#what gets me is that sgaeyl STILL cares for him. the second he turned sgaeyl warns violet to be careful of her words to him.

[violetsorengail]

Xaden growing colder throughout the book when the one thing Sgaeyl hates is the cold

[unholly-reader]

You love me? // Liam Mairi x f!OC

So I read the „Fourth Wing”. Yup. I’m officially lost, but I can’t decide who to fall for - Xaden or Liam. Until I figure this out, here is a little piece for all you Liam lovers (I still can’t forgive how anyone could kill such a wonderful character, straight up cruel!)

A little reminder - English is not my first language so please, have mercy.

Enjoy <3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There was a reason why Dalya Aetos was one of the most anticipated cadets in the Rider’s Quadrant of Basgiath War College. Despite her brother already being a squad leader in the Flame Section, it was Dalya who everybody considered the jewel of the Aetos family. Even colonel Aetos himself prised himself on his second born. He was proud of his son, but Dain never truly understood the meaning of the lessons his father tried to teach. Instead, Dalya listened carefully, minding every word he has ever said to her. Maybe that’s how she got into general Sorrengail’s favour so quickly. Violet’s mother always appreciated Aetos’s help and advice, but upon meeting Dalya at the age of eleven, she saw true potential in the colonel’s daughter.

No wonder that when it came to Conscription Day, Dalya went straight for the deadly path through the bridge onto the Parapet and into the Rider’s Quadrant. Before making her choice her father tried to convince her to choose healers, as she would be safer there than risking her life on dragonback if she was lucky enough to live through training, the Gauntlet and finally the Threshing. To his disappointment, Dalya chose riders and against her father wishes became a formidable cadet under Xaden Riorson’s command. That’s where she met general Sorrengail’s daughter, Violet and a charming young man by the name Liam Mairi. Befriending Violet was the first good choice she made while studying in the rider’s quadrant. Getting close and creating a bond with Liam was even better.

Eventually, Dalya was chosen by a navy-blue daggertail dragon by the name Yvraeth. If it wasn’t for the fact that Violet got chosen by not one, but two dragons, Dalya would have been the main fenomenon as it was known far and wide that blue dragons do not attach to humans, Xaden and Sgaeyl being the only known exception. And so the training has begun. Flying was the first thing the newly chosen riders need to master, seeing as they would spend the majority of their time in the College on dragonback. When everybody chose to follow the guidelines of the bare minimum of training, Dalya wanted more. She put aside all the drama her brother provided, seeing as he could not decide what he wanted to do with his feelings for Violet and his hate for Xaden, and instead chose to spend as much time in the air as her body allowed her. And she wasn’t alone.

- It would be nice if you could keep up, Liam. Yvraeth won’t wait forever - shouted Dalya, turning back to look at her friend atop the red dragon’s back.

- Not my fault you were chosen by the fastest dragon in the Continent - screamed Liam, a little annoyed but still happy he got to spend time with his favourite person. Dalya laughed joyfully, holding onto Yvraeth’s back.

Why don’t we show them what real speed means?

I knew I chose you for a reason, Starling.

Yvraeth sped up, leaving Liam and Deigh even further behind. Both her and her dragon laughed as they saw how the red daggertail struggled to follow them. Even though she really liked Liam, Dalya enjoyed showing off Yvraeth’s speed and annoying her friends striking through the sky.

Yes, Dalya really liked Liam. Although a more appropriate way to express how she felt about him would be to say that she was falling for him. How could she not? He was not only kind and a true gentleman, not to mention his broad shoulders and gorgeous face, he was also the most genuine and caring person she has ever met. Dalya never really fell for anyone ever since that one time she chose to give somebody her heart only to have it broken into pieces. Typical teenage drama. A girl falls for a boy but he chooses to betray her and choose another. That’s what happened with Dalya and a boy from her hometown, Weston. From that moment she promised herself she would guard her heart and keep it shut until she met someone who could take care of it and take care of her. Day after day Liam was proving he could be that someone but still, it was a risk Dalya wasn’t sure she was willing to take.

But one day, something changed.

It was a training day like any other. All the riders were getting paired up and sparring on the mats. Nothing unusual. Until professor Emetterio shouted her name with someone she would rather not fight on her own.

- Dalya and Garrick, let’s go!

Following professor’s command Dalya stepped onto the mat as Garrick followed her steps. He was a third year and a section leader. That was a warning in itself. Even though they were on rather good terms, she knew he was a formidable opponent and friends or not, he would give his best.

- Promise it won’t hurt, Aetos. At least not too bad - laughed Garrick, ridding himself of his shirt.

- Just don’t pull your punches - Dalya replied playfully, getting into her stance.

- Ready? Fight!

The second professor Emetterio shouted out, Garrick went full offense. He threw himself forward, aiming his fist towards Dalya’s right side. Being much quicker than the well built third year rider she used her speed and agility to her advantage. Swiftly she avoided his attacks but she couldn’t dance around him forever. Her feet were quick, her arms even moreso as she made her move tripping Garrick over his own legs. The second he fell on the mat, he grabbed her leg, brining her down with him and under his body. Being at the clear disatvantage, Dalya rolled herself from his grasp, kicking his left side and getting back on her feet.

- Nice touch. Somebody’s been practicing - said Garrick, wiping his hands on his pants and smiling devilishly at Dalya. She simply smiled back, ready for yet another attack.

They began circling each other when she chose to launch herself at his shoulders, jumping over his head so that he would collapse. That was the exact moment when Liam chose to approach their mat and got to witness her attack. Only it was not as effective as Dalya had planned. Garrick quickly caught her hips and swung her body slamming her on the mat. Soon after he went for a punch into her ribs, but she rolled away just in time. Getting on her feet crouching she swung her left leg, tripping him once again and jumping on top of him once again, this time keeping on foot on his bicep, while the other was bent next to his face. If they weren’t fighting, the position they found themselves in would be rather suggestive and Liam was not happy about it. While he wondered whether there was anything going on between Dalya and the handsome section leader, the fight continued. Dalya thrived in her small victory, but her success was short-lived. Garrick threw her over his shoulder, slamming her side into the mat with a quiet whimper from her. She felt on of her ribs crack but shoes to ignore the pain. Liam winced seeing her pain but remained still, waiting for the fight to be over. Garrick used the moment of weakness and got on top of Dalya’s body, pushing his forearm into her neck while straddling her hips.

- Surrender?

Dalya tried to find her voice but the probably broken rib and Garrick’s elbow on her throat made it difficult to speak. She almost croaked out a word when someone spoke out.

- That’s enough!

Turning her head slightly she saw Liam walking onto the mat and almost throwing Garrick off of her in a somewhat violent manner. The section leader jumped away, looking surprised at the blonde rider, but Liam paid no attention to him. Gently he kneeled next to Dalya, looked her in the eyes and hooked his arms beneath her knees and her back.

- This is gonna hurt, love.

Before she could answer, Liam stood up carrying her in his arms like she weighed nothing and walked out of the training hall without a word. Everyone went silent with their eyes wide open except for Garrick and the wing leader who stood in the shadows, watching from distance. His lips formed into a sort of smile as he watched his friend walk out the door.

Finally, little brother. Took you long enough.

Look who’s talking, hummed Sgaeyl in his head, turning his head to Violet, who was about to enter the mat with Rhiannon as her sparring partner. Xaden just shook his head and focused on the rest of the sparring riders.

Shut up, Sgaeyl.

Meanwhile Liam carried Dalya out of the training hall and followed the path that led to the infirmary. Dalya, seeing the direction they were heading in, shuffled in his arms in protest.

- Not the infirmary, Liam. Please, I’m fine. It’s nothing, really.

The blonde looked at her suspiciously but seeing the pleading in her golden eyes he huffed in defeat and changed his course, walking up to his room instead.

- Fine, but you’re gonna let me take a look at you. I can bet a lot of money that you have a nasty bruise on your ribs and I think I heard one crack.

Dalya remained silent, knowing he was almost one hundred percent right but she chose not to admit it out loud. Instead, she enjoyed the closeness of his body and the smell that she had awakes found intoxicating whenever he was near. She nuzzled her face into his chest and remained quiet until they reached his bedroom. With the doors closed behind them, Liam laid Dalya on his bed so that she could sit propped on the headboard. Kneeling next to his bed he looked up at the girl and waited.

- Shirt up - he demanded, looking at her intensely.

Her eyes widened as she stared at him in shock, raising her eyebrow.

- And how about a „please”, nurse Mairi? - asked Dalya teasingly, smirking at the boy before her.

She half expected him to laugh if only a little but his face remained serious as he stared at her with and unreadable emotion painted in his eyes.

- I’m not kidding, Lya. Shirt up or do I have to do it myself?

- Geez, don’t be so serious, Liam. I’ll do it, calm down.

- I can’t exactly be calm when I just saw you get slammed on the floor like a puppet. Sorry Dalya but I don’t take pleasure in seeing you get hurt. What if you had gotten it worse? Did you even think about it?

Dalya was at a loss for words. She was looking at Liam as if she saw him for the first time. He was down right flushed and his eyes gleamed with what looked almost like fear. Fear for her life. With a small wince Dalya sat up, bringing her hand under his chin and forcing him to look at her.

- Liam, this is not the first time I’ve been sparring on the mat. This has never been a problem before. Why does matter to you now?

- It doesn’t matter - Liam shrugged her hand off his chin, turning his head away, but she wasn’t gonna give up without an answer. With a little more strength she grabbed his face in her palms and turned his head back, looking into his blue eyes with determination.

- What has gotten into you? I’m not a porcelain doll. I know you may confuse me with Violet but I don’t understand why make a scene now. You don’t patronize her like that but with me it’s suddenly a big deal I got a little bruised. What is that about?

- Well, I’m not in love with Violet so maybe that!

Yes! You finally said it, good job Liam! shouted Deigh in his rider’s head, his voice laced with so much joy he could light up the night.

Deigh, I’m kinda having a critical moment here. A little privacy, please.

You got it.

That was just about enough to shut Dalya up for a few good moments. The girl stared at Liam with her eyes wide open almost as if she saw a ghost. Her hands were still on his cheeks, hold his face gently as they stared at one another in silence. Liam’s eyes were filled with emotions and fury and frustration all at once for Dalya to see. He knew he was risking their friendship but that was the problem. Friendship wasn’t enough for him. As gently as he could he brought his hands to grab Dalya’s wrists and he kissed each of them lightly, almost like a feather touch, still looking into her golden orbs. She couldn’t utter a word staying completely still, almost as if she was afraid this was a too good to be true dream.

- I have always felt like you’re somebody I could never part with. It was almost like you were drawing me in with your dazzling smile and your sparkly eyes. Gods, you’re eyes, Lya. I see them every night I fall asleep. I dream of you even when I don’t remember it. I have accepted your friendship because having you in my life as my friend was better than not having you at all but I can’t pretend anymore. If you don’t feel the same, I will understand but I…

Whatever heartfelt declaration Liam meant to express was muffled by Dalya’s lips smashing into his own. Her smell on him was like poison and antidote at the same time. Without thinking twice, Liam got up from his knees, grabbing Dalya by her waist and sitting her in his lap as he plopped on the bed so that she was straddling him. The kiss was almost like electricity. Lust was thriving in their veins as they explored each other’s body. Liam’s hands on Dalya’ back and on her neck. Dalya’s fingers raking his blonde hair and scratching his shoulders. If two stars fell into each other and combined, they would be Liam and Dalya. Almost too close but never close enough. If their lungs didn’t protest in need of air they would never part but eventually their bodies won that battle. They broke the kiss, breathing heavily into each other’s mouths. They still had their hands on each other, afraid to let the other go as if they would run away. Dalya was the first one to pull away so that she could look at the blonde beneath her properly. Her eyes shone with their own light like they borrowed some from the sun itself. For Liam, she was the most exquisite creature he had ever laid his eyes upon. Gently she caressed his cheek, combing her fingers through his hair.

- Next time, just kiss me. And don’t make a fuss when I get hurt fighting. We’re riders, Liam. We are built to fight.

- Can’t promise you that, sweetheart. You’re my everything - said Liam with such sincerity in his voice Dalya swore she could melt right there and then. Playfully she rolled her eyes and quickly pecked his lips.

- You’re lucky I love you, otherwise you’d be in trouble.

Liam’s blue eyes lit up like dragon fire.

- You love me?

Dalya smiled at him warmly, putting her forehead on his inhaling his intoxicating smell.

- I love you.

[callsign-rogueone]

our girl - d.a + x.r.

Dain Aetos x reader x Xaden Riorson You and Xaden have been hooking up for a while now, but Threshing throws a wrench (and another person) into your relationship. [request] words: 2.5k (went a little overboard lol, this dynamic was so fun to think about) 🏷: FOURTH WING AND IRON FLAME SPOILERS. NSFW at the end. she/her reader. I did this one a little differently; a full scene with dialogue, and then headcanons about what the relationship would be like (sfw, nsfw + angst; I apologize in advance…) banner made by user cafekitsune!

You dismount, managing to land on your feet. Maybe the gauntlet had been good practice after all, and not just a form of torture. The flight field is slowly filling in with dragons and their chosen riders. Dain is standing next to you with a massive red daggertail. Nice.

Your two dragons look at each other, and for a moment you’re worried they’re going to start a fight, but they just bump heads softly. They’re… friends?

Then Dain’s dragon turns toward you, looking you in the eye, and you freeze, holding completely still as it sniffs you. You must pass inspection, because he pulls back after a few seconds, satisfied, but you don’t dare move, your heart still pounding.

“Relax, girl. I will not hurt you.”

You startle at the second voice speaking to you, stumbling back in shock. A shimmering red string has appeared beside the soft blue one you share with Lann. You tug on it gently, and Dain’s eyes snap toward you, having felt the pull.

“They’re mated.”

“Smart boy,” Cath purrs.

You’re still trying to get used to having another being speaking in your head, hearing your every thought, but now you have two?

You don’t have time to complain about it before Xaden comes running toward you.

Both Lann and Cath stand taller, flaring their nostrils. Cath looks like he’s contemplating how Xaden would taste.

Xaden comes to a stop a few yards away, not wanting to provoke them. It’s easy enough for him to put it together, seeing Dain standing behind you with the mated pair. “Is this some kind of joke?”

Cath blows a puff of foul-smelling steam at Xaden in warning. “Tell him to watch his tone.” 

You don’t.

“This wasn’t supposed to happen,” Xaden says, a look in his eye you’ve never seen before; pure anger.

You take a step back, bumping into Lann’s foreleg. She curls her neck down, placing her head between your body and Xaden’s. You’ve only been bonded all of ten minutes, but she’s already willing to protect you with her life.

“It wasn’t her fault,” Dain challenges, crossing his arms. “Nor is it mine.” 

Your stomach flips. You’d never expected that Dain would be the one defending you here.

“I should gut you before the bond gets any stronger,” Xaden threatens. What is he so mad for?

“You of all people should know that the consequences can be dire. You won’t risk her life in that way.”

“What the hell are the two of you talking about?” You ask, but they don’t answer, too busy threatening each other.

“Human males and their arguing,” Lann sighs. “Were they dragons, they’d fight to the death and the victor would keep you.”

“That remains a possibility,” you reply quietly, still watching the two of them. Xaden certainly looks like he’s contemplating murder right now. 

“I could just incinerate him, but Sgaeyl would have my head if I did,” Cath muses, sounding bored. “And you seem attached.”

You turn to glare at him. “Not funny.”

“Threats from someone your size are only humorous,” Cath replies, still watching the two men argue.

“Like it or not, Riorson, she’s my responsibility now,” Dain says firmly. What is that supposed to mean? Why does Dain care all of a sudden if you live or die?

“Do not forget that you have a voice in this matter, too,” Lann adds.

She’s right.

“Quit it, both of you!” You interrupt before they can come to blows, and both boys turn toward you, quieting. “Stop talking about me like I’m not even here!”

Their eyes soften.

“Darling, I didn’t mean-“ Xaden begins.

You cross your arms over your chest, glaring up at the boy. “I’m not done,” you say, and he falls silent. “Dain’s right; neither of us asked for this, but it happened, and there’s no changing it now. I know you two hate each other, but I will not have you two fighting over me like I’m some kind of object. Neither of you have any claim to me. I’m not your girlfriend, and even if I was, you still don’t own me. I’m an adult, I can make my own decisions and keep myself safe.”

Neither of them respond, silent and guilty as your words settle in.

“And that is why I chose you,” Lann says proudly.

You ignore the compliment, stepping away from her and turning to leave, swiping the tears from your cheeks.

“I apologize, shrewd one.”

“It’s okay,” you say quietly. “You didn’t know.”

—————————————————

“Professor Kaori?” You ask quietly. “Can I ask you a few questions?”

He already knows why you’re here. “I heard about you and Aetos. Cath and Lann have been mated for nearly two centuries. Their bond is strong.”

“Have you known many other pairs like them?”

“A few,” he answers. “Dragons can live for millennia. Unlike us, they do not fall in love at age twenty, and they are quite selective with their partner. It is a lifelong commitment for them, and not one they take lightly.”

“And their riders?” You ask, holding your breath.

“A pair at Montserrat, who are now married, and another pair who regard each other like blood sisters.” 

He doesn’t mention anyone like you and Dain, who hardly know each other and don’t really care to.

“I‘ll make this clear with you, cadet, as you need to know this and accept it; you and Aetos will be stuck together until the end of your days. The four of you must exist as a functional unit. The grief of one of your deaths may be enough to end you all.”

Your eyes widen. So that’s why Xaden had been so pissed.

“You are both excellent students who will undoubtedly become skilled riders,” Kaori says. “Get to know each other in the coming weeks, and settle your differences sooner than later. The health of your relationship, even if it remains strictly professional, is vital.”

You thank him quietly, heading back to your room. You don’t have time to stew over the news; you have assignments due tomorrow.

Two hours pass. You’ve just finished proofreading your essay when there’s a knock on the door.

Dain and Xaden. You motion for them to come in, knowing that the two of them together outside your door will look deeply suspicious to any passerby. 

“What the fuck do you two want?”

Xaden nods at Dain, motioning for him to talk.

“We discussed it, and we realized you’re right. We’re just going to have to deal with this, and there’s no use in us fighting about it.”

Xaden speaks next. “You’ve proven that you can handle yourself, but we both still want to protect you. We care for you deeply, and that’s not going to change. We’re declaring a truce.”

“Whose idea was that?” You ask, wary.

“His,” Dain answers. Interesting. 

You look to Xaden. “And you’re fine with this,” you say, motioning between you and Dain, “that we’ll be able to speak directly to each other, that we can’t be apart for more than a few days, that we’re going to be stationed together for life?”

“Yes. I trust him not to hurt you, if only because his life is now tied to yours.”

That’s high praise coming from Riorson, who doesn’t fully trust anyone. You don’t dare ask why he feels this way.

“As you said,” Xaden continues, the tone of his voice making your heart flutter, “I hold no claim to you. You remain your own person, no matter how strongly I feel for you or how many nights we have spent together. The decision lies with you.”

“Dain?” You ask. 

He’s been silent, watching you with a softness in his eyes. He’d never taken a good look at you before, never appreciated how beautiful you are. “If he’s okay with it, and you are, then I am too.”

You’d never felt compassion for Dain, never cared if he lived or died, but now you’re overwhelmed with a sense that you need to protect him — to guard that little red string until your last breath. “I care for both of you as well. You’re both good men, who are important to me, and I’d like to have you remain in my life, if you promise to play nicely.”

You extend a pinky to each of them.

Dain looks confused.

“She doesn’t fuck around with pinky promises. This might as well be a blood oath for her,” Xaden explains, interlocking your fingers — this isn’t new to him.

Dain reaches forward, the warmth of his skin against yours sending a wave of soothing energy through you.

“Are you going to make us pinky promise each other too?” He asks playfully, the first joke you’ve ever heard him crack.

Xaden is unamused. “Don’t push it, Aetos.”

You giggle at his barely-restrained contempt. This is gonna be fun.

———————————————

sfw

Most of the quadrant know that yours and Dain’s dragons are mated, and that messing with one of the four of you means invoking the wrath of the other three. For the first time since conscription day, you can walk the halls alone without fearing for your life.

Nobody is aware of Xaden’s role in the relationship, and he prefers to keep it that way — it keeps the target off your back, and this way nobody can say that he’s giving you special treatment or shame you for having two partners. Garrick is the only person who knows about all of this, and he’s sworn to secrecy (that had certainly been an interesting conversation to have).

Xaden may not declare his feelings for you publicly, but he and Sgaeyl are always watching your back, ready to jump in should Dain not be there or should things get out of his control.

The two act generally indifferent to each other, but their love of you is enough for them to behave when you’re around.

They find a good balance between treating you like a princess and pushing you to be the best you can be, letting you do your own work and prepare yourself for what’s to come after graduation. 

nsfw:

The first time you felt Lann and Cath going at it was... interesting.

Xaden knew that this would happen eventually, having felt the same feeling before from Tairn and Sgaeyl. He had warned you days prior that the overwhelming need could lead you astray easily, but that he wouldn’t be mad if you and Dain acted on it.

And act you did. You became addicted to Dain’s touch as soon as you felt it, not wanting it to be a one-time thing, and that’s when the three of you decided that the boys would share you.

We all know Xaden is possessive. He used to call you “my girl” when it was just the two of you hooking up, but now you’re their girl.

“Aww, is our pretty girl needy?”

“I think our girl deserves a reward for being so good.”

Dain is shy at first, but he works up the confidence to start teasing you through the bond. He loves to watch you squirm from across the room as his voice speaks directly into your mind, telling you how hot you looked sparring, what he’s going to do to you tonight…

Xaden does something similar, his shadows brushing your arms and neck, sometimes even slipping under your clothes to touch your body when he can’t, giving soft caresses to your back and waist, but he’ll never take it too far — just enough to make you want his hands on you instead. 

They’re competitive as hell. They’ll tag team you, taking turns to see who can make you cum harder/faster. Your personal record is six times in one night, three apiece before you nearly passed out. They declared a tie, putting aside their egos to care for their sweet girl who had taken it all so well for them.

Sometimes you get both of them at once, and it’s a little overwhelming but so so good. Making out with one while the other is on his knees for you, or one holding your hand and telling you how pretty you look while the other pounds you into the mattress…

The two of them together are the ultimate brat taming combo, with Dain’s strictness and Xaden’s strength. If you give them attitude, get too cozy with another rider, purposely put yourself in danger, or neglect to take care of yourself (overworking, skipping meals, not getting enough sleep…), you’ll have some consequences to face when you’re back behind closed doors that night.

Xaden will tie your hands behind your back with his shadows, Dain edging you until you cry and apologize, promising that you’ll never break their rules again (but you inevitably do, and then they have to teach you your lesson all over again, hehe)

Despite how rough they can be with you, they always take incredibly good care of you afterward, staying to clean you up and hold you close, reminding you how much they love you.

You’re always in the middle when cuddling afterward, as they refuse to touch each other more than absolutely necessary, but you don’t complain, just happy to be held and fall asleep safe between your two strong men 🥰

and now some angst, because that’s what I do:

When you and Dain came back from RSC, bloody and limp, Xaden took care of both of you, finally showing some love to Dain and taking pity on him, helping bandage his wounds and wash the dried blood from his skin.

Eventually Xaden starts distancing himself from the two of you, worried that Dain will read his memories either on purpose or by accident, and find out about his dealings with the gryphon fliers, which you have no idea about.

He plays it off as being busy with third year / wingleader stuff, and you and Dain don’t think anything of it; Xaden has always been withdrawn, never the type to share his thoughts unprompted, and he likes to spend time alone.

When Violet bonds with Tairn at threshing, you realize how Xaden had felt when he realized you and Dain were tied together, only you were less angry and more sad. 

You knew this would happen, that Tairn would have to choose a rider eventually, but it still hurt you deeply. Dain held you all night, whispering sweet things to you while you cried and promising that he would never ever leave you.

You decide to rip the bandage off first, finding Xaden alone a few days later and telling him that for the sake of all four of you and your dragons, this should end here.

He agreed quietly, giving you one last kiss and holding you for a few minutes before finally letting go. 

When Basgiath found out about the revolution, about everything going on beyond the wards, the two of you didn’t hesitate to follow Xaden to Aretia — he may no longer be yours, but you still love him and would gladly fight by his side until the end of your days. 💔

[garricks4thwingqueen]

Would you please write a story where Garrick’s baby sister is injured at Resson or in the battle of Basgiath and he’s pleading with her to stay alive?

Safe Bodhi X Tavis younger sister reader

Request: Would you please write a story where Garrick’s baby sister is injured at Resson or in the battle of Basgiath and he’s pleading with her to stay alive? 

A/N: I absolutely loved the idea of this request but I did tweak the idea a little bit with using the battle of Samara as I feel that sometimes Resson as I felt like I’ve been using both Resson and Basgiath battles a lot. Hope you still enjoy it! 

Synopsis: Reader is Garrick Tavis’s younger twin sister who is also madly in love with her boyfriend Bodhi Durran. This is set in Bodhi’s third year in Basgiath as he is battling the ropes of newly appointed wing leader and worries of his girlfriend being out on her first assignment even though he knows she is safe with her brother and his cousin. 

Word Count: 1340

Trigger Warnings: Unconscious reader, swearing

            Bodhi’s POV 

   Bodhi slumped against the wall next to Imogen in the top row in the auditorium in preparation for another useless battle brief class. Useless as in a since he knew that Professor Devera and Markham never talked about the real issues or what was really the real important battle in his and the other marked ones eyes; the wyvern and the venin. 

  Imogen let out a low chuckle next to him. “Rough night Durran?” “Couldn’t really sleep. Honestly, I haven't slept that much in the past weeks. Won’t until I get her first letter.” “Bodhi Y/N is going to be fine. She’s strong and she’s also with Garrick; if anyone were to hurt her he’d do his crazy protective twin thing and don’t forget they're both with Xaden.” “Imogen I know-” 

  “There was an attack on one of our easternmost outposts last night.” Professor Devera said starting this morning's discussion. “I want to start by taking questions from our first years.”

  “Shit.” I mumbled under my breath as I watched the first year's hands shoot up. “Mairi.” Professor Devera said, pointing to her. “What outpost?” Sloane asked.  

  “Good question to start but not enough to gain necessary information. The outpost was Samara.” “You.” Professor Devera asked, pointing to another first year that had their hand up.  “How many casualties?” 

    I missed the answer as I watched a frantic Violet Sorrengial rush out of the auditorium and instantly sprinting to follow her knowing she was talking to Tairn whether or not if he could connect with Sgaeyl this far out I wasn’t sure.   

   I meet her when she finally stopped out on the flight field next to Tairn.  

                              24 hours ago in Samara Garrick’s Pov 

  I really don’t know what happened in the last four hours starting from the initial attack on the outpost when Y/N were on watch in one of the towers.  All I knew now I was by my sister's bed side in one of the infamy tents. I knew I could probably use a shower, I knew I probably stunk.

    But I didn’t care, all I cared about was the rise and fall of my sister's chest. “Y/N please wake up. I can’t lose you, my twin sister. We've been through everything. And Bodhi please don’t make me tell Bodhi I’ve lost you.” 

   I felt a soft strong hand on my shoulder.  “You smell like ass but I’m gonna let that slide right now.” Xaden chuckled. “Thanks?” “She’s going to be fine, Gare.” “And if the hell she doesn’t wake up?” “This is my fault Xaden! I turned my back around once last night and she took a venin dagger to the ribs.”  “All because I turned my head last fucking second. Bodhi is going to fucking kill me.” 

  I heard Xaden sighed behind me “no one is killing anyone around here or at Basgiath.” he said, fixing a stray piece of Y//N’s hair behind her ear. “Go shower, go take care of yourself for an hour Tavis.”  “I can’t what if she wakes up when I’m gone?”   “Then I’ll tell her you went to go wash your stinky ass up. I won’t leave her alone.”  “And I won’t let him.” 

    “Oh Violet, hey didn’t even see you there.”  I sighed, taking one more look at my still unconscious sister and stood up squeezing her hand and placing a soft kiss on her forehead. “I’ll be back, I'm just going to shower. Xaden and Violet are here.” I whispered standing up. “Thanks.” I placed a soft hand on Xaden’s shoulder as he pulled me in for a hug. “Don’t even mention it Y/N would probably much prefer it if you didn’t smell like dragon’s ass when she wakes up.” 

  “If she wakes.” I mumbled. “She’s going to wake up. You aren’t losing her, Bodhi isn’t losing her. None of us will be losing her.” 

                                                    Y/N POV 

  You felt something warm and heavy drape over your shoulders as you took in the familiar scent of Bodhi? That got you to jolt awake. Bodhi couldn’t be here; it wasn't safe for him to be here, especially not now; not with what happened yesterday, you thought to yourself. You went to sit up but groaned as your whole body felt heavy and you felt a strong but gently hand guide you back down. 

    “Easy Y/N/” “Xaden?” You asked as you were still coming to your senses. “Yeah.” He smiled softly as you took a glass of water from Violet. Tugging the jacket around your chest and that’s when you noticed the patches and realized that’s where the strong scent of Bodhi came from. Even though it was just his jacket and his scent of cedar and cinnamon it still calmed you like a warm hug. 

    You began to slightly panic once you realized your brother wasn’t in the room. “Garrick, Bodhi?” You asked frantically. Xaden placed another hand on your shoulder guiding you back down. “Fine both perfectly fine.” “Garrick went to shower and Bodhi gave me his flight jacket when I ran out of battle brief this morning before flying out here to come check on Xaden.” Violet said.  

  You tugged his jacket around your once more again feeling like you were wrapped in one of his hugs even though he wasn't here physically.  

   “Oh thank fucking Malek your alive.” You heard your brother sigh very loudly as he came back into the room. “I heard you smelled like dragon ass.” You teased accepting the almost bone crushing hug from your brother.  

  “I’m so glad you're awake Y/N. I thought I was losing you.” “You're never gonna lose me Gare, I promise.” You said softly. “This was my fault.” He mumbled into your shoulder. “It wasn’t your fault Garrick Tavis.” “It was I turned my body half an inch and then you- it all happened so fast. In one moment you were next to me and then the next I was begging Malek to not take you.” 

  You heard the concern and pain in your brother’s voice and wished that there was anything you could do to take it away. But deep down you know stubborn the Tavis bloodline was, hell you were one yourself and you knew that guilt of putting you in a position that almost cost you your life was going to haunt your brother for a long time. You could tell him it wasn’t his fault a million times over again and he still would continue to take the blame even though you were just as much at fault if not more. 

  For now you decided that it was a lost argument with your brother. “I love you Gare your the best big brother a girl could ever ask for. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere I promise.” “I know you're here. Thank god you're here. I wasn't looking forward to seeing Bodhi again and telling him if-.” 

 “If what Tavis?” Your heart purely melted at the voice that cut off your brother's words mid sentence. You almost had a river of tears sliding down your cheeks as you lifted your head off your brother's shoulders and your eyes confirmed the voice you had thought you had heard. 

 “Bodhi.” You mumbled through tears. “Ssssh Y/N.” He said sitting on the other side of the infamy bed pulling that side close to you as Garrick still sat on the other. “You're ok. I love you gods, I love you.” He said softly, placing soft kisses all over you. “I love you so much Bodhi and you Garrick even though you're my sometimes really annoying older brother I love you.” “Gee thanks Y/N, I love you too.” Garrick chuckled as you yawned. 

     “Get some rest my sweet girl your safe, we’ll be right here.” And safe is what you knew you were as you let your eyes close against Bodhi’s chest and let your body continue to get the rest it so desperately screamed for.

[abigailkendallwrites]

WINGLEADER: A Xaden Riorson POV Fanfiction

CHAPTER 5

At this point, I’m completely exhausted, and the small writing surface attached to my desk looks exceedingly comfortable right now.

“Welcome to your first Battle Brief,” Professor Devera says, turning slowly to examine the entire room.

“In the past, riders have seldom been called into service before graduation, and if they were, they were always third-years who’d spent time shadowing forward wings,”

I can feel Garrick begin to shake with suppressed laughter in the seat next to me.

I reach out with my leg and kick his foot, which only makes him shake harder.

Fighting down the smile that’s trying to make its way to my lips, I remember our own shadowing last year. It was rare that second-year riders got to go, and we single handedly assured they never would again.

We aren’t typically trouble makers, and it wasn’t really our intent to do anything stupid, it just sort of…happened.

It was a near disaster, and ended with a two hour scolding from both Panchek, and our dragons.

I suppress a jolt of surprise as Sgaeyl barges into my mind, unannounced, “An absolutely shameful display from the two of you.”

“Oh? I don't recall you or Cliadh doing anything to stop it.”

“There is little we could do to prevent you both jumping from our backs in order to,” Sgaeyl pauses, “do what, I’m not sure.” she finishes irritably.

“I didn’t–” I start before she snaps, “Pay attention my little wingleader”

My eyes flick up, and from Garrick’s suddenly still posture, I can tell Cliadh has probably said something to the same effect.

It’s so quiet I can hear each of Professor Markham’s footfalls as he makes his way to the center of the room.

Professor Devera leans in to say something to the scribe, and my shadows are already there, pooling from the gaps in between seats.

“Ms. Sorrengail is present today, to the left of the podium, third row.”

So, right in front of me somewhere.

I shouldn’t care so much, but I do.

I scan the room, spotting her quickly. Her hair is in a long plait down her back and I again feel the urge to yank her by the end of it just to prove a point.

She’s already so weak in so many areas, why give anyone an advantage while sparring?

“First topic of the day,” Professor Devera says, highlighting Braevick on the map.

Fuck.

Garrick must be thinking the same thing because I can hear his breath catch.

Professor Devera continues, “The Eastern Wing experienced an attack last night near the village of Chakir by a drift of Braevi gryphons and riders.”

Not quite, but sure, that’s what happened. I wasn’t expecting the situation last night to go the way that it did.

It was supposed to be a regular supply drop, a small group, a quick in-and-out job. The fliers had been too far from our regular drop off in Athebyne, making Braevick Province the closest spot. Unfortunately for us, the fliers caught wind of Venin in the area. Even more unfortunate, they didn’t have time to warn us before we arrived.

Our one and only ally in the Eastern Wing was able to get word from us about what was happening, but Chakir still lost thirty-seven innocent people, and the Wing lost two riders.

And now it looks as though the higher ups have twisted the story, scrubbing the Venin from the brief altogether.

Professor Devera continues, “Naturally some information is redacted for security purposes, but what we can tell you is that the wards faltered along the top of the Esben Mountain. Allowing the drift not only to enter Navarrian territory but for their riders to channel and wield sometime around midnight.”

Well that part is true at least.

They were wielding magic, but the reasons were far from sinister.

“Thirty-seven civilians were killed in the attack in the hour before a squad from the Eastern Wing could arrive, but the riders and dragons managed to repel the drift. Based on that information, what questions would you ask? I only want answers from first-years to start.”

My eyes skate past the rest of the class to land on the back of Violet's shimmering silver head.

It’s silent for a handful of seconds before Professor Devera starts speaking again, no doubt attempting to rouse the first years into answering.

My gaze still on Violet, the class starts their string of obvious questions that you’d ask in a Battle Brief setting.

“Is this the first time the wards have faltered?”

Professor Devera says one word, “No.”

More follow up questions.

“How many casualties did the wing suffer?”

The usual bickering.

Violet leans in and whispers to her friend Rihannon.

Rhiannon sits up and asks, “What altitude is the village at?”

If it were anyone else, I’d assume they were playing a game, making a fool out of their peers. I don’t think that’s Violet’s angle though.

“Markham?” Professor Devera asks the scribe.

“A little less than ten thousand feet,” he answers.

“Why?”

There’s a beat of silence before Rhiannon catches on, “Just seems a little high for a planned attack with gryphons.”

Devera has an irritated look on her face.

“It is a little high for a planned attack. Why don’t you tell me why that’s bothersome, Cadet Sorrengail?” I can see Violet squirm in her seat, and I have to suppress a smile. It’s cute seeing her so ruffled.

Nope. No. Not happening. I’ve made her hate me and fear me. There’s no reality where anything regarding Violet could happen.

“And maybe you’d like to ask your own questions from here on out,” she continues.

My eyebrows raise, wondering how she’ll respond, as the class collectively turns to look straight at her.

“Gryphons aren’t as strong at that altitude, and neither is their ability to channel,” She says.“It’s an illogical place for them to attack unless they knew the wards would fall, especially since the village looks to be about what?” She pauses briefly. I can practically hear the gears turning, “An hour's flight from the nearest outpost.” She turns to the map, “That is Chakir right there isn’t it?”

As if she needed the map at all.

I don’t want to think about the feeling that’s made its way from my stomach up into my throat listening to her address Professor Devera with so much confidence.

And is that a little bit of smugness I hear in her voice?

She’s smart and she knows it.

I swallow loudly and Garrick looks over at me with a bemused expression on his face.

“I believe you humans call them butterflies.”

I swear she does this on purpose.

“Do you enjoy taunting me Sgaeyl?”

She chuffs but doesn’t bother to answer.

If I’ve got butterflies, not only is that horrifying, it’s absolutely unacceptable.

What is this woman doing to me?

There’s another round of questions from the second and third-years. All the same obvious questions that get them no closer to the root of the “attack”.

Time to remind everyone that I am much, much smarter than the rest of the people in this room.

“What was the condition of the village?” I say.

Markham, Malek help him, squints up at where I’m sitting.

“Riorson?”

“The village.” I say, keeping my tone respectful despite my annoyance at this lying game I’m playing. “Professor Devera said the damage would have been worse, but what was the actual condition? Was it burned? Destroyed? They wouldn’t demolish it if they were trying to establish a foothold, so the condition of the village matters when trying to determine a motive for the attack.”

There’s a good chance that Devera knows more about the Venin’s motives, and this is a perfect excuse to see if she’ll let something slip.

Professor Devera smiles, “The buildings they’d already gone through were burned, and the rest were being looted when the wing arrived.”

There it is.

“They were looking for something. And it wasn’t riches. That’s not a gem mining district. Which begs the question, what do we have that they want so badly?”

She has to know something. Anything about what the Venin have been decimating whole villages in search of.

Devera looks around the classroom, “Exactly. That’s the question. And that right there is why Riorson is a wingleader. You need more than strength and courage to be a good rider.”

I can see Dain’s shoulders stiffen a few rows below me.

Someone’s feeling insecure.

Professor Devera shrugs slightly, “We don’t know, just another piece in the puzzle of why our constant bids for peace are rejected by the kingdom of Poromiel.”

It takes a heroic effort not to roll my eyes. Bull. Shit.

“What were they looking for? Why that village? Were they responsible for the collapse of the ward, or was it already faltering? Tomorrow, next week, next month, there will be another attack, and maybe we’ll get another clue. Go to history if you’re looking for answers–”

I drown her out for the rest of the session.

[skyfallscotland]

Can we get a longer sneak peek for Truth and Talon? Thank you

I'm honestly not sure if this is going to make the wait better or worse for you guys, but uh, you asked so... 🖤

My feet slap against stone as I sprint down the hall. I have no idea where I’m going, I just know I need to get the hell away from here. A person or two jump out of my way as I dart around corner after corner, taking no notice of anything in my desperate need to get out. 

When I come to a grand marble staircase leading down, I grip the railing tightly and try not to roll an ankle as I throw myself down step after step. This place is fucking huge and I know it’s built into a mountainside, but logically, given there’s still light filtering in below, down might mean out too. 

There’s a set of giant steel-reinforced doors that are thankfully ajar, and when I throw myself around one and into the sunlight, there’s grass beneath my feet. It’s a welcome relief given that I’m not wearing any shoes and I’m almost certain the balls of my feet are battered and bruised from the cobblestones. 

Lía descends from the sky like a comet, slamming into the ground, and I rush forward to scramble up her foreleg. She takes off the second I tighten my legs around her, gripping onto her scales. She hasn’t had time to get the saddle on in my panic and her scales dig into the bare skin of my thighs, but I hardly care. 

“Just get me away from here, please.” I beg her. “Anywhere.” 

“Try and breathe.” She soothes me as I hiccup, gasping from exertion and distress. I can feel her holding me in place with her power in a way she hasn’t done in months and I’m grateful, because right now I’m not sure I have the strength to keep my seat.

I see a swathe of navy-blue out the corner of my eye and snap my head around, glaring furiously. “Fuck—” Off. The second word dies on my tongue as I realise there’s no rider atop Sgaeyl’s back. Lía turns her head slightly, letting out a vicious snarl and I realise she’s angry too. 

Sgaeyl keeps her distance, leaving a dragon’s length of space between us, not reaching out to brush Lía’s wing affectionately as I’ve seen her do so many times before. “We’re beyond the wards here.” Lía says, her voice tense. “She doesn’t want us out here with no backup.” I can understand the logic in that, but I can’t help feeling watched, like she’s stalking me on behalf of her rider, and it leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

My lips part as I go to suggest any other dragon could have come, and I pause, laughing bitterly. It wouldn’t make a difference—they all fucking knew. Every single one of them other than Violet and I, have known this entire time. Hell, they all probably know my brother better than I do at this point. What a joke. 

After a few minutes flying, Lía brings us down in a field and I slide from her back, my feet sinking into the soft ground below. I’m shaking as I wrap my arms around her head, holding on desperately. “Do you promise you didn’t know?” Tears trickle down my face. 

“I would never have kept this from you, little one. The venin, yes, for reasons you’ve already assumed, but never this.” I hold on tight, pressing my face into her scales as I cry quietly. 

“I thought he loved me.” I feel broken. Completely and utterly broken. “Out of everybody, I always thought he loved me.” I suck in a sharp breath, trying to halt my sobs. “But maybe I’m just not remembering right, maybe he never liked me any more than everyone else because you don’t—” I cough, trying to clear the lump in my throat, “—you don’t do that to someone you love. I couldn’t—I’d never do that.” I can’t imagine letting Mira think I’m dead—ever.

“That’s because you’re better than him.” Lía says, nudging my chest with her head. It reminds me of a time when Xaden said something similar and the memory only makes me cry harder. I can’t believe he knew. All this time, every time I’d laid my soul bare to him and he’d just…kept quiet.

“I think he was going to tell you.” Lía says, nudging me carefully, but ‘going to’s’ don’t mean much to me at the moment. 

“I don’t care.” I tell her bitterly. He lied. I don’t care if it was by omission, he lied, when he swore to me he never would and that hurts as much as everything else right now.

[tragcdysewn]

"i was afraid! fuck, i was terrified of this shit, but now that it's happened? there was no reason to be. i'm still me, i'm not irreversibly different, i'm just powerful enough to keep the people i care about safe! which is why i drained in the first place!" he couldn't even remember why he was so worried about becoming something else, why he'd been petrified to take power that nearly jumped into his hands. "maybe i'm just fucking better than the ones we've seen, jack was a fucking dick before he turned, maybe the rest of them were too." maybe it simply heightened what was already there, made you a more intense version of yourself, rather than twisting you into something new and unrecognizable. no one had even fucking noticed jack went venin, and he's supposed to believe he's so different violet can't even see him anymore? right. "you say that, but i'm sure when the roles are reversed and mira's dead, you'll lose your fucking mind and be absolutely devastated, right? why am i not allowed to care about your death, but you're allowed to care about every fucking stranger who dies?" it's almost hypocritical, her being angry at him for being upset she was fucking murdered. who knew how long whatever spell this was would hold? what happened when it broke and something came for her? "i've killed way more people as a human then i have as a venin, i slaughtered more assholes getting you out of that dungeon than i have in the entire time i've been like this, so don't act like this is new! you know i'm not above killing someone to save you, never have been." even before they'd been together, he'd killed everyone involved in trying to kill her after she'd bonded tairn, completely irrelevant to the deal he'd made with her mother. and he knows she'd react to the comment about liam, but it's true. whether she likes to think about it, it is true, there's no reason he would have lost with this level of power. "me being one saved you and sgaeyl, it would've saved him too! i would've been strong enough to keep him alive if i'd done this sooner! staying like this is the best option, so i'll take the blow for all of us!" and maybe liam would have damned him for it, but they don't know, because he'd died! so it's not like they can know what he would have done in that situation at all. and yet she's still pushing him away, physically and emotionally, he can feel her slipping away in her anger at him for defending himself from an attack. it's so easy to joke with her, laugh about the idiocy of how the two of them had been dancing around each other while she'd not remembered who he was, but he can't allow himself to really enjoy it when she's ready to tell him to fuck right off any second. "it doesn't matter. i'm alive, they're not. and they'll probably be awake by now anyways, so what does it matter, right?" the tone is harsher than he'd normally direct at her, on the defensive and prepared for any sort of fight she could come up with. if he'd been a little more aware of himself, it'd be so blatantly obvious that this was her worry, him becoming harsher, quicker to anger, even when she's the one that anger would be directed at. that he was becoming exactly what he feared all those months ago, but was too blind to see it now. "i took what i needed to try and save your life. i won't apologize for loving you enough to want to keep you alive."

"you were letting me fucking handle it, were you not? that was our deal, xaden! that you'd give me a few days to sort it out, and step in after! it's not your fault that the person i thought was supposed to kill me was different! you were not afraid, there was more to that fucking curse than we knew!" there was never a moment that violet was going to blame xaden for what happened in the summer. it wasn't his fault, hell, it wasn't hers or bucky's. it was the city's fault. why blame one person for being caught up in the influence of it. "and i've come back both times! death works differently here, so there's no reason to go all insane protective over my safety, when clearly i'm fine and the whole domino effect of me dying doesn't work here!" considering tairn wasn't even here to test that theory, it wasn't exactly a sound argument, but it was true for now. xaden had always put her safety first, it was something that still shocked her each time she saw it. clearly still wrapping her mind around how deeply he meant that, despite all the evidence before her. maybe it was insecurity, or just plain stubbornness, not wanting to believe that she was this important of a life to save. to throw everything away for. "it matters because you're still killing someone! it's one thing if that maze attacked, or someone is under the influence of magic-- if you weren't so wrapped up in draining the whole damn world, you'd see where i was coming from!" hearing that he was willing to touch his powers at all was enough to worry her, but seeing the affects of it clear as day on his face.. they needed a new plan. they needed to find a cure to this immediately. before he went too far. the comment about deigh is low, and violet just stares at him for a long moment, eyes stinging with tears despite herself at the thoughts of liam's final moments. "don't you fucking dare." she snapped, her tone shifting from pleading with him to clearly expression the hurt and rage at that particular jab. "venin are the very fucking reason liam is dead. did you fucking forget that with all the draining going to your fucking head, xaden? you being one of them wouldn't have helped him! i almost died because of venin, liam did die because of them! do you seriously want to stay the same fucking thing that killed your brother forever?" she couldn't think of anything other than that comment for a moment, even as xaden is just... so xaden. she can't stop hearing it. but seeing him tease her, be his normal self.. she's so sure he's still in there, in there enough that she can still fucking save him. she has to fucking save him. what she wouldn't give to still joke about dain and the shameless flirting she was doing with him, the inappropriate thoughts and everything that could have been so fucking normal. but instead, she continues to try and step away, to put some distance between them so she can actually think. she's never able to think clearly with his hands on her. "who the fuck attacked you two hours ago? what happened?" she asked, staring at him for a long moment. she was glad he was okay, that still mattered too much to her, but she needed to know what the context was in all of this. "you haven't done anything since then, except for two hours ago? how off the fucking rails did you got when i died, xaden? i need to know how fucking far this has gone, cause if i'm gonna fucking fix this, and i am going to fucking fix it, i need to know everything."

[abigailkendallwrites]

WINGLEADER: A Xaden Riorson POV Fanfiction

CHAPTER 2

Violet turns on her heel and I watch as she follows her friend up to where a second year named Amber is taking tally. 

I can’t peel my eyes away from her back as I wave on the next candidate. 

My thoughts wrestle with each other. I’m so overwhelmed that I can’t pick out any singular emotion.

Amber is speaking animatedly to Violet now, but I can’t hear what they’re saying because my ears are ringing and my chest is threatening to cave in on itself. 

And I’m still staring.

I’m still watching her as she takes that step up onto the parapet.

Right as the wind begins whipping around us.

And dammit if she doesn’t confirm all of my suspicions when her small frame shakes with the force of that harsh, rain soaked wind.

Someone is speaking again, but I still can’t hear past the ringing in my ears.

I blink once.

Twice.

“-that kind of balance. I pity whatever wing you end up in.” The tone is unmistakably mocking, bordering on cruel.

My eyes turn from Violet's, and lock onto the man behind her.

“Name?”

“Jack Barlowe,” he points his index finger at Amber.

“Remember that name,” he takes that same pointer finger and aims it at his chest, “I’m going to be a wingleader one day.”

Like hell he is. I’ve had enough of Jack “The Future Wingleader” Barlowe already. 

“You’d better get going, Sorrengail,” I say irritably. 

Violet looks over her shoulder at me and takes in what I’m sure is the world’s most shit eating look, except this time it’s not because of her.

My glare turns into a grimace as Jack lunges towards Violet’s back, “Unless you need a little motivation?” He taunts.

She lurches forward and begins moving. 

I involuntarily step towards the parapet, my shadows pooling in between my knuckles.

I stuff my hands in my pockets and will my feet to stop moving.

But my eyes don’t leave Violet’s figure. 

Her steps are small, and though I can’t hear what she’s saying, she’s mumbling quickly to herself.

I continue filtering candidates through to the entrance but my body has gone on autopilot. 

My mind is filling up with half formed, incomprehensible thoughts. Logic is failing me.

My ears have gone back to ringing, and that torrent of emotions comes flooding back. 

I’m angry. 

And something else entirely.

I’m scared. 

I’m scared. And I think it’s because of the girl on the parapet, her figure getting hazier as she walks through the rain.

Behind her is Jack, and though I can only see his silhouette, I still notice when he stops in his tracks on the thin stretch of stone.

What is he doing?

He turns around in one graceful movement and is facing all of us at the entrance.

My stomach rolls as his intentions become clear.

As the candidate behind him comes face to face with Jack Barlowe. 

Jack’s hands fly forward, snatching the boy by the straps of his rucksack and tosses him over the edge.

Death happens.

And there will always be Jack Barlowes in the world. I’ve seen enough of them come through the war college. But it's still a grim reality to witness in action. 

Jack turns himself back around and continues along the parapet, finger pointed somewhere ahead of him.

Towards Violet.

It feels like something cold and bitter is coating the inside of my mouth. It’s hard to breathe.

I don’t know what’s happening inside my mind, but I know I need to get the fuck out of here.

Now.

I turn toward Garrick and give him the clipboard in my hands. He must see the torment on my face, because he takes the clipboard without question and gives me a subtle dip of his chin.

I make my way down the turret, head up and strides sure. 

My body is urging my legs to move faster, my mind rearing to a full on sprint. I clench my jaw and maintain my pace.

Violet is fine.

I don’t particularly care whether or not she makes it. 

“Yes you do.”

Of course Sgaeyl chooses now to finally reemerge.

“Thank you Sgaeyl. Very helpful.”

“You’re welcome.” She snorts.

“Do you think that this is–” I pause, focusing on my feet as I wind past people on the turret steps.

“Do I think that this is, what?” She asks gruffly.

I can hear the laugh she’s trying so hard to contain.

“Do you actually think that this is funny?” I snap. Sgaeyl starts to fully laugh now. A growling, breathy laugh. 

A deeper, throatier voice speaks into my mind, “I didn’t know your rider was so empathetic, Sgaeyl.”

And there’s Tairn.

I’m currently thanking Malek that I’ve spent the majority of my life keeping my thoughts and feelings locked up tightly inside my mind. Between the nausea that’s pulsing in my stomach and the pure annoyance I’m currently feeling at my dragon and her arrant mate, I’m way too close to snapping.

“Mind your manners Wingleader.” Tairn says darkly. I curse inwardly at the slip in my mental shield and tersely say, “goodbye lovebirds” before building a thick stone wall around my mind.