feet.”

I raise a brow. “And did you?”

He lays his hand against my cheek, no more hesitating. “Depends on if you’re truly mine or not.”

I lean into him, eyes closing. “I’ve been yours for a long time, Liam.”

The nighttime breeze wraps us tighter together as he leans in and kisses me. It’s the first time I’ve ever felt his lips on mine and it sends a spark of fire down my body, lighting every nerve like a firework. I’m electrified, lighting up the night sky as he kisses me like something fragile and precious. Something worth having.

“I love you,” I whisper against his lips.

He startles, pushing himself away before he’s suddenly hovering above me. A smile that rivals the brightness of the stars shines on me as he leans down, our noses touching.

“You love me?”

I nod, my nerves fluttering as he reaches out to caress my cheek. I’ve never seen him so soft, so gentle. No one would believe how trusting, caring, and loving he can be. But only I see it. Only with me does he let down his walls.

He’s kissing me again, but this time, he’s no longer holding back. He’s not gentle as he bites my bottom lip, sucking it between his teeth. I moan as his tongue surges into my mouth, claiming me. I’m lost to the feel of him as his hands tangle in my hair, pulling my head back to gain access to my throat.

Against my skin, he whispers. “Gods, I’ve been wanting to hear you say that for so long.” He licks a strip of my skin, biting my pulse, before sucking my clavicle. “Fuck, I love you so damn much, I’ve been going insane with wanting you.”

My breath hitches as his fingers trail beneath my leathers, finding the skin of my hip. He presses me into the grass as he finds his way back to my lips. Kissing me once more.

Time seems to hold its breath as we kiss under the stars, uncaring of what the next day may bring. All we have is this moment, clinging to one another and sighing with relief. I’ve never felt so happy in my entire life as Liam looks down on me with such adoration.

When he suddenly sits back on his knees, I pout up at him. He shakes his head, laughing as he holds his hand out.

“Come with me.”

He pulls me up with him off the grass and starts racing towards the school.

“Where are we going?” I huff, trying to keep up.

Liam’s grip is unwavering as he turns back to look at me. “We only have a few hours till sunrise and I need all the time I can get to show you just how much I love you,” he winks.

Warmth rises up my neck to my cheeks, making him smile wider as he pulls me after him towards Basgiath.

“Is something going on between you and Liam?” Violet asks.

I startle, choking on my drink. Rhiannon snickers as she pats my back, helping me. Once I can breathe, my eyes betray me. I automatically find Liam across the dining hall, talking with Xaden and Garrick. His face is tight with tension and concern as his hands clench beside his plate. When his eyes meet mine, as if he can sense me, the tension is immediately gone. He softens. A smile playing on his mouth as he nods to me, saying good morning.

I nod back, warmth filling my gut before I avoid Violet’s inquisitive stare and go back to eating. “Nothing’s going on.”

Rhiannon snorts. “Sure. And nothing is going on with Violet and Xaden.”

Violet stiffens next to me. “There’s nothing-“

Rhiannon holds up a hand, stopping her. “Don’t fight it, Violet. It’s way too obvious.”

Violet glares at her best friend, causing me to laugh. I catch Liam glancing at us from the sound.

“It’s just as obvious with you two,” Rhiannon presses.

I prickle at their interrogation. “What do you want me to say? We’re just friends.”

Violet shakes her head. “Friends don’t look at each other the way he looks at you.”

I stare at her, brows pinched. “What do you mean?”

Violet glances at Xaden’s table and smiles. “Like that.”

I whip my gaze back to Liam to find him staring. He doesn’t look away when I meet his blue eyes. There’s an underlying intensity in his stare, something heavy and wanting. It leaves me breathless and trapped, wanting more than anything for us to be alone. To finally tell him how I feel. To see if maybe, just maybe, the lingering stares and touches and late-night talks are more than just friendship.

I break away first, staring down at the broccoli on my plate with sorrow climbing its way up my sternum. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Violet throws her hands in the air, clearly exasperated. “Gods, can’t you guys just shut up and make-out already!”

Her voice echoes around the table and I freeze. Closing my eyes, I hope he didn’t just hear her. I hope to every god that can hear me that he isn’t the one whose chair screeched against the floor. That it’s not his booted feet coming towards our table.

“Ladies,” Liam’s deep octave vibrates against my already rattled nerves.

“Oh fuck,” I mumble. I open my eyes to find Liam hovering above me, leaning his hands on the table.

“Morning, gorgeous,” he winks.

I fight the blush rising to my cheeks by curving my nails into my palms. The pain is sharp and helps clear my head.

“Morning,” my voice catches, sounding winded. “Did, uh, you need something?”

I catch Rhiannon smiling at the exchange in my peripheral.

Liam’s hand reaches back to wrap around his neck, showing off the rippling muscles in his bicep as he shrugs. “I was about to head to Battle Brief and wanted to see if you would join me. I mean, since you’re already heading there anyway.”

I nod, butterflies threatening to rise from my gut and fall out of my mouth as I clench my fists beneath the table. His stupid biceps are all I can focus on as his bright blue eyes burn into me.

FOCUS!

I smile. “Yeah, sure,” I turn to Violet and Rhiannon, who are smiling so big and taunting, I want to throw them off the bench. “Are you guys done? Want to head over with us?”

Violet shakes her head. “Oh no, don’t wait up for us. As a matter of fact, I think you’re looking a little chilly though,” she raises a concerned brow. “Do you need my coat or-“

Liam is draping his jacket over my shoulders before she can finish her sentence. I’m startled and staring as his cheeks redden from the attention.

“Ok, we’ll see you guys there,” he holds a hand out to me, waiting.

I turn back to Violet to see a satisfied gleam in her eyes. I glare.

Rhiannon chokes on a laugh as I take his hand, quickly making our way out of the dining hall.

We shove our way through the crowded halls, Liam close by my side as I hold on to his jacket. It’s warm and smells so much like him that I try and resist burrowing my nose into it. Would he think it’s weird if I keep it?

I shrug out of it, not trusting myself or this sudden burst of kleptomania to keep from me stealing it. “Here, I’m not super cold. It’s okay.”

Liam stops me, shoving it back onto my shoulders. “No, I want you to. Besides,” he winks. “You look good in it.”

I hide my blush as we make our way through the crowd once more.

It’s only when we’re at the door to Battle Brief that I realize I’m still holding his hand and he never let go.

Like knotted string, Imogen unravels my mind. Every knot a memory. She pulls and yanks until I’m fraying at the edges. Pain shoots through my veins, burning me from the inside out. A scream slowly builds in my throat as the pain increases to an all-consuming fire.

Just as the pain rises, it falls, like a cresting wave crashing against the shore. And a strange numbing sensation takes over.

A strange hollow throbbing begins to pulse inside of my head. As if something, or many things, are missing. I can’t place it and as soon as I try to recall what’s gone, it whisks away like a leaf in the breeze.

Imogen’s hands are steady on me as another memory, this one golden and bright, surfaces.

“I could show you a thing or two with those pretty long legs of yours wrapped around my-“

A crunching sound echoes in the courtyard as my fist collides with Jack Barlowe’s nose. His head whips back, harsh and startling. I keep my stance, watching and waiting as he whips back around, fury lighting his eyes.

“You fucking bitch!”

My hand shoots out again, this time slamming into his larynx, cutting off the sound in his throat. He chokes, staggering backwards. He falls to the ground, heaving.

The son of a bitch deserves it for pinching my ass and asking me to meet him in the dorms tonight like I’m some sort of whore. I roll my eyes and walk away from him, ignoring the stares that follow in my wake. I didn’t survive the fucking parapet to be groped and manipulated by some jackass.

“Excuse me?”

I whip around, ready to take on another asshole when I hesitate. My eyes widen at the sight of the man before me. He’s incredibly tall and broad. Muscles line his arms, rippling across his skin as if he’s a statue at a gallery. He towers over me with an impish grin on his face. His golden blonde hair a beacon in the sunlight. My heart races in my ears as I stare up at his incredible handsome face.

“You’re in the Fourth Wing, right?” His voice is deep, hypnotic. I could lose myself to the rhythm of it.

I nod, dumbly. “Flame Section.”

He smiles and I feel a strange sense of gravity slipping from beneath my feet at the sight. Gods, he’s beautiful.

But beautiful men often tend to be assholes. Like Jack.

“Me too,” he shrugs. “What’s your name, gorgeous?”

My hackles rise at the compliment. “Why?”

He puts his hands up, showing he’s not a threat. “Hey, I’m just curious. I wanted to know the woman who beat the shit out the biggest asshole at Basgiath.”

I roll my eyes. “All men are assholes here. He just happens to be one of them.”

He cocks his head, leaning forward with a twinkle in his eye. “Am I one of them?”

I step close, glaring up at him. “Most likely, given how you seem to entirely depend on your good looks and charm to get you through your time here. Just like any asshole.”

“You think I’m good looking?” His smirk is intoxicating. “And charming?”

I shake my head. “And apparently brainless.”

He leans closer. “I’ll be whatever you want me to be as long as you keep talking to me.”

My heart gets caught in my throat as I try and swallow. He watches the movement with sharp, knowing eyes. That smirk stretching wider.

“What if I don’t ever speak to you again?”

“You want me to beg, is that it?” His voice is as soft as velvet and it slithers over my skin. “Should I get on my knees for you?”

The image of him on his knees, looking up at me through his lashes, has me jolting away from him. He laughs, which rings through the air like a forgotten melody I only just remembered. It’s frightening how familiar he feels to me.

Annoyance prickles my skin as he continues to laugh at my expense. “You’re just another pompous ass who gets off at the idea of taunting me.”

He shakes his head, his smile never wavering. “Oh gods, you’re entirely wrong. Trust me.” He raises a hand, holding it out to me. “How about we start over, yeah? I’m Liam Mairi and I promise I’m not an asshole. Or,” he shrugs. “Not as big of an asshole as Jack is, at least.”

I can’t help my smile at the words. My annoyance simmers, but something inside of me knows he won’t be like Jack at all. I’ve always been good at reading people and Liam seems like he might actually be the opposite of what I thought he was.

I whisper my name back at him in greeting before reaching out and shanking his hand.

Something golden, like a thread, weaves between us as our skin touches for the first time. Intertwining around the space between our rib cages that has me gasping. It’s familiar, yet frightening. It’s something fragile, but I know it’ll somehow be something glorious. If I let myself curl into it. If I trust it. Trust him.

As I appraise Liam Mairi, I know, deep in the marrow of my bones, that I can trust him. That maybe, just maybe, he’ll become something more. He might be my everything. If I let him.

And that’s the most terrifying thing of all.

As if I’m rising out of water, after drowning for so long and seeking oxygen, I surface from the memories. They fade away with the tide, blinking from existence, as I feel my breath steady me.

Blinking my eyes open, I find Imogen moving back from me. With a quirk of my brow, I stare up at her eyes now brimming with unshed tears.

Why is she crying?

“Imogen?” My voice cracks, roughly, as if I’ve been screaming for hours.

Glancing around, we’re sitting on the stone ground of the courtyard. An arch protects us from the rain. The clouds are dark and ominous above, but I don’t remember coming out here. Weren’t we just having dinner in the dining hall?

Furrowing my brows, I purse my lips. How did we end up here?

“I’m sorry,” she whispers.

I whirl to look at Imogen. “What for?”

That’s when I notice the skin of my cheeks are damp. Touching them, I quickly wipe them with my sleeve. Must’ve been from the rain.

“Can we go back inside? It’s cold.”

Imogen is still staring at me as she helps me from the ground. My muscles ache and pinch as if I were sitting for a long time. Strange.

I stretch my limbs and stare up at the dark clouds. “Hopefully we didn’t miss dinner.”

The last thing I remember was heading to the dining hall with Violet. How did I get here without her?

Imogen is silent as she watches me.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

She hesitates. “Nothing. Let’s go back-“

“There you are!”

We both turn to find Violet and Xaden heading towards us. Concern is painted across their faces as they approach.

“Are you alright?” Violet asks, stepping towards me.

I tilt my head. “Yeah, I’m fine, why?”

Imogen flinches in my peripheral, catching Xaden’s eye. He narrows his gaze on her as Violet continues to fret over me.

“I’m sorry, I should’ve been there for you. I don’t want you to feel like you’re alone in this. You never will be.”

I furrow my brows, staring at her. “What are you talking about, Vi? Weren’t we heading to dinner?”

She freezes. Suddenly the quiet is stifling as everyone shifts their focus to Imogen.

“What did you do?” Violet asks, her voice piercing.

Imogen stares at the ground, her eyes brimming with tears again. She doesn’t respond.

Xaden’s dark eyes are heavy on me as he steps closer. He whispers my name like I’m a startled animal and it sets my nerves on edge.

Why is everyone being so cryptic and dramatic?

Violet is the one who steps in front of him, taking my hands in hers. “Do you know who Liam Mairi is?”

At the sound of the name, something strange happens. An echo of something deep inside of me leaves me aching and wanting. I search for what it is that has me feeling this way, but I’m left empty. As if a part of me is missing. As if I’ve been cut up and left to figure out how to pull myself back together again. All I can feel are the ashes of something that used to be there and I can’t understand what it was.

“Who’s Liam?”

Weaver of Fate

[angstywaifu]

Black Dahlia Masterlist

One tragic day changes Dahlia's life forever. Despised by her father and brother, she's spent her entire life trying to be the child and sister she use to be. But nothing she ever does is good enough. She joins the Rider's Quadrant to prove them wrong. Garrick now in his second year has proven he is more than the mark on his skin to his fellow riders, and taken leadership of his own Squad alongside Xaden. Little does he know the girl walking across the parapet is about to send him on a rollercoaster of a year. Garrick Tavis x OC (Dahlia Aetos) WARNING - THIS SERIES NOW CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR ONYX STORM. I HAVE MARKED THESE PARTS WITH ❗️AS WELL AS LISTING A WARNING AT THE TOP OF THE CHAPTER. IF YOU HAVE NOT READ ONYX STORM, DO NOT READ THESE CHAPTERS.

Onyx Storm Spoiler - ❗️ Smut/18+ - 😍

First Year

No Daughter of Mine

What You Made Me

Bad Idea, Right? - Garrick

Third Squad.

Not A Good Idea - Garrick

Yield

Marked Like You

Prove You Wrong

10 Gold Pieces - Garrick

Keeping Tabs

Glimpse of the Past

Unexpected Feelings - Garrick

I'll Make This Quick

Little Girl Gone

Proven Wrong - Garrick

Mares In His Stable

Jealousy

I'm Trying - Garrick

Manifestation ❗️

Painful Touch - Garrick ❗️

Show Me ❗️

Somewhere I Belong

Aetos vs. Aetos

Would It Matter?

Give Them Hell

Stepping Up

Outsmarted

Frustration - Garrick

War Games

The Hostage

The First Betrayal

Reunification Day (Dual POV)

An Unlikely Hero

About Damn Time 😍

Just Sex?

The Only Mare In His Stable

Disappointed - Garrick

Dragged Along

Second Year (Fourth Wing/Iron Flame)

39. Familiar Faces 40. Second Squad 41. Assessment Day 42. Without A Doubt 43. A Helping Hand 44. Unexpected Reunion 45. Karma 46. Coffee Talk 47. Family Ties❗️- Garrick 48. Say Thank You 😍 49. Aetos vs Durran 50. Friendly Advice 51. Thinking Like A Scribe 52. Looking A Little Jealous 53. Let Me Show You 😍 54. Need A Favour 55. The Inntinnsic 56. Violet's Bodyquard 57. Questions 58. Tell Me What You Know 59. Where. Is. She. - Garrick 60. Confessions 61. Pretty Boy 62. Separated 63. Dirty Laundry 64. Alibi 😍 65. Deja Vu 66. A Choice To Be Made 67. Distraction 68. Reunion

Third Year (Iron Flame)

69. This Is Awkward 70. Redacted

Onyx Storm

Coming Soon.

[lowytavis]

i just wish for xaden to be carefree for more than 5 minutes - hes gonna go bald fast - and that would be a hate crime

[littlest-w01f]

THE EMPYREAN MASTERLIST

MAIN MASTERLIST

MAIN SERIES:

XADEN RIORSON - Shining light (Xaden Riorson x OC)

Character Masterlists:

Xaden Liam

Bodhi Violet

Imogen Garrick

Ridoc Sawyer

Rhiannon Quinn

Mira

[essjaywrites]

in honour of solstice week, here’s one of my favourite things I’ve written that also happens to be set on the longest day of the year :)

I Belong In Your Arms

Imogen Cardulo left Tyrrendor four years ago in an attempt to get over Garrick Tavis (spoiler: it didn't work.) Now she's back, but is she too late?

[suebswrites]

I Want To Remember You

https://archiveofourown.org/works/64383280

Summary:

[Post-Onyx Storm.] Bodhi Durran wanders the halls of Riorson House, wallowing in grief that Xaden and Garrick have left him behind, again. When he stumbles across Imogen, also grieving, some of Bodhi's long-held desires start bubbling up to the surface.

Be gentle with me!!! I worked hard on this guys lol. Also new relationship tag on AO3!!! <3

[anothermarkedone]

Empyrean masterlist

I don't see many Garrick, Bodhi, Ridoc, Sawyer, Rhiannon and Imogen fics, so I've decided to make my own!

IMPORTANT NOTE! Don't expect many fast posts, I'm currently focusing on my mental health and I'm also busy writing for the Avatar movies (with the blue people, not the elements lol) If you're into Avatar, follow my Avatar acc @avatarrecom!

Requests are open!

Who I write for:

Garrick Tavis.

Bodhi Durran.

Rhiannon Matthias.

Imogen Cardulo.

Ridoc Gamlyn.

Sawyer.

Brennan Sorrengail.

You can request poly fics with them or with another character (as long as one of the characters above are involved)

Key: Smut: 🔥 Suggestive: ❤️‍🔥 Fluff: 💗 Angst: ☔️ Humor: 💩

- Other

I'm too old to get adopted, right? (Fourth Wing & ACOTAR crossover)💩

- Poly fics

Nothing yet!

- Garrick

Nothing yet!

- Bodhi

Nothing yet!

- Rhiannon

Nothing yet!

- Imogen

Nothing yet!

- Ridoc

Fourth Wing Pranksters ❤️‍🔥 💩

- Sawyer

Nothing yet!

- Brennan

Nothing yet!

[bblacknblue]

https://archiveofourown.org/works/64258396

[ellebellewritesfic]

The Games We Play

Fandom: The Empyrean (Fourth Wing)

Rating: E

Pairing: Imogen Cardulo/Garrick Tavis

Chapters: 1/1

Words: 4K

---

Garrick and Imogen have a day off together.

It might not be a Sunday for them, but for us… it’s Smutty Sunday!

[angstywaifu]

Black Dahlia - 53. Let Me Show You

Summary: Post Threshing the Quadrant celebrates the First Years becoming riders. And a new found friendship for Dahlia has Garrick.... concerned.

A/N: I deep dived the potential width of Garrick's shoulders for this. You're welcome. Warnings: 18+. MNDI. Oral (F receiving). Use of pet name. Semi Public Sex.

Black Dahlia Masterlist | Masterlist | Links

Just like last year the dining hall is chaos. All the first years who bonded are celebrating, showing off their relics and gushing about how they’d bonded their dragons. And the rest of us are just using it as an excuse to drink. Especially us Squad Leaders who can breath a sigh of relief that Threshing is over and done with. From here on out it was mostly up to them on if they survived or not. But I was still going to do whatever it took. Especially with Squad Battle coming up in the next few months. But with the looming threat of losing Liam so Xaden could protect Violet, I didn’t like my chances.

”Well I can safely say this year he definitely looks like he wants to fuck you and not kill you.” Imogen announces as her and Quinn drop into the seats across from Bodhi and I.

“I think we need to ban any talk of those two and fucking.” Bodhi grumbles before downing the last of his drink.

”Sounds like someone needs to go get some of their own.” She throws back with a smirk. Bodhi just glares at her before standing up to go get another drink, causing the three of us to burst into laughter as he storms off. ”I was only joking, but maybe he actually does need to.”

”He may get lucky tonight, plenty of first years wanting to celebrate and plenty of second and third years drinking.” Quinn adds as she scans the room.

”I don’t think Bodhi is the type for something casual.” I point out as I watch Bodhi go and join Garrick and Xaden on the other side of the room.

Imogen nods in agreeance. “You’re not wrong. Boy couldn’t do a casual hook up even if he tried. Hearts in the right place when it comes to that sort of thing.”

“That or he’s traumitised by you and Garrick.” Quinn adds with a laugh.

”We aren’t that bad.” I say, trying to defend myself. But with the way they both snicker at me I know they don’t believe me.

“Try telling that to Bodhi. Boy is still scarred after asking how you liked your coffee and what came after.” Imogen informs me.

“Well he should be thankful Garrick didn’t choose to act on his idea in my room. Least he was saved from that.” I tell him, immediately regretting as both girls raise their eyebrows at me.

“Ok you can’t drop a comment like that and not elaborate.” Quinn insists as she leans forward, clearly wanting me to tell her where it had happened.

”She isn’t wrong. Now spill girl. We need details.” Imogen demands as she also leans forward on the table.

I barely knew the two girls, only interacting with them here and there. But from the little we had interacted I could tell I was going to get a long with them. Bodhi even telling me I’d love Imogen on multiple occasions, and telling me it was weird I wasn’t her friend yet.

“Garrick might have surprised me in the girls showers.” I rush out before taking a swig of my drink.

”Damn. You missed out Imogen.” Quinn blurts out before looking over at Imogen as if she’s said something she shouldn’t.

”Missed out?” I ask, looking between the two girls.

Imogen smiles so softly, which catches me off guard. Soft is never a word I’d used to describe Imogen. And in the few times we had interacted, I’d never seen this side of her. And I can tell Quinn hasn’t either with how guilty she looks.

”I use to have feelings for Garrick. For a long time.” She tells me, turning her attention to me. “Something I never told him or acted on. And some days I kick myself for not doing it. For not risking it all to see what could have been. And gods did I want to hate you when it started becoming obvious you’d caught his eye even though you two hated each other. But I couldn’t. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t. It was honestly hilarious watching you two interact with each other. But out of anyone I could have lost my chance with him over, I’m glad it was you.”

At first I don’t know how to react to Imogen’s confession. Not sure what to say or do. But it felt oddly like a turning point for us. From what Bodhi had told me, Imogen and I were similar. Both of us keeping our feelings to ourselves unless absolutely necessary. So I know the admission wouldn’t have been easy for her.

“What are you three gossiping about?” Garrick asks as he walks up behind Imogen and Quinn as if summoned by the topic of our conversation.

”Just girl stuff. Nothing of interest to you Tavis.” Imogen says as she smiles at me.

”Girl stuff?” He asks with a raised eyebrow as he looks over at me.

”Yeah girl stuff. Super boring for you.” I tell him as I smile at Imogen.

Garrick’s eyes shift between the two of us, clearly unsure how he should react. “Right. Girl stuff. Anyway, mind if I steal Dahlia away from you two? Or am I not allowed while ‘girl stuff’ is being talked about?”

”She’s all yours.” Imogen tells him as she stands. “Just keep out of the showers. I might not get as traumatised as Bodhi, but I’d like to shower in peace.”

Garrick’s eyes widen as Imogen smirks at him before dragging Quinn away, leaving Garrick and I alone.

”Since when did you two become close enough to gossip about our sex life?” He asks me.

”Since tonight apparently.” I tell him before downing the last of my drink.

”I feel like I should be concerned about this development.” He mutters.

”Why? Don’t want me making friends?” I ask before standing and walking around the table to him.

”Oh I don’t care about you making new friends. I’m scared of you two together.” He tells me as he places a hand on my lower back and leads us out of the dining hall.

“Why would you be scared of that?”

“Because you two would get a long too well.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

He comes to a stop just before the doors and looks down at me. “Because it is. You two would be scary together.”

”And that there just makes me want to be friends with her even more.” I tell him with a smirk before pushing open the door and walking towards the dorms.

As the dining hall door closes behind me, Garrick grabs my waist, spinning me around and pinning me to the wall next to it as he looms over me. My heart beating loudly in my chest with how he looks at me.

”You enjoy the thought of me being scared do you?” He grumbles as he steps into me.

“I doubt you are capable of being scared. Nothing phases you.” I point out.

He rolls his eyes at me. “Plenty scares me Dahlia. You being the main one.”

I reach up and trail my hand down the front of his flight jacket, “The things I could do with that information.” I tease.

Garrick’s hand on my waist tightens. “You’re going to give me a heart attack one day.” He mumbles.

”Probably.” I reply as I hook my finger into the waistband of his flight pants before looking up into his blown out hazel eyes. “What are you going to do about it Tavis?”

His eyes darken as he takes the bait. Feeling the way his body stiffens at my words. The way his flight pants start to strain. I expect him to turn and drag me towards the door that leads towards the dorms. But instead he grabs my wrist, leading me towards the Academic Wing of the Quadrant. As soon as we pass through the doors leading into the wing, he pulls me to the side, opening a door to one of the classrooms and pulling me inside. I gasp as he pushes my back into the door, slamming it shut as he pins me to it.

”You want to know what I’ll do about it?” He growls out as his fingers make quick work of the ties on my leather flight pants. I bite my lower lip and nod as he undoes the last tie and lowers to his knees at my feet. “I’m going to show you just how beneficial it is to not give me heart attack.” He removes the first boot, throwing it to the side. “I’m going to show you what you’d miss out on if you gave me a heart attack.” He discards my other boot. “And if you ever did, then I’ll show you what you’d spend the rest of your life craving. What no other man could do to you.”

Garrick pulls down my flight pants and underwear in one swift motion, quickly lifting my legs to help me step out of them. I expect him to drop my leg once he pulls it free of the pants, but he doesn’t. Instead he pulls the leg over his shoulder, grasping it tightly with his hand before his free one grabs the other leg and pulls it over his shoulder. I yelp in surprise as my hands fly out and brace on either side of his neck. Somehow there is still enough room there even with my legs on his shoulders.

”Don’t worry my love I’ve got you.” He says softly before leaning in and claiming me with his mouth.

“F-fuck!” I cry out, my hands tightening on his shoulders as he devours me, the new name doing more to me than I care to admit.

Garrick had used his mouth on me before, plenty of times. And he was good at it. But something about my legs spread wide on his shoulders as he kneels before me, holding me up against the door was without a doubt the hottest thing he could have done.

I throw my head back against the door as his mouth devours me. Lips latching around my clit as he sucks on the bundle of nerves. I gasp out when I feel his fingers push inside me, curling to hit the spot he knows will have me gasping and moaning even more for him. Again and again he curls his fingers, one of my hands reaching up and grasping onto his dark curls, my body shaking and quivering already.

”That’s it..” He praises as his mouth releases me, looking up and watching me with his blown out eyes. “Come apart on my mouth and fingers knowing no one else could ever make you feel this good.”

I try to fire back a retort but he adds another fingers and dives back in, and all I manage is a strangled cry as I throw my head back, back arching off the door as I feel the familiar feeling of my orgasm forming. And I swear I feel the smug bastard smirk against me, completely aware of what he’s doing to me while trying to prove his damn point as he brings me closer and closer to my orgasm.

I cry out as he curls his fingers and leaves them there, causing me to tip closer to the edge. “That’s is my love.” He coos before starting back up, his fingers pumping in and out with purpose.

And as he latches back onto my clit, I topple over the edge. Garrick’s name falling from my lips as I arch off the door again, my body shaking as I ride out my orgasm while Garrick continues. Finally when my body gives out and slumps forward, barely catching myself on his shoulders does Garrick stop. He gently places me legs back down on the ground lowering me into his lap as he sits on the ground.

”Still plan on giving me that heart attack?” He mumbles into my hair as he holds me against him.

”Maybe I’ll reconsider.” I pant out as I feel his body shake with laughter.

@imtoanonymousforyouimtoanonymousforyou @simplyme-fornow @omalmal @lalaluch @wolfbc97 @leptitlu @fullmoon-94 @the-fandom-ness @fan-of-many-bands @awkardnerd @heeseungthel0ml @acourtofsmutandstarlight @fairchild06 @freyagallileaevans @pit-and-the-pen @hannraumari @elliot-rain @thestarseternaal @stupid-and-contagious01 @hyperfixation-train-station @lxnvmvrzx @thebreadisthetruevillian @red0202 @fangirling-galore @craftytrashprincess @taliyahvermillion @xadenswhore @fenixyrie @lagrandeourse @hellodarling1357 @iambored24601  @thegiftofacreativemind @fanfictionjunkie1112 @mysticalfuncollectorus @ohlookitsasinglepoeceofpopcorn @emoravenwolf @imheretobeinvisible @pvrkacciosan @fuckingsimp4azriel

[lowytavis]

matched by the dating gods - ridoc gamlyn x reader

"It's like we were matched by the dating gods" I exhale, locking eyes with her. "Or maybe just set up by your friends, Ridoc," she replies, raising a skeptical eyebrow. Honestly? She’s not wrong. Violet, Rhiannon, and Imogen orchestrated this whole thing. As Imogen so eloquently put it: "I can't fucking stand you and your horny fucking ass anymore." Awkwardness settled over me. I was never fucking awkward. But somehow, she made me that way. I met her gaze—those gorgeous eyes. Damn, they really outdid themselves setting me up with (Y/N). She’s easily one of the most beautiful women here. And, according to Tavis, also one of the hardest to even get a conversation with. "So, Gen basically said you're a horny fucking piece of shit who needs to get laid so you'll finally shut the fuck up?" she spat out, a cheeky smile playing on her lips. I choked on my drink. I did not see that coming. "Well, erm—" I muttered, trying to recover. "To be fair, I was just flirting with them for fun. I'm not that horny." Total lie. And she knew it. But instead of calling me out, she played along. "Oh, that's a shame," she sighed dramatically, stretching as she stood up. "I was looking forward to some fun." Her smirk was downright dangerous. Later that day, uneasiness gnawed at me. The conversation from earlier still lingered in my mind. I pushed open the door to Rhiannon's room. "Hey, Rhiannon," I said, glancing around—only to spot Violet, Imogen, and Cat lounging inside. Great. The whole damn squad was assembled.

"What's with the sad face?" Rhiannon asked, eyeing me curiously.

"Well," I started, sighing. "The encounter—first date, whatever you wanna call it—with (Y/N) didn’t exactly go great. Thanks to some wonderful comments from Imogen."

I shot Imogen a dirty look. She just grinned devilishly, completely unbothered.

"(Y/N) stood up and left." "She what?" Rhiannon gaped, while Imogen? Yeah, she completely lost it—laughing her ass off. "Oh no, she did not," she wheezed between fits of laughter, barely able to control herself. "What's so funny about that?" I asked, clearly confused now. ''Ridoc'', Violet started, barely holding back a grin. "We set you up on this date not just because you’re an annoying, horny-ass- bitch—" I rolled my eyes.

"Gee, thanks."

"-but because (Y/N) actually asked us if you were single." I blinked. Wait. What?

"She's playing you," Imogen said, her tone dripping with amusement. I frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"She's doing exactly what you do to everyone else you try to date—or fuck," she smirked.

"She’s *you*—just in female form." Violet nodded.

"That’s why we set you two up. It’s perfect. Jokester with jokester. Two pretty people. Two absolutely horny messes. Two arseholes"

I stared at them, processing. Well… shit.

Mere hours later, I found myself knocking on (Y/N)’s third-year room.

The door swung open, and there she was—grinning like she had been expecting me all along.

Draped in a flowy, white, very see-through nightgown.

"Hi, Ridoc," she purred, leaning against the doorframe. "Wondered when you’d finally find your balls."

"Tavis said you’re untouchable," I mumbled as I stepped inside, closing the door behind me.

"Did he?" she mused, tilting her head. "Maybe that’s because I wasn’t interested, and he couldn’t handle being stood up." She smirked, teasing.

That… actually made sense. Girls usually threw themselves at Garrick.

Guess he needed an excuse—and definitely wasn’t expecting me to be the one to land a chance with her.

"Sit down, Ri," she said smoothly. "And please, for the love of God, breathe."

I hadn’t even realized I was holding my breath.

"Sorry," I muttered, stumbling toward her.

She smiled, her eyes softening just a bit.

"I wanted to get to know you, Ridoc," she admitted. "I just had to test you first—to see if you were really just a cocky bastard or if there was more to you."

She leaned in slightly, amusement dancing in her gaze.

"I’m proud to inform you—you’re not a single-layered idiot. You’re actually interesting."

Then, with a mischievous grin, she fired off, "So tell me—favorite position? Mom’s first name? How many siblings? Favorite color?"

I blinked. "You just went from deep to deeply inappropriate in two seconds."

She laughed. "Answer the questions, Ri."

So I answered them—all but the favorite position one.

"You forgot one question," she teased, tilting her head.

"No, I didn’t," I smirked.

Now it was my turn to tease.

I stepped closer, closing the distance between us, hovering just above her.

My breath ghosted over her neck, and I felt her body tense ever so slightly.

"The last question," I murmured, my voice low, "isn’t something I like to talk about." I leaned in just a little more, lips barely brushing her ear. "I’d much rather show you."

Part 2 - smut

[bludhavents]

Professor Tavis

pairing: boyfriend!garrick tavis x reader

word count: 3.9k

summary: When hear about Garrick's new job from Xaden, you start to question why Garrick didn't tell you himself. He makes it up to you in the best way possible.

warnings: 18+ ONLY. smut. porn with plot. brief description of panic attack. professor kink tehe. unprotected p in v. fem!reader. ridoc being a protective best friend. super minor onyx storm spoiler.

Xaden looks past his cousin to Garrick. “I just need Professor Tavis.”

I can’t help but gape at the title given to my boyfriend. The title I am just now hearing for the first time. My head snaps up to gawk at him along with the rest of my squad. He winces, but slides by me on the steps and follows after Xaden without looking back. 

All of my friend’s eyes turn away from the men as they disappear and focus on me instead. 

“Professor?” Bodhi frowns. “Since when?”

I meet his round brown eyes and shrug my shoulders, turning back to face the map on the table. Apparently, I’m the only one who remembers that we’re trying to plan out our flight path. The rest of the group is murmuring around me now, gossiping about Professor Tavis. I try my best not to feel scuffed at the fact that I’m learning about my boyfriend’s new job along with the rest of my squad. Except, apparently, not all of them were so oblivious.

“He told me about it over breakfast. They just asked him to accept this morning,” Imogen says, and I straighten in my seat. She’s always been interested in my boyfriend, which is enough to make me jealous as is. Him confiding in her about his new status before telling me feels like a punch in the gut. Then, she piles on top of that feeling. “He didn’t tell you? That’s weird.”

The hair on my skin raises uncomfortably under my leathers. I swallow hard. 

“Shut up, Imogen.” Ridoc slaps her on the shoulder with the back of his hand.

“Let’s refocus,” Rhiannon supplies, drawing her finger from Basgiath to one of the isles on the map. I can’t make out which one it is through the unshed tears that are stinging in my eyes. “This route could work.”

The group argues again, all speaking over one another as they shove their fingers onto the paper and suggest their own ideas. My mind races as I sit amongst them, drifting through my recent memories with Garrick in an attempt to recall any reason why he’d have withheld this from me, but I come up with nothing. A small sigh leaves my mouth as I continue to stir over the pit in my stomach. 

“What’s wrong?” Bodhi asks, looking up from the map.

“Nothing! I’m just tired.” I rub my eyes and blink hard, trying to force myself back into the moment to help my squadmates formulate the plan. Ridoc nods from next to me, leaning his head onto my shoulder with a dramatic yawn. 

“Me too. Can we break for nap time?” He smiles cheekily at our friends. Every single one of them rolls their eyes at his antics, but Rhiannon relents. 

“Yeah. We can come back after dinner and look at it with fresh eyes,” she says, folding the map up on the table and tucking it into her bag. We’d been here over an hour already. “I’m gonna head to the training room if anyone wants to spar.”

Violet, Sawyer, Aaric, and Sloane all break off with her. The rest of the group goes their own ways, and Ridoc stays with me as we head toward the dorm wing of the castle. His footsteps are wider than mine, his long legs guiding him easily down the corridor. 

“Never took you for a teacher’s pet,” he teases, looking down at me with a wide grin that shows all his teeth. I laugh, shaking my head. 

“Didn’t know I was one. Gods, I can’t believe he would tell Imogen before me. I mean Xaden, I get, but Cardulo? What in Malek’s name did I do to deserve that blow?” I let myself rant to him. Nobody else is in the hallway around us. There’s no reason to hide my disdain for my situation when I already know that he’s tuned into my agitation anyway. 

“I wanted to punch her in the mouth!” He shouts, throwing his hands up. “I mean if you’re going to be a homewrecker, at least have some tact about it.”

My heart twists and pounds in my chest. Homewrecker. The humor of the situation is abruptly drained from my body. My pulse quickens quickly, and my jacket suddenly fits too snugly. I grab his wrist and stop walking, turning to face him with hot cheeks. 

“You don’t really think…” My voice trails off, not wanting to think about the possibility of Garrick and Imogen having any sort of secret relationship. 

“No, no, gods, no,” he hurries out, quickly taking a step toward me and wrapping me into a tight hug. He speaks softly into my hair. “I’m sorry. That was a poor choice of words. You know that Garrick loves you more than anything. It’s pathetic and weird and I’m so jealous of it. He’d never do that to you. Gods know Imogen has tried, though.”

I relax a little at that, but I can’t help the sob that rips through my chest. The past hour has been utterly overwhelming, and it feels like I can’t breathe through the stress. Ridoc holds me tight, running a hand up and down my arm as I wet his leathers with my tears. 

It’s suddenly too hot. I fumble with the zipper of my jacket, trying desperately to get it off of my body as anxiety surges. Ridoc replaces my hands with his on the zipper, then quickly unbuttons the collar and slides my jacket off of my shoulders. He tucks it under his arm and takes a step back. My chest aches with the force of my sobs. After a minute passes and I show no signs of stopping, he sweeps my legs off of the ground and carries me bridal style toward the dorm hall. 

My face stays buried in his shoulder the entire way, uncontrollably wailing. I try wiping my eyes on the sleeve of my undershirt, but it’s no use. The floodgates have opened and the tears just keep coming. It’s a panic attack.

“It’s okay, we’re almost to your room,” he says sweetly, pushing open a set of double doors with his hip. He keeps walking. “Deep breaths. Almost there.”

“What the hell happened?” A familiar voice echoes through the hallway, and a new set of tears rises behind my eyes, spilling over quickly as I choke out a sob. Ridoc stiffens beneath me as I dig my fingers into him, holding myself close to him. 

The anxiety that’s running through my blood isn’t just about the thought of being cheated on, because I know deep down that Garrick would never do that to me. It’s just overwhelming to have Imogen’s snarky comment on top of the stress of planning our trip to the isles, and keeping Xaden’s secret safe from the others. It’s too much, and it’s all weighing on me now.

Ridoc’s steps slow, and he bends over at the waist, setting me back on my feet gently. I release my grip on him only after he places a hand on my upper back. Through my tears, I first see the wetness running down his leather jacket, racing from the collar down to his stomach. Then, I look away from him and see Garrick towering over us, right next to my door. 

“I’ll be in my room if you need anything.” Ridoc moves a gentle hand to the back of my head before turning and shoving my jacket into Garrick’s chest, matching his mean scowl with one of his own. “Don’t look at me like that when I’m the one who brought her here, Professor.”

“Don’t start, Gamlyn,” he bites back. His knuckles are white where he’s holding my jacket.

“I’d watch your fucking mouth if I were you. It seems to be getting you in trouble a lot recently.” He crosses the hallway and steps into his room, slamming the door shut loudly behind him. Garrick’s lips are pressed together tightly, chest heaving with angry breaths. His eyes trail away from our friend and land back on me, softening as he rests a calloused palm on my wet cheek and tilts my chin up to face him.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” His tone is pleading, and hot tears keep falling down my face as I stare into his hazel eyes and search for my answers. If he was cheating on me, would I see it in his revealing eyes? I don’t notice anything different. When I look into him, I still see only my Garrick. “Come on, let’s go inside.”

He opens my door with one hand, using the other to urge me in front of him. He guides me all the way to the edge of my bed and sets my leathers next to me as I take a seat there. His tall form shrinks to my height as he kneels in front of me, placing his hands on my hips. 

“Sweetheart, please talk to me,” he begs, squeezing my skin. 

“I’m just a little overwhelmed.” I drag my cold palms over my face to wipe away the drying tears and take a deep breath, willing them to stop falling. “Everyone was asking me questions about you becoming a professor, and I didn’t know anything about it, you never told me. Then Imogen starts answering all of them, and I just-- I don’t know. It really upset me, I think, to have her know more about what’s going on with you than I do. Then when we were walking back here, I started thinking that maybe there’s a reason you would tell her before telling me, and I just…”

Garrick flinches in front of me and moves his hands to cup my jaw. His hazel eyes burn into my skin and force me to meet his gaze. I see his lips parted in shock and a deep furrow between his thick brows. He opens his mouth as if to start talking, but hesitates, swallowing hard. 

“I don’t even know what to say,” he admits, running a thumb to catch a stray tear in the corner of my eye. “I love you so much, sweetheart. I never ever meant to make you think that I was going behind your back. I promise you, with all of my heart, that you are the only person I’ve wanted to tell all day.”

“Why didn’t you?” My voice breaks, and I gnaw on the skin of my bottom lip. 

“I didn’t tell Imogen, first of all-- Xaden did. While we were eating breakfast, which was right after I’d gotten back from the meeting where they told me about the job offer.” He grasps my hand in his and brings it to his mouth, pressing a gentle kiss to my skin. I sigh, letting my free hand brush the hair above his ear. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to jump to conclusions. That’s just what she told everyone,” I apologize, and he shakes his head quickly. 

“Don’t apologize, I don’t blame you at all,” he says sincerely. “I’m sorry that you heard it from someone else. I’ve been wanting to tell you all day, but you weren’t at breakfast, and then I got pulled into another meeting to discuss lesson plans, and then by the time I got out, everyone was working on the flight paths with you. I wanted to be able to sit down and have a discussion with you about it in private without everyone listening, and then fucking Riorson ruined that. I should’ve just asked you to come talk with me, and I’m sorry that I didn’t realize that until it was too late.”

I stare at the man in front of me, watching his chest rise and fall with slow breaths. A sweet smile graces his full lips as I hiccup, finally taking in my first full breath all day. His shaggy hair falls into his face as he bends over. I watch as his strong hands delicately untie my boots before sliding them off of my feet one at a time. It feels like I’ve been bathed in a pool of relief and his words are the water that cradles me.

“Come here,” I swing my legs onto the bed and pat the spot next to me. He removes his own shoes and lays in the empty spot, wrapping an arm around my body and tugging me into his side. Our eyes meet where we lay, and I press a kiss to his lips. My body melts into the taste of him, but I relent, pulling away. He groans in disapproval. 

“Why?” He whines. I giggle, feeling at ease here in his arms. He smirks down at me and leans in for another kiss, but I put my finger to his lips instead. 

“I want to hear about this job!” I prop myself up on my elbows, laying on my stomach as he narrows his eyes at me in disdain. Looking at the man in front of me, I wonder how I ever got myself so worked up. There’s nothing but concentrated love in his eyes right now, and it’s all for me.

“Later. Come kiss me right now, I’ve missed you.” He sits up, grasping my cheek and bringing his mouth to mine. I sigh into the kiss and he takes advantage, slipping his tongue through my parted lips. My hand on his chest pushes him back against the mattress, not breaking the kiss as I follow him down. 

We’re thinking the same thing, his fingers grabbing my hips to lift me onto his lap, but I’m already lifting my leg to straddle him. He pulls away from the kiss and attaches his lips to my jaw. I can feel his smile against my skin.

“Good, sweetheart,” he praises, “you know just what I need.”

I settle onto him, my thighs clenching either side of his hips. He uses his hold on my waist to push my body down harder onto him, a groan rising in the back of his throat as he rubs me over his clothed dick. Gripping me roughly, he drags me back and forth over and over. I press sloppy kisses up his neck and along his jaw, leaving one just below his ear before lightly grazing my teeth over his earlobe. 

Every part of him is solid beneath me. Solid arms, solid chest, solid stomach, and a solid dick working me just right. Garrick Tavis drives me crazy.

“I need you,” he says, stopping his movements and turning to stare into my eyes. His pupils are blown, revealing only the faintest sliver of hazel around them. I kiss him softly. Garrick has always been a tease. I appreciate getting to return the favor sometimes, and the perfect idea has presented itself. I kiss him again and he groans, bucking his hips up. “I need you now, sweetheart.”

“What do you need from me, Professor Tavis?” I fiend innocence, voice soft and low, looking at him with wide eyes that I’m certain are just as lust-blown as his. Garrick’s lips part and the next kiss he drags from my lips is feverish. His hands are gripping at my shirt, tearing it off of my body with no regard and discarding it to the floor carelessly. 

He grips my ass roughly, and I squeal as I’m suddenly lifted off of his lap and flipped onto my back, staring up at my boyfriend as he unzips his jacket and slides out of it easily. I sit up to help him with his shirt, but he pushes me back down.

“I’m a professor and you’re a cadet, our relationship is strictly off limits.” He slides his shirt over his head, and my pulse stutters. I reach a hand out to feel his packed muscle, trailing my fingers down the patch of hair that starts at his navel and dips below his waistband. He inhales sharply.

“Off limits?” I don’t look at him, instead I work on unfastening the belt around his waist. My gaze drifts below my hands, and I pull my bottom lip between my teeth at the sight of the bulge straining against his pants. 

“Strictly. So I need you to be really quiet for me, sweetheart.” He rakes his hand through my hair, fisting it gently at the base of my neck and pulling so that I meet his eyes. “Can you do that for me?”

“Yes, Professor Tavis.” I nod quickly. He removes my hands from his crotch and steps off the bed. I frown, rolling to protest, but he’s quick to shut me up. 

“Take your pants off.” He’s already stepping out of his. “I can’t wait any longer.”

I don’t question him, the angry red tip of his stiff cock saying enough to prove that he’s being honest. My bottoms slide off quickly. I shove my panties off with them, baring myself to the desperate man in front of me.

“Bra.” Garrick’s voice is tight. He’s fisting himself, but not pumping at all. He’s waiting for me to follow his instructions. I unhook my bra and shrug it off. He hums in appraisal, bringing his eyes to my bare chest. I revel in the way his eyebrows knit together, like he’s physically pained by my beauty. This is what it felt like to be loved. 

“Professor Tavis?” I stand up from the bed, walking toward him slowly. He inhales sharply as I pause in front of him, nearly pressing my skin to his. “What should I do next?”

“Get on your knees, sweetheart.” He smoothes the hair at the top of my head as he commands me so sweetly. Seeing him like this, so affected by me, is driving me crazy. 

I lower myself to my knees in front of him, wetting my lips as I become eye level with his dick. Pre-cum is already leaking from the tip, and I open my mouth to lap it up, but he cradles my face and stops me gently. My eyes meet his as he towers above me, shaking his head softly. 

“Not yet, sweetheart. I want you to put your hand between your legs.” My breath catches in my throat in surprise. We’re both so desperate, and he’s dragging this out for so long, but I can’t find it in myself to argue with him as his cock twitches when I lower my hand down my stomach and dip it between my legs. The moan that tumbles from my lips is immediate. Garrick’s foreplay made my clit swell, and it’s the most sensitive that I’ve felt as I begin to stroke myself with my fingers. Letting the noises of pleasure escape as I start grinding with my hips is uncontrollable. 

“Professor Tavis,” I moan loudly as my head falls back. “Please fuck me. Please make me cum.”

I’m shocked when one strong arm wraps around my waist and hoists me up, but I don’t hesitate to wrap my legs around his waist. All plans of sucking him off are abandoned. He holds me tightly to him, molding his mouth to mine so fiercely that our teeth bump. The head of his cock teases my entrance and I gasp at the sensation. It takes him only two steps to reach the bed, where he pulls his mouth away from mine and lays me out on my stomach. The loss of contact makes me whimper.

“You’ve gotta be quiet for me,” he coos. His rough hands are a sharp contrast to his saccharine voice as he lifts my ass into the air and kneads it. I groan, jutting my hips back, and he tsks. “What’d I say? Quiet for me baby. Don’t make me tell you again. Can you do that for me? Can you shut that pretty mouth while I fuck you?”

The moan that leaves my lips is unstoppable, and he laughs darkly behind me before pulling my hips back. My cheeks flush at his laugh. 

“I want to be good for you, Professor. Please let me try.” He inhales sharply and then aligns his tip at my entrance. I push my hips back slowly, and he’s the one who can’t keep to himself this time. 

“Oh, fuck me, sweetheart. Fuck, you’re so fucking tight,” he hisses, grabbing my ass and pushing himself further into me. I gasp as he bottoms out inside of me, feeling overwhelmingly full. 

He leans down over me, leaving a trail of kisses up my spine. His lips pause at my neck, and he bites me softly. 

“You’re such a good girl for me. So fucking good. Thank you, sweetheart.” He straightens his spine and pulls his hips back so far that the tip of his dick is barely inside of me, before he slams into me. I whine, my walls stretched out by his thick cock, but he only pulls out again, leaving me to wait before he rams into me another time, cursing as he finds a steady pace. His cock is moving at the perfect speed. I moan as he hits a sweet spot, and I feel him focus as he hits it again, and again, and again. 

I cry out. “Oh gods. Just like that. Right there.”

He keeps his thrusts perfect and steady, pushing me closer to my edge. Once his fingers wrap around my front and find my swollen clit, I let out a shaky breath. He continues his punishing pace as his finger circles my clit once, then twice, and it’s the perfect combination. I’m shattering around him immediately, my legs shaking. 

“Professor Tavis!” Waves of pleasure ripple through me, my orgasm prolonged by him chasing his own now, his dick pushing into me roughly. I’m still squeezing him, wetness dripping down my legs as he hits the perfect spot. “Fuck!”

“Fuck, I love you so much, sweetheart,” he moans, pace quickening before he stills. I tighten at the feeling of his cock twitching inside of me, filling me up with his release. He exhales deeply, fanning my spine with hot air. “Oh my god, you’re a fucking dream.”

He places a firm hand on my ass as he starts to pull his dick out, but hisses with the motion, and then pushes himself back inside. I turn my head to look back at him, watching as he does it again, backing himself out almost all of the way and then sliding back in. His eyes are fixed on the point where he’s entering, watching with deep breaths as he repeats it one more time.

“Sweetheart, you feel so fucking good. I don’t want to leave.” His voice is strained with pleasure, gaze trailing from where I’m wrapped around him up to my ass, then my back, and then he meets my face. The fire in his eyes is enough to melt me.

“So don’t. Stay inside and come lay with me,” I suggest, hoping that he does just that. He smirks and lowers himself onto the bed with me, holding me close to keep himself inside as he adjusts us so that we’re spooning now. I lay my head on his arm and sigh contentedly. 

“I love you, sweetheart. That was fucking hot.” He laughs breathlessly, pressing a kiss to the crown of my head. I giggle, finding that I could really get used to this new job of his. 

[dragonridersandhighlords]

Chasing Shadows | P R O L O G U E

Masterlist | CS Masterlist

Summary: Wrenley's first year at Basgiath.

Word Count: 9.6k (I blacked out while writing.. oops lmao)

Series Warnings: smut 18+ MDNI (begins in prologue) , accidental choking, violence, death, swearing, torture

Chapter Specific Warnings: p in v, no mentions of condoms or birth control (wrap it before you tap it), unintentional choking with shadows, use of safe word,

July 15, 632 AU

Conscription Day. The day every 20 year old in Navarre will enter the quadrant of their choosing to assist in the war. Well choosing if you aren’t one of the marked ones.

I've counted down the days until I was here. Not because I was excited at the possibility of death, but because my parents went here. My mom walked the exact path I'm about to. I'm a legacy, and if they think the shimmering swirls up my left arm are going to change that, they are dead wrong.

I follow behind my closest friends, Bodhi Durran and Imogen Cardulo, as we walk towards the entrance to the Riders Quadrant. I watch the people around us. Many stand alone, some whose families have no clue where they are. Others, like us, who have no family left to say goodbye to, not after the executions.

“Ready?” Bodhi asks, looking over to me.

I smile weakly. “Truthfully? No, but do I have a choice?” I look between him and Imogen as we step forward in line.

Imogen sighs loudly, shaking her head. “Nope. None whatsoever." Another step forward. 5 people ahead of us. 

"What's the plan for when we get across?" Imogen questions. 4 ahead, another step.

“Find Xaden and Garrick, they’ll work it out.” I promise. Honestly? I don't know if they can figure out anything when it comes to the Riders Quadrant. None of us have seen the likes of Xaden Riorson or Garrick Tavis in exactly a year. Thanks to a long string of letters and a short string of secret ones in the last year, I never had to fully miss Xaden.

3 people ahead.

After the execution of the rebellion leaders, all the children were sent off to be fostered by those considered loyal to the crown. My cousin and I were sent to a distant relative while Xaden, who I had just started dating as the rebellion began, was sent elsewhere with many of the other children. Siblings were separated, friends lost touch. Xaden, Garrick, Bodhi, and I got lucky that our foster's were friends and let us write letters and occasionally got to see each other. I have an entire box full of letters back home that I've read a million times. 

“Name?” The scribe before me is giving me the most annoyed look I’ve ever seen. Glancing up, I see Imogen and Bodhi already climbing the stairs to the parapet. A death trap of an entrance to a death trap of a quadrant. “Name?”

“Uh, Wrenley Tavis.” I spit out, signing on the empty line and quickly move to catch up with my friends. We’re silent on the way up. Not a word is spoken between us as we stick close to the wall just as Xaden had urged us to do in the last letter from him. 

“Oh man, is she gonna be happy to see you.” Bodhi laughs at the top of the stairs. He gives his name and begins his turn crossing the parapet, practically running across.

Imogen laughs, muttering a “show off” as she steps up, providing her name and then following Bodhi at the same pace.

I cleared the doorway to the small platform and spotted just who Bodhi was talking to. “Garrick!” I resist every instinct in my body to jump into my cousin’s arms. It may have been a year but he is still, without a doubt, the exact same person I sent off to the same sentence. 

“Hey Princess.” He offers me a warm smile, using the nickname the boys have always had for me. “Keep your eyes ahead. Don’t look down.” The advice comes in a hushed tone as the other Rider up here asks for my name. I provide it and then Garrick says, “Good luck, Candidate Tavis.” He nods, any sign of the man just happy to see his little cousin is gone. Got it. Strictly business.

I step onto the parapet and repeat exactly what I’ve spent years preparing for. Arms out for balance, heel to toe with a 5 inch gap. Pretend you’re balancing a stack of books on your head. Do. Not. Look. Down. And walk with determination. The faster you’re on, the faster you’re off. The sooner you can be in his arms, I think to myself before I’m off.

Bodhi and Imogen wait just off the foot tall drop for me, the roll-keeper nearby to document who lives. I give her my name, Bodhi and Imogen cheering in my ear at us all making it.

“Cadet Tavis,” The roll-keeper hands me a missive and dismisses us as she says, “I was directed to give this to you upon your arrival.” 

Imogen immediately starts to tease me as I unfold the paper to the handwriting I’m all too familiar with.

I’m proud of you Little Bird! Let me show you just how much? Head to the right of the parapet. Up the stairs to the second floor, 5th room on the left. -X

“Oh we’ve definitely lost her.” Bodhi pokes at my cheeks that I’m sure are red.

“I’ll see you at formation.” Tucking the missive into my pocket, I start following the directions. Two flights of stairs, through the door, fifth room on the left. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. My smile only brightens as I stop at the door. Gods, he’s right here.

I reach up and before my knuckles can touch the wood, the swings open and I’m tugged through and pinned to the back of the door. Deep onyx eyes, the specks of gold I have long since memorized, watch me with such longing that I’m sure is mimicked in my own blue orbs.

“Xaden.” I manage to whisper before his lips meet mine.

“A year,” he heaves, pulling from the kiss before taking over my sense again, “is way too fucking long.” There’s a rumble from deep within him at his words that only drags a moan from between my lips as he moves his assault to my jaw and down. “I watched you cross. I’ve never been so terrified and yet so turned on in my life.

“Gods, have I missed you.” I breathe as he locks onto the sweet spot on my neck, the one he knows will drive me wild. A battle of will ignites between us as we rush to strip each other as quickly as possible. Between heated kisses and tripping over our discarded clothes, we manage to get down to our undergarments before we reach the bed.

“I will never get over how gorgeous you are.” I can feel his breathing catching as I reach up to pull my hair from the tie holding it away from my face. I slide across the sheets, beckoning him to follow.

“If you don’t have me seeing stars in the next five min–” I can’t even get my weightless threat out before his lips are back on mine. 

“We both know I’ll have you seeing stars in less than two, my love.” He flashes my favorite version of his smile when he pulls away, the one reserved just for me. He runs a teasing finger over my clothed slit. “Which should I use first, Love? My fingers?” The moan he pulls from me is anything but quiet, my whimpers a plea. “My tongue?” He rips my underwear from me, exposing my lower half to his prowling eyes. “Or my cock?” He growls, shifting on the bed to press himself against my soaked core.

“Please.” I have no control over myself. It's just pure need that drives the noises I’m making from me.

“Who am I kidding? I never need to ask, you’re always so needy for the same thing.” There’s a wicked glint in his eyes, the truth of his statement is not lost on me. Given a choice, I always reach for the same pleasure only his cock can provide me.

“Please, Xay.” I moan as he grinds into me, the pleasure from his movement cascades over me.

“Anything for you,” he promises, his voice barely over a whisper and then I feel him. All of him, bare and gliding across my folds. “Fuck, Wren. I’ve missed you so much.” He mutters before sliding in all the way into me.

My screams are raw and unrestricted with each of his thrusts, pulling me further towards my release. “Oh gods, Xaden, please…” He doesn’t respond as his speed increases, burying his face into the crook of my neck. I didn’t even notice I had closed my eyes until I opened them and found black tendrils of smoke whispering around the room and up my body. “Xay…” My plea over the strange whisps floating over me comes out as a breathy moan with another snap of his hips.

“You’re squeezing me like a fucking vice, Wren. Come for me.”

I want to, gods do I want to, but the closer those tendrils come to my neck, the weight that settles around my throat, the farther my release feels.

“Xa–” The smoke tightens, cutting his name off in the throat. I open my mouth to release another plea but nothing comes out, darkness creeping in on the edges of my vision. I try to push him back, so he can at least see it but he doesn’t move. I gasp what little air I can as the smoke just barely releases its hold. Before the hold can tighten again I gasp, “Ven–” I blink and Xaden’s on the other side of the room, eyes wide and gasping for air like I had hit him.

“Xay?”

“You should go back to formation.” I watch those tendrils retreat from the bed and towards Xaden before disappearing completely.

“Talk to me, please.” I cautiously move towards him, tugging the blanket off the bed to cover myself.

Xaden’s already taking steps away from me until he’s leaving against the desk. “I lost control. I lost complete control and you had to use–”

“But I’m okay.” I quickly tell him. The pure fear in his eyes tells me it’s not the first time he’s lost control like that. “No marks, see?” Are there marks? I don’t know! It doesn’t hurt so I’m going out on a limb here. “We have the word for a reason, darling.”

I catch his gaze landing on my neck and then back to the floor. “I just need a minute, I’ll see you out there.”

I nod silently and redress, watching as he doesn’t move. “I know you’d never intentionally hurt me.” I lean up on my toes to kiss him and he turns away. Sighing, I place a kiss on his cheek then move to the door. “I love you, Xaden.” He doesn’t respond as I slip out of the door and sneak back out to the courtyard. 

I’m stewing in my thoughts as I sift through the faces of first years, searching for my friends. I’m reaching the last line when I collide with someone. “Shit, I am so sorry.”

“It’s no prob– Wren?” The familiar voice, yet deeper than the last time I heard it, bounces around my mind tugging my gaze over and settling on the familiar face. 

Time has been kind to him. In the last six years since I last saw him, Dain Aetos has gone from the boy I ran around outposts with to a man that wouldn’t even dare to do the same foolish activities from our childhood.

“Dain. You’ve grown up.”

“I could say the same about you.” The smile he offers is genuine, until his eyes catch the shimmering relic on my left arm. Now it looks forced, with a tell tale hint of remorse. “Shit, Wren. Did you get punished for your uncle?”

“What?” I feel like the world has started to crumble around me.

“That's a separatist’s child relic.” He says it like it's a dirty phrase and I struggle to reply for only a moment before it's not shock simmering in my chest, but anger.

“Yeah, Dain,” I scoff, watching his eyes as my next words come out. “I watched my dad get executed in Calldyr just like all the others.”

“Your dad joined them?” His matured features shift, the pitying look he had is replaced with one that almost resembles disgust. How could something so simple destroy the friendship we had developed a decade ago?

“He defended our home and lost his life for it!” I try to keep the angry tears that threaten to spill at bay, my hands tightening to fists at my side. “But I wouldn’t expect you to understand that, considering it was your father that dragged him to his execution.”

“I didn’t know, Wren.” Just when I think he might show some remorse, knowing that the man who considered my dad his friend was the one to kill him, Dain takes the knife that's been permanently embedded in my heart for the last four years and twists. “But I’m sure there was more to it than–”

“Right.” The words taste bitter. A copy of his father, my dad had said he’d become. Low and behold, Aetos Junior.  “I’ll keep this in mind, Aetos. Thanks for showing me who you really are.” I shove past him, my anger threatening to boil over at the thought of this place already tearing my friendships away. 

Bodhi’s only a few feet away, his presence pulling me over as I continue to fight with my emotions. I can feel his eyes on me, worry radiating off him, but I shrug him off. “He was an old friend.” These words taste worse on my tongue. “But you know what happens to friends from before.” And what this place will do to you, I say to myself. 

The senior wingleader begins calling cadets towards the first three wings. Bodhi is called to Tail Section of Fourth Wing, while Imogen and I are called to Flame Section of the same wing. Xaden smiles at me as I pass him, his finger’s grazing mine as he mutters, “Meet me after curfew.” The simple touch releases all of the tension in my shoulders. I step in line for my squad, Xaden’s squad, and land right next to Dain. This is going to be a long year.

September 632 AU

Perched on the parapet, I watch the stars fill the night sky. Xaden sits beside me, whether he’s actually watching the sky or me is an idea I ignore for this peaceful moment.

Sneaking around with Xaden for the last 3 months has been nothing short of exciting. Although I’m sure many are becoming privy to our dynamic, especially after the few occasions of Xaden’s protective side coming out. I can hold my own during any challenge but there was one that nearly sent Xaden over the edge. During the Gauntlet yesterday? It took Bodhi and Garrick to keep Xaden from rushing to my aid as I slipped from the final incline.

“Were you nervous for Threshing last year?” The words feel like no more than a whisper against the breeze around us. 

“For Threshing itself? Not particularly.” His voice showed no inflections, a calmness that surrounded me like a blanket. “What really got me was the thought of not seeing you again. That fear haunted me daily. Still does.” His words hung in the air between us as he turned to straddle the parapet, tugging me closer to him. “Are you scared for tomorrow?”

I hesitate with my answer. “Will you be disappointed if I say yes?”

Xaden’s laughter is like a breath of fresh air, pulling me in for a soft kiss. I know he’s trying to send all of my worries away with the kiss but they still remain, even as he tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

“I saw Desa at Presentation,” I murmur, honestly wishing I hadn’t seen the familiar sapphire scales. “When Kaori said this was the first year she’s agreed to bond, I was shocked she didn’t already have a new rider.” Desa, a blue swordtail, was my mother’s dragon. I can still remember the late night rides mom would talk me on, or the early mornings that I would watch them soar off on patrol, before tragedy had struck and both Desa and I lost the most important person in our lives. 

“Sgaeyl mentioned that,” Xaden nods along, “Apparently they’re as close as sisters.” He chuckles, the far off look in his eyes a tell tale sign he’s speaking to Sgaeyl right now.

“I’m sure mom is overjoyed that Desa is finally moving on,” I sigh, turning towards the stars again. “I’m honestly just hoping to live tomorrow.”

I can feel Xaden’s fingers intertwined with mine, a seal to the promise he makes me. “If anyone will survive–and bond–it’ll be my strong and insanely smart girlfriend.” It feels like a lifeline in the dark sea of my mind where I’ve been drowning. “Let’s get you to bed.”

Another kiss meets my cheek before I’m pulled to stand and guided off the parapet. Xaden wraps an arm around my shoulders as he leads me towards the dormitories and leaves me with a final kiss before leaving to his room.

October 1 632 AU

I think I’m lost. I’ve been in the dense woods for what feels like hours and the rustling leaves and distant roars of dragons raise the hairs on the back of my neck. Every once in a while, I’d glance up to see a newly bonded pair shoot off to the sky, and just as often, I’d see a rider lose their seat, falling back to the earth. 

“If anyone will survive–and bond–it’ll be my strong and insanely smart girlfriend.”

Xaden’s words from last night flit through my mind and I remind myself that I can do this, that I will not die today.

“You surely won’t, Youngling.” The voice, soft and yet commanding, makes me freeze mid step.

“Hello?” I call, feeling the wavering tone as I search the trees around me for the owner of the voice.

“I’ve waited 6 years for you, Wrenley Tavis.” The familiar sapphire scales glint in the sunlight behind me and I turn. I can feel the air halt in my lungs and I instinctively step back from the creature before me, head held low.

“Back away any farther and you risk another dragon choosing to scorch you.” I bring my eyes up to meet the striking gold ones, the piercing gaze, like she bores into my soul. “I do. Now get on,” she orders, her tone leaving zero room for an argument. So why do I provide one?

“We’ll get… we’ll get in trouble. You can’t choose me.” I stutter out.

“Let me worry about that, Youngling. Now climb.”

I take a deep breath. This is crazy, but I listen. I sprint towards her leg and climb my way to the seat before she launches into the air. It takes all of my strength to stay on and not fall the hundreds of feet to my death as she loops and swirls through the air. When the dragon levels out above the citadel, I take in the view of Navarre and smile and the wind whips my hair, tugging strands out.

“That was amazing!” I scream over the wind.

“I never doubted your ability for a second. She would be proud.” I can feel the pride from the dragon alone and I don’t need to ask who ‘she’ is as we land in the training fields and I dismount. “Tell the role-keeper Desathos. If anyone questions you, they will deal with me.”

I can feel all of the eyes on me, whispers growing around me, the closer I get to the desk.

“There’s no way.”

“Kaori said even though she agreed, she probably wouldn’t bond.”

“They’re whispering about you.” I say to Desa, finally pushing my thoughts towards her.

“You needn't try so hard to speak with me and ignore them, Youngling. Focus ahead.” Mom always spoke of how calming it was to have Desa in her head, but actually experiencing it? It's the craziest thing.

My steps feel heavy under the weightful gazes around me. The grass of the field provides quiet steps, and with the hushed voices around me, I can hear my racing heartbeat like it’s being projected. 

“Impossible.” Professor Kaori stands in awe as I approach, his gaze flickering from me to Desa.

I meet the gaze of each person standing on the dais and finally land on General Lilith Sorrengail, my moms best friend. There’s a hint of sadness in her eyes as I approach.

“Wrenley Tavis. For the record, please tell me the name of the dragon who chose you.” The poor scribe who acts as roll-keeper this year looks absolutely terrified as those on the dais lean in.

“Desathos.” My throat is shockingly steady compared to the thrumming inside my chest. Am I going to pass out?

“Breathe, Youngling.”

“Your mother’s dragon?” The role-keeper questions, quill trembling in her hand.

“This cannot be allowed!”

“The generations are too close for safety!”

“The Empyrean has already approved the bond.”

What? I turn back to Desa in shock, and then back to the dais where Melgran is looking off into space and General Sorrengail who just has the proudest look in her eyes.

“Enough!” Melgren’s voice booms, silencing everyone in the area. “The Empyrean has already met on this subject, long before it was an issue to us. Cadet Tavis will remain bonded to Desa. Should she go mad, they will meet again.” 

I nod to Melgren before retreating back to my dragon’s side. Relief flows over me as I feel a warm rush of air hit me. I look up to Desa watching me as another rush of hair and I turn to see Xaden and Sgaeyl land just a hundred feet from us, Xaden’s eyes locked on mine. We’re both alive and all I want–need– is to be in his arms but General Sorrengail begins speaking before either of us can move.

I can’t hear a word she says as Xaden just watches me from his spot. I bonded my first Threshing. I bonded my mom’s dragon. The words settle over me and the joy sparks in Xaden’s eyes when Desa nudges me forward.

“Five steps forward, Youngling.” 

“Dragons, it is our honor as always. Now we celebrate!” 

A scream rips through me as heat curls around my left shoulder, along the top of my relic. I can hear other screams around me but I can’t focus on them.

“I think it pairs well with your existing one.” I tug the neckline of my shirt down, revealing the intricate shape of a dragon on my collarbone, the tail blending into the swirls of my relic.

“Wow…”

“A perfect blend of the two halves of your life.” I can’t think more on what she means because I am lifted up by two arms appearing from behind and am immediately spun around.

“You did it!” Xaden’s voice is like music to my ears. “And they let you have Desa? Eden must be smiling down on you.” 

Seeing General Sorrengail’s pride was like hearing of my mother’s pride from someone else, but hearing Xaden say it? The boy my mom swore was going to be the one as Fen Riorson said when he learned of our relationship, it's like my mom is saying it. A bright smile spreads across my face, and before I know it, Xaden is closing the space between us and meeting my lips in a passionate kiss.

“Xaden! People can see us!” It’s nothing more than a breathless whisper between us as I pull back.

“I don’t care what others say, do you?” The confidence and affection in his eyes and voice drown out the rest of the world around us. The cheers of those bonded, the devastation of those who didn’t, the loss of friends. Life is so short at Basgiath, and the brightness in Xaden’s eyes? I hope he never loses that spark.

“Let them talk. As long as I get you in the end.” He pulls me into another kiss, the whoops and hollers that are surely coming from our friends sound around us. But amidst all of that, I find solace in his arms. It's almost like I see our future in my mind.

The two of us, side by side, with no worry about what tomorrow could bring us. And with his words, it solidifies that hope in me.

“Always, my life. There’s nowhere I’d rather be than with you.”

End of October 632 AU

The Gathering Hall hummed with energy as the cadets settled down for dinner. Bodhi drops his try beside me and knocks my arm with his. “How’s Xaden liking Cordyn?” 

I let out a groan. “I can’t wait until the stupid year is up so I don’t have to send him away for a week a month anymore.” My squadmates laugh at my frustrations, Bodhi, Imogen, and Garrick laugh harder at my next words. “Have I mentioned how much I hate Catriona lately?”

“Only every 5 minutes,” Imogen laughs across from me.

We’re all laughing now until a voice pierces through the air. “Hey Tavis!” My cousin and I both turn at our last name. “Saw Riorson flying in just a few minutes ago.”

I can feel the excitement bubble in me but uncertainty still thrums deep below.  “Did he mention coming back early?” I ask, turning to my friends. Their eyes match that deep feeling of uncertainty but my excitement wins out, making me jump from the table and run to the flight field.

“Youngling? Do we have a surprise class this evening?” Desa’s voice rings through as I reach the stairs.

“No, someone said they saw Xaden flying in.” I can’t hide my excitement as I take the stairs two at a time.

“Sgaeyl is still out of reach.” Desa responds and my steps stumble as I reach the grass.

“What?” I instinctively reach for the dagger on my hip as pain shoots out from my left knee.

“You’re too gullible for your own good, Tavis.” The world spins, laughter erupting around me, as I land face first into the ground. I roll onto my back, catching the faces of my attackers. More than one, perfect. I try to lunge at one but an unexpected kick reaches my ribs and I curl into the pain. Trying again to stand, I feel the weight of someone clambering on top of me before pinning my arms to the ground, and then the blows keep coming. Like rain, each one landed in a sequence. A sickening crunch when one hits my nose at the right angle.

“Keep fighting.” Desa calls, and desperation raised in me. Desa did not bond someone who couldn’t hold her own. I pull my right knee up, knocking the body above me off balance enough to shove him off. I rise again but the minute I place my weight on my left knee, white hot pain sends a scream through my lungs–a strong reminder that I’m not just fighting to prove I can, but for my survival because they will kill me.

I will not die today.

I manage to remain upright and palm another of my daggers as I’m circled again. “Your precious section leader isn’t here to protect you.” The words are dipped in malice but I can’t focus on the taunt, can’t cling to the hope Desa’s voice brings, promising that he’s on his way, when there's another pain in my side. I feel the cold metal graze my skin on his exit as my eyes meet the dripping dagger and the blood seeping from my side.

Shit. That’s not good.

“Maybe next time, you’ll rethink your bond.” It's almost a growl that erupts from another of the attackers as a second blade is sent through the same opening, or maybe it's the same one? I can’t tell when everything feels so much darker. A mist sweeping up my vision as I try to hold onto my strength to live.

I feel so… heavy, almost like I’m slipping. Laughter circling me again as I drop to my knees with another sharp pain.

“Wrenley!” I hear my name called but it’s quiet. So quiet.

“Hold on, Youngling.” I feel the grass at my cheek again, starting to embrace the shadow of darkness as a roar rings through the air and I let myself smile as frantic hands reach me, pleads filling the air but the words are lost and I let the dark consume me.

I can hear the voices before I can see the owners. Each string of words weaves to create a blanket of concern and frustrations.

“Why didn’t you keep a better eye on her?” The words cut through my consciousness.

“I was a minute behind her! Desa had already charred them as I climbed the last stair!” That’s definitely Bodhi’s voice, his whisper harsh.

“They wouldn’t have been able to do anything if you had been there!”

“In case you haven’t noticed, she’s the fastest runner at Basgiath!” Bodhi counters. “I can barely keep up with her on a good day!”

“I gave you one job, Bodhi! One!”

“It wasn’t his fault.” I let out with a hoarse groan. Prying my eyes open, I’m blinded by the harsh light in the healer’s quadrant. My vision clears as I process who exactly is in the room. Bodhi is leaning on the footboard of the bed I’m in, concern etched in every inch of his face, Garrick pacing behind him. Imogen is seated to my right, gently stroking my hand.

Onyx eyes meet mine as I look to the left. Pain and worry shine in them, yet they’re filled with the most soothing warmth. “Take it easy, leave. Healers said it's all gonna hurt for a few days.” Xaden stops me as I try to sit up.

“Listen to the Shadow Wielder.” Desa orders as I shift in the uncomfortable bed.

“What happened?” I groan out, meeting the eyes of my friends, but I especially try and fail to avoid Xaden’s. 

“Couple of unbondeds attacked you. We got there right after Desa did.” Bodhi answers.

“Xay…”

“I flew back as soon as I got the missive.” The sigh Xaden releases is filled with the weight of unspoken fears, his fingers brushing against my cheek and pushing them behind my ear so gently, like he fears I might break. “You knew I wasn’t supposed to be back for a couple days. Why would you risk it on the word of another rider? Especially an unbonded one?”

“I hate sending you to Cordyn.” I confess in a whisper, turning away from Xaden. As much as I tell Bodhi and Imogen, I’ve never admitted it to Xaden out loud. 

“I know, my love.” I catch a cry before it releases at his words, gentle fingers turning my face by my chin so he can look in my eyes. “You almost died.” There’s an unusual tremble in his voice, a silver line along his lashes and I feel all of his pain. 

Getting the missive, the one I’m sure Bodhi wrote, judging by how shaken Garrick looks, it must have torn Xaden to shreds.

“Why choose now to attack? Her and Desa have been bonded for 3 weeks now, it would have been better to do it right after Threshing, right?” Garrick finally speaks, his pacing pausing but the terror doesn’t leave his body.

“It’s because Xaden was gone. Because he couldn’t protect me.” I mutter, hoping they didn’t hear me. “

“That's it.” Xaden’s voice is cold, the sudden shift sending a chill down my spine, He storms out of the room, Garrick hot on his heels, leaving me in a whirlwind of confusion and pain.

“While I appreciate the previous agreements made with my father and the aid you had provided, I cannot in good conscience continue the arrangement with Catriona Cordella. I hope we can come to another agreement to make up for our end of the deal that does not allow me to betray those closest to me.”

- Recovered correspondence from Cadet Xaden Riorson to Viscount Tecarus of Krovla

December 632 AU

The chill of the impending Winter crept into the air as I walked with Bodhi and Imogen through the rotunda, our laughter echoing off the stone walls after Bodhi cracked a joke about what happened during flight maneuvers this morning. The buzz of cadets all around us, as we continued our laughter. I catch Xaden watching us from the exterior of the circular hall. I really need to talk to him, Desa started channeling a few weeks ago and weird things have been happening all week. 

It’s almost like he can read my mind when he offers me a reassuring smile and a soft nod before mouthing. “Meet me in the courtyard.” I nod back before turning to the conversation between Bodhi and Imogen as we enter the Academic Wing. I don’t hear their conversation as I think over the interaction with Xaden. Did he sense my anxiety? Maybe he just wants to check on me.

“I’m telling you, they didn’t stand a—” Imogen’s voice was cut off by screams pouring out as we opened the door to the Battle Brief. 

“What’s going on?” I asked, my heart racing. The scene that greeted us was chaotic; a first-year student was screaming, hands clamped tightly over his ears, his face twisted in terror. 

“He’s an inntinnsic,” murmurs rippled through the crowd. I felt my stomach drop as his eyes met mine, wide with desperation. 

“Help me. You understand,” he gasped, his voice warping, changing into a tone that wasn’t his own. “I really need to talk to Xaden. He’ll know what to do.” The urgency in his plea sent shivers down my spine. He squeezed his eyes shut, anguish etched across his features, and for a moment, a different voice echoed from his lips, “Make it stop!” 

What? How did he know what I was thinking? 

A hand gently touches my back, causing me to jump at the sudden touch before a low whisper reaches my ears.

“Change your thoughts, think of anything else. Something useless,” Xaden urges. The unyielding in his voice grounds me and I fight to divert my mind. 

I reach for the memories of dusty outpost libraries, those few years I was away from Aretia growing up. Violet and Dain are beside me, laughing as we translate a random scroll or two. 

“Close your eyes,” Xaden directs, someone pushing their way through the gathering crowd pushing Xaden closer to me. “You aren’t gonna want to watch this.” I turn to him confused and a gasp slices through the crowd, drawing silence. I turn back to see the first year motionless, a professor looming over him. How have I met every professor here already? Which one is he?

“That’s Professor Carr,” Garrick says. “He’s the wielding professor.” Had I asked out loud? No. No, I know I hadn’t. 

“Holy shit.” There’s a pit in my stomach. Instinctively, I take a step back towards the door but Xaden still stands in my way.

“Wren?” The concern in his voice acts as an anchor, but it’s too late. I’m already drowning. I can’t draw a single breath as panic rises in my chest like a wave ready to crash over me.

“Trust the Shadow Wielder,” Desa urges me.

“I’m an inntinnsic, aren’t I?” I ask her, praying I’m not right.

“The Shadow Wielder can help.”

“They’ll kill me.” I can’t tell if the words are aloud or in my mind but Xaden’s hands grip my shoulders.

“Wrenley, what's wrong?” He’s turning me to face him, a hand coming up to brush the tears I hadn’t even noticed falling. I try to speak, I open my mouth and nothing comes out. “Love, talk to me.” Before I can think, like my body is in overdrive, I pull from his grasp and run out the doors.

I’m barrelling through every door until the fresh air from the courtyard rushes through my lungs. My hands reach for something to grip onto as I try to steady my racing heart.

“Wren?”

Dain. Fuck he’ll tell his dad if he finds out what I am.

“I’m–” I gasp. “Just go to class, Dain.” The words are rough as I lean farther into the wall.

“Shit, who told you?” I lift my gaze to meet him, all of my worry shifting to confusion as I see the pain in his eyes. “I was just coming to get you, Violet was asking for you.”

“What happened to Vi?” It’s like an alarm goes off when he mentions Violet. Our parents were assigned to the same outpost when Dain and I were nine and Vi was 8. I learned pretty quickly that Violet was a fragile thing after we fell out of a tree. My heart is still uncontrollable.

“Focus on calming your heart, Youngling, before you lose control,” Desa’s voice is softer than I’ve known it. I can feel how worried she is through the bond. Fuck, I’m really losing it.

“She’s fine. Well, physically at least.”

“Spit it out, Aetos!” I snap, my patience fraying along with my control.

“It’s Asher, Wren,” Dain finally confesses and my heart sinks. “He collapsed in the Archives a few days ago. I turn on my heel and run towards the main college. “She’s in her room!” I hear Dain call from behind me and I barely hear it over the echo of my footsteps meeting the stone of the bridge. I’ve only been to this part of Basgiath once after her parents took positions here, and yet I blindly follow the path to her room.

I take a deep breath before knocking and pushing the door open. It's silent besides the shuddering breaths of the girl curled into a ball on her bed.

“Vi?” I call softly, pushing the door shut behind me as I walk towards her. My heart ached at the sight of this tiny girl, swimming among the blankets.

“Wrenley?” I can’t wait a second more, climbing onto the bed and holding her close as a sob rips through her fragile frame. “He’s gone.” She sobs and the words reach me like a dagger. I held her tighter, wishing I could take her pain, and block anything else that could come for her.

“When’s the last time you slept, Vi?” She doesn’t respond, but the way she’s barely holding herself up in my hold speaks volumes; it hasn’t been in the last few days. “How do I help her? Can I help her?” I plead with Desa.

“You can barely keep your thoughts to yourself,” her reply is dry, a reminder of my own emotional chaos.

“Can I help her or not?” I snap, frustration coursing through me.

“Mentally imagine a door, that you’re opening it and stepping into her mind. Just think soothing thoughts, ones that could help her fall asleep. It’s how she did it on you.”

“My mom was an inntinnsic?” That's not possible. My mom was such a rule follower.

“Focus, Youngling.”

I focus every fiber of my being into the task. The door, old wood with intricate carvings, like what the old tomes were written in. Opening the door, I step through to Violet’s mind and I focus on the soothing thought Desa mentioned. 

Nights of reading fairy tales by moonlight, Asher and my father acting out the stories with shadows on the wall. Then I think about Violet, wishing for her to remember the simple times with those stories that always put us to sleep, running my fingers through her brown and silver tipped hair. Her breathing starts to slow, a soft rise and fall as I watch her tense muscles loosen. 

“Very good, Youngling. Now imagine yourself leaving her mind, like backing out of the door and closing and locking it.” I follow Desa’s instructions and feel the connection between Violet and I getting farther away. “This is also how you can keep yourself from accidentally entering someone else’s.”

A light smile tugs at the corner of my lips at the success.

“Vi? Wren?” The door swings open, Dain frantically coming through the door. I quickly shush him, pointing to the sleeping girl in my lap. “How’d you do that so fast?”

“She just fell asleep. Must still like me more than you.” I laugh softly as Dain positions himself on the floor by the bed.

“Are you okay?” He asks me, his gaze watching me closely.

“I will be.” I answer simply, giving my old friend a soft smile as Desa’s voice rings through my mind again.

“We begin training tomorrow.”

January 633 AU

“Come on, Bodhi!” The crowd of cadets cheered as we watched the challenge. They just started back up this week and it's been fairly entertaining. Bodhi’s grin is infectious, completely in his element as he pins his opponent. 

“Kick his ass!”

“He yields!” Professor Emetterio’s voice cuts through the excitement and Bodhi hops off his opponent, offering a hand to help him up. The cadet brushes him off, limping over to his squad. Bodhi saunters over to us, popping a high five to my raised hand as he stops beside me, turning back to the mat, pride radiating off him.

He’s the best fighter in our year and I’m not far off. I may leave the mat as injured as my opponent but at least I leave victorious as Bodhi and Garrick like to say. Xaden has been trying to teach better evasive maneuvers but while I’m quick on my feet, everyone has been significantly larger than me.

“Next we have…” Emettario scans his notes, drawing out the anticipation. “Sebastian Orbeck and Wrenley Tavis.”

Speaking of larger than me.

“Isn’t that the guy that's been threatening you for the last week?” Imogen asks, eyes glancing at me wearily. 

“I’m so dead.” I’m five foot six on a good day, Sebastian? He’s as tall as Xaden, if not taller if that was possible, and arms the size of my fucking head. I will not die today.

“Begin,” Emettario calls as we both step onto the mat. I brandish one of my blades as Sebastian circles me, two blades of his own drawn.

“Finally, my chance to take you out, Tavis. I’ve been waiting all year.” His smile brings the hairs on the back of my neck to attention, and I reach to pull a second blade.

“You'll have to fight for that,” I shoot back, voice way steadier than I feel on the inside.

“Oh, I will.” He says with a growl before charging at me, the ground thudding with his weight. I use one of the moves Xaden taught me and tuck into a roll to dodge him. Landing on my feet, I turn to face him and lean back just out of reach of the blade Sebastian swings at me.

“Uh, that’s the best you can do?” I ask, laughing to mask the anxiety flowing through my veins. The murmurs around us fade as I focus on the threat.

“Don’t piss him off, Wren,” a stern voice calls out, worry an underlying tone.

In an instant, Sebastian charges again and I reach for the door of his mind, forcing him to shift his blade to the side, but not enough when I hiss at the sting of the blade breaking skin.

“Your aim is shit,” I taunt, flipping one of my blades in my hand as I take a step back. I can feel Xaden’s annoyed sigh at my taunting but I can't focus on him right now. Another swing of his blade, and I jump back from the blade. “Can’t you try harder than that?” I start backing along the edge of the mat, trying to create some distance when my foot snags on something and I land on my back with a thud, air completely knocked from my lungs.

Before I can force any air into my lungs, Sebastian is on top of me and his hand at my throat, but he’s not squeezing. Why can I still not breathe? My wide eyes snape to Xaden who is fighting every urge to step in. Then it dawns on me:

Sebastian is an Air Wielder. He’s using his signet to suffocate me!

“Come on, Signetless. Die quickly so this can all end,” he hisses, breath chilling along my skin. I manage to turn towards Xaden, using what little energy I have left to reach for his door. The pressure on my chest increases as I gasp for any air but none comes and my vision starts to blur as I throw open the mental door. I’m risking everything by doing this to Xaden, but I’d rather live to have him lecture me than die and have him burn my things for Malek. 

I launch myself into his subconscious and scream. “Stop him.” Xaden freezes, eyes widening in alarm.

“Wren?” What? No! He should be moving! This isn’t right!

“Now!” I scream again, before my vision fully blurs and I’m yanked from his mind.

“He’s using his signet!” I hear Xaden shout but the blurriness is turning to darkness and I can feel the last of me slipping.

“Youngling?” Desa’s voice comes through as a whisper and try as I might, I can’t reach out to her.

“She fucking yields!” Xaden shouts again.

I hear Emettario’s voice next and then a rush of air fills my lungs, Sebastian no longer above me. I cough, trying to force more air into my lungs as Xaden appears in front of me.

“Are you okay?” He asks, searching me for any signs of bruising around my neck. I nod, coughing more as Xaden turns back to sebastian.

“You’re going to fucking pay, Orbeck.” Xaden’s anger draws him to action and Xaden’s holding a blade to Sebastian’s throat.

Bodhi and Imogen are at my side, pulling me up from the mat as I finally manage a dep breath. Garrick is on Xaden trying to pull him off.

“You know signets aren’t allowed during challenges!” He shouted, putting more weight behind the blade.

“Xaden,” I call, reaching through his door again. “It’s okay.”

“It’s not okay!” He growls out loud, focused solely on Sebastian. Dammit, he’s going to get me caught.

“If you keep answering me out loud, you’re not going to be able to protect me. Now let him go.” With a reluctant huff, Xaden backs the blade away and stands but not before slamming Sebastian’s head into the ground, knocking him out cold.

Once I felt the soft comfort of my bed, I curled into it immediately. I closed my eyes, hoping and praying that Xaden wouldn’t bring up the events from the training room.

“Your signet manifested.” Okay, nevermind then. I peek through one open eye, to see the door closed, and with the wards Xaden placed on my room I was essentially safe in here. Unless Xaden decides to turn me in.

“It did.” I say softly, closing the one eye and burying my head in my pillow, fighting off the throbbing headache that usually comes after using my signet.

“How long?” He presses. I know he cares, but god can he please just not– “How long, Wrenley?”

I sigh, sitting up and sliding to the edge of the bed. “Desa said it manifested right before the attack in October. I noticed weird things happening right before the incident with the inntinnsic in Battle Brief. I wanted to talk to you that day but then he died and I– I got scared.” I take a deep breath, trying to read Xaden’s emotions but he’s stone cold. “Speaking in people’s minds? That's new.” I tell him, the relief of someone knowing lifting all of the weight I’d been carrying.

“You’ve been doing it since the beginning,” Desa reports, I can almost feel her shrug. “Everyone is either oblivious to the fact that your mouth didn’t move or it blended in with their own thoughts flawlessly. It was honestly kind of impressive when that happened.”

“Excuse me?”

“What type of inntinnsic are you?” Xaden questions, his hard gaze boring into every hole in my soul. “And answer truthfully, since you’ve been lying to me for weeks.”

I should’ve told him from the get go. I knew this would turn on me eventually. Inntinnsics can’t be trusted, it’s why they’re killed. “At first, it was just being able to slip ideas into minds, make someone move a certain way without knowing it wasn’t them. Desa and I have been practicing late at night, but she’s kinda over being a puppet.”

“Shit,” Xaden finally breathes and I scoff at his reaction.

“Yea shit. I’ve been pretending to be signetless for 2 months. It’s fucking hard when you’re constantly jumping into someone’s head on accident.” The fear of getting caught is festering in my head. “I’m scared Xaden. I’d never hurt anyone, but I don’t want to die because they can’t see the good in my ability.”

“I know, I know.” He paces my room, tendrils of shadows swirling around him as he gets lost in thought. “I just…” He pauses, looking over at me and his eyes soften. He settles beside me on the bed, pulling my hands into his. “I’ll help you practice, and we’ll make sure that you have enough control to keep it hidden.” It's a gentle promise, one his eyes promise back to me. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you.” He whispers, lips pressed to my temple as he pulls me closer.

I lean further into his hold, smiling at the smallest flicker of hope. The small promise of tomorrow. “I know.”

April 633 AU

“Stop sending your shadows to wrap around my ankles. It’s highly distracting,” I call across the open channel between Xaden and I, my voice a blend of annoyance and amusement.

Thanks to the practice Xaden's been giving me, I figured out that if I left a door open we could talk back and forth like we do with our dragon's, and it's been interesting to say the least.

I can feel the smirk that surely makes its way onto Xaden's face behind me just from the words he passes to me. “I could do a few other things with them instead if you prefer?”

His mastery of his signet had evolved into an art form, and I had grown all too aware of the power he wielded. The moments of lost control like my first day at Basgiath long behind us. Now, a stray shadow or two from Xaden's will? Well, I don't entirely hate the surprise.

“Maybe if you’re good, I’ll let you tie me up with them later,” I counter, I turn to send him a wink and he chuckles. I could get lost in the carefree look on his face right now, but Professor Devera’s voice pulls my attention. 

“Something you’d like to share with the class, Cadet Tavis?” 

My cheeks flushed as I turned back around. “No ma’am.” 

"It would be wise to get your attention forward in my class, wouldn’t want to be sent to the front unprepared." I nod, and Professor Devera returns to her lecture. The classroom shifted its focus back to the front, yet my mind lingered on the shadows now coiling around my knees. As she jotted down notes, I allowed my finger to idly drift through the mist.

Suddenly, I’m no longer looking down at my notebook. The world around me blurs, colors smearing like watercolor paint on canvas, and in the blink of an eye, I find myself in my room and then my notebook returns and I'm back in the classroom.

What was that? The disorientation makes my heart race as I shake it off, forcing my focus back to the notes sprawled before me. Yet, as I try to ground myself, the image crashes back in, but this time, it morphs into something far more sinister—no longer just a fleeting thought but a vivid nightmare looming at the edges of my consciousness.

“What’s little Signetless gonna do? Take on five cadets at once?” The taunting voices cut through the air like a knife. My breath quickens as I whirl around, the laughter ringing hollow and mocking. I see them now, the familiar figures of my peers, their faces twisted with a cruel blend of amusement and malice, surrounding me like a pack of hungry wolves closing in on their prey. 

“We can’t let you keep going. Weakest links need to be weeded out.” Their words drip with venom, and my pulse thrums in my ears as I watch them brandish their weapons. My instincts scream at me to flee, but I’m frozen, spinning in a frantic circle, desperately trying to keep my eyes on each one of them. The walls seem to close in, and the air grows thick. I reach for a dagger, the familiar weight of my weapon something I instinctively crave for reassurance, but my sheaths are empty. 

“Don’t worry, we’ll make it quick, after we have a little fun.” 

I’m dragged from the vision by the sound of wood scraping across wood, my heart pounding.

“What was that?” I stammer, reaching for Desa through the bond. All I can feel are the gazes of my classmates, all eyes on me, their expressions a mix of curiosity and disdain. 

“Your second signet,” she replies, her tone dripping with smugness. “Two rare signets. Perfect for you.” 

“What. The. Fuck?” My mind races, grappling with her words while dread coils tight in my stomach.

“Cadet Tavis? Is everything alright?” The voice cuts through the haze of confusion, pulling me from the spiraling thoughts that threaten to consume me. As I look up, the classroom blurs into focus, the eyes of my peers fixed on me with an intensity that feels both invasive and unnerving.

“I’m sorry, can I be excused?” I plead, my voice a fragile whisper laced with urgency as I direct my gaze toward Professor Devera. I can feel the heat of embarrassment creeping up my neck, but there’s a deeper dread clawing at my insides, compelling me to escape this moment. 

“Very well.” She brushes me off with a wave of her hand, her attention already drifting back to the lecture that is so far from my mind. I gather my belongings hastily, fingers trembling as they race to shove my things into my bag. 

“Wren, what's going on?” Garrick’s voice breaks through from the row behind me, concern etched deeply into his brow. Bodhi and Imogen echo his question, their faces a blend of worry and confusion as I move toward the door. Xaden’s shadows still weave through the air, a comforting presence that tingles against my skin, urging me forward as I reach for the doorknob.

“Make up some bullshit about checking on me. Something’s wrong,” I whisper urgently, barely able to form coherent thoughts as panic constricts my chest.

I manage to cover ten feet before the familiar pull of my vision yanks me back into a disturbing memory. My heart races as scenes flash before my eyes—those cadets, their laughter ringing in my ears, the cruel mockery in their tone as they paint a vivid picture of my helplessness. I see the blade gleaming menacingly, then feel a visceral jolt as it pierces my chest, right over my heart. I scramble back, disoriented, desperate to escape this nightmare.

“Wren– Wrenley, it's me! It's me!” A voice breaks through the chaos, and my vision finally sharpens to reveal Xaden, his expression a mix of fear and urgency. “What’s going on?” His concern feels palpable, wrapping around me like a lifeline, but the words catch in my throat. How do I articulate the horrors I’ve just witnessed?

“Precognition, Wise One,” By the Gods, does Desa just know fucking everything? "I do."

“Can I have 5 minutes where you aren’t in my head?!” I shout, my hand instinctively rising to my pounding temple. 

“Wren?” Xaden’s voice softens, pulling me back from the brink of my spiraling thoughts. For a fleeting moment, the world narrows, and I forget he’s here.

“Something’s going to happen to me if we don’t stop it.” 

I recounted the events in my vision to Xaden who was quick to formulate a plan. He even enlisted Garrick and Bodhi to roam the halls without exposing my signets.

As the night stretched on, the anxiety of what could be looming before us covered the room in silence. Xaden spent most of the night pacing which did nothing to ease my mind. And near the early hours of morning, when the knob turned on my door, our plan was quickly in action. I turned to face away from the door while Xaden used his signet to hide in the shows as five figures crept into my room. I kept still, waiting for the moment that Xaden stepped in. Then I felt the hand on my ankle and I'm dragged to the edge before I could even scream.

“Did you think you were clever?” Xaden's voice sliced through the air and shadows reach for the throats of the intruders. "It’s unlawful to attack another cadet while they sleep,” he declared, his voice dripping with malice and as quick as a snap, the five cadets were on the ground, lifeless.

Garrick and Bodhi came running in, their expressions both shocked and relieved, eyes bouncing between the bodies, Xaden, and myself. 

“Remind me to stay on your good side,” Bodhi mutters, shaking off a shiver as he and Garrick begin removing the bodies.

“You okay?” Xaden asks, his entire demeanor shifting from the man I saw kill 5 people, to my Xaden and the way he looks at me? Gods, am I turned on right now? 

“And if I said that was one of the hottest things you’ve ever done?” 

“I’d do it again in a heartbeat to protect you.” 

next part

Taglist: Comment, send an ask or PM to join taglist

[annie-creates]

Masterlist

Here's a masterlist of my fanfictions from the newest to the oldest.

You can request fics for:

Lady Lesso (The School for Good and Evil)

Andromache of Scythia (The Old Guard)

Queen Ravenna (Snow white and the Huntsman)

Agatha Harkness (Agatha All Along)

Abby Anderson or Ellie Williams (The Last of Us)

Natasha Romanoff or Yelena Belova (Marvel)

Xaden Riorson, Garrick Tavis, Bodhi Durran, Dain Aetos, Imogen Cardulo or Violet Sorrengail (Fourth Wing)

If you want to be tagged for any of the characters let me know!

fluff💕 | angst💔 | smut❤️‍🔥 | comfort❤️‍🩹

Lady Lesso

Edit 1 • Edit 2 • Edit 3 • Edit 4 • Edit 5 • Edit 6 • Edit 7 • Edit 8 • Edit 9

I don't really hate you 💔💕

Beautiful I know 💔💕

After my mother 💕

Fool me too 💕

Take a day off 💕❤️‍🩹

Stupid test mark 💕❤️‍🩹

The evil witch 💔 - Bundle of joy 💔💕 - I hear the wedding bells 💕

Just a few grapes 💕❤️‍🩹

My beautiful nightmare 💕

Out like a light 💕❤️‍🩹- The best girlfriend 💕

Don't push it 💔💕

One day in a year 💕

Try to come home 💔 - Ray of sunshine 💔

Not the proudest moment 💕

Dearest Mrs. Lesso 💕

To meet you 💕 - My Leonora 💔

Barely a friend 💔 - The roses you sowed 💔 - I'm yours 💕

Soft dean of evil 💕

Lady Claus 💕

What an evil thing to do 💔

Queen Ravenna

Edit 1 • Edit 2 • Edit 3

I will live for you 💕

Only for tonight 💕❤️‍🩹

Desperately by her side 💕 - Get you to fall in love 💕 - Every day of your life 💕

What have I done 💔

The biggest star 💕

Beautiful baby bump 💕❤️‍🩹

Andromache of Scythia

Edit 1 • Edit 2 • Edit 3

Never felt like dying 💕

You never learn 💕

Good enough for a hero 💔

You can call me Andy 💕

New Year's Eve 💕

Agatha Harkness

Halloween night tradition 💕

I deserved it 💔

Almost four hundred years 💕

FOURTH WING

Never his first choice 💔(Bodhi Durran)

I choose my loyalties 💕(Garrick Tavis @empyreanevents week)

Things better left unsaid 💔(Bodhi Durran)

Cross the seas 💕(Garrick Tavis @empyreanevents week)

Just a flier 💔💕(Mira Sorrengail)

I don't wanna be friends 💔💕(Imogen Cardulo)

Projections 💔(Bodhi Durran)

Every last droplet 💕❤️‍🔥(Garrick Tavis)

The greatest mistake Part 1 💕💔| Part 2 💔💕| Part 3 💔| Part 4 💕(Dain Aetos)

Abigail "Abby" Anderson

Edit 1 • Edit 2 • Edit 3

Life without you 💕

Just a bad memory 💕❤️‍🩹

Finally home 💕❤️‍🩹

Ellie Williams

Pile of misfortunes 💕

[alexandia03]

2024 Fic Writer End of Year Roundup

Answer and then tag three or more creators to keep the game going! Thank you to @yanny_77 and @siobhanbooks for the tag! If you're tagged here, feel free to answer! <333 It's already 2025 but I check my Tumblr once in a blue moon so...

How many words did you publish on AO3 in 2024?

179,695 - I like to think there would be more had I not been busy with my thesis, but hey! It's still an accomplishment!

How many fics did you complete this year?

Umm... none? OH WAIT! Two! I have two drabbles!

Admit it, we are lost - my little drabble for War Games with little Xaden, Bodhi, Garrick and Imogen deciding to run away from home.

Darlin' - my sad little ficlet on Bodhi's first birthday in the Quadrant.

How many in progress or ongoing fics did you start this year?

Let's see... I started MV in 2023 so... I have 3!

Grow As We Go - my neglected baby that I share with my wife, @essjaywrites

After Xaden Riorson and Violet Sorrengail's great exit from Basgiath War College during IF, Lieutenant Garrick Tavis along with third-year cadets Imogen Cardulo, Bodhi Durran, Quinn Artan, Liam Mairi and Ridoc Gamlyn embark on a clandestine mission to rescue from the Navarrian foster homes all the underage marked kids and bring them back to Aretia. However, they did not plan for their whole lives to be turned upside down when one of those kids turns out to be their niece. Maybe battling Venin and surviving as a dragon rider was the easy part, compared to the challenges of having to adapt to their new situation - all while stubbornly clinging to any excuse not to admit their feelings for one another. What could go wrong, right?

Death of a Hero - my gift to @siobhanbooks for the first exchange that I still have to finish but the second part is angsty even for me so...

A few months after the battle of Basgiath, Garrick and Imogen finally get a few moments to themselves, away from the whole world and all the problems looming over them - for a few moments, the war, the venins... it is all confetti. But reality has a way of shattering even the purest and most beautiful of moments - as they dead with the consequences of Xaden's decisions and actions from a few months prior, things go from bad to worse. Practically, every time you think it can't get worse, it gets worse.

Your Memory Feels Like Home To Me - the gift for @essjaywrites for this past Solstice that I hope to be able to finish soon (only the epilogue left! Yay!)

Having a memory related signet is cool and can come in handy for Imogen Cardulo, making her one of the strongest riders of her generation - until she finds herself on the receiving end of her own powers. And suddenly, her well-earned peace and stability is shattered into pieces - pieces she has to put back together again. Will it be the same mosaic? What if some pieces are lost forever? Will things ever get back to normal again? There questions plague both Imogen and Garrick and it remains to be seen if they get any answers.

There is also Inkpot Gods, but it is not published so...

What was your favorite thing you wrote?

Hmm, good question... I think it's Your Memory Feels Like Home To Me because it was certainly a challenge for me to write and I drew inspiration from so many things and I put a lot of effort into it because I wanted it to be perfect for my loveliest @essjaywrites - she certainly deserves it.

It is probably my fluffiest fic to date and it felt good to write established Imrrick for a change. And I drew so much inspiration from different kinds of media (movies, TV series, other fics, real life, games etc.) so it feels like a little bit of everything I love.

What piece was your most experimental or different from your usual style?

Hmm... I would mention here both Your Memory Feels Like Home To Me and Grow As We Go for different reasons:

Your Memory Feels Like Home To Me - because it was my first fic with a smut scene and even though I haven't even read that scene after I wrote it, I am kind of proud of myself for doing that.

Grow As We Go - because it is the first time I am co-writing something and writing a child is both tricky and very very nice. I love all the headcannons and ideas Sarah and I come up with for it (and also the avalanche of idea from my betas, who are the backbone of this entire fic)

Did any fics surprise you - either while writing or their reception?

I think I am a bit disappointed with how little attention YMFLHTM gets (I am not arrogant here, but I kind of expected more), but in the end I am happy Sarah liked it and that's all that matters.

On another note, I am very happy with how Braelyn and Derik were welcomed into this fandom. Initially, they were supposed to remain a cute little fun joke in my DMs with @ramzesfics, but then I wrote them into a special chapter in Memento Vivere and I was pleasantly surprised by how much people liked them and how they were basically adopted by other writers as well - check @siobhanbooks's fics for that, but also @essjaywrites's Bigger Than The Whole Sky and @copperfirebird and @sarcasticmothwrites also have them in some of their planned fics. And I remember @greeneyedwildthing asked to borrow them for Last Breath! And I can't forget about @ubiquitouslyme's fantastic take on them in The Odyssey of Imrrick!!

Do you have a fic you wrote and loved that went under the radar? (This is your sign to reblog/repost it!)

I already said that I am a bit sad about YMFLHTO, but... Darlin' is the fic that went under the radar for me. It was a sad little thing because I was a sad little thing when I wrote it, so it feels extra special to me.

Birthdays are not always a happy occasion. Sometimes they bring back painful memories and all you want is to run away for a while, but, every once in a while, it is good to have fiercely loyal friends looking out for you.

Who is an artist that inspired you?

@essjaywrites - no question there! My wife is just THAT amazing and I will never stop talking about it! Her Imrrick is my favorite of all time!

Also, special shout-out to Jules and her Imrrick gift for me this Solstice! I absolutely adore it!

Who is an author that inspired you?

I love all my friends in the RQ, but I feel the need to give my small Imrrick group a special mention here: @essjaywrites @siobhanbooks @tegantales @sarcasticmothwrites @copperfirebird @istarbel @ubiquitouslyme @ramzesfics.

Special special mention to @siobhanbooks' mom, her comments and reactions meant the world to me.

Love you all!

Who is a new author you discovered?

I think this award goes to LizardRunClub for her amazing Imrrick fic for this Solstice - Memories Consume is just amazing!

Did you do any collaborations? How did it start?

GAWG! Yes! It's @essjaywrites' and my little baby (well, second child that we have together because we adopted @siobhanbooks at some point).

As for how it started... it was a very aggressive plot bunny that came to me while I was talking to @ramzesfics and @istarbel and then it got bigger and bigger because my beta team kept kept coming with ideas and we spent an entire day brainstorming until I decided to write it. And then I begged Sarah to help me because I couldn't imagine doing this with anyone else!

What accomplishments are you proudest of?

I am proud of my first smut scene in YMFLHTM, I am proud of the impact DOAH had, I am happy whenever GAWG is mentioned, but it's Memento Vivere that remains my pride and joy. Not only because it was the first fic on Imrrick, not because I predicted a lot of stuff in it (and the Montserrat bit? I TOLD YOU SO!) It's the fic I poured so much love into and even though I still feel the need to edit and delete it, even though I post so rarely... it's the fic that got me back into writing and I am proud of it, no matter what - maybe more proud of it than I am of my thesis, I swear!

And, fun fact, I rewrote the entire first chapter (which remains my masterpiece to date) while I was writing my thesis (Feminine voices in modern retellings of Homer's epics. Penelope and Briseis). My two biggest accomplishments were written at the same time.

Imogen Cardulo's life doesn't begin with her breaking Violet Sorrengail's arm on Assessment Day and there is much more going on with her than what Violet sees. She is more than a side character this time around. Once upon a time, because that is how all stories begin, she was just another teenage girl - a little rebellious, a little more reckless than her parents would have preferred, a typically annoying little sister... an awesome friend or a pain in the ass (depending on the day and which one of her friends you asked) and she had a not so little or subtle crush on Garrick Tavis, but who can blame her for that? Then all the adults in her life went to war and the course of her life changed drastically. This is her story, in her own words. Starting from the Apostasy and covering all the high and lows, all the joyful moments and the heartbreaks, all the victories and the mistakes and giving us a look into her relationships with Xaden, Bodhi, Quinn and especially Garrick.

What did you learn about writing or creating this year?

I learned that I work well under pressure, I learned to write for myself and not for attention and aside from my fics, I am proud of my writing skills in general.

And, a little personal thing, the early chapters of MV were heavily influenced my by ex, so I also learned to never let anyone have a say in what and how I write.

What is your advice?

Write whatever inspires you, even if you feel like that idea has been already explored or it might not attract the same attention as other fics in this fandom. And give some love to the side characters, they deserve it!

Also, don't feel obligated to write or read about ships you don't like and don't let anyone tell you WHAT to ship.

What are your creative goals for 2025?

Continue to write Memento Vivere and get to the good stuff. And be patient with it, not rush through scenes just to get to a certain point.

Continue writing Grow as We Go with @essjaywrites and give it more love.

Work on the wiki more (if you ever wander who wrote Imogen and Garrick's pages - hi, it's me. I'm the problem!)

Write an academic paper on modern poems on mythological themes.

Finish DOAH (the exam session is coming, so my angsty mood will come too)

Finish YMFLHTM because they deserve a soft epilogue.

And... maybe start a new collab, who knows.

[siobhanbooks]

for the ask game :)

💖 What made you start writing?

And

🤩 Who is your favourite character to write?

xoxoxo ily!

hehe thanks for enabling my procrastination

💖 What made you start writing?

honestly i don't know - writing in general has always been something i loved. i probably started writing fanfiction when i was maybe ten or eleven so i have no clue about my motivations then (i know it wasn't that long ago but to me it was lol). i starting posting fanfiction at the beginning of 2024 on a whim, in a mostly dead fandom so no-one was reading it and it didn't matter if it was complete shit. then eleven months ago i had a fourth wing idea that wouldn't go away so i started to write it and it wasn't as bad as i though so i posted it (the everyone dies fic which yes DID contain imrrick becaue ofc). and then i just kept going and now look where we are lol.

i got so much more confident, starting writing more ships, wrote modern au's, wrote pre-cannon, starting writing smut and then bam! it's april 2025 and fanfiction consumes my life (not always in a healthy way but it's fineeee)

🤩 Who is your favourite character to write?

Imogen Cardulo. I love her so so much and she's my fave person by far to get into the head of. our pink haired queen!!!

xoxoxo ily2 <33333333