#xaden stop talking challenge

[dragonfoods]

I’m still wondering why xaden not eating cat’s catrionussy was information rebecca thought the audience would want to know

[angstywaifu]

I Just Want To Talk To Them - Garrick Tavis x Reader

Prompt - “Who did this to you? I just want to talk to them” @fw-gt A/N: This is for the Garrick girls who love the cocky flirty side of him. Enjoy. Masterlist

I winced as the healer prodded around my now very broken nose. Cleaning up what she could of the blood that had run down my face. Which was a lot. The mender had fixed most of the damage, but had to use their abilities on other cadets. Meaning I still had some bruising and tenderness where I had taken the full force of an elbow to the face during a challenge.

It had been a stupid mistake. One I knew Garrick and Xaden would lecture me about later. I had dropped my guard and my opponent had seen it. I had lost the challenge because of it. My first one this year. Wrecking my streak of going undefeated for two years. So close to a perfect three year streak. Luckily neither had been at challenges to see what had happened. But there was no way I could hide what had happened. One cause my nose had been broken and couldn’t be fully healed. Two it would be the talk of the quadrant.

“Use this a few times a day, should clear up the bruising and tenderness in no time. If you have any trouble breathing or any issues just come back.” She says with a smile as she holds the healing balm out to me.

I nod a thanks and take it from her hands before pushing off the bed. I was half expecting Garrick or Xaden to be waiting for me as I leave. But I don’t see them anywhere. Meaning they hadn’t heard yet. Or they were waiting for me somewhere. Due to the last class of the day still being on the corridors are quiet. Meaning the bathrooms would be as well. I decide to head there, knowing the healer would have only got some of the blood off my face and clothes. And my suspicions are correct as I stare into the mirror in the bathroom. Most of the blood around my nose and mouth is gone, but the blood that had worked its way down my neck hadn’t been touched. It almost looked like I had bathed in blood if the rest of my skin and clothes weren’t free of blood. That would be a sight to see. I quickly scrub the blood off my neck. I should have gone to my room and grabbed new clothes and showered. But with training with the other marked ones tonight, showering now probably wasn’t my smartest idea. As I leave the bathroom the corridors are filled with people and chatter. The last class of the day clearly done. I quickly rush over to my room, avoiding any stares that might feed any rumours that had started. I open my door, quickly shutting it behind me as I lean up against it, closing my eyes and sighing in relief.

”Who did this to you?” A gruff stern voice says from my desk.

I jump and nearly drop the healing balm in my hands, awkwardly juggling it till I catch it. I look over to meet Garrick’s gaze. Garrick who is leaning back in my desk chair, his feet resting on the desk as he twirls a dagger between his fingers. If it wasn’t for the words that had left his mouth I would find it attractive. And honestly still did. But with the fire and anger in his eyes, a chill runs down my spine. Garrick had clearly heard I had lost my challenge and ended up in the healers quadrant, but not to who. His eyes lower to my neck and uniform where some of the blood still lingers.

”It was just a challenge. It doesn’t matter.” I tell him as I go to walk behind him and place the healing balm on my bedside table.

But Garrick moves with a speed I’ve never seen before as his feet drop from the desk, turning the chair to grab my wrist, pulling me to a stop. Despite him sitting, I feel small under his gaze. His eyes commanding me to give up the information. This was why he was a section leader. He embodied leadership and authority without even trying.

”It. Matters.” He emphasises each word. “Now, who did this to you?”

”Why does it matter?” I say back as sternly as I can.

With the look in his eyes I know if I give up the name it wont end well for them. Even if it was a challenge where the goal was to fight each other and come out the other side the victor. Garrick didn’t care. He had always been protective of me. More so than any other marked cadet.

”I just want to talk to them.” He says with a smile, a smile that showed he did not want to just talk to them.

”We both know that is not what you are going to do.” I tell him before removing my arm from his grip and walking over to my bedside table.

I hear his slight chuckle at my words. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I turn to find him staring at me as I narrow my eyes at him. Garrick does his best attempt at a sweet smile, but with the anger still burning in his eyes contradicts it.

”You do. I can see it in your eyes. You do not want to just talk to them Gar. It was a challenge, they did what they were meant to do.”

”They hurt what I care about most.” He says as he stands, the chair sounding like it sighs in relief. He walks over and stands in front of me, grasping my chin between his fingers, forcing my face to look up at his. “So I will ask again sweet heart before I go find them another way. Who did this to you?”

My mind goes blank. Did… did Garrick just call me sweet heart? Wait. What he cares about most? I must look at him confused, as he smiles and chuckles at me He leans down, placing his mouth next to my ear.

”If you tell me who it is, I may just come back and reward you for it once I’m done talking.”

Before I can even think or register what I’ve done I blurt out the name of the cadet who I had been put up against for challenges. A sinister smirk gracing Garrick’s lips that has my heart fluttering.

”Good girl.” He whisper before kissing my cheek and walking out the door. Part 2

[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. 💔

[danikamariewrites]

I just read your parapet fic with Xaden it was cute ! I think a part 2 would be adorable as the reader progresses and then evening gets her own room 😉

Parapet pt. 2 (SMUT)

Xaden x reader

A/n: this wasn’t going to be smut at first and then I couldn’t stop writing. Apologies if this is a lil rough I haven’t written smut in a few months

Warnings: fingering, p in v, orgasm denial, and fluff (also typos so sorry)

By the grace of he gods, and Xaden, you made it through every challenge thrown at you. You bonded a dragon. You won fights. You beat the Gauntlet. And best of all, Xaden was confiding in you.

Another perk was your own room. Meaning privacy. Hopefully for you and Xaden soon. Your alone time had been lacking. He was busy running missions for the secret rebellion while you were busy staying alive. Though you had asked Xaden if you could help he told you no.

“Your focus is to get through first year. Do that and then you can help me, baby.” He had told you. You didn’t want to see his point. You wanted to finish what your parents started. This isn’t just Xaden’s fight. You deserve to fight too.

It was Saturday night and you were sitting around waiting for him to come back to campus instead of having dinner with your friends. You’ve been in your room all day, not wanting to risk missing him.

A soft knock sounds on your door. You jump up from your desk chair rushing to open the door. At the sight of Xaden a giant smile breaks out on your face. Grabbing his hand you pull him into your room wrapping him in a bone crushing hug. It feels like you two haven’t seen each other in months.

Xaden kicks your door shut, dipping his head down to place his lips on yours in a deep kiss. You reciprocate, your tongue running across his bottom lip before taking it between your teeth, gently biting down. A growl sounds from his chest making you pull him closer to you.

“Gods I missed you,” he whispers against your lips. You whine, jumping to wrap your legs around Xaden’s waist. He squeezes your ass and walks you over to the bed. Xaden drops you down to take you in. You’re still clothed but he loves you in anything.

Propping yourself up on your elbows you bite your lip. Everything about him is just perfect. From those dark eyes to that perfectly sculpted body under that very attractive uniform. As much as you wanted to talk to him about helping the rebellion again, you can’t deny yourself of him right now.

Xaden peels off your shirt leaving your torso bare to him. His eyes linger on your relic that spans up your arm to the nape of your neck. He traces one of the swirls all the way up, bringing his hand to cup your cheek.

You never liked showing off your relic. Opting to wear long sleeves even in the summer time. Xaden softly moved your face so you are looking up into his dark sparkling eyes. “You are so perfect. Every single part of you.” He says sweetly. “You are too, baby.”

He dropped onto your bed, caging you in with his body. You grab his face, pulling him into a bruising kiss. One of his large hands cups your breast. Twisting your nipple, earning a moan from you. Your hands move up to his dark hair to tug on his short strands.

Xaden moves down to kiss and nip at your neck. Leaving marks across your throat like a necklace. His rough hands slide down your body, lightly tickling your sides. He grips your back forcing you to arch into him. “Wanna make you feel good sweetheart. Missed you. Missed this body.” He rasps out between breaths.

You practically rip his shirt in half while pulling it off him. Running your hands up his muscular arms a deep moan sounds from your chest as Xaden nips and licks in the right spot. “Fuck Xaden. Need you so bad.” “I know baby, I know.” He murmurs against your skin.

Pulling off your pants his fingers find your center. Xaden moans at how wet you are already. “All for me baby?” You nod vigorously against your pillow. Biting your lip you silently pray for him to just thrust his fingers into your pussy. Xaden collects your arousal, spreading it around your folds and up to your clit. He pushes down on the sensitive bundle, drawing tantalizingly slow circles. You buck your hips into his hand. Begging for more.

Finally, he brings two of his thick fingers back down to your entrance. Slowly pushing them in and curling them to hit that sweet spot that makes your head empty. Xaden knows your body better than you. He’s spent hours exploring you. Finding out what makes you moan and melt at his touch.

Just as you were about to reach the height of your orgasm Xaden slides his fingers from you. Your eyes fly open as you whine. Giving him a desperate look. He lets out a breathy chuckle, making quick work of his pants. At the sight of his long cock all complaints leave your brain.

Laying back down you smirk at him stroking his length. Spreading your legs wider, ready for him to use you. Xaden crawls up your body leaving small kisses up the valley of your breasts until he reaches your lips. Resting his forehead against yours he slightly smiles. “Think you’re ready for me, baby?” He taunts. “Gods yes.” You moan.

He lines himself up with your entrance, teasing you. Another desperate whine slips from your swollen lips. Xaden slides in. Grabbing your thighs he wraps your legs around him as he moves in and out of you. You could tell he was torn between taking his time pleasuring you and fucking you like a mad man.

You caressed his face trying to gain his attention. Xaden’s eyes never left yours as he grabbed your wrist pressing a kiss to your palm. “Don’t hold back Xa.” The words come out broken as you try to focus. He doesn’t need to be told twice.

Picking up his pace Xaden pounds into you. His cock hitting the spongy spot that makes you see stars. You feel your orgasm approaching quickly. Clawing at Xaden’s back you come around his cock, chanting his name like a prayer. He fucks you through your high until his moans get louder and louder until you feel his seed spilling into you.

——

After you’re all cleaned up and taken care of Xaden has you in his arms. Your head rests on his chest as Xaden softly plays with your hair while his other hand traces small circles on your side. You softly kiss his jaw and he lets out a happy hum.

“Hey Xa,” you whisper. “Yeah baby?” You trace small circles on his chest as you work up the courage for what you want to say. “You know you don’t have to do everything yourself, right? This fight…I know your father led the rebellion but mine were part of it too. You’re not alone my love. Let me help.”

He gives you a loving look. Tracing your nose and softly tapping the tip. “I will think about it. How does that sound?” “Better than wait until next year.”

[iaminfourthwing]

The Generals Daughter

Chapter VIII

The office is actually General Sorrengails office with my father currently sitting in her chair. A dark aura fills the room, making me even more anxious than I already am. I want to go back, see Violet getting her shit kicked out of her by Xaden and patch her up afterwards. I would desperately do everything to get out of the presence of the general, who is glaring at me like I told him I would switch sides and fight with the gryphon fliers. Or like I just told him I would marry a marked one.

Not that I am opposed to it … a certain handsome face flashes behind my eyes.

“Sit down” his gruff voice orders me, which I oblige, folding my leg over the other, ankle resting on my knee. I wait anxiously for what’s to come but he stays silent for another few minutes, observing me with calculating eyes.

“I thought you wanted to come back for Threshing” I say hesitant after letting my eyes swipe over the massive map to my right on the wall. Something seems to be familiar about this map.

“Changed my decision” he answers coldly, interrupting my thoughts. He leans forward to lay his underarms on the table, hands folding in each other, still studying me and trying to find my flaws like he always does.

“I took the opportunity to see if the marked children are still under control and what you’ve been up to. Can’t stain my reputation, can you?” He doesn’t want me to answer, I know that it’s a rhetorical question. I swallow hard, thinking about my friendships I gained, my interactions with Jack and his minions and Luca, my squad member. There are so many possibilities, for what he could punish me.

“The professors informed me that your academics are excellent, no flaws or mistakes, which was to be expected. Emetterio told me about your first match, assessment. To punches – to be expected as well from a Melgren. And you won every other challenge these past weeks without earning injuries yourself besides …” while talking he stood up to walk around the desk and now stands in front of me, leaning against the desk.

Besides? Oh. Oh, fuck no … the fight against Trevor! Widening my eyes, I have no time to react. “I- “his hand around my throat quickly stops me. I am gasping violently for air while his hand tightens his grip, choking me harder.

“I told you so many times before, you never let your enemy lay hands on you. No injuries, no blood. And yet …. You failed me!” he hisses through gritted teeth and tightens his hand even more.

In my panicked haze I claw at his hand, black spots clouding the edge of my sight. I am barely conscious but then … his hand is gone. Air streams painfully fast into my lungs and my loud coughing fills the office. My heart races with more than one hundred wingbeats per minute.

My father sits back in the chair and reads through some classified rolls, ignoring the way I am still trying to gain my composure back. Without looking up, he speaks in my direction. “I will be back for Threshing in a few weeks. I expect you to do better than this and I also expect information on the behavior and activities of the marked children. We’ll see us again when you have your dragon.” Barlowe’s words swirl through my mind. Does father already know, if I’ll gain a dragon and maybe … what species?

With that, I am dismissed.

To my luck the hallways are still empty, the cadets still at the gym for another half an hour and after that they’ll directly go to the dining hall for dinner. I hope to see Violet still in one piece but all I can think right now is to get to the bathing chambers before I break down. I can still feel his hand around my throat, can still feel my nails clawing at his hand.

Entering the bathroom, I immediately sit down in a corner, breaking down in tears and gasp for air. This is one of the heaviest panic attacks since I had the last five months ago. Normally I have my emotions under control but today was shit, with my father being here.

For over an hour I sit in the corner, without anyone interrupting my thoughts spiraling, when the bells ring, indicating that it is time for dinner.

I am debating whether I’ll skip dinner but then the next meal would be breakfast in the morning and going for so long without food can be deadly here. I am sure that my friends are worried, and I really have to check if Violet is okay, after her “trainings fight” with our wingleader.

One look in the mirror confirms my suspicions – father’s handprint around my throat shimmers in various colors and tones. Covering with my shirt is not possible due to it being cut too low and my jacket is in our room. Fuck that. He did that to me, and even though he knew and wanted the other cadets to see the punishment, I want them to know what kind of person he is.

I walk through the still empty corridors and approach the closed doors to the dining hall. The chatter and laughter can already be heard from afar and as soon as I stand in front of the massive doors that separate me from the others, I want to turn around and vanish.

Taking a deep breath, I notice shadows lingering. Xadens shadows. Confused I observe them, but they ignore my presence and open the doors wide. Thanks for that, fucker.

*Violets POV*

 After my failed fight with our (hot) wingleader, we’re now sitting at dinner. While the other around us talk and laugh with each other, I wait nervously for Arya’s arrival. My friends notice how tense I am. We all saw, before she stepped out of the gym, how nervous and terrified she was.

“I bet Arya is fine and you are too worried” Rhi tries to cheer me up, which doesn’t work really well. I feel a tingly sensation at the back of my scalp, but I don’t give Xaden any attention because the giant doors just opened. Arya steps inside and the chatter is almost completely silenced.

No wonder – the ring of dark bruises adorning her neck attracts all the attention.

Shit, what did he do to her? And above all – why? She won all of her challenges without any problems, and in every subject, she is in top form. She is the best cadet in first year and beyond. So what the hell was the reason?

“I take back everything I said” Rhiannon whispers next to me, her wide eyes fixed on our red-haired friend. Looking around, everyone interrupted their dinner to catch a look at her, or more her neck. Would it be anyone else, no one would’ve been interested in her. But since she is a Melgren … everyone wants to know the gossip.

I can see a few marked ones whispering to themselves while they look at her – Imogen and the rest of the marked ones from our table under them.

A few seats away, at the head of our table, sits Dain. He decided to eat with us today, but right now he watches her with furrowed brows, trying to figure out what could have happened.

Arya knows that she has the attention on her, her tense and hard steps betraying her. And her facial expression. It’s been a while since I saw her so cold, so … terrifying.

Luca’s loud scoff interrupts my worried thoughts.

“Of fucking course, while we get our asses handled at the challenges, our little miss perfect here gets to have some fun” she sneers loudly.

Heads whipping around at her, shocked and confused, even Dain. Even over the distance I can see the leadership, Xaden and Amber Mavis and everyone else, tense and their widening eyes find Lucas figure.

What the fuck did she just say?!

“Luca-“ I start but am quickly interrupted by a loud crash of Arya’s tray, having the most of us flinch at the noise.

“You want to repeat that?” Arya says serious, in her deep voice when she is angry.

“Are you deaf? I said, while we have to get through the challenges, you’ve got some fun with that little officer” she repeats arrogantly.

Oh.My.God. Dain looks my way, his face screaming ‘Is she dumb?’.

Arya still stand behind her chair, arms tightly crossed over her chest, a serious and cold look adorning her face.

“Are you stupid? I am just asking because I am kind of concerned of your mental health.” She says, without a trace of humor in her voice. Ridoc presses his lips together, desperately trying to not let his laughter out.

“Excuse me?!” Luca squeals, which hurts my ears. I furrow my brows.

“Again, for idiots, who are too slow to think in a straight line: the officer you saw is my father’s right hand. He got me because the general wanted … to talk to me” her voice is still raspy, and I noticed the short interruption in her explanation.

“So, you want to add something intelligent to the conversation – then shut the fuck up if you have no idea!” She finally takes her seat in front of me.

Luca opens her mouth again but it’s Dain, that is quick to interrupt her. “Enough! Luca just shut up and eat. I don’t want to hear another word from you!”

*Arya’s POV*

“How are you doing, silver one?” I ask Violet.

“I am okay, not injured or anything, just sore” she says softly. Relief spreads through me.

I can feel eyes on me and let my gaze subtly swipe over the heads of the many cadets till they land on a certain handsome black-haired second year, sitting at the leadership table next to our section leader, Garrick Tavis. Bodhi is observing me quietly from afar, concern mixed with curiosity on his face. Xaden notice our interaction and sends me a threatening glare. What the fuck did I do to you, man?

I am interrupted by Sawyer. “What was your father’s reason to lash out like this?” he asks hesitantly. I swallow the turkey before I answer him.

“A few weeks ago, I was challenged by Trevor Laine form First Wing.” “One of Barlowes little friends” Ridoc says.

“Yeah. The general knew that I won the challenge, but …” I swallow harshly, taking a deep breath.

“A few years ago, when I had a personal training session with him, he told me to never let myself get injured in hand-to-hand combat by my enemy. I had to promise him, that I will do everything in my power to avoid getting hurt, because apparently to him, it shows weakness. Every time I had a bruise or the slightest scratch, he would punish me. You don’t need to know the methods, but it was ugly. That today was the softest one. I had a personal healer assigned to me, that would help me after, so I could start train again quickly after that. I never stayed injured for long and couldn’t rest afterwards. I have to be the best, or he’ll find more punishments way worse than the prior. My bet is, he’ll kill me one day, by accident or not doesn’t matter.” I finish.

“So when Trevor punched you and nicked your skin with his blade-“

“My father knew. And now I wear his punishment as a necklace” I joke darkly but my friends stay silent, even Luca or Dain.

“I’m so sorry” Violet whispers sadly. I send a reassuring smile her way. “I am used to it” is my only answer.

“That makes it just way worse” Heaton says from next to Sawyer, not looking up from his tray.

Just then I notice that the marked cadets from our squad sit with us. I can’t read Imogen’s face; she hides her emotions well.

“Since the day of conscription, I always thought, you being the generals daughter does you so many favors. I never thought about what could happen behind closed doors. I should have known better; he is the most ruthless general on the continent for a reason. I hope you can find your peace one day … without him.” With that she turns her attention back to her food. That was oddly … nice? What the fuck?

[miyaniacs]

Corrupted by Darkness

- Chapter 2 -

Chapter 1 ; Wattpad

A/N: hey again, today was a really good writing day :) I know this chapter is shorter, but the next one is already finished :) if any of you are willing to give me some feedback or comments, I’d really appreciate it <3

My knees hit the ground as I try to hold my body up with my arms. Small drops of sweat color the underneath me, my breath is heavy and it feels like I can’t breath fast enough to give my body the oxygen it needs.

“I need a break.” I whisper as I look up through my lashes. Rhys is standing right in front of me, the blood running out of his nose already stopped.

“Do you know how to control it now?” He asks and kneels down.

“I think so …” I grumble and sit down, resting my arms on my knees.

Thinking isn’t good enough. Noctis hisses.

‘I’m sorry! It’s exhausting to concentrate the energy running through me to another person.’

Well but if you don’t know how to control it and lose your temper again you’ll die.

Looking up, I glare at the giant dragon. I know he’s right, but this power is so much more than the magic I’m used to.

“Rhys this is so much harder than you trying to teach me to not get my mind crushed by someone like you.”

“But I can’t crush yours, can I?” A small smirk plays at his lips.

“No…”

“So you’ll manage to control this power too. - hey Nea. Look at me.” His hand grab your face and force you to look at him.

“Nea. You’ll find a way and until you’ll do so, I’ll be here every single night ready for you to make me bleed.” He smiles and whips away a tear running down your cheek.

“What if I accidentally hurt you?” I start to sob.

“You won’t. You’d never hurt me. Or any of us.” His hand leaves my face and reaches for my hand, pulling me up with him.

“The sun is rising, I should go now … and you should eat something.”

“Hey Rhys?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you.” I smile and he returns it, before clouding himself in his darkness and disappears.

Go now. Your hunger is rubbing off on me.

‘Why were you here in the first place?’

Moral support.

‘All you’ve been doing, is telling me to do it faster and concentrate more.’

Because I worry about you. You’re excellent at challenging your other powers, but this?

‘ I don’t want to talk about this now.’ Annoyed I turn around and stomp off the field. On my back I still feel the hot air from Noctis huff and stumble forward when he flys off, a bit too energetic.

I tried my best to avoid my friends today, I really couldn’t bear them asking me what is wrong with me and lying to them about me just being tired. Exhausted I fell down in my bed and passed out immediately, until I wake up by Rhys calling me. So I get up and spend the night working on my … blood manipulation… and have my breakfast again, and class, and training with Xaden…and sleep and Training with Rhys again…and so my days go by for the next month. At some point my body gets used to it and everything is more bearable now. So here I am again, standing on the flying field an making Rhys bleed form his almost healed wound again. He told me he got it because Feyre distracted him while training with Cassian.

“Do it again.” Rhys says after his wound closes again… or more like the blood stopped pouring out of it again.

“Isn’t it enough?” I sigh.

“No. Again, one more time Nea.” He smiles.

Focusing my powers, you concentrate on feeling of his blood running through his body, feel how it concentrates on his organs… on his brain.

Do it. A soft voice whispers in my head.

Do it. It speaks again.

It is as if my powers channel themselves, my fingers tickle yet I don’t move a finger. I’m fully consumed by my powers and feeling of Rhys blood in his head.

“N- Nea?” Rhys voice breaks, and his fingers move up to his mouth. Blood starts running… out of his mouth, nose.. ears… and eyes.

“Nea…” he whispers and collapses on the ground.

NEA! Noctis calls inside my head.

STOP NOW.

No… keep going. The soft voice hisses.

DON’T LISTEN TO HER. YOU NEED TO STOP NOW! Noctis screams and throws his tail around, knocking me off my feet. The very second I hit the ground I feel my powers leave. My head is spinning, my ears ring and my breathing is heavy. I don’t understand what happened. Why am I on the ground? Why is blood dripping out of my nose?

NEA HELP HIM NOW! Noctis screams and growls.

Him?… Him… RHYS.

I shoot up and stumble towards him.

He lays flat on his back in a puddle of his own blood. At least the blood stopped running.

Panic starts to rise as I shake him, again and again, calling out his name.

“RHYS!” You cry out, “Rhys please… wake up.”

[loudtrashphantom]

While reading ACOSF, I'm also dabbling in Iron Flame. I'm 300 pages in. I finished Fourth Wing earlier this year, got 200 pages into Iron Flame and kinda dropped it? Then I read almost all of the ACOTAR series and saw a spoiler for the last of Iron Flame so now I'm reading it and my thoughts so far……

Aaric knows!?

Violet needs to stop this shit with Xaden. He has secrets he can't tell. She is basically doing to Rhiannon what Xaden is doing to her! How can she be mad at him when she's doing it? She knows the concept of the "not my secret to tell" but doesn't understand it with him?

Also, because of the spoiler I saw, I am now looking suspiciously at every time he touches her face. Like, Xaden, I know what you're doing. It became prominent after she tells him she almost told Mira and he immediately touched her cheek. Sir!?

Imogen is growing on me. I love Ridoc and Bodhi and if anything happens to them I will cry. I've already lost Liam (my literal favourite and who's death I sobbed over), I can't lose them too.

That new Commander is pissing me tf off. Dain's dad was bad but this fucker is ugh.

Dain. Dain. Dain. I never liked you. I really didn't. And now you're being pushy!? Forcing Violet into a challenge while injured just to talk to her when she's made it clear she has no interest!? Fuck outta here.

And Rhiannon! Let her in, Violet! She has never shown you that she can't be trusted!

I'm still thinking about my feelings on Sloane. She's Liam's little sister but I don't know how I feel about her. Ya know?

[crisalidaseason]

Eight entry: Emotions are a nightmare.

As someone’s shadow and protector, you need to keep your emotions in check, specially in moments of real confrontation. If your boss is just as emotionally distressed as mine and your ward is going through a rough day…it’s on you to keep control where others don’t have it.

____

Jack Barlowe was able to make disgust pour out of Liam’s face like no other person. The crazy bastard kept sending weird fucking looks at Violet, assessing her moves in between his own sparring session, as if Liam wasn’t right there.

“You’re taking it easy on me” Violet tells Rhiannon.

“We’ve been at this for an hour” she replied “You’re tired, and the last thing I want is to hurt you”

Liam did not look at the two girls near him, his eyes on the coward fucker a few mats away, but he internally braced himself for Violet’s mood. She had been upset for a few days and he could only imagine why. Liam was about to comment on the topic when he noticed Xaden and Garrick approaching. Both men nodded at him in acknowledgment, to which Liam responded with another. Xaden’s eyes flickered between where Jack was standing and then Violet, probably assessing the same risks Liam had since the coward entered the gym.

“Challenges resume after solstice. You’re not doing me any favors by holding back” Violet replied, blissfully unaware of his brother passing by.

Liam almost sighed, standing up and nearing the mat both his squadmates were sparring. With the mood Violet was displaying lately, Liam had a slight worry she might jump for Xaden’s throat with her bare hands if he so much looked at her. Liam almost laughed at the perspective of holding Sorrengail from fulfilling her vendetta against the wingleader.

“She’s not wrong” Xaden intruded.

Violet spins her head over her shoulder.

“Well aware. Go away unless you have something useful to say”

Nothing new under the sun, Violet and sense of authority were not compatible and even worse towards Xaden - though Liam kind of thought his brother could use the humbling. He saw Xaden's jaw locked in a very familiar sign of frustration, the girl sure tested his sanity. Liam wished for the hundredth time that they would just fuck already.

“Move faster. You’ll be less likely to die. How’s that for useful?”

What a gentleman, no wonder Violet is so adamant to strangle him. Liam wanted to fucking scream, his brother was a disaster.

“The way you talk to him” Rhiannon replied to Violet’s behavior.

“What’s he going to do? Kill me?”

He watched as Violet lunged at her friend with the staff, her moves more aggressive than usual.

“You’re likely to kill each other” Liam humored “Can’t wait to see how you two function after graduation”

Liam had a strong feeling those two would never have a dull day in their lives, though he genuinely thought both Violet and Xaden would learn a lot from each other if only his brother would stop keeping distance.

“Haven’t let myself think past this week, let alone all the way to graduation” Violet replied.

“Look, I know you’re…aggravated by how long it’s taking Tairn to channel” Rhiannon offered “I’m just saying on this mat with me is a way safer place for you to take out that anger than the giant, shadow-wielding wingleader”

Liam tried not to grimace at Rhiannon’s words. Liam knew his brother would not harm a single hair on Sorrengail’s head - and was bold enough to say his protectiveness was far from self preservation - but Rhiannon did not know Xaden. All she - and Violet - knew was that he was set on killing Violet before the mating bond prevented it.

“I don’t want to take any of my anger out on you. You’re my friend” Violet replied, pointing at Xaden with the staff

“He’s the one who stuck me with a shadow I can’t shake because he thinks I’m his weakness. But does he help me?” Her movements gain strength, the anger clearly speaking for her.

Fuck. Liam needed Xaden to knock the distance shit off now, or else Violet’s weariness would grow and settle into mistrust.

“No. Does he train me?”

Liam’s eyes are focused on Violet’s face, not recognizing the anger he sees building. Shit. He needed a distraction.

“No. He’s remarkably good at showing up when I’m about to die and eliminating threats, but that’s it” Violet continued speaking

Her movements were increasing in aggressiveness, the sound of the staffs cracking loud.

“So there’s definitely some anger there” Rhiannon concluded, dodging the training weapon coming at her.

“You would be furious if someone took your freedom away. If you had Liam at your door every morning until every night, even as seemingly great as he is”

Ouch. He thought they had grown past it, but he could not blame her for mourning the loss of autonomy.

“I appreciate that” he intrudes, trying to humor Violet back into her less-violent persona.

“I would. And I’m pissed on your behalf. Now, let’s put that anger to use” Rhiannon agreed, swinging the weapon at Violet once more.

The anger in Violet’s face was still there, but soon evaporated as she looked past Rhiannon’s shoulders. Liam quickly spinned his body, spotting Barlowe still sparring on the mat - creepy stare focused on his opponent. He followed Violet’s line of sight, spotting Xaden and Garrick sparring. Shirtless.

Fucking show off, both of them.

Liam could not hide his amusement as Violet - and pretty much 99% of that gym - shamelessly stared at Xaden. He watched with familiarity as Garrick landed a painful punch on Xaden’s ribs, who did not flinch before returning the attack. Liam had the misfortune of training with them for years, both of their jabs hurt like a bitch, but it was fascinating to witness considering they were the only ones capable of sparring eye to eye. The scene before him reminded him of late nights at Riorson’s house, where Liam would watch - bruised and in pain - as the two of them fought the last match of the night.

“Stop objectifying our wingleader” he teased, noticing the two girls forgot their spar instantly.

“Is that what we’re doing?” Rhiannon said absentmindedly

”Yeah, I think that’s what we’re doing” Violet replied with her eyes glued on Xaden.

Liam snorted. He did not know how much denial he could take. Liam would definitely talk Garrick into locking them in a room, hopefully they fuck and blissfully forget to murder them.

“If you guys are this easily distracted, we’re fucked for the Squad Battle” Aetos voice is a loud painful reminder of his existence “You can kiss any thought of visiting the front lines goodbye”

Liam tried not to roll his eyes as Aetos pins his eyes on Violet as if she personally attacked him.

“Get back to work. We have another half hour”

If there is a person Liam could actually hurt out of cruelty it would be Dain Aetos. There is no place for mercy when someone call themselves a friend and proceed to be the most disloyal fucker in the world. Liam still remembered how he was ready to force Violet into giving him the memory of her attempted murder.

“Should we?” Rhiannon’s voice indicated they returned to sparring.

Liam focused on Violet, relieved that the uncharacteristic anger was out of her features.

“Yep, we definitely should”

Both of them sparred with no interruptions and Liam scanned the room for Barlowe again, who was drinking from his waterskin and setting his eyes on Violet. Liam wished he could fucking gouge them out. A sinister smirk appeared on his twisted face as a body fell on the mat behind Liam. He did not dare look at Violet, she was fine, his eyes were locked on Barlowe’s every movement.

“Shit, I’m sorry, Vi” he heard Rhiannon say “Just relax and give it a second”

“And yet that is the rider Tairn chose” Barlowe spit out to a squadmate, directing the next words loud enough for everyone to listen “I’m starting to think he chose wrong, but considering I haven’t seen you wield any powers, I bet you’re thinking the same thing, too, aren’t you, Sorrengail? Shouldn’t you have twice the ability to channel with two dragons?”

Fucking asshole. Liam was going to give him the beating of his life. He unsheathed a dagger and stood up, putting himself in front of Violet - tunnel vision forming rapidly. Liam wondered briefly if that would be the first confrontation since he became a bodyguard, but there was not a single nervous bone in him. He would destroy Barlowe.

“Simmer down, Mairi. I’m not going to attack your little charge. Not when I can just challenge her in a couple of weeks and accidentally snap her scrawny neck in front of an audience”

Over my fucking dead body. Liam felt anger reaching boiling point.

Hold your wrath. Deigh warned, it takes control to be lethal.

Liam breathed in and out discreetly, forcing his vision to stop trembling around the edges and focusing on Barlowe.

“Tell me, though, you are getting tired of playing the nursemaid, aren’t you?” the fucker continued.

Jack’s eyes were still focused on Violet, a cruel pleasure laced his features as she recovered her breath. Barlowe was interrupted by one of his squadmates offering an orange, which he vehemently turned down before setting his focus on Violet once more.

“Walk the fuck away, Barlowe” Liam warned firmly.

He could see Jack considering advancing, and Liam was ready to pounce, but the fucker went rigid, face becoming more pale than usual.

“She’s only alive because of you” Barlowe said with anger and fear mixing into his frame.

“Right, because I’m the one who buried a dagger in your shoulder at Threshing” Xaden’s voice was not a surprise somewhere behind Liam - probably close to Violet in case anything went wrong.

“We could just settle this now” Barlowe spat “If you’re done hiding behind the big, strong men”

Liam moved quicker than ever before as that motherfucker approached, immediately covering whatever gap Barlowe tried to make between them. Garrick appeared in Liam’s peripheral vision and he knew Xaden would flank the other side if necessary. Barlowe’s face is weary, knowing he would never be able to survive the three marked ones.

“That’s what I thought” he scorned at Violet, blowing her a kiss.

“You ran” Violet’s voice alerted Liam partially. Whatever anger had subsided before came back at full force in her tone “That day in the field, you fucking ran when it was three on one, and we both know when it comes down to it, you’ll run again. That’s what cowards do”

Liam smirked when Barlowe’s face went red. Cowards being called out might be Liam’s favorite sight.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake, Violet” Aetos scolded.

“She’s not wrong” Xaden spoke again, shutting Aetos immediately.

Liam heard Garrick laugh, his own smirk growing bigger at the fucker’s increasingly red face. Barlowe lunged, but Liam gave him no chance to take a full step before colliding his body in full force against Jack’s. Holding the man’s arms down, Liam violently shoved him off the gym, hearing the lock mechanism go off - probably Xaden’s or Garrick’s doing.

I should have snapped his fucking neck. Liam snarled internally, but a rational part of him knew things were not that simple. Still he could not shake the sensation that this situation would bite them on the ass later.

I’d rather you do it sooner than later, boy. Deigh chimed in If the man is a threat to your duty he shall be eliminated.

A more lethal part of Liam agreed wholeheartedly.

Liam turned, seeing Xaden all up on Violet’s personal space - and not in a good way. There was clear frustration in his features and Violet held nothing but pure distrust and anger in hers…anger that was far from her own considering her eyes were rapidly moving and eerily dark giving the dilated pupils. Xaden pointed at her armor vest on the bench Liam was sitting minutes ago, his brother’s anger more than justified considering what had just happened.

“You know I can’t kill you. Fuck, Sorrengail, the entire quadrant knows I can’t kill you” Xaden’s voice finally registered as Liam approached.

“That doesn’t mean you can’t hurt me”

Liam saw as Xaden retreated in surprise. Her voice held so much anger and weariness that he felt compelled to separate them, but both needed the tough conversation, no matter how hurtful Violet’s words may be for Xaden. If all it took for his brother to finally listen was her loud words of distrust, so be it, and she also needed to get that shit out of her system.

“Those two need to bang” Garrick whispered beside Liam.

He did not join the joke this time, eyes focused on his brother and his friend. Xaden had all the tools in his hand, that was his chance to gain her trust...specially after the shit show that just went down.

“Stop training with a bow staff. It’s too easy to knock out of your hands. Stick to the daggers” Xaden simply replied.

Fuck, Xaden!

Previous chapter

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[garricks4thwingqueen]

Always Yours Part 7

Events: Time skip from December to July, war games 

Word Count: 1549

It was the first of July. Which meant several things when you were a dragon rider at Basgiath war college. The first thing it meant was it was almost the end of the year, so that meant surviving your first year was almost over. The second thing it meant was war games. It was late into the night as Liam and I made our way to our weekly meeting place. Garrick and Xaden were all already under the tree as we arrived. “Since when do you two stop talking?” when we showed up I asked, bumping an elbow into my brother and leaning back into Liam. “His bickering about Violet again.” Garrick said with an eye roll. “Just because you're acting like a love sick puppy doesn't mean you can force someone who's supposed to be your sworn enemy just because you have mated dragons.” I said teasingly to my brother as Imogen and Bodhi arrived and our group was complete. Garrick and Liam snickered “Do you know what it's like to have a mated dragon with someone.” Xaden started to protest as Liam cut him off “Yeah I do and its fucking incredible.” He said leaning in and kissing my neck. “I don't think that helped anything Mairi.” I giggled. 

“Alright kids, war games.” Garrick said, shaking his head and changing the subject. “War games, I feel like we can win this year's events.” Xaden said. “With being wingleader I can have a say in my team and obviously.” he said gesturing towards all of us. “And everyone else on our squad split up with Dain.” Garrick questioned? “Pretty much.” “Pretty much?” I questioned my brother. “I feel Violet may try and team up with us.” he added. “The first few challenges are usually pretty easy going. The last challenge we never really know what it will be. I think we should split up into teams of two within our major team. It shouldn’t be the obvious pairings that people are going to accept.”  “I think Rae and Boh, Imogen and me and then Li and Gar.” Xaden said. “And Violet?” I questioned “She can tag along with me and Imogen if she ends up with us.” I leaned my head back into Liam's shoulder as I felt another round of nausea hit that I’ve been feeling for the past few days off and on. “You ok?” He asked. “Hmm fine.” I mumbled quietly before stepping to the other side of the tree as I could feel dinner coming back up. I felt Liams familiar touch rubbing light circles on my back. “It’s alright my love.” He said soothingly.

“You ok?” Xaden asked as we rejoined the group. “Yeah fine, I think I just ate something that didn't agree with me.” He gave me a questioning look like he didn't quite agree with the statement that came out of my mouth. “Liam heads back with me.” He said as I started to protest “and Rae’s  with Garrick.” Xaden said before I could get a word out of my mouth. I felt Garrick’s arm wrap around my waist replacing Liam’s. “Are you sure you don’t need to go to the healers?” He questioned softly when we were out of earshot of the others “I’m fine Gar.” I said “That's the second time today that something has come back up.” He said softly as he opened the door to mine and Liam's room grabbing me a bottle of water, Garrick was the only that knew that I had also lost my lunch as he was the one walking with me to the gym after my training with professor Carr for my signet. “I swear I’m fine.” I grumbled as Liam came into our room.  “I love you guys but sometimes I swear.” I said, shaking my head as Liam kissed my forehead as Garrick put my boots by the door. “Sleep tight you too.” he said, shaking his head, closing the door as he left. “Are you sure you're fine?” Liam asked, helping me undress. “Li.” I sighed as we laid in bed. Stop being stubborn. Celeste said to me. I don't know what you mean, I’m fine I just feel a little nauseous. I said back to my brown scorpion tail. Hmph she responded. Well if you know something I don't then say it. I said to her cuddling into Liam’s warm body with no further response from her. “Dragons.” I mumbled into Liam's chest as he chuckled. “I thought you two were being awfully quiet. Good night my love. I’ve got you.” Liam said, holding me tightly and placing a kiss on my forehead. “Goodnight Li.” I whispered, reaching up and placing a kiss on his lips.

It was the last round of war games and Xaden had received his orders for us. We were told to fly to Athebyne. Athebyne was a military outpost on the southeast border of Navarre and Poromiel. Boh and I were the first to arrive. “Well fuck this cant be good.” Boh said as we looked around a completely empty outpost as Liam and Garrick walked up on my left; Liam’s hand instinctively found mine as we were now a full group as I looked towards my brother. “Xaden?” I questioned cautiously as I could feel his tension. I could tell Violet was on her verge of asking more questions not as cautiously as I did. “I’d keep quiet for now if I was you.” I stated. I don’t like this one bit. I said to Liam across our bond as he tightened his hand that held mine. “I know.” He whispered quietly. “Walk around and see if we can find any answers as to why it's empty or how long everyone has been gone for.” Xaden finally responded after taking in the full sight before us. “Li.” I whispered. “I love you.” He said, placing a soft kiss on my lips “I love you too.” I said as we went to the right of the grounds with Garrick and Bodhi; while Imogen, Violet and Xaden went to the left. Garrick bent down to pick something up. “What's that? I questioned as he opened the envelope. “Try and survive by making the right choice.” He read. “Xaden.” he yelled for my brother to come and join us as he handed him the letter. “Try and survive?” Violet read before Xaden had the chance to speak. “Take a look around Violet.”  I said in a harsh tone. “You aren't supposed to be here. It’s meant for us.” Xaden said, completely turning away from Violet and looking towards us towards me with his overprotective eyes. “Xad.” I breathed out quietly coming to his side and wrapping my arms around his waist. “Whatever your decision is, we are with you.” Gar said. “That's why you're here in the first place.” Xaden.” I said barely above a whisper “we are here in the first place because of you. We stood by your side then and nothing is going to change that now.” I said tightening my grip both on his hand and Liam’s. I knew that this is a weight that Xaden would always bear and nothing could ever waiver that. “Then we will fly out to the nearest village which is Resson and do whatever we have to.” “Xad.” I said and pulled him into a tight hug. “I love you. If anything happens to me.” I said quietly. “Nothings going to happen to you, but yes I let Li know how much you loved him.” He said quietly into my neck as I held onto my brother tighter as I felt Liam's arm now around me, then Garrick’s and then everyone else. “I never knew what I did to deserve any of you.” Xaden said quietly. “Seeming how half of us are family and then we got stuck with the other half.” Boh said light hardly in a joking manner. “There’s 6 of us now, well 7 including Violet before we go into this and that's how many are going to come out.” Garrick said as we broke apart. Liam. I said quietly across our bond not willing to trust my physical voice. Come here my love. He said pulling me in tightly as I buried my head into his chest. “Listen to me, baby girl. I promise you that I’m going to hold you while we sleep tonight and every night.” Liam said into my neck and lifted his head up to place a kiss on my forehead. I didn’t trust my voice to say anything more as I squeezed both of his hands tightly before pulling apart and mounting our dragons. Celeste and Deigh barely gave each other enough wing space as we flew out, Deigh reaching over and nuzzling Celeste snout. Sometimes they really can be cute. I said to Liam he chuckled softly across our bond and I’ll never stop loving the fact that you think they are cute he said with an added I love you, always. I love you Li, always. And you humans always wanna make me gag. Deigh said as we couldn't help but chuckle as we approached the broader of Resson. 

A/N: Thanks to the awesome @auraisereigh for the graphic art of Deigh and Celeste!

[yourfavoritebookclub]

WINGLEADER: A Xaden Riorson POV Fanfiction

CHAPTER 19

Walking into Battle Brief, my eyes immediately land on the mop of bright blonde hair sitting several rows below and the long brown and silver braid next to him. 

Liam turns to look at me, flashing a small smile before turning back around to say something to Violet, too low for me to hear.

Without turning around, Violet raises her hand in the air and proudly displays her middle finger.

I grit my teeth, glaring at the back of her head. She’s absolutely uncontrollable, insubordinate, and frankly, the most aggravating person I’ve ever met. 

Peeling my eyes away from the back of her head, I tap my fingers on the surface of the desk. I’m fidgety and bored. 

Battle Brief is nothing but lies and bullshit. 

Violet does her best to avoid looking behind her, but like clockwork, she breaks, glaring at me over her shoulder. Liam does the same, albeit with a much friendlier look on her face and I ignore her, giving Liam a nod.

He nods back, and I can see Violet’s eyes roll in annoyance.

I smirk at my ability to get a rise out of her. Playing with Violence eases some of my boredom, but it does nothing to stop the restless energy that rushes through my body.

“Don’t mind her. She’s just sexually frustrated. Makes a girl crabby.” Rhiannon’s voice carries up toward me.

My mind is instantly filled with things that have no place in a classroom, and I have to shift in my seat to adjust the growing erection that’s pushing against my zipper.

Garrick stares straight ahead, but the smug smile on his face tells me that he knows exactly what’s going on below my desk. 

“You good?”

I clear my throat, sitting up a little straighter. “Yup.”

“Great, because I was talking to Quinn in the gathering hall this morning–”

Out of the corner of my eye, Violet’s quill falls out of her hands and lands softly on the ground. 

Pulling the shadows from underneath her seat, I caress the quill, scooping it into a cup of swirling darkness, and push it up toward Violet’s waiting hand.

A small peace offering. 

I stifle a yawn as Professor Markham begins announcements. “If we can get started?” the scribe calls over the room, and silence falls as he unrolls a scroll onto the podium.

“First announcement,” Devera says, stepping forward. We’ve decided that not only will the winners of this year’s Squad Battle receive…”

The dull tone of Professor Devera’s voice fades into a quiet hum as my mind travels elsewhere.

…

Winter arrives in full force as December rolls in, bringing with it the harsh snow and wind that the Rider’s Quadrant receives on this side of the chasm.

Garrick and I are observing sparring practice today, both of us strolling at a leisurely pace, hands behind our backs in quiet companionship.

Nearing Violet and Rhiannon’s mat, Violet stops and scolds Rhiannon. “Challenges resume after solstice. You’re not doing me any favors by holding back.”

“She’s not wrong,” I interject from behind Violet.

“Well aware,” she fires back over her shoulder, not deigning to look at me as she says it.

I can feel Violet’s intense gaze on me as we walk past, and a thrill that races through me at the heavy weight of it on my back.

“Go away unless you have something useful to say.”

“Move faster. You’ll be less likely to die. How’s that for useful?” I say, sarcasm coating my words. 

Garrick steps to the side of the center mat and pulls his shirt off in one fluid movement. “When’s the last time you sparred?” he asks, throwing the shirt over a bench and removing his daggers.

I start to tug on the hem of my own shirt, pulling it up over my hair. “Monday.” 

Garrick slips his boots off and steps onto the mat. “No weapons, completely free-form.” His voice has that authority that comes out when he’s training another rider. He’s one of the only people in the Quadrant capable of testing me.

I slip off my own boots and step on the mat, positioning myself at a subtle angle.

There’s no real winning in sparring. For the first-year challenges, sure. At Garrick and I’s level though, sparring is all about the technique and execution. Keeping our minds fully in tune with the body, combining logic and skill with brute strength.

I move before Garrick, faking to his left before throwing my fist at his jaw. It's a brutal first maneuver with little finesse, but he’s expecting that kind of precision from me. Garrick’s forearm flies up to meet my fist, blocking the punch. His arm extends and grips my bicep, pulling me in close; his next move would have his hands around my neck. I push my foot in between his legs, hooking it around his right foot and pulling toward me. 

It’s not enough to knock him off balance, but he stumbles, losing his grip enough for me to bounce back. He recovers his balance within the span of a breath. Garrick charges forward, and I skate to the side avoiding his grasp. I crouch, my leg coming out for a low kick. He shuffles out of the way, his lithe movements so at odds with his hulking body.

We continue this dance, switching from defense to offense until both of us have worked up a decent sweat.

I lean forward, drawing up to throw a hook into Garrick’s jaw when his gaze flicks up past my shoulder.

His forearms come up again, blocking my punch and we both stop, turning to look at the mat behind me.

Violet is lying on the ground with Rhiannon by her side on the mat, face flushed and chest heaving as she tries to catch her breath.

Off to the side of the mat, Liam stands with his shoulders squared, his whole body poised to attack, as Jack Barlowe saunters over to the mat.

“And here we go,” Garrick mumbles irritably.

I step off the mat, pulling on my socks and boots, eyes never leaving Jack as I tighten my laces.

I stand, walking silently over to Violet’s mat. I situate myself behind Violet, hands in my pockets, observing the confrontation. 

“Walk the fuck away, Barlowe,” Liam orders, violent warning in every syllable. 

Jack stands above Violet, a sneer scrunching his face as he examines her prone figure.

His eyes drift up, and I can see the exact moment that his eyes clock my riding boots and move up my body, face draining with color as he meets my bored gaze.

“She’s only alive because of you,” he spits, his lip curling in contempt.

I raise my eyebrows, "Right, because I’m the one who buried a dagger in your shoulder at Threshing.”

Below us, Violet scrambles to her feet, leaning on her staff for support.

“We could just settle this now,” Jack says, stepping past Liam. “If you’re done hiding behind the big, strong men.” 

Garrick moves to stand next to me, and Imogen has steps slightly closer, her whole body on high alert.

Jack looks at all of us and then back down to Violet, “That’s what I thought.” He grins, blowing her a kiss with a loud smack.

“You ran,” Violet snaps, her voice a violent, angry snarl.

The sound is, well, hot. 

Violence in her natural state is a far cry from the meek, nervous girl she’s been boxed into her whole life.

“That day in the field, you fucking ran when it was three on one, and we both know when it comes down to it, you’ll run again.” She pauses, looking him up and down. “That’s what cowards do.”

Jack flushes a bright red, his eyes wide in shock and anger.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake, Violet,” Dain mutters in exasperation.

Fuck. You.

“She’s not wrong,” I drawl.

Garrick lets out a raucous laugh as Liam takes Jack by the shoulders and pushes him out of the room.

With Jack and Liam out of the way, I can see past the other side of the mat where Violet has her clothes lying out on a bench.

Not just clothes, but her armor.

It’s like she’s trying to piss me off.

Liam pushes Jack the final few inches out of the door, and I flick a tendril of shadow toward it, snapping it shut.

“What the hell were you thinking, egging him on like that?” Dain marches forward for all the world, looking like a pompous toy soldier.

“Oh, now you feel like talking to me?” she snips, lifting her chin to look down her nose.

I step between them, a hot, sweltering rage beginning to bubble up inside of me. Violet doesn’t retreat, her eyes flaring with a heat that mirrors my own.

“Give us a second,” I tell Dain, keeping my gaze locked on Violet. 

“You want to tell me why the fuck you’re not wearing that,” I point over to her armored corset. The same corset that I unlaced with my fingers, that touched the skin beneath it that night a few weeks ago. 

Every ounce of anger is accompanied by the visceral desire to push her back down to the mat and fuck her in front of everyone.

“I have to wash it at some point.”

I blink back the arousal that’s threatening to spill over.

I take in a deep, shuddering breath. “And you thought that would be a good idea during sparring?”

“I washed it before sparring, knowing it could dry while your guard dog keeps watch, as opposed to sleeping without it because we both know what happens behind locked doors around here.”

I clench my teeth at her indignant tone. “Not behind yours anymore. I made sure of it.”

“Because I’m supposed to trust you?”

She has got to be fucking kidding. “Yes,” I answer, willing my body not to pick her up and carry her out of here so I can shout at her for being so reckless…among other things.

“And you make it so easy,” she snips sarcastically.

“You know I can’t kill you.” I throw my hands up in irritation. “Fuck, Sorrengail, the entire quadrant knows I can’t kill you.” I lean in toward her until we’re close enough to share breath.

She looks into my eyes, “That doesn’t mean you can’t hurt me.”

I blink and move backward, my face smoothing into a carefully controlled expression.

That fast, every bit of arousal has seeped out of me, leaving in its place something bitter and hateful.

“Stop training with a bow staff. It’s too easy to knock out of your hands. Stick to the daggers.” 

“I was doing just fine until Tairn barged into my head with all his anger and distracted me.” Her tone is defensive.

“Then learn how to block him out.” 

“What, with all this power I’m wielding?” She raises her brows expectantly. “Or were you unaware that I’m still not channeling?”

My anger is still a simmering thing underneath the surface of my skin. I lean back into her, invading her space the way she invades my every thought. “I am annoyingly aware of everything you do.”

There’s a line of electricity running through us that’s pulled so tightly I can almost feel it vibrating between us. 

“Wingleader Riorson,” Dain says, and Violet and I both blink at each other as his words slice through the tension. “She’s just not used to the bond yet. She’ll learn how to block it out.”

Violet’s breath hitches, hurt and anger flashing in her eyes. She takes a step back, blinking furiously like she’s trying to reorient herself. 

I resist the urge to roll my eyes and swing my gaze to Dain. “You choose the oddest times to defend her, Aetos. And the most convenient times not to.”

Dain goes rigid. His fists clenched so hard his knuckles are white. 

I turn back to Violet, my face still a mask of boredom. “Do us both a favor and put the fucking armor back on.”

I walk off the mat and back toward Garrick, feeling suddenly too hot. Violet is intoxicating, her anger and mine so exhilarating that it snaps my self-control when I’m around her.

Behind me, Violet gasps in horror.

Too hot turns to too cold, something cold and icy, freezing every nerve in my body.

My back is clearly visible in the light, covered by my navy blue relic.

And the one hundred and seven scars marring the skin underneath.

My back muscles bunch as I tense for a breath.

The irony of Violet’s horror at something her mother very much had a hand in is not lost on me.

I take my shirt from Garrick’s outstretched hand and tug it over my head, covering the grim reminder underneath a sheet of cotton.

[angstywaifu]

The Reward - Garrick Tavis x Reader

The highly requested Part 2 to I Just Want To Talk To Them. Garrick deserves his own shower scene. Warnings: I know you all know where this is going... But just in case. 18+, smut.

Masterlist

I look around the dining hall. And come up short on the two people I am looking for. The first is the cadet that I had been up against during challenges. He was nowhere to be seen. Not sitting with his squad or usual group of friends. Even they looked worried as their eyes scan the dining hall looking for him.

The second was Garrick. His usual seat next to Xaden with the rest of the leadership was empty. Very obviously empty as Garrick usually took up double the space of anyone else on that table. Xaden’s eyes meet mine. I nod towards Garrick’s empty chair and all he gives me back is a shrug, telling me he doesn’t know where he is either. But by the way he looks at me, it confirms my suspicions. I knew where Garrick was. I knew exactly where it was. And as much as I should be worried for the poor guy on the receiving end, I couldn’t deny I was eagerly awaiting Garrick’s return. No. Garrick’s reward for me. The way he had whispered it in my ear and kissed my cheek had set me on fire. A fire that had not dulled in the hours since he had been gone. My body craved what had been the unspoken reward.

”What’s got you so nervous?” Asks Imogen as she takers her place next to me.

I sigh and shove my plate away. There was no way I was finishing the food on my plate. “I’m worried about where Garrick is.”

She just looks at me and smirks. “No, you’re worried about what he’s done to the other guy.”

I go to reply but the door to the dining hall slams open, the noise echoing around the hall. The usual buzz of conversation gone instantly. I turn to see something that would have everyone else’s blood in the room run cold. But not mine. No, my body floods with desire. His hazel eyes lock onto me instantly. A smirk appearing on his face. A smirk that shows of his white teeth, that are a stark contrast to the red of the blood that is splattered over his face. The same blood that also adorns his hands. But besides the blood, there is not a single mark on Garrick. No cuts, not even a bruise. Meaning none of the blood is his. It all belonged to the other cadet. Garrick walks between the tables, the people he passes shuffling in their seats to get away from him as his steps echo around the eerily quiet hall. Even Imogen who is never phased by anything shuffles away from me as Garrick stops behind me. His hands placed either side of mine on the table as he leans over me, his breathing tickling my neck as places his mouth next to my ear.

”How about I give you you’re reward? Need to show my girl how good she was for giving me his name.” Garrick whispers in my ear before placing a kiss to my jaw.

My body shivers at his kiss, and I know he notices it with the slight chuckle I hear. I turn to look at him and meet his lust filled hazel eyes. No not hazel. Black. His pupils are blown wide that I can barely see any of the hazel in his eyes. I barely nod before Garrick’s arms wrap around me, easily pulling me from my seat before carrying me out of the hall in his arms.

I gasp as my naked back meets the cold stone of the shower wall as Garrick pins me to it, his lips kissing and bitting down my neck before latching on one of my nipples. My fingers tangle in his curly hair as I arch and moan as Garrick’s tongue swirls around the sensitive nub before sucking on it. His fingers dig into the flesh of my thighs as he grinds up into me. My body twitching and the sensation. I wanted. No, I need all of Garrick. I needed him everywhere, and gods was he everywhere. No part of me was left without attention. He kissed and sucked at anything he could get to. His name falling easily from my lips as he mouth finds my other nipple.

”Such a good girl.” He whisper against my chest, as he pins my hands above my head in one of his. “Such a good girl giving me their name. Letting me teach them not to touch what is mine.” The last word coming out as a growl I feel rumble through him as he presses his chest against mine.

Garrick lowers me back down to the ground, turning to start the shower, the cold water hitting my skin causing me to gasp. The cold water was startling against the contrast of how warm I felt. Garrick smirks as if he knows exactly what he had done. No he did. He steps back from me and slowly removes his clothes. Gods was this man attractive. It was like he had been carved from stone. Each muscle was perfectly defined and toned. As my eyes drift lower, my mouth drops open. The girls he had been with had talked, but I always thought they had exaggerated. But they had not. Garrick was big. And he was about to be all mine.

”Like what you see sweetheart?” He asks as he kneels in front of me, placing one of my leg over his shoulder as he slowly kisses from my ankle to my knee, resting his head against my knee as he looks up at me. Still no hint of hazel in his eyes as he looks at me.

”Gods yes.” I spit out way too quickly, earning a chuckle from Garrick.

My body feels like its on fire again as Garrick slowly kisses and bites his way up my thigh. The cool water of the shower doing nothing to subdue the feeling. Garrick hovers just above where I want him to touch him. Need him to touch me. He’s so close that I can feel his breath tickling me. My hips arch off the wall, seeking the touch I want from him. Garrick slowly drags a finger right up my centre before circling my clit, my eyes rolling back into my head at the sensation.

”So needy for me. So desperate.” He muses before his tongue replaces his fingers, licking straight up my centre before dipping back down to probe my entrance.

My hands fly to his hair, gripping his dark curls between my fingers. Our moans fill the room as he licks, probes and sucks. No part left untouched. Garrick grips my thigh tightly before plunging two fingers in without warning. I nearly cum then and there at the sensation, my whole body falling forward. Thank gods Garrick is tall as I brace my hands on his back, my fingers digging into the flesh of his back. I expect Garrick to falter his pace with the movement, but instead it spurs him on as he moans as my fingers grip his back. His fingers set a brutal pace, every so often curling and hitting the one spot that has me seeing stars and nearly collapsing on top of him. I start spasming around his fingers, my breathing becoming heavy and irregular. I whimper as Garrick removes his fingers and mouth from me. I promptly lean back and look down and glare at him as he smirks up at me. His mouth and chin glistening with my arousal.

”Not yet sweet heart. The first time I make you cum it’s going to be around my cock, not my fingers.” He tells me, his voice so husky and rough it has me clenching around nothing.

Garrick stands, easily picking me up with him. As I wrap my legs around his waist I feel his cock prodding at my entrance. I try to sink down onto it, but Garrick holds me firmly just above it. But with just enough contact that every step he takes has the tip slipping up and down, teasing what is about to come. Garrick places me on my feet, pulling me into a quick and rough kiss before spinning me around. In the mirror I can see how blissed out and needy both Garrick and I are. But our eyes look black in the mirror. Both our faces flushed. Garrick grips my hips, pulling me flush against him, his hardness pressing into me.

”Hold on tight sweetheart.” He whispers in my ear, his breath tickling my neck before pushing on my shoulder lightly.

I glance down to see the basin in front of me. Instantly I know what Garrick wants. His smile as I lean forward and grip the sides of the basin is all the confirmation I need. He leans down, placing a kiss to the small of my back before standing back to his full height. One hand resting on my ass, as the other lines him up.

”F-fuck.” I stutter out as Garrick pushes in, stretching me wide.

I knew he was big, but gods did it feel way bigger as he pushed his way inside. Thank gods Garrick was easing me into it. Little by little, Garrick thrusted in an out slowly, each time sinking in that little bit further. I look up in the mirror and watch as he drags his lower lip between his teeth as he watches himself sink deeper and deeper inside me. As he bottoms out inside me, both of us let out a moan that echoes around the bathroom. Thank the gods Garrick put silencing wards up as well as a ward that would only let him or I in and out. No one was interrupting us. Garrick is quick to set a brutal pace as he thrust in and out. I can’t help as my mouth falls open at the sensation of him filling me perfectly. I can tell he feels the same as I grip him tightly.

”God’s it’s like you’re made for me.” He moans out before leaning forward and bracing his hands either side of mine on the counter.

Garrick uses his new angle to reach around, his fingers instantly finding my clit and rubbing circles around it. I can’t even slow the orgasm that rips through me, my knees giving out. But Garrick holds me up easily while his fingers continue to tease my most sensitive spot. I can tell Garrick is doing all he can not to finish with me as my walls clench and spasm around him. My whole body shaking to the point I’m unsure if I will be able to walk out of here without his help.

”Think you can take some more?” He growls out as he kisses his way down my back before standing back up to his full height.

I lift my head up to look at him in the mirror and nod. Gods I wanted more of him even if I could barely hold myself up. Garrick smirks in response as he pulls out, spinning me around and picking me up with ease again. He walks us over to a bench in the middle of the room, laying me down on it. Garrick is quick to place a nearby towel under my head which I’m grateful for as he pushes himself back in and sets a brutal pace. He brings my legs over his shoulders, leaning over me just enough for the new angle to have the gripping and clawing at his arms and torso. Red marks instantly appearing where my fingers and gripped and clawed at his skin. But Garrick doesn’t seem to mind, in fact it seems to spur him on. Each thrust seems to have more and more power behind it. And I know another orgasm won’t be far away with the angle and the pace Garrick is setting. Every so often one of Garrick’s thrusts will falter ever so slightly, letting me know he isn’t far off as well. I watch as Garrick’s gaze flickers from me back over to the shower where we started, where we had left the water running. A small smile graces Garrick’s lips before he dips down and presses a quick kiss to my lips before picking me up and walking us back towards the shower. The entire time he keeps inside me, each step making him rub against that perfect spot. He angles us before reaching over to adjust the water temperature. I brace myself for the the cold water from earlier, but I’m instead met with warm water that has me relaxing into Garrick’s arms. But it’s short lived before the familiar stone meets my back, and my hands are pinned above my head again. Just like we started. Garrick kisses up my neck, leaving small marks in his wake. Before kissing up my jaw and capturing my lips in his. Compared to before, his pace is more careful and slowly. His cock dragging slowly in and out of me, my body trembling around Garrick at the sensation. It was such a start contrast to before, but as he breaks away from the kiss and rests his forehead against mine, his eye’s look different. Still blown out and filled with lust and passion. But something else laid there. So many things left unspoken in them. I respond by tangling my fingers in his damp curls and pull him into a kiss which he responds to immediately. Our tongues fighting for dominance as his pace picks back up. Garrick growls in frustration, clearly not happy with the pace an angle. He stands back from the wall, and lowers me to the ground. Spinning me around again, but instead of a basin to grip onto I have a wall to brace myself against. As soon as my hands meet the stone wall Garrick thrusts into me, my head almost hitting the wall with the force as Garrick sets the most brutal pace yet. Clearly chasing his release this time. Profanities fall from both our lips and echo around the room. Garrick’s hand loosely grips my neck, pulling my back flush against his hips. Instantly my walls flutter around him, my release close.

”That’s it sweetheart. Be a good girl and cum one more time. Cum with me sweetheart. Can you do that?” He growls into my ear as he kisses just under my jaw.

”Y-yes.” I barely stutter out.

”Good girl.” He growls as the grip he has on my neck tightens slightly, his other hand reaching down and rubbing my most sensitive spot.

Instantly I scream his name as my body shakes and convulses. Garrick’s arms being the only thing keeping my upright as my body goes limp and my knees give out. I vaguely register Garrick swearing in my ear before his thrusts become erratic and falter, and I feel his release sliding down my thighs as he thrusts in and out of me as we both ride out our orgasm’s. Garrick hold’s me tightly against him as he lowers us to the ground and leans up against the cold stone wall and tucks me under his chin as he cradles me against his chest. His hands caressing my back and legs as we sit under the warm water and catch our breaths. I feel his lips press against my hair before he rests his head against mine, letting the warm water run over us as we enjoy each other’s embrace.

[nomie-11]

Chapter 3 - Seven Days Between Us

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“...Garrick Tavis. Xaden Riorson.” Captain Fitzgibbon’s voice carries over the formation as he reads from the death roll. 

“Well, isn't this awkward,” Xaden smirks, and every head in the courtyard turns in their direction. 

Genevieve’s heart is beating out of her chest as she glances over at Violet, who raises her chin in defiance, mirroring Xaden who is two steps ahead. He moves without fear, his shoulders straight and his head high. Every movement and stride of his anger-manifesting body is powerful and purposeful and Genevieve can’t get over the fact that she almost wants him dead. 

“You’re not… dead.” Captain Fitzgibbons, the scribe assigned to the Riders Quadrant, stares with wide eyes beneath his silver brow. His face turns a pale cream color, mirroring the folds of his uniform as his hands fumble with the death roll, dropping it. 

“Guess not,” Xaden replies. 

Commandant Panchel’s mouth hangs open as he turns toward them from his seat on the dais, and within seconds, General Sorrengail and Colonel Aetos stand, blocking his view. A scribe girl grabs the death roll, and signs something at Violet, which Violet promptly responds to. Fuck, I wish I knew sign. 

Colonel Aetos’ cheeks grow increasingly red with every step the group takes, and his gaze skims the party, no doubt assessing who is here and who isn’t until his gaze lands on Genevieve and his eyes narrow. She clenches her fist, raising her own chin to replicate Violet’s false confidence. 

General Sorrengail almost smiles when she sees Violet, and it’s almost a look of pride, before it’s quickly masked by the professional distance she’s enforced since Violet enlisted. But there’s no anger in her eyes, no fear or shock either. Just relief. Violet was right, she wasn’t involved. 

“I don’t understand,” Fitzgibbons says to the two scribes behind him, then addresses Panchek. “They aren’t dead. Why would they have been reported for the death roll?” 

“Why were they reported for the death roll?” General Sorrengail asks Colonel Aetoes, her eyes narrowing. 

A cold breeze brushes past Genevieve, and her black-streaked hair flutters in the wind. And although it’s a momentary relief from the suffocating heat of July, Genevieve knows from what Violet has told her that this means the general is pissed. A flower blooms on the ground in front of Genevieve. 

“They’ve been missing for six days!” Aetoes seethes, his voice rising with each angry word. “Naturally we reported them dead, but obviously we should have reported them for desertion and dereliction of duty instead.” 

Now his words are pointed at Genevieve, but never once did she desert, she simply was just refusing. 

“You want to report us–” the undercurrent to that tone is obviously directed at Aetos challenging his girl, but that’s something Genevieve is choosing to ignore “--us for desertion?” Xaden walks up the stairs of the dais, and Aetoes backs up a step, fear flashing across his eyes. “You sent us into combat, and you’re going to report us for desertion?” 

Another twisting black vine is creeping up from the ground. 

“What is he talking about?” General Sorrengail asks, looking between Xaden and Aetos. 

“I have no idea.” Aetos grinds out. 

“I was directed to take a squad beyond the wards to Athebyne and form the headquarters for Fourth Wing’s War Games, and I did so. We stopped to rest our riot at the nearest lake past the wards, and we were attacked by gryphons.” The lie was so smooth, it was infuriating. But impressive, because he doesn’t have a single tell. 

“It was a surprise attack, and they caught Deigh and Fuil unaware.” Xaden pivots slightly, as though he’s telling the wings and not leadership. “They were dead before they ever had a chance.” 

Genevieve watches as tears form in Violet’s eyes and her breath hitches. Cadets around them murmur, but she stays focused on Xaden, trying to ignore the pain on her ex-best friend’s face. 

“We lost Liam Mairi and Soleil Telery,” Xaden adds, and then looks over his shoulder at Violet. “And we would have lost Sorrengail if Hale didn’t save her.” 

General Sorrengail pivots, and for a second she looks down at Violet in a way that isn’t reminiscent of a senior commanding officer. There’s worry and a touch of horror in her eyes. She looks like a mom, and Violet nods, the pain on her face intensifying. 

Then the General looks at Genevieve, and she braces herself for the longest, hardest glare of her life, but there’s approval in the General’s eyes. 

“He’s lying,” Colonel Aetos accuses. The certainty in his voice makes Genevieve almost take her last goodbyes. 

“I’m right behind the ridgeline,” Tairn reminds her. 

“Unclench your fists,” Garrick whispers. “You’re bleeding.” 

Genevieve lets out a shuddering exhale and her fists open, revealing the blood on her palms. 

“Why the hell would I lie?” Xaden tilts his head and looks down at Colonel Aetoes with pure disdain. “But surely if you don’t believe me, then General Sorrengail can discern the truth from her own daughter.” 

And there’s Violet’s cue. She ascends the stairs of the thick, wooden platform to stand at Xaden’s left side. 

“Cadet Sorrengail?” The general folds her arms and looks at her with expectation. 

Violet takes a breath in, and then out, clearing her throat. “It’s true.” 

“Lies!” Aetos shouts. “There’s no way two dragons were brought down by a drift of gryphons. Impossibile. We should separate them and interrogate them individually.” 

Vines snake up the platform posts as Genevieve’s shoulder’s tense. 

Colonel Aetos’s eyes snap to Genevieve’s. “General, surely you cannot believe any word that comes out of anyone’s mouth on her behalf.” 

What the actual fuck did I ever do? 

“My daughter vouches for her,” General Sorrengail crosses her arms over her chest. “Are you saying that a Sorrengail is a liar?” 

Colonel Aetos stiffens, and General Sorrengail gestures to her daughter. “Tell me what happened, Cadet Sorrengail.” 

“We flew for Athebyne, as ordered.” Violet is looking her straight in the eyes. “As Riorson said, we stopped at the lake about twenty minutes out so we could water the dragons and dismounted. I only saw two of the gryphons appear with their riders, but everything happened so damned fast. Before I could even get a grasp on what was happening…” Come on, Violet. Hold it together! Genevieve watches as Violet’s fingers brush over a little carving of Andarna Liam had been working on for her, before she takes a shallow breath. “Soleil’s dragon was killed, and Deigh was gutted.” There are tears in her eyes, but she blinks them away. “We didn’t stand a chance beyond the wards, General.” 

“And then?” The general asks, completely unemotional and unaffected. 

“Then Hale held Liam as he died,” She states, “There was nothing she could do to save him once Deigh had passed.” The tone in her voice is clear to Genevieve that Violet doesn’t believe a single word she is saying. “And I was stabbed mid-flight from a poison-tipped blade.” 

General Sorrengail’s eyes flare, and she jerks her gaze away. Violet turns to face Colonel Aetos as her mother reconciled with the fact that she almost was the mother to only one. “Hale saved me with her signet, so we took her to Athebyne to get her help, but we found the entire outpost deserted and a note that said that Wingleader Riorson could choose to keep watch over a nearby village or race to Eltuval.” 

“Here’s the missive.” Xaden reaches into his pocket and pulls out the orders from War Games. “Not sure what the destruction of  foreign villages had to do with War Games, but we didn’t stick around to find out. Cadet Hale was dying, and I chose to preserve what remained of my squad."He hands the crumpled orders to mom, and Genevieve watches as his eyes narrow in hatred as she opens the missive and sees the lines directed to Genevieve. “I chose to save your soldier.” 

She snatches the orders and stiffens. 

“It took us days to find someone capable of healing Genevive, though I’m sure she doesn’t remember being healed,” Violet finishes. “And the second her life was stable, we flew back here. We arrived about half an hour ago, as I’m sure Aimsir can verify.” 

“And the bodies?” Aetos asks. 

“Half the riot flew back to the lake and burned the bodies of both the riders and dragons, while Riorson took the other half to find help. If you’re looking for proof, then you can find it either about a hundred yards from the lake, in the clearing to the east, or in the fresh scars on our dragons.” Violet finishes with a confident nod. 

“Enough.” The General pauses, no doubt confirming with her dragon, then turns slowly toward Colonel Aetos, and though he has a few inches on her, he suddenly appears smaller. Frost blooms on the black flowers that curl up the dais. “This is your handwriting. You emptied a strategically invaluable outpost beyond the wards for War Games?”

“It was only for a few days,” Aetos retreats a few steps. “You told me the games were at my discretion this year.” 

“And clearly your discretion lacks common fucking sense,” she retorts. “I’ve heard everything I need to hear. Correct the death roll, get these cadets into formation, and commence graduation so the new lieutenants can get to their wings. I expect to see you in my office in thirty minutes, Colonel Aetos.” 

Relief surges through Genevieve, and the flowers on the dais finally wilt and retreat away.

Aetos stands at attention. “Yes, General.” 

“Cadet Hale,” Her voice booms once more, even though Genevieve is only standing a few feet down the dais with the rest of the squad. 

“Yes, General?” 

General Sorrengail steps closer, eyes scrutinizing every inch of her. Her voice is low, but laced with steel. “Did you truly save Cadet Sorrengail out of your own volition?” 

Genevieve’s heart hammers in her chest, but her wrists are not bound and her back is straight as she, for the first time, meets the General’s gaze without flinching. “Yes, General.” she replies with her voice steady.

For a moment, the general’s expression shifts from cold disdain to a flash of appreciation. 

“Thank you, Cadet Hale.” 

—----------------------------------------------

Genevieve didn’t drink. She never did before, and she certainly wasn’t starting now. But seeing all of her friends slightly tipsy—if not plastered—was a real highlight in the hell she had been living in. 

With the third years just graduating, everyone was partying—except for Xaden, who was off doing gods know what—and everyone was tipsy. Rhiannon and Violet definitely had their fair share of lavender lemonade with enough liquor in it to kill a man, and Ridoc was downing beer after beer like it was no one’s business. 

Genevieve had juice. 

A harmless choice, she thought, but her friends certainly didn’t see it that way. Rhiannon, her cheeks flushed and her laughter a little too loud, sidled up next to her, nearly spilling her lavender lemonade all over them both. She leaned in conspiratorially, her expression a mix of amusement and mischief.

“Genevieve,” Rhiannon slurred, stretching her name out in an exaggerated whisper, “why aren’t you drinking? You too good for us or something?”

Before she could answer, Violet joined in, swaying just a little as she draped an arm around Genevieve’s shoulders. Her now sharp and hateful gaze towards Genevieve was softened by the alcohol, her smile wide and teasing. “Yeah, Genevieve, what gives? It’s a celebration! Third years are gone, and we’re second years… you’re not even going to have a single drink with us?” 

Genevieve rolled her eyes but couldn’t help grinning. “Someone has to keep an eye on you all,” she replied, gesturing at the chaos surrounding them. “You’ve had enough for the both of us, anyways.”

”Oh, that’s not it,” Ridoc chimed in from across the table, his voice thick with drunken confidence as he pointed at her, sloshing his ale. “I know what this is about.” 

Genevieve raised an eyebrow, folding her arms, but Ridoc was unfazed. He leaned in closer, his eyes narrowing playfully. “You’re saving yourself for a certain someone, aren’t you? Waiting around with your little juice because you’re hoping to see him before he leaves…”

She shot him a glare, but her cheeks betrayed her, warming under their relentless teasing. “I am not waiting around for anyone,” she protested, but her friends clearly didn’t believe her. “Maybe if you all drank a little less, you’d stop imagining things.”

”Oh, no, no, no,” Ridoc said, shaking his head in exaggerated denial. “This isn’t the liquor talking. We’re soberly and thoroughly convinced that you’re in love with Captain Broody.”

“He’s a lieutenant, actually.” She grumbled looking away. “And I really don’t care all that much.” Except they’ve all seen me in his flight jacket and know that I do, in fact, care a lot about him. Great. 

Rhiannon gasped theatrically, clutching her chest as she collapsed onto Sawyer’s shoulder. “Genevieve, are you saying you’d deny poor Xaden his dramatic farewell? Just think of him, gazing out over the horizon, waiting for you to show up, a single tear rolling down his cheek as he whispers your name—‘Gen…’” she broke off into a fit of giggles, clinking her glass against his as they snickered. 

Genevieve burst out laughing, unable to keep up her nonchalant act any longer. “I don’t think he’d even notice if I wasn’t there. He’s got more than enough on his mind, trust me.” 

“Oh, she’s deflecting!” Imogen shouted, pointing at her with a triumphant grin. “Classic avoidance tactic. Come on, Genevieve. Admit it. We’re your friends! We just want to hear you say it.” 

Sawyer grinned like he’d just won something. “Just once, Genevieve. Just say it—‘I, Genevieve Hale, wish Xaden Riorson would dramatically sweep me off my feet.’”

“Or, ‘I’d simply die without him,’ I’ve definitely heard that one.” Rhiannon added, trying and failing to sound serious. 

Genevieve sighed, exasperated but amused, watching her friends dissolve into a fit of giggles and cheers. Part of her did miss Xaden tonight—there was something reassuring about his quiet presence, even though he drove her mad half the time. And maybe she does want to say goodbye before he leaves. But she wasn’t about to admit that to this drunken crowd. 

“Oh, come on, Genevieve,” Ridoc teased, leaning against the table. “You could have one drink with us. Just one. What’s the harm?”

Genevieve raised her juice defiantly. “I’ll stick with my juice, thanks,” she replied, smirking as she watched them all dissolve into laughter again, teasing her with mock cries of, “Oh, Xaden!” and exaggerated swoons. 

And as her friends laughed and clinked glasses, slinging arms around each other’s shoulders and throwing ridiculous toasts into the air, Genevieve felt her own laughter bubble up, surprised by the lightness in her chest. For the first time in what felt like forever, she relaxed, letting herself be a part of this ridiculous, joyful moment. 

Maybe she’d tell Xaden about it later—though she’d probably leave out the part about the teasing. 

She’d definitely leave out the teasing.

“Having fun?” He asks, pushing through her lowered shields with annoying ease. 

Suddenly, she’s very glad she’s sober, because mixing Xaden and alcohol sounds like the worst idea she could ever come up with. 

“Not really, to be honest.”  There’s this awful wave of longing that crashes over her immediately, and she can’t handle it anymore.

”I’ll be right back,” She says, setting down her glass. 

“Ooooh, Captain Broody calls~” Ridoc teased as Violet giggled. 

“Again, it’s Lieutenant Broody.” She huffed, before sighing. “Please, no one get alcohol poisoning before I get back. I won’t be long.” 

“I certainly hope it will be long,” Rhiannon says, her words slightly slurred. “Otherwise you’ll destroy all my fantasies when it comes to that one.” 

“…what?” Genevieve pauses, her brows drawn in confusion. “Gods, it’s impossible to talk to drunk people.” 

She rolls her eyes once more, before making her way across the chaotic room to Xaden. 

“Genevieve.” Wow, full name? 

“Lieutenant Riorson.” There’s a silver line at his collar showing his new rank, but no other markings that could give away his identity in case he falls behind enemy lines. No unit designation. No signet patches. 

“Hey, Hale,” Garrick says, but Genevieve’s eyes don’t shift away from Xaden. “Good job today.” 

“Thanks, Garrick,” she reposts, moving closer to Xaden despite all the alarm bells and whistles blaring off inside her head. 

“Gods, you two.” Garrick shakes his head. “Do us all a favor and figure your shit out. I’ll meet you at the flight field.” He smacks Xaden’s shoulder and walks off. 

“You look…” she sighs, because it’s not like she’s ever successfully lied to him before, sober or not. “Really good in officer flight leathers.” 

“They’re almost exactly like cadet ones.” A corner of his mouth lifts, but it’s not quite a smile. 

“You looked good before, too.”

Xaden tilted his head, eyes narrowing thoughtfully as he scanned her face. “You’re not drunk at all.” 

“Believe it or not, I don’t need a drink to have fun,” She said, shrugging. 

“Ah, yes,” he said, in a tone that was a touch too knowing. “You just enjoy being this tense, then?” 

She scoffed, refusing to rise to his bait. “I’m serious. I just don’t drink. No hidden meaning behind it.” 

He raised an eyebrow, that smirk widening. “Oh, really? So it has nothing to do with wanting to have a clear head to… I don’t know, say goodbye to me?” He looked so amused with himself, like he’d cracked some great mystery. 

Genevieve blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “What? I am not—”

“That’s so cute, Gen,” he teased leaning in slightly. “Didn’t know you were so sentimental.” 

She rolled her eyes, but a part of her wanted to laugh, despite herself. “Are you drunk? You’re seriously deluded if you think I’m here to see you off. I just needed to get a break from Ridoc calling you Captain Broody.” 

“I’m a Lieutenant—” he huffed “—and not drunk.” But he was clearly enjoying this too much. “So, you wouldn’t mind if I just left right now, without even a proper goodbye.” 

Her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly forced herself to look bored, tilting her head. “I could use a break from your dramatics.” 

Xaden chuckled, shaking his head. “Yes, of course. And I’m sure your friends would never let you live it down if they knew you’re here because of me.” 

Genevieve felt the heat in her cheeks rise again, and she scoffed. “You’re insufferable. They already are convinced I’m waiting for some grand farewell speech from you.” 

He grinned, stepping just a little closer. “Well, I could give you one, if that’s what you’re really hoping for.” 

“Not happening, not in front of all these people,” She said, shaking her head. “And for the record, you’d be lucky if I even consider saying goodbye.” 

Xaden’s eyes softened a bit as he glanced over her face, and he didn’t respond immediately. When he did, his voice was quieter. “So you don’t mind that I’m leaving tonight instead of tomorrow morning?” 

“What? Why?” She follows him into the commons, where he grabs his rucksack from beside the wall and slings it over his shoulders casually, as if there aren’t two swords hanging from the back of it. 

A group of cadets hover around the announcements board like the new leadership list is going to appear at any second and they might be erased from it if someone discovers they’re not watching. Yep, there’s Dain in the center of them. 

“You aren’t waiting for tomorrow morning to leave?” She asks him, keeping her voice low as they cross the stone floor of the expansive space. 

“They prefer wingleaders to vacate their rooms first, since the new guys like to move in quickly,” He glances at the crowd around the announcement board. “And since I’m guessing you’re not offering a place in your bed—”

“I’m very much sober and not making lapses in judgment tonight,” She assures him as he opens a door to the rotunda. “And I don’t sleep with people I don’t trust, so unless I get full disclosure…” She shrugs. 

“I’ll earn your trust as soon as you realize you don’t need full disclosure. You only have to have the guts to start asking the questions you actually want answers to. Don’t worry about the bed. We’ll get back there. The anticipation is good for us.” He smiles—really smiles, not a stupid grin or smirk—and Genevieve almost debates opening her bed to him just at the look of it.

“I’ve lived my whole life being lied to with half-truths, so I tell you we’re not together because you won’t give me complete honesty, and you counter with ‘it’s good for us’?” She scoffs, rolling her eyes while they walk down the stairs and past two of the marble pillars in the rotunda. “You’re so arrogant.” 

“Confidence is not arrogance. I don’t lose the fights I pick. And we’re both allowed to have boundaries. You’re not the only one who gets to see the rules in this relationship.” 

Fair point. 

“And you're picking a fight with me?” 

“Picking a fight for you. There’s a difference.” His expression hardens as his gaze jerks left, toward the approach of Colonel Aetos and a rider wearing the rank of major. 

“Hale. Riorson.” The colonel’s mouth quirks into a sarcastic smile. “So lovely to see you both tonight. Leaving for the Southern wing so soon? The front will be lucky to have such a capable rider.”

Genevieve’s chest tightens. Xaden is going to the front. Oh, Colonel Aetos was such a lucky bastard that there were witnesses in this common area, because otherwise he would be dead. 

“I’d say I’ll be back before you can miss me,” Xaden replies, his hands loose at his sides, “but word has it you pissed off General Sorrengail enough to be reassigned to a coastal outpost.” 

The colonel’s face blotches. “I might not be here, but you won’t be as often either. Only once every fortnight according to your new orders.” 

What. 

The major slides his hand into the breast pocket of his perfectly pressed dress uniform and pulls out two folded missives. His black hair is perfectly combed, his boots perfectly shined, his smile perfectly cruel. 

Genevieve watches as a flower blooms between the wooden floorboards. 

“Where are my manners?” Colonel Aetos says. “Hale, this is your new vice commandant, Major Varrish. He’s here to tighten the ship, as they say. We seem to have gotten a little lax with what we allow around here. Naturally the quadrant’s current executive commandant will still see to operations, but Varrish’s new position only answers to Panchek.” 

Alarm bells, ding-ding-ding danger! Come on, Genevieve! This man looks like he’s going to kill you! 

The look in Varrish’s eyes sent a shiver through her spine, as if he could see right through her every defense. Genevieve forced herself to stand taller, meeting his gaze with a steady stare. 

“How fortunate,” she replied, voice laced with a sarcasm she hoped covered her unease. “I can’t wait to see what exciting new policies he’ll be enforcing.” 

Varrish gave her a cold, humorless smile. “I’m sure we’ll become well acquainted, Cadet Hale. There are many areas you are in need of improvement… and consistency.” 

Xaden’s posture shifted, just enough for Genevieve to notice his shoulders tense, his jaw tightening. His fingers flexed slightly at his side, as if resisting the urge to reach for the hilt of his sword, before he takes both missives, careful not to touch Varrish’s hands, and gives Genevieve the one with her name scrawled on the front. They crack Melgren’s personal wax seals at the same moment, then unfold the official orders. 

Cadet Genevieve Hale is hereby given two days of leave once every fourteen days to be used only to fly with Tairn directly to and from Sgaeyl’s current duty station or location. Any other absence from classes will be considered a punishable offense. 

Genevieve grits her teeth to stop herself from giving the colonel the reaction he desperately wants, and slips the missive into the pocket at her hip. She guesses that Xaden has the same missive that she does, which means that rotating their leaves will leave them seeing each other once a week. 

Will leave Tairn and Sgaeyl seeing each other once a week. They’re never apart for more than three days. A week will leave them in a near-constant state of pain. It’s unfathomable. 

“Tairn?” 

He roars so loudly it rattles her brain. 

“Dragons give their own orders,” Xaden says calmly, pocketing his papers.

“Guess we’ll see.” Colonel Aetos nods, then turns to Genevieve. “I was worried about you after that earlier display, until I remembered something.” 

“And what is that?” Xaden asks, stepping forward as if almost to put himself between Genevieve and Aetos. 

“Secrets make for poor leverage. They die with the people who keep them.” 

What the fuck. 

“Good thing we aren’t keeping any secrets,” Xaden retorts. 

Aetos’s smile shifts to the softer one Genevieve can only imagine is reserved for his children and family, and the transformation is so eerie. “Do be careful with who you share your war stories with, Genevieve. We’d hate to have to lock you up again.”

What. The. Fuck. 

Aetos stares at her for a moment, making sure she gets his point, then turns and walks into commons without another word, Varrish following close behind. 

Genevieve’s hands shake as vines twist up her legs. 

“Come on, let’s go outside,” Xaden says softly, and she knows that he knows she’s probably about to cry. 

She follows him out, hands shaking and head pulsing in pain, each tremor holding tension as if the very air around her was tightening. The vines climbing her legs felt prickly as she walked, their tight hold echoing the sudden dread snaking through her chest, threatening to choke her. She swallowed, desperately to steady her breath, but each inhalation only fueled the panic blooming within her like those twisting vines. Aetos’s parting words echoed in her mind, a chill winding its way down her spine. 

“Lock you up again.” 

The words lashed at memories she’d tried so hard to bury, images of her captivity resurfacing unbidden—cold and damp walls, dark and suffocating spaces where her strength felt stripped away with each passing day. Her breaths quickened, shallow, and ragged, no longer capable of sustaining calm. She clenched her fists to stanch the trembling, yet the panic only dug deeper. The control she fought to maintain splintered, fraying faster than she could contain it. 

Xaden paused as they walked to the middle of the courtyard, sensing her spiraling. His gaze flickered to her tense face, worry clouding his eyes. “Gen?” he said, voice low, yet piercing enough to ground her. 

For a moment, she couldn’t speak. Her throat felt raw, tight, as if words were buried too deeply to pull out. She wanted to tell him she was fine, to force herself to smile and play off the moment as inconsequential. But she couldn’t. The fear clawed at her, relentless, and her mind seemed to spiral down the darkest paths. 

“Why are you going to the southern wing? Why are you going so far?” her voice was a low, panicked whisper, and he rested a hand on her arm, his thumb rubbing slow circles in an attempt to ground her. 

“There was no other choice by the time they handwrote our orders. I’ll be at Samara. I spent today packing and shipping most of my things.” 

Samara was so far away. Their dragons would barely have any time together after that long flight. She would barely have any time with him after a flight like that. 

“They’ll only have a few hours together every time they make the flight.” 

“Yeah, she’s pretty pissed.” 

“We’ll only have hours to…” She whispers, looking away, the awful dread and panic in her eyes putting a stone in his stomach. She’s terrified, this is the most scared he’s ever seen her. Not even in the face of venin did she look so petrified of a possibility. “You know, pass information.” 

“Pretty sure that’s precisely the idea. They’ll split us up for as long and as often as possible. We’ll just have to make the most of what time we get.” 

“Please don’t go,” the plea spills out before she could stop it. Her voice was so small, the words barely audible. She hated how they made her sound, weak, as though she was already that girl trapped all over again. But she couldn’t stop. “They’re going to trap me again. You can’t go.” 

She forced herself to meet his gaze, hoping he’d understand, though a part of her feared the vulnerability in her words would make him pull away. She was always strong, unbreakable, but she couldn’t hide from the fear she had about this potential situation. 

“Genevieve,” he murmured, his voice a low balm against the turmoil. “You know I can’t stay.” 

He reaches out, and she doesn’t retreat when he cradles the nape of her neck. 

Her eyes flashed around the courtyard full of drunk idiots, trying to assess whether or not they were watching her be this vulnerable. She couldn’t even be vulnerable around Liam—which hurt her now more than ever, because she wished she was—so how could she be vulnerable around strangers, drunk or not?

“Listen to me,” he lowers his voice and gently tugs her toward him, shooting a glance at a group of tipsy cadets watching nearby. “It’s alright, they’re barely lucid.” “Play along.” 

She nods. 

“I’ll be back in seven days,” he says, clearly for the benefit of the people passing by. “Sgaeyl and Tairn won’t be able to talk over the distance. They’ll be able to sense emotions, but that’s it. Remember that leadership will read any missive we send.” he leans down, holding her tightly. 

“A lot can happen in seven days.” She understands what he is saying in the rational part of her brain, but the emotional side of her just wants to be safe. With him. “What am I supposed to do while you’re gone?” 

“Nothing that matters will change,” he assures her for the benefit of onlookers. “Don’t involve yourself in anything Bodhi and the others are doing.” He has that look—the steely one he gets when he’s sure he’s right. 

“You really aren’t going to change, are you?” she whispers, chest tightening. 

“This isn’t about us. Every eye will be on you, and we don’t know if your relic offers you the same protection that mine does if you’re caught alone. Involving yourself endangers everything we’re working for. And we really don’t want to give them another reason to lock you up again.” Another group of cadets wanders closer, heading toward the rotunda. 

It’s hard to argue against that, she wants anything but being captive once more. There’s no doubt in her mind that if she’s held again, they won’t let her out. 

“I’m going to miss you.” His hand flexes on the back of her neck as a couple of riders from Third Wing get a little too close. “You can only fully trust those who were with us at Resson. And Bodhi’s going to be there for you to talk to. Violet as well.” 

“Think of all the spare time you’ll have without having to constantly train me on the mat.” She rests a hand on his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heart underneath her fingertips, seeing the thread intertwined with his life. She blames her incessant fear for the future for the lapse of judgment, but it really makes her feel better. 

“I’d much rather have you under me on the mat than spare time.” His arm wraps around her waist, tugging her in closer. “When it comes to the other marked ones, don’t risk trusting them. Not yet. They know they can’t hurt you, but that doesn’t mean they won't try to get back at Violet.” 

“Back to that, are we?” She tries to lift a small smile, but the sheen of tears in her eyes betrays her. 

“Never left that,” he reminds her, keeping his voice low even though the others in the courtyard are now giving them more than enough privacy. “Keep yourself alive and safe, and I’ll see you in seven days.” His hand slides to the side of her neck, and his mouth to only a breath above hers. “We managed to keep each other alive today. Trust me yet?” 

Her heart jolts. She wants nothing more than to kiss him, but not now, not here, not in front of everyone. 

“With my life,” She whispers. 

“That’s all?” His mouth hovers above hers, all promise and no delivery. 

“That’s all.” 

“Too bad,” he whispers, lifting his head. “But like I said, anticipation is a good thing.” 

They stood there for a heartbeat, lingering in the closeness, aware that this is their last moment of normalcy before he leaves and she stays. Genevieve felt his warmth seep into her, a small comfort in the midst of all the fear and uncertainty clawing at her. 

Xaden’s hand slipped down her arm, and she felt his fingers brush hers, a soft touch that grounded her, reminding her to stay strong, even if her heart ached with every beat. She wanted to hold onto him, to find a reason to make him stay, to change the inevitable. 

“Gen…” his voice was a low murmur, and the way he said her name sent a shiver down her spine. “No matter how far they send me, how many days pass… I’ve never left you. You know that, right?” 

She nodded, biting her lip to stop the wave of emotion that threatened to spill over. She wasn’t sure if he was reassuring her or himself, but it didn’t matter. The world felt as if it were slipping away, and all she could cling to was this moment. 

“Seven days,” he reminded her. “Just seven.” 

A small, shaky breath escaped her. “I’ll hold you to that.” 

He finally let her go, fingers lingering as they parted. She watched him step back, the distance between them feeling like miles already. Xaden’s gaze never wavered, and she felt the promise in his eyes, a silent vow that he would come back, that he wouldn’t let them pull him too far away. 

“Take care of yourself,” he said softly, almost a whisper. “And try not to give Aetos or Varrish any reason to doubt you.” 

“You too,” she managed to reply, though her voice felt raw.

“See you in seven days, Genevieve.” He backs away, moving toward the tunnel that leads to the flight field. “Try not to flip the world upside down while I’m gone.” 

She just stands there for another couple of minutes after he leaves, breathing deeply, trying to reign in this deep sense of dread. Feeling the chill of the evening settle around her, she hugs herself, trying to hold onto the warmth of his presence, even as it faded with each step he took. 

“He’ll be back,” Rhiannon says, coming up behind her, holding a missive of her own, excitement shining in her eyes despite the somber tone of her words. 

“I don’t care,” She shrugs, eyes cast downwards as she clearly plays her own emotions down. “What has you fighting a smile?” 

“Did something happen between you two?” She moves the letter to her pocket.

“What’s the letter?” Genevieve presses, because no matter how much she loves Rhiannon, she will not be airing her dirty laundry. “Did you get orders?” Orders mean one thing, so Genevieve grabs her shoulders and shakes her. “Did you?” 

She grimaces. “I have good news and bad news.” 

“Bad news first.” Always bad news first. 

“Aetos is our new wingleader.” 

“Great,” her face falls. “No surprise. What’s the good news?” 

“Cianna, our executive officer, moved up to executive officer of the section,” her smile is brighter than any mage light. “And you’re looking at our new squad leader!”

“Yes!” Geneveive exclaims, giving her a hug. “That’s amazing! You’re amazing!”

“Are we celebrating?” Sawyer asks loudly from the edge of the courtyard. 

“Abso-fucking-lutely!” Ridoc shouts, ale sloshing over the sides of his mug as he and Violet rush over to them. “Squad Leader Matthias!”

Violet shoves a glass of lavender lemonade into Genevieve’s hand, as they arrive. 

“What’s your first order, squad leader?” Sawyer asks, as Nadine races to catch up to his long strides. 

Rhiannon glances over each of them and nods as though coming to a decision. “Live.” 

The words hang in the air for a moment, and for the briefest second, Genevieve feels the weight of everything pressing down on her, all the secrets, all the fear. Then, the tension in her chest starts to loosen as she sees the smiles of her friends, their eyes bright and full of anticipation. The weight on her shoulders lifts, if only for a moment, as Rhiannon raises her glass and grins. 

“To life,” Rhiannon continues, her voice full of strength, “and to making sure we don’t let it slip through our fingers.” 

Genevieve blinks, her heart suddenly thudding in her chest. Her friends are here. They’re with her. For once, there’s no threat, no immediate danger, just the warmth of the people she loves and trusts around her. 

She stares at the glass of lavender lemonade in her hand. It’s sweet, a little tart, and it smells like spring and strong alcohol. 

Genevieve looks around the circle, meeting each of their eyes—Sawyer with his sly grin, Ridoc with his carefree laughter, Nadine and Violet standing close together, their faces lit by the lamplights, Rhiannon’s pride in her eyes as she watches the squad gather. 

“You’ve earned it,” Rhiannon says softly, raising her own glass. 

Genevieve smiles—a real smile this time, a small, genuine curve of her lips. It’s not much, but it feels like everything. “To life,” she murmurs, echoing Rhiannon’s sentiment, and for the first time in days, there’s peace around her. 

“To life!” Sawyer and Ridoc cheer, and the six glasses of the group clink together in cheers before Genevieve takes a long sip from her glass. 

Tonight, she would smile, and let herself be happy. 

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

Hey guys! What’s up? I’m sorry this is a day late, I was absolutely dead yesterday, I had like seventeen assignments due on Monday and four tests on Tuesday and then I got 3 hours of sleep into Wednesday, I legitimately thought i was going to die. I also have a condition where im just constantly nauseous and yesterday was rough 😭

Anyways, I’m back and better than ever just in time to spend all day today baking for thanksgiving! I did want to say that I’m really thankful for you all for reading this, i absolutly adore each and every one of you and all the love you give me. Thank you for reading the wounded healer and the tragic hero, you all mean the world to me.

As always, let me know if you enjoyed, and if you did, please leave a like, comment, or kudo, and I’ll be back Saturday (i swear) with chapter 4!

-------

Taglist: @awkardnerd , @hannraumari , @minjix , @glaciuswduo , @wolfbc97 , @heeseungthel0ml

[overjoyedisland]

Long Time Coming - Chapter 21

Now on AO3

Fic Summary

[Post Iron Flame] Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson could be the power couple that leadership is afraid of, but their lives are full of challenges that keep driving them apart. As they face the latest challenge that threatens their very existence, they find a series of letters that may hold the key to all the answers they need - if only they can read them. As leadership makes decisions about the future of the war college and the students there, Xaden and Violet go on a journey of exploration and self-discovery that they hope will finally bring peace to the continent. As they find answers, they draw on support from friends and others to fulfill their mission.

OR

The Book 3 where Xaden doesn't run away from Violet to protect her. (Because that's all I really want.)

Rating: Explicit

Prequel | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 | Chapter 19 | Chapter 20

Updates post on Tuesday nights.

Chapter Summary

Violet and Xaden leave Cordyn, stop at Aretia then return to Basgiath. They see their friends and discuss how Xaden talked with Violet's siblings before he proposed and about Violet's ex.

Chapter Excerpt

“Okay, lovebirds. You have a whole lifetime ahead of you for that.” I can practically hear Mira’s eye roll from here before she continues, “Right now I want to hug my sister…” She captures me in a hug the second my lips part from Xaden’s. Then she turns to Xaden “…and my future brother-in-law.” And she actually hugs Xaden. “Since when do you two hug?” I ask her as soon as she pulls away. “Since he proved to me that he knew exactly what you are worth.” “I’m going to need you to fill in the details of those conversations.” Because this is weird. First, she insisted that he be in my squad during the battle and now she’s hugging him? “Later,” Xaden promises.

Taglist:

Let me know if you want on or off.

@hockeyspiral23 @oh-no-its-dragons @saranova @jcclg @tegantales @korrinamoe @suebswrites @essjaywrites

[shipmistress9]

Easing Tension And Worries

Fandom: Fourth Wing - The Empyrean

Pairing: Violet/Liam (With Violiaden background)

Rating: Explicit

Summary: After the night they spent together as three and the one Liam spent with Xaden, the sexual tension between Liam and Violet grows stronger with every day. Something has to give, and soon. But will he finally be able to accept that they want him for more than just sex?

AN: A day late, but better than never, right? 😅

(AO3)

. o O o .

Violet

Something has to give, and soon, I think to myself as I walk next to Liam, the tension between us so tight I could probably cut it with one of my dagger.

When Xaden assigned Liam as my bodyguard, it didn’t take long for me to see what a great person he was, and I soon learned to value him as a close friend, too, even cared for him. However, my view on him shifted after Xaden brought him up as a possible addition to our threesome, making me realise there might be more than mere friendship between us already. And ever since he and Xaden spent that night together when I delivered another shipment of weapons, it’s like this, the tension between Liam and me all but tangible. It’s growing tighter and tighter with every day, every hour even. Every time he stands a bit closer than he did before, every time I casually place a hand on his arm, every time our gazes meet. I see the hunger in his eyes, feel the longing rising inside me. It is time.

We’re on our way back to our rooms after another training session with Rhiannon. Lately, she started not holding back as much as she used to when sparring with me, and while I appreciate the more genuine training, it often leaves me with sore muscles and aching joints. So it’s only half of an act when I roll my shoulder as we reach our corridor and let out a pained groan.

“Rhi truly stopped coddling you as it seems,” Liam notices, concern in his voice and eyes as we reach my door. “Will you be alright for the next challenge in a few days?”

I nod, shrugging. “Yeah, it won’t be a problem. Remember, I’m used to functioning in pain.” I deliver a playful punch against his upper arm, but wince at the pain shooting through my shoulder and down my spine.

“Yeah, I can see that,” Liam says dryly, the corners of his mouth twitching. Then he grows serious again. “Is there anything you need, though? Something I can help you with?”

I blink as an idea forms in my mind, and I have to fight to keep my face neutral. “Actually… There is one thing that might turn into a problem, and it would be great if you could help me with that,” I say as innocently as I can. It’s not that I’m actually lying here. But I definitely have ulterior motives.

Liam cocks his head, possibly already picking up on my tells. Damn, he’s too good at observing people. “And what’s that?” he asks, cautiously.

“With my shoulder being a little sensitive, I can’t unlace my armour. Would you help me with that?”

Liam blinks, surprised for all but a second, then he smirks. “Sure. Whatever makes you happy.”

He rakes his eyes down to my corset, and the fire in his gaze makes heat pool in my lower belly, too. Fuck, it’s just like I thought that night he joined me and Xaden; Liam’s confident cockiness will be my undoing.

I open the wards at my door, then let him in, anticipation coiling in my guts. Things between Liam and me have never been awkward, but it’s also never just been the two of us before, at least not like this. So I’m not sure what to expect now.

But it’s not just the anticipation, I think. It’s also something else, something I can’t really pin down. It’s not guilt, not really. I know I have no reason to feel guilty, am not going behind Xaden’s back here. We spent hours talking about this, about either of us spending time alone with Liam, and I know Xaden’s feeling on the matter. He doesn’t mind, even wants us to spend time together without him, too. And when they spent that night in Xaden’s room, I was’t jealous, either, only happy for them.

No, this feeling isn’t guilt and it’s not worry about Xaden gettign jealous, either. But… nervousness, maybe? This is new to me, in so many ways, not just having Liam here but the whole triad thing. I know it can work, having seen it on more than one occsaion, and I want it to work, too. Desperately. But it’s still daunting.

And at first, Liam doesn’t make it any easier, either. For a second or three, he just stands in front of me, a strange grin on his face, and somehow, I don’t know how to function anymore. “Well?” he asks.

“Well, what?”

His grin widens. “If you want me to help you with your corset, you should turn around.”

Heat spreads across my cheeks, and I spin around to hide it. I thought I would be the one teasing him, but apparently, he’s far better at this game than I am. Given how much of a flirt he’s always been, I shouldn’t be surprised.

There’s the rustling of cloth as he steps behind me, and my heartbeat quickens. I can feel his body heat radiating against my back, and his breath caressing against my neck sends shivers down my spine, his lips only inches away from my skin. His breathing grows heavy as his fingers work the laces of my corset open, slowly, one loop at a time, and more than once, I feel like he’s going to lean in and taste my skin any moment now. But it doesn’t happen.

Instead, my corset eventually falls open and Liam takes it off me, stepping away from me. “There we go,” he says in a cheerful and strangely unconcerned voice, and when I turn to look at him, he’s neatly folding the armour and placing it on my desk. “Do you need anything else?”

I stare at him, dumbfounded, as he moves in the direction of my door. Is he really… going to just leave now? But then I see it, the sparkle of mischief in his eyes, how his lips twitch with cocky amusement. But if he wants me to beg him to stay, he’ll have to put in more effort. Besides, two can play this game.

Rolling my shoulders and twisting this way and that now that I can move more freely again, I shake my head. “No, I can take off the rest on my own. Thanks, for the help, Liam.” I reach for the hem of my tunic and pull it off over my head, then fiddle with the knot of my bindings, sighing when my breasts are free from their confinement. Taking a moment to massage the soft flesh after a day of tight confinement, I have to fight for my eyes to stay away from Liam where he’s still standing a couple steps away from my door, to keep my expression neutral and unconcerned, especially when I open the laces holding my leathers tight and push them down my legs, along with my underwear.

Only when I’m entirely naked do I allow myself to look up again. “Was there something you wanted?” I ask, acting as if I wasn’t even aware that he’s still here, that he’s gazing at me with open longing. His lips move but no words leave his mouth, his cocky front cracking, and I count that as a win.

Satisfied, I walk over to him; it’s time to end this game of tiptoeing around each other. Stretching to put my hands around his neck, I make sure to press my entire body against his leathers, touching as much of him as possible as I gaze into his gleaming blue eyes, promising.

Liam gulps, his facade entirely breaking away as his hands land on my waist, trembling slightly. “Vi… Tell me this is okay,” he breathes, his eyes searching mine for answers, for permission.

Smiling, I brush my lips against his, so soft and warm. “It is,” I assure him, flicking my tongue over his lower lip. “I want you, Liam.”

A groan rumbles deep in his chest, vibrating against me as he lets his hesitation drop and kisses me. I feel like cheering as his tongue pushes into my mouth, not holding back at all anymore. There’s no hesitation in how his tongue strokes along the roof of my mouth, making me moan into his mouth, and there’s no insecurities in how he hurls me up and against him, either, my feet leaving the floor as he wraps my leg around his waist. Gods, yes, this is it, what I wanted, hoped for. For him to let go of his worries, to trust me that this isn’t just a game to me.

“Liam,” I mewl as his mouth leaves mine and trails a wet line down my neck. Fuck, I love his eagerness, the way he just takes what he wants as he carries me away from the door. It’s just like it was that other night, no holding back or being careful.

. o O o .

Liam

Fuck, Violet tastes so good.

Her kisses are addictive, intoxicating, the way she sucks on my tongue driving me wild. But it’s also her skin, that faint floral fragrance of hers. It’s everywhere, on her jaw, her neck, especially behind her ear. I can’t get enough.

Hungrily, I chase that scent of hers, kissing and licking down her neck, her shoulder, but I know it’s not enough. I need to taste her for real.

She yelps as I pick her up, such a sweet sound, and carry her away from the door. I meant to get to her bed, but even within this tiny room that seems too far away. Instead, I drop her near the closest bit of free wall and sink to the ground in front of her. She’s so tiny that even on my knees my head’s still level with her breasts, bouncing free without her bindings, and I’m momentarily captivated. They already caught me off guard that other night, but…

Slowly, as if in a trance, my hands move up to fondle those soft mounds, so much bigger than one would expect on her petite frame. “So beautiful,” I murmur, captivated by how the peaks harden beneath my light touch.

Violet lets out a breathy laugh. “Glad to know what it is that draws you toward me.” She moves, shaking her boobs a little, and gives me a teasing smirk.

Gods, I love that sparkle of mischief, the way she makes this so easy when I thought being along with her would be too awkward to work.

“Yeah, you’ve figured me out,” I tease back, leaning in to bury my face between her breasts and deeply inhale her lovely scent. “I’m all boobs and nothing else. Good thing Xaden’s are nearly as pretty as yours.”

Violet bursts out laughing, and even though I initially was amused, too, her body moving against me soon gets too distracting. Fuck me, but her boobs are magnificent. Unable to help myself, I suck one hardened peak into my mouth and flick my tongue against it, my fingers working the other one, and soon, Violet’s laughter flows over into moans, wanton, just as hungry as I am. I need to have her, now.

Without wasting any more time, I sink further down, kissing a line down her toned stomach, her belly button, brushing my lips against her clit. “Liam…” she mewls, and as if I was only waiting for her signal, I dive in for real.

She yelps when I lift her right leg over my shoulder, forcing her to balance on her toes as I bury my face between her thighs, finally getting my mouth on her for real. Gods, she tastes even better than in my memories, and so wet already even though I barely got started working her up.

“Oh, f-fuck!” she mewls as I let my tongue move up and down her slit and tease her clit before pushing into her. Her hand flies into my hair, clutching tightly, the other scrambling about to find something—anything—to hold onto.

I grin against her flesh, even as her tight grip on my hair sends darts of pain through my entire body. I’ve never been one to enjoy pain, but this is different somehow. Like a reward. I take my time getting to know her this time, exploring what she likes, so every time I find a good spot, every time I push her a little bit higher, her grip gets tighter, her moans growing louder. I have to wrap one arm around her tiny waist to hold her in place when her leg buckles, all but carrying her on my shoulder now, but I don’t care except that it makes eating her out even easier. There’s nowhere she can go, no chance to retreat. She’s all mine to devour, and I’m going to feast on her.

. o O o .

Violet

For a brief vague moment, I lament what I got myself into here. But the thought is gone before it can take root, swept away by the flood of undiluted pleasure radiating from where Liam devours me like I’m his favourite dessert.

It’s different from when Xaden gets his mouth on me, a little less skilled, less refined, less clever, maybe. But Liam makes up for it with his enthusiasm, with the clear undulated joy he projects into his tongue stroking against me, into me. He’s more playful, focused on the moment and chasing pleasure in opposition to Xaden’s singelminded determination and his focus on the greater scheme, and I onestly can’t say which I like better.

“Oh, gods,” I moan as Liam curls his tongue around my clit, sucking lightly, and heat spears through me like lightning. My head falls back against the wall, my hand tightening in his hair. The way he holds me means I can’t shy away, can’t get a reprieve, so I don’t even try. Instead, I open myself up to him, to all the sensations crashing through me. A few months ago, this would have been too much for me, too soon, too intense. But by now, I’m used to this feeling, and I love it. Love how Liam can give me this feeling, too, though be it in an entirely different way.

“Fuck!” I cry out as he pushes the fingers of his free hand into me with barely any preamble. “Liam…” I shift my hips, trying to take more, take him deeper. My back arches into him as he hits that spot inside me, and I howl. Fuck, I’m so close already, the edge racing toward me, and there’s no way to hold back, no way to stop it.

“Oh, Gods…” My body grows tense in his grip, my breathing shallow as all muscles lock up in anticipation. “L-Liam! I… I’m gonna— Fuck! LIAM!”

I tear at his hair as I shatter on his mouth; it’s all that keeps me grounded as I clench around his fingers, never even pausing in their movements, his mouth ceaselessly working on my clit. It’s so good, so powerful, pleasure like liquid heat crashing through me like a tidal wave. I can’t even pin down individual sensations, my body just flaring up with the pleasure, bursting into a million little pieces all sizzling with the aftershocks.

And it won’t stop.

I should have guessed that Liam picked up on this especially, on my body’s ability to keep going without even the smallest of breaks, but I still shriek his name when the pleasure finally ebbs away but he makes no move to retreat or let go of me or even slowing down. On the contrary, he holds me even tighter and redoubles his efforts, his fingers fucking me harder, his mouth mercilessly sucking and flicking my oversensitive clit.

But who am I kidding? I love it.

I’m used to pain, in so many ways, and by now, my body lost all sense of fear of it, the reflex to shy away from pain. And this, the pain of overstimulation, doesn’t even feel like pain at all to me anymore. It’s more like a sharper kind of pleasure, cutting deeper, making it impossible to be casual about it. It has me screaming as Liam keeps going, not because I want him to stop but because I can’t get enough. Every coherent thought gets wiped off my mind, and all I want, all I need, is more.

Bringing my other hand into his hair as well, I grind myself harder against his face, chasing the already building orgasm as much as he’s pushing me toward it.

“Fuck, yes. Liam! Don’t stop, fuck, yes yes yesyesyeeeeesss!”

This time, my eyes roll back into my head as I come, my vision turning white as pleasure zips up my spine and lightning cracks outside, illuminating the dark sky. Fuck, I can’t hold it back anymore, the release too strong. It makes my head spin and shoots down into my toes, making them curl as tightly as my hands clutch at his spiky hair. I curse as wave after wave of pleasure washes through me, my body trembling, barely able to take it all. It’s too much, yet I never want it to end.

Eventually though, it does. My mind is entirely empty as Liam finally pulls away from me and lets me glide down to curl into his arms, his mouth still hungry but also patient and gentle as he covers my neck and shoulders with light open-mouthed kisses.

“Was that what you were thinking of when you invited me to your room?” he asks against my neck, his voice rough but laced with humour, his breath tickling against my ear.

Giggling, I pull away to gaze at him. “Hmm, not quite. It was a good start, though. But what I want is for you to get naked so I can ride you. Now. All this thigh training’s gotta be good for something.”

Heat flares in Liam’s eyes. “You’re enjoying bossing me around, aren’t you?” he teases.

A grin spreads across my face. “Maybe a little?”

Chuckling, he shakes his head before his lips are on mine again, his kiss just as hungry as before but far less gentle. I grin against his mouth and eagerly kiss him back as I help him open the buttons and laces of his leathers, quickly stripping him of every bit of offending fabric. The only moment our lips part is when he pulls his shirt over his head, then he’s back on me, again lifting me up to carry me to my bed this time.

There’s something about kissing Liam that just makes it so… so easy. It’s light and playful, without lacking heat or passion in the slightest. It’s just flowing with the moment, fun, matching perfectly with how easily he settles on my bed, how perfectly his hands fit around my hips as I straddle him, the expression of awe as I position his cock at my entrance and slowly sink down.

“Gods, Vi, you feel so good,” he groans, as my ass meets his balls, his eyes fluttering shut.

I gasp a breathy laugh, struggling a bit to get used to his size inside me. “I cou— ngh… could say the… the same.” Fuck, he feels more than just good, this position so rare for me lately. It’s not that I’m missing anything with Xaden, far from it. But the variety Liam provides is still more than welcome.

Carefully, I roll my hips, biting my lip at the feeling of him shifting inside me, twitching eagerly. Fuck, I don’t think it’ll take much for me to come again.

. o O o .

Liam

I do my best to hold still, to give Violet time to adjust after taking me in one stride with only little preparation. But, shit, it’s hard when she feels fucking divine around my cock, so hot and wet, her muscles tight, her breathy gasps not doing anything to help me stay calm. It’s all I can do to clutch at her, my fingers digging into her cute ass, and to tightly clench my jaw until she’s ready. After eating her out so thoroughly, all I want to do is fuck into her until we’re both screaming, but if she wants to ride me first, I can absolutely live with that. Even if it means I have to hold out a bit longer.

Eventually, Violet moves above me, and I send a small prayer of thanks to the realm of the gods, even the lightest stimulation against my straining cock welcome at this point. She starts slow, but that’s fine, giving both of us time to get accustomed. And it gives me the chance to really look at her, to take in every glorious detail, too. How her eyelids flutter when she hits a good spot inside her, her sweet moans as she takes her time, enjoying herself.

I hold my breath when she reaches up and pulls one pin after the other from her hair until it tumbles down in soft waves around her shoulders. I might not be as fascinated by her hair as I know Xaden is, but that doesn’t mean I don’t see its beauty, the underlying tone of trust for her to let it down around me.

Before long, my eyes are drawn back to her breasts, though, one of my biggest weaknesses. How they bounce as she picks up more speed, glistening with sweat, how her peaked nipples seem to beg me to taste them again. Gods, I can’t wait to get my mouth on her again; I’m addicted to her taste on my tongue.

But for now, I can enjoy watching her as she takes what she needs, fucking herself hard on my cock by now. It took her a bit to find the right position, rolling her hips and swaying this way and that, but now she obviously has it, her hands planted on my pecks as she slams her hip down on me, again and again, crying out each time she takes me. The sight is absolutely mesmerising, and I can’t help but move with her, thrusting up into her in time with her movements, feeling her tighten around me as her climax draws closer.

“Fuck, Liam,” she whimpers between breathy moans. “Gods, so good. I’m close, Liam. Fuck.” She’s growing so tight that she’s trembling all over, her eyes screwed shut and her lips parted in a high-pitched near-silent scream. So. Fucking. Beautiful.

Remembering my lesson from that other night, I bring my hand to her front, my palm resting against her lower abdomen as I press my thumb against her clit, moving against her with how desperately she’s fucking herself on my cock by now.

“Fuck, yes! Liam!” Violet shouts as she comes, her head thrown back as her body seizes up around me.

For a few seconds, I hold out as her orgasm rolls through her and she clenches around my cock with an intensity that makes me go cross-eyed. Her arms are buckling where she’s still holding herself up above me, her entire body shaking with the effort.

Before she has a chance to calm down, however, I lift her up and flip us around until she’s lying on her front below me. With one hand on her hips, I lift up her ass just enough for me to slam back into her then let it slide below her to rub at her clit.

“Fuck! LIAM!” Violet howls as I pound into her, her muscles still fluttering around me from her orgasm, though not for long. Within seconds, she grows tense again, her back arching, and she comes again, screaming, clutching and tearing at the sheets as I fuck her through it and beyond

“Gods, you feel so good,” I grunt, picking up more speed. She’s growing tight again, and if I could think, I’d marvel at how amazing her body is, her ability to come so many times in a row. But as it is, I only can let the pleasure roll through my entire body as she screams my name, again and again, let it pool at the base of my spine.

I can’t tell how many times she comes, one orgasm rolling into the next, can’t say how long it takes until I can’t hold back any longer, either. My mind is empty, my words just tumbling from my lips as the knot in my guts tightens, bursting. “Fuck, yes. Shit! You feel so good, Violet. Gods, I love you. Shit, I’m coming. Vi…Violet!” I press in deep as I come, riding out the waves of her latest orgasm against my cock. How she tightens, sucking me in even deeper, how my name sounds on her lips, so needy, how her skin tastes where I have my mouth pressed against her neck, sucking hungrily at her, everything just too overwhelming for me to cope. Gods, I can’t believe this is truly happening…

Once the frenzy of rocking into her to prolong both our climaxes is over, it’s all I can do to roll to the side to slump down next to her. For a minute or three, we just lie there, both catching our breath before we burst into laughing nearly at the same moment.

“Oh, shit,” Violet giggles, her body trembling against my side. “That was just… fuck! Not what I expected.”

I grin. “Sorry to have disappointed you.”

Snorting, she smacks my arm. “Asshole.” There’s no bite in her voice, though, only amusement and blissful exhaustion.

Humming, I let my mind drift for a bit, lulled in by the warmth of her skin against my own, her softening breathing. By just how… easy this feels, how right. I was relieved when things between Xaden and me didn’t get weird after the years apart, but I didn’t expect it to be this simple with Violet, too.

“Did you mean it?”

I frown, her question coming out of nowhere and her words making no sense to me. “Meant what?” I mumble, still comfortably blissed out.

There’s movement next to me, Violet rolling onto her side, and I try to blink up at where she’s propped up on her elbow now and gazing down at me. “You… said you love me. Did you mean it?”

In an instant, I’m wide awake again, my eyes flying open. Swallowing, I stare up into her inquisitive eyes, trying to scramble my thoughts back into something coherent. I barely registered those words tumbling off my lips a few minutes ago, but now that she brought it up, the memory comes back, clear as crystal.

I could play it down as just words, just something my mouth said after she reduced my mind to an incoherent mess. And I probably should do that, too. She loves Xaden, and even though—or maybe especially because—they invited me in, I have no right to push between them, wouldn’t want that, anyway.

But denying those words would be a lie, and I know her well enough by now to know that there’s little she hates more than liars.

Taking a deep breath to buy a few more seconds, I focus my gaze on her, my chest aching, knowing she’s about to destroy me with her rejection. “Yes,” I murmur. “I… I’ve been in love with you nearly since I switched squads.” A grimace tries to twitch onto my face, but I fight it down. No matter what happens, my feelings for her aren’t a bad thing. “I’m sorry. It’s probably not what you wanted to hear, but… it’s the truth.”

Violet’s lips tremble, a flicker of… something in her eyes—pain, maybe? But it’s gone in an instant, replaced by a soft smile. “Don’t be silly,” she breathes, biting her lip and brushing a non-existent strand of hair from my forehead. “Why wouldn’t I want to know how you feel?”

I try to play it cool and just shrug, but I can’t keep looking at her as a thick lump forms in my throat. Even with how sweetly she acts and how caring her words are… the ones she didn’t say press like a heavy weight onto my chest.

She scoots a little closer and I let her, but the sense of ease from just moments ago is gone. “Liam,” she sighs, leaning her forehead against my shoulder. “I… I can’t give you those words.” I stiffen, preparing myself for the blow to come, but she quickly adds, “Not yet. But… I’m falling for you, too, Liam.” She brushes her lips against my skin, just a featherlight brush against my upper arm, so innocent. And yet… “Every day a little more.”

I suck in a shallow breath as hope leaks back into my heart, unstoppable like water through an old roof. I don’t want it, don’t want it to get crushed by her next words, but I can’t stomp the feeling out, either. “And… and what about Xaden?”

At that Violet hums, a broader smile on her face as I dare to look at her again. “What about him?” She looks at me as if I said something silly. “My feelings for you don’t change anything about my feelings for him or vice versa. Just like what he feels for you has no effect on what he feels for me, either. It is possible to love more than one person, Liam.” She pauses, her expression growing softer, deeper somehow, as if she’s looking right into my soul. “But I think you already know that.”

Something inside me shifts. I can almost feel it, hear it click into place at her words. Because she’s right, I realise with a start. I do know that. Because I love them both, her and Xaden. It’s been like this for a while now, long before Xaden asked me to join them even. Why haven’t I see it before? I pushed their words about wanting me with them aside, and even though I trusted them not to play with me, I thought it was impossible. But it is possible,

“Yeah… you’re right,” I breathe, my expression turning into a true smile, full of hope and joy. “You’re right!”

In a burst of emotions, I surge up and kiss her, my hand cupping her face as I press my lips against hers. Laughter bubbles up in my chest, light and relieved, heightened when she joins in as well, chuckling as she welcomes my kiss, her hands sliding into my hair.

It feels different from kissing her before, and it takes me a moment to understand why. Unlike earlier when our kisses were burning with lust, this one now is brimming with joy, and it stays that way even as the intent of our kiss shifts. It starts with my hand gliding down from her neck over her shoulder and arm to her waist. But unlike before, my touch isn’t fuelled by hunger, but by… by soft curiosity. As if now, for the first time, I’m allowed to touch her not as a means to get her aroused but simply to feel her beneath my hands, to get to know her. It’s intoxicating, mind-blowing, and… and I just can’t get enough.

I shift to get my other hand on her, too, just as she does the same with me. Just exploring her curves, her soft skin and the muscles beneath, even as our kiss deepens. This is softer too, though, her tongue playful as she strokes against my own, her lips stretched into a wide smile. “Liam,” she sighs against my mouth, and the sound feels like a soft caress down my spine, my heart. I’ve never felt this cherished before.

And even when I roll on top of her, when she wraps her legs around my hips and my cock slides into her again, when my fingers weave through hers and I pin our hands to the mattress on either side of her head, when our lips stay locked in breathless kisses, when I roll my hips to fuck her, slow and deep… Even then, this sense of ‘something else’ stays with me. This isn’t just a one-night stand, not just a hook-up, not just ‘for fun’. This is something else, something more.

And I know, deep in my heart, that we’ll have time to explore it. All three of us.

. o O o .

AN: D'aaww, he finally accepts it. 🥰 I struggled a lot with this one and by now, I've read it too many times to know whether it's any good. I just hope it doesn't suck completely. 😅

* - . - * - . o O o . - * - . - *

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[folkorae]

❧ ⸻ plotted thing i owe eons ago with @ironwoven / Feyre & Xaden !

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵, 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗿 ; today is an especially busy day in the southern area of ​​ Basgiath. The hospital wing is already full of cadets and experienced dragon riders with serious ( or not-so-serious ) injuries that need to be treated. With the return of the challenges that happen in the Rider’s Quadrant, healers are in more demand than usual. Particularly today, Feyre noticed some tension among her fellow healers and as she delivered pain-relieving medicine to a rider, she heard them saying that the rebel's son was there.

It took a moment for Feyre to realize who they were talking about — Xaden Riorson, and he was alone near the bed in the corner. They treat the marked ones when they showed up here, but Feyre knew some healers refused to treat them. No one wanted to go near the rebellion commander's son. Feyre felt a pang of guilt and pity. It's not Riorson's fault that his father did what he did, right ? The healers denying to treat him seems so wrong. Feyre walked towards him, ignoring the low warnings of the others, she stopped in front of the rider who appeared to be doing . . . What is he trying to do ? “ You are doing it wrong. ” Her voice came out, calm and serene , as her blue-gray eyes analyzes any injuries.

[angstywaifu]

Black Dahlia - 8. Prove You Wrong

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. Set Pre Fourth Wing/Books

Garrick Tavis x OC (Dahlia Aetos)

Black Dahlia Masterlist | Masterlist

I join the crowd of cadets making their way to the gym, the first round of challenges finally here. My staff firmly grasped in my hand. Before I can pass through the door with everyone else, a hand grasps my arm firmly, pulling me roughly from the crowd as I stumble over my feet. I right myself, prying the hand from my arm to look up and see Dain staring down at me.

”What the hell do you want?” I snap at him.

I’d gone most of the last two weeks without interacting with him. Only catching his eyes on me during battle brief and during meals. Luckily our squads had not been paired together for any classes, meaning I got a lot of time away from him. Otherwise I know I would have crossed paths with him already.

”Just wanting to make sure you do your best in there and don’t disappoint dad.” He tells me bluntly.

”Oh don’t worry, father dearest won’t have to worry about that.” I snap before pivoting on my heel and walking away.

”What about those marked ones you’re training with?” He calls out, causing me to stop in my tracks.

Shit. Clearly Dain was paying more attention to me than I thought. As well as training with Austin and Liz, Bodhi had brought along another marked first year called Ciaran . But we weren’t always the only squad in there. Every night there would be marked ones from other squads scattered around the gym, keeping the allocated distance as dictated by leadership. Marked ones weren’t allowed to hang out in groups of more than three. And I knew exactly what it looked like to Dain. I turn back to him, that smug smirk on his face that I had grown to know as a look he got when he thought he had caught me out. Not today.

”I’m not training with them. I’m training with my squad, helping those who need it. No rules against that. And the other squads are more than welcome to use the space as well.” I tell him with the smile I usually used when talking to our father.

”You need to be mindful of the company you’re keeping. Word might get out. Not exactly a good look for us.” The tone almost similar to the one our father used when giving orders. Except Dain hasn’t nailed the commanding authoritive edge to it needed to drive it home.

”Oh yes, because me being a good squad member and helping others is such a bad look. Leadership are definitely going to hate me doing that, and being able to work with others. Maybe you should take some notes if you want to impress dad and have a leadership position next year. Wouldn’t want to disappoint him.” I mock back, before pivoting on my heel to walk inside the gym.

By the time I get inside challenges have already started up. I push my way through the crowd to where I can see Bodhi’s head sticking up above the crowd. And on the mat in front of us was Austin, facing off against a far bigger first year from First Wing. Two weeks ago I would have been a little nervous for the outcome of the fight. But as she ducks under his swing and takes his knee out with a well placed kick, I have nothing to worry about. And I can’t help the slight smile that works its way onto my face. It had only been a bit over a week that we had been training together, but her and Liz had come a long way since then. Both practically sponges with the information and techniques I was showing them. They weren’t perfect, but they knew enough to hold their own more comfortably.

”Durran and Stoll, you’re up. And Cardulo and Huxley you’re up to.” Emetterio calls out, pointing to the boy standing next to me and the pink haired girl I now knew as Imogen from the few times I had seen her in the gym.

I lookover as she pushes through the crowd, drawing my attention to Dain who is looking right at me, with a look that tells me he is not convinced about the conversation we had outside. He was definitely going to go and tell our father about this. And as much as I wanted to say it didn’t worry me. It did. I might be away from our father, but he still had power over me here.

”For someone who apparently took a third year down so easily two weeks ago, you’re looking pretty nervous Aetos.” A voice drawls from next to me.

I turn my head, and standing right where Bodhi had been moments prior was someone I hadn’t been this close to since conscription day. Someone who had shown how much they wanted nothing to do with me every time our eyes met. Garrick. I almost have have to crane my neck to meet his eyes. He was easily the tallest rider in the quadrant. And probably the biggest. And yet he had managed to squeeze into the space Bodhi had once been. But I had seen the way other riders moved out of his and Xaden’s way in the halls. No one wanted to mess with them. And I couldn’t blame them. One look at Garrick and I knew I had no chance against him on the mat. Maybe if I could wear him out, but I could tell that wouldn’t be easy.

”Don’t call me that.” I snap back before turning my gaze back to the challenges in front of me.

”Someone’s touchy about their name.” He teases before chuckling.

Gods I wish I could punch him and shut him up.

”Yes, something you should have learnt on my first day here.” I point out before clenching my jaw.

Something he must notice as he chuckles again. “Oh I did. And before long you and that brother of yours will learn your name will only get you so far here. I can see it in your face, you got lucky with that third year.”

Oh but he was wrong. Very wrong. The emotions that must have crept onto my face were nothing to do with the challenge awaiting me when my name was called. There was no denying my fight against Nari and I had been over and done with quicker than a lot of others during assessment day. And due to Garrick not having shown up to any of the training sessions I had been at in the gym, he was yet to see me actually fight.

”Henrick and Ae- Dahlia! You’re up!” Emetterio calls out, pulling me from my moment with Garrick as I turn to watch another first year from Dain’s squad walk onto the mat, sword clutched in his hands.

Goosebumps work my way onto my neck, causing me to shiver as Garrick leans down to place his mouth next to my ear. “Go on then little Aetos. Try prove me wrong.”

Oh don’t worry Garrick Tavis. I will prove you wrong. Though I don’t say the words out loud, keeping them to myself as I grip the staff in my hand tightly before walking onto the mat. I didn’t need to live up to my name. Didn’t want to be anything associated to that last name. I needed to prove that I was more than just the Colonel’s daughter. That despite my last name I had worked and earned what I was here to do. Not just handed it on a silver platter because of that name. I almost feel sorry for the boy stood in front of me, his light brown hair curling on his head, the freckles scattered on his face giving him a youthful look to his appearance.

With a flick of my arm, the staff that I’d had retracted till now expands to its full height. The one upside to my last name was the weapon smiths. Any idea they had, they were willing to help create. One of which was the staff in my hand. I was good with the staff, even if it wasn’t a popular choice. Especially amongst riders. Mastering a staff meant you had a lot of flexibility in finding something you could use as a weapon. A handy skill to have out in the field if you got caught out. I swear I can hear Garrick snicker from behind me at my choice in weapon.

The boy and I circle each other, eyeing each other up as we look for an opening to attack. I lung forward, testing to see how he would react as I hadn’t seen him fight before. He easily deflects my incoming attack before coming back at me with a series of powerful slashes. He clearly knew his way around a sword. Good. I wanted a challenge. But I could tell he was unsure of my weapon of choice, his eyes moving up and down the staff as he takes in how I move.

I feign an attack to his right before pivoting towards his left as he takes the bait, swinging to block an attack that never comes. I watch as his eyes go wide as I swing low, taking out his legs from under him as he falls to the ground. He quickly bounces back as he rolls out of it before spinning back towards me, sword gripped tightly in his hands again. He comes at me with a series of strikes, trying to closer the gap to gain the advantage. But I block every single strike with ease.

I can see the frustration building in his eyes each time I dodge his attack. He’s skilled, but I hold the advantage with my weapon. I take a moment to catch my breath, waiting for an opening. Which comes seconds later as he charges forward with a powerful swing. I quickly side-step, lashing out with my staff in a quick jab. The impact sends him stumbling back and I see my opening and I don’t hesitate to make my move. I thrust my staff towards the unprotected area, meeting its mark with ease. My staff connecting with a satisfying blow that sends him sprawling to the ground as I sweep his feet out from under him. He hits the mat with a solid thud as his sword flies from his hand. He makes a move to grab his sword, his movements sluggish after hitting the mat. But I’m quicker, pinning him as I place my boot on his chest, staff pushing down on his neck. The boy looks up at me wide eyed, shocked I had pinned him within two minutes, before nodding his head in a sign of defeat.

”Aetos is the winner!” Emetterio declares, before moving to select the next cadets to take to the mat.

I release the boy from beneath me, pivoting on my heel to return to my squad. I can’t help but smirk at the scowl on Garrick’s face before he turns and pushes his way through the crowd. Told you I’d prove you wrong.

@imtoanonymousforyou @simplyme-fornow @omalmal @lalaluch @wolfbc97 @leptitlu @fullmoon-94