Fandom Rewrites

It's been about an hour since we left Montserrat. We've been flying in silence, the quiet is soothing to me considering how eventful the previous few hours have been. Nyx huffs, "Sgaeyl says your brother is insisting you speak with him."

"It can't wait?" I reply, knowing exactly what he wants to talk about but wanting to sit in silence for a bit longer.

There's a beat of silence before Nyx replies, "He's saying no. But I can always threaten him if you'd like."

I can't help the laugh that falls from my lips, "It's alright Nyx, I can deal with my brother." I take a breath before opening my mind to him, "What did you need, Xade?"

"What the actual fuck is going on between you and Aetos?" I can hear the anger in his voice as he asks the question.

I roll my eyes, "Nothing is going on between us. He's my squad leader, nothing more."

"Well according to that rider, that's bullshit."

"The rider doesn't know shit. He was assuming something because he caught us arguing." I look towards where Xaden is. His jaw is clenched in anger.

"Well why were you arguing?" Xaden asks.

I sigh, "He insisted on going on my run with me because we weren't in Basgiath and it was potentially dangerous for me to run alone. I was annoyed because I told him I would be fine by myself and I didn't need him with me."

"He knows you run?" Xaden questions, confusion in his voice.

"The whole squad knows I run." I say indifferently. "He found out the first day I started. I woke up early and he was waiting at the barracks for Violet because it was when she was still on breakfast duty. I walked out first and he asked where I was going."

"So what? He wanted to go on the run with you here to protect you?" Xaden's eyes narrow as he glances between me and the direction Dain is flying in.

"Pretty much."

"Why?"

"Ask him."

Xaden glares at me, "(Y/N)." He warns.

Nyx grumbles, "You already told Garrick and Liam. He'll know soon enough."

I sigh, knowing she's right. "On that first run in Basgiath, another cadet attacked me. He took me by surprise and had a sword but I just had my dagger. Because he had the longer reach and wasn't already tired from running he managed to cut me. I obviously ended it quickly after that but I had a pretty good gash on my side."

Xaden remains silent as I tell him about the attack, "When I made my way back to the college I refused to go to the healers quadrant because I didn't want people to know about my injury. But I ran into Dain. He took me back to his room and stitched me up. Garrick already put two and two together but that's why I showed up to formation that morning with a shirt that was too big for me."

There's a moment of silence before Xaden answers, "So Aetos stitched up your wound rather than sending you to the healer's quadrant? By the books Aetos?"

"He tried but I'm stubborn."

Xaden snorts, "You are. But it still doesn't make sense why he wouldn't send you to the healers. It's not the right protocol."

"True." I agree, "But not reporting an injury isn't an official rule in the Codex either. So he probably figured it wasn't a battle worth fighting."

"So why is he being protective of you now? He hates us, he could just hope someone will kill you. Has he been on other runs with you?" Xaden asks.

I lie, telling him the same thing I told Garrick and Liam, "That was the only run he went on with me. I asked him about his protectiveness and he said he might not like me but he was still my Squad Leader and didn't want to loose a squad member if he could control it."

Xaden glares in Dain's direction once more, "He's never touched-"

I cut him off, "The only time he touched me was to stitch my wound. He's never touched my head or face. Trust me, I wouldn't let him do that."

I see Xaden nod, "Good. Next time, come to me if someone attacks you. Or if Aetos bothers you."

"Will do." I reply, closing my mind once more.

*_*_*_*_*_*

Hours later we land on the flight field at Basgiath, Aether is waiting for me. "(Y/N)!" He calls out to me.

I giggle, jumping off of Nyx and running towards him. I wrap my arms around him as best as I can, "Oh, I missed you so much." He nuzzles against me, his big head making me stumble slightly.

"Easy there, Aether. Don't hurt our rider." Nyx scolds.

"I'm fine Nyx." I insist. Aether ignores her, staying cuddled against me.

"Never leave me again. That was torture." Aether says, rather dramatically.

I laugh softly, "I'm sorry, my love. Next time we'll just have to figure out a way for you to come with us."

"(Y/N)!" Xaden calls out, "It's late, curfew just passed. We need to get back to our rooms."

Aether growls, "Stay."

I kiss his nose, "I'm sorry, baby. I'll see you tomorrow, okay? At least we can talk now, right?"

Aether huffs but agrees. I give him one last kiss before turning to walk away. I bring a hand up to my mouth as I yawn, the longer flight catching up to me.

Liam waits for me to fall into step beside him, we walk together in silence for a few moments before he speaks up. "Why didn't you come to me?" He asks, quietly.

"What do you mean?" I ask, my brows knitting together.

"When you got hurt on your run. Why didn't you come to me?" He clarifies.

I shrug, "I didn't want to go to anyone. I mean, I was going to handle it myself. Dain just happened to bump into me."

"Yeah, but it's me. I would had helped. Hell I would go on runs with you." Liam insists.

"You can't come on runs with me. You need to stay with Vi."

"Well now, but not before."

I smile at him, "Liam, don't over think. It wasn't because I don't trust you, I trust you with my life, you know that. But I'm also independent and stubborn, which you're also well aware of. I like doing things on my own."

Liam laughs, "Yeah, but you don't need to do everything alone, (Y/N). Gods, I -" He cuts himself off, "You're my best friend, you know I'd do anything for you. So let me help."

"You have enough on your plate right now, you don't need to worry about me." I insist.

"But I will." He replies instantly.

I sigh, my eyes softening, "I can handle myself." I gently grab his arm, making him look at me, "Seriously, Liam. I know there's always going to be a part of you that worries. I mean I'm the same with you. But you also know what I'm capable of. So please don't stress. We're with each other more often than not anyways."

He nods, biting the inside of his cheek. Part of me wants to open my mind, curious to know what he's thinking about, but I stop myself, not wanting to violate his privacy and abuse my power. We reach our rooms, Xaden himself making sure Violet and me get there safe.

Violet disappears behind her door, silent, probably worrying about her sister but knowing there's nothing she could do at the moment. Xaden nods at me and Liam, letting us finish our conversation as he walks away, heading to his own room. I turn back to Liam, just as he starts talking again, "I'd feel more comfortable if you go on runs with someone. Knowing someone attacked you…" He trails off.

"It was only one time, and I came out with a small wound and a new sword." I smile.

He shakes his head, "You're impossible."

"Running alone… I know the risks, I'm definitely more prepared now, knowing what happened the first time. But it's nice to have that alone time. We don't get much of it here."

Liam looks at me, tugging his lower lip between his teeth, "Fine. But if anyone tries to attack you again, you tell me right away. And get someone to run with you, Garrick or your brother. Imogen. Promise me."

"I promise." I tell him, I hold out my pinky. Causing him to laugh softly and link his pinky with mine. "Goodnight, Liam."

"Night, (Y/N)." He waits for me to get into my room before he opens the door to his.

We had to fly six hours to get to our prize, a week-long tour of a forward outpost. The only other time I flew for hours straight was when I went on the weapons drop with Xaden, Bodhi, and Garrick. But that was only three hours straight then a small break for the actual weapons drop before flying again for the flight home.

"I'm pretty sure I'm dying." Nadine bends over, placing her hands on her knees.

"I feel that," Violet agrees, she stretches her hands over her head.

I do my own stretches, my back is stiff from the long journey and my legs and hands sore from gripping onto Nyx. Dain and the other second and third years are only midly effected, having more practice flying greater distances.

He and Professor Devera greet a tall man in rider's black, presumably the outpost commander. "Welcome, cadets," the commander says. He folds his arms across his chest, his salt-and -pepper hair indicates his age. "I'm sure you'd all like to get settled and into something a little more appropriate to the climate. Then we'll show you around Montserrat."

Rhiannon inhales sharply, she looks out into the distance, gaze sweeping over the mountains. I turn to look at her just as Violet asks, "You all right?"

She nods, "Later."

Later arrives twelve minutes later as we are shown to our rooms. The three of us are together, the rooms sparse, only furnished with three beds, three wardrobes, and a single desk under a wide window.

Rhi is quiet the entire time we make our way to the bathing chamber to wash off the sweat from our flight. It's only April but Montserrat feels like Basgiath in June. "Are you going to finally tell us what's going on?" I ask, looking at Rhiannon.

We place our things beneath our beds, making sure everything is in place. Rhi's hands tremble with what looks like nervous energy. "Do you know where we are?"

"We're about two hundred miles from the coast-" Violet begins.

"My village is less than an hour away on foot," Rhiannon interrupts. The three of us exchange looks. Violet and I nod, coming to an unspoken agreement.

"Don't tell anyone," Violet says, " We have six days to figure it out and we will."

"We'll find a way." I confirm.

Someone pounds on our door, "Let's go, Second Squad!" It's Dain, with all the mornings we've spent running together, I'd recognize his voice anywhere.

We exit our room, joining the others and Major Quade gives us the grand tour of the outpost. The fortress is basically four massive walls filled with barracks and various chambers with turrets on each corner and a large, arched entrance that boasts a spiked portcullis that looks ready to drop at any second.

On one end of the courtyard there is a stable with a blacksmith and armory. On the other end, is the dining hall. "As you can see," Major Quade says as we stand in the middle of the courtyard, "We're built for siege. In the event of attack, we can feed and house everyone within for an adequate amount of time."

Adequate? Ridoc mouths, raising his brows. I also raise my brows "What's that supposed to mean?" I ask quietly, so only Liam hears me. Liam's lips tug into a smile at my question.

"As one of the eastern outposts, we have a full twelve riders stationed here. Three are out on patrol now, three wait, standing by in case they're needed, and the other six are in various states of rest." Quade continues.

The distinct roar of dragons echoes off the walls, "That should be one of our patrols returning now," Quade says, smiling but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. "So we'll get you riders fed and to bed, and then we'll work on who you'll be shadowing while you're here."

"Will we get to participate in any active scenarios?" Heaton asks. A smile tugs to my lips at his obvious excitement.

"Absolutely not!" Devera snaps.

"If you see combat, then I've failed as this being the safest place on the border to send you," Quade answers, "But you get points for enthusiasm. Let me guess, third-year?" Heaton nods. Quade turns slightly as three riders walk under the portcullis, "There they are now. Why don't you three come and meet-"

Quade is cut off by one of the riders, "Violet?" Violet's head whips up at the sound of her name. She takes one slow step in the rider's direction, her sister's direction. Then Mira's arms open as they both run to each other. I smile as I see them reunite, reminding me of my first day at the college.

I think back to how it felt seeing Xaden.

His arms wrapping me in a hug.

The first words he spoke to me in five years and the sound of his laugh as he spoke them, I have a reputation to uphold, you're ruining it.

Mira pulls back from the hug, holding Violet at arms length to look her over. "You're all right." She nods, "You're all right, aren't you?"

Violet nods, her grip on Mira tight.

"Yes," Mira nods, tucking her younger sister back into her side, "You're all right, Violet. You're all right."

"Are you?" Violet jerks back, studying her sister. "Gods, Mira-"

"I'm fine," She promises, grinning, "And look at you! You didn't die!"

Violet laughs, the sound bubbly and warm, "I didn't die! You're not an only child!" They both burst out laughing, tears falling down Violet's cheeks.

"Sorrengail's are weird." Imogen says, watching the interaction.

"You have no idea." Dain answers, but there's a smile on his face.

"Shut up, Aetos." Mira scolds, throwing her arm over Violet's shoulder. I bite my lip to stop myself from laughing, "Catch me up on everything, Violet." Mira says, starting to lead the way to the dining hall.

*_*_*_*_*_*

Early the next morning, I get dressed and quietly step out of the room. I begin to stretch, preparing for my morning run. Just as I start to walk down the hall, Dain turns the corner. "Can you ever take a break?" He asks.

"Can you?" I challenge.

"Not when I need to watch out for a stubborn first-year." He retorts, causing me to roll my eyes.

"How many times do I have to tell you, you don't need to watch out for me."

"And how many times do I need to tell you that you're in my squad. That means you're under my care."

"I can protect myself, Aetos." I say as I take off in a sprint.

"So I've been told." He replies, running beside me. We run for a few minutes in silence before he speaks up again, "We're not in Basgiath-"

"Well aware, thank you." I interrupt.

He huffs in annoyance, beginning again, "We're not in Basgiath, I'm not saying any of the riders or infantry here would try something but they're not used to being around marked ones and with your last name…"

"I get it, Dain. Anyone would kill me if given the chance. That doesn't mean they can though."

Dain reaches out, grabbing my arm to pull me to a stop, "Would you listen to me for a minute?" He asks exasperated.

I sigh, "I am listening,"

"No, you're arguing. Because you are the most infuriating woman I have ever met."

"And yet you still insist to run with me. I could be worse, you know?" We're chest to chest, annoyance showing on both our faces.

Dain's jaw clenches, "What is it going to take for you to understand that I'm doing this to protect you."

"I don't need your protection!"

"I. Don't. Care." We're inches apart as we argue.

Before I can reply, we hear someone clearing their throat. We step away from each other, turning to look at who's near us. It's one of the male riders stationed at Montserrat, "Am I interrupting something?" He asks, he glances at my relic before turning to look at Dain.

"Nothing," Dain replies, sharply. He turns back to me, "Let's head back to the barracks." I nod, starting to jog back, Dain following closely behind.

*_*_*_*_*_*

It's early evening the following day, just after dinner. Rhiannon, Violet, and I sneak out our first-story window and drop to the ground. "We're coming." I say to Nyx through our bond.

"Don't get caught." She replies.

I don't respond, the three of us creep along the battlement wall, turning the corner toward the field- Violet slams into Mira.

"Shit!" Violet exclaims, stumbling back.

"Don't you at least check the corners?" Mira crosses her arms, staring her down.

"Seriously, Vi. Sneaking out 101, always be aware of your surroundings." I agree with Mira.

Mira's eyes narrow at me, she's been suspicious of me since the moment she found out I was a Riorson. Especially considering Violet and I are friends. "In my defense," Violet says, "I didn't think you'd be there because you're supposed to be on patrol."

"You were acting super weird at dinner," Mira states.

"Told you." I say, smiling when Violet sends me a look that pretty much tells me to fuck off.

"So I switched shifts," Mira continues, ignoring my comment. "Do you want to tell me what you're doing outside the walls?"

The three of us exchange looks. "Really? None of you?" She looks between us.

I sigh, "It's either tell her or go back inside."

"Why is Riorson being the logical one right now?" Mira asks.

"It happens more than you think." I smile cheekily.

I hear Nyx chortle, "Tell her I'll eat her if she keeps giving you attitude."

"I'm not telling her that. I can handle her attitude." I reply.

Violet sighs, looking up at Rhiannon, "She's going to figure it out anyway. She's like a bloodhound with this stuff. Trust me."

Rhiannon tilts her chin, "We're flying to my families house."

"You think you're what?" Mira questions.

"We're flying to her village. It's like a five-minute flight, according to Tairn, and-"

"Absolutely not," Mira tries to argue, "Nope. You cannot fly off like you're on vacation. What if something happens to you?"

"At her parents' house?" Violet asks slowly, "Because there's some major ambush planned on the off chance we might just be dropping in?"

Mira's eyes narrow, so I pipe up, "I wouldn't let anything happen to her anyway. I'd let myself die before letting her." I say truthfully.

Violet's head snaps in my direction, "What?" She asks.

I nod, "I've lost enough, there's no way I'm letting you die knowing you're connected to Xaden."

Violet opens her mouth to say something but stops. Instead she turns back to her sister, "Come with us." She blurts. "Seriously, come with us, Mira. She just wants to see her sister."

Mira's shoulder's dip, she's softening. "Raegan was pregnant when Rhiannon left. Can you imagine not being there with me if I had a kid? Wouldn't you do anything, including escape a heavily fortified defensive position, if that meant holding your niece or nephew? Besides, with the hero of Strythmore at our side, what could possibly go wrong?"

"Don't even start with that." Mira looks at her, then Rhiannon, she glances quickly at me, before turning back to Violet. "Oh, fucking, fine." Her finger comes out swinging when we grin, "But if you even think about telling anyone, I'll make you regret it for the rest of your natural life."

"She means it," Violet whispers to me and Rhiannon.

"I believe it," Rhiannon whispers back. I just nod.

"You're here two days and already breaking the rules," Mira mutters. "Come on, it's quicker to cut down this path."

An hour later, Violet, Mira, and I sit on the cushioned benches at the kitchen table in Raegan's house. We watch as Rhiannon rocks her nephew, lost in conversation with her sister. Their parents watch on with happy smiles. Raegan's husband is beside them.

"Thank you for helping us," Violet says quietly to Mira.

"You would had done it with or without me." Mira's smile is soft as she watches Rhiannon, "Figured at least this way I'd know you're safe. What other rules have you broken, sis?"

A smirk tugs at Violet's lips, "Maybe a few here and there. I've gotten very good at poisoning my opponents before challenges."

Mira nearly spits her wine out, slamming her hand over her mouth. "How have you known who you're versing?" I ask, curious about how she always knew.

Her eyes flicker to me, Mira glares, "I'm just that smart, (Y/N)." Violet winks, causing me to snort.

"Fair enough. Everyone's allowed their secrets."

"And what's yours?" Mira raises an eyebrow, challenging me.

"There for me to know," I shrug, "Don't worry, nothing that's going to harm the people you care about."

"I trust her," Violet interrupts.

Mira turns to look at her younger sister, "Her father-" She begins.

"My father, is not me." I interrupt, "Much like you two are not your mother. If we can see the difference, it shouldn't be so difficult for you."

"We have company," Nyx says to me, "Nothing to worry about but just wanted to warn you."

My brows knit together as I stand up, "I'll be outside for a bit, need fresh air."

As I walk away I hear Mira whisper to Violet, "I told you to stay away from the traitor's kids."

I step outside, my eyes looking in the distance. I open my mind, "You guys really had to sneak out." Xaden.

I roll my eyes, walking around the corner, Xaden and Garrick stand there, I shake my head, "What are you two doing her?"

"Sgaeyl and Chradh didn't want to be away from their mates any longer." Xaden answers. My eyes narrow, going from Xaden and Garrick.

"He's lying. He didn't want to be away from Violet and you." I freeze.

"Nyx?" I call out, confused because I wasn't using my powers and that was Garrick's voice.

I glance at Garrick, there's a smirk on his face, "Find the light that connects us, Smiley. Because of our dragons we can talk like this too."

My mouth opens and closes, Xaden raises an eyebrow at us, "Don't be too obvious. Though I'm sure Xaden knows since he can do it with Violet. Or at least they should be able too."

I shake my head, that's something to deal with later. "So Chradh wanted to see Nyx and Sgaeyl wanted to see Tairn?"

"They're not used to be separated." Xaden shrugs, "Now, what are you doing here?"

"Rhiannon wanted to see her family." I roll up on the balls of my feet before sinking back down, I'm playing the cute younger sister card to hopefully soften the blow. "Her sister, Raegan, had a baby and it's so close-"

"So you three snuck out of a fortified battlement?" Xaden raises his brow.

"Mira is with us."

"Yeah, the woman who hates you."

I roll my eyes, "She's not doing anything to me, Violet has my back and Mira loves her so she won't do anything."

Xaden's jaw ticks but before he can say anything we hear the front door open and Violet ask Mira, "Have you been stationed with any riders of mated pairs?"

"One," Mira replies, "Why?"

"I'm just wondering how long they can be separated."

Xaden steps around the corner with me and Garrick, "Turns out, about three days is their max." He answers.

*_*_*_*_*_*

"So all we do is wait for something to happen?" Ridoc asks. He leans back in his chair, putting his boots on the end of the wooden table in the briefing room.

"Yes," Mira says, she's sitting at the head of the table. She flicks her wrist and sends Ridoc flying backward. "And keep your feet off the table."

One of the Montserrat riders laughs, the same rider who saw Dain and I on our morning run a couple of days ago. I found out his name is Exal. Exal is changing the markers on the large map that consumes the only stone wall in the curved, windowed room. This is the highest turret in the outpost, offering unmatched views of the Esben mountain range.

Today we've split into two groups. Rhiannon, Sawyer, Cianna, Nadine, Imogen, and Heaton spent the morning with Devera in this very room, studying previous battles at the outpost, and are now on patrol.

Dain, Ridoc, Liam, Emery, Quinn, Violet, and I spent the morning on a two hour flight around the surrounding area. Xaden and Garrick tagged along.

Dain keeps glaring at them and Mira has been keeping an extra close eye on the three of us, plus Liam. I'm honestly surprised she didn't want Imogen with our group to keep a closer eye on all of the marked ones in the squad.

"Consider this your battle brief," Mira says, she side-eyes Ridoc as he scrambles back to his chair. "This morning was about a quarter of the patrol we'd regularly fly, so normally we'd just be getting back about now and reporting our findings to the commander. But for the sake of killing time, since we're in this room as the reaction flight for this afternoon, let's pretend we'd come across a newly fortified enemy outpost crossing our border," she turns to the map and sticks a pin with a crimson flag near one of the peaks, "here."

"We're supposed to pretend it just popped up overnight?" Emery asks.

"For the sake of argument, third-year." Mira narrows her eyes on him, causing him to sit up a little straighter.

"I like this game," another one of the Montserrat riders says, lacing his fingers behind his back.

"What would our objective be?" Mira glances around the table, purposefully skipping over Xaden and me. "Aetos?"

Dain startles, turning to look at the map instead of glaring at Xaden and Garrick. "What type of fortifications are there? Are we talking a haphazard wooden structure? Or something more substantial?"

"Like they had time to build a fortress overnight," Ridoc mutters, "It has to be wooden, right?"

Mira sighs, "You are all so fucking literal." She rubs her thumb over her forehead, "Fine, let's say they occupied a keep that's already established. Stone and all."

"But the civilians didn't call for help?" Quinn asks. I smile, seeing how annoyed Mira is getting. "Protocol calls for a distress signal this far into the mountains," Quinn continues, "They should have lit their distress beacon, alerting patrolling riders, at which time the dragons on patrol would have told all available dragons in the area. The very riders in this room would have mounted first as the reaction force and the others would have been woken from their rests, allowing the riders to prevent the loss of the keep in the first place."

Mira scoffs, bracing her hands on the table, "Everything you're taught at Basgiath is theory. You analyze past attacks and learn those very… theoretical combat maneuvers. But things out here don't always go according to plan. So why don't we talk about all the ways things can go sideways, so you'll know what to do when they do, as opposed to arguing that the keep shouldn't have fallen?"

Quinn shifts her wait uncomfortably. "How many of you have been called out as third-years?" Mira asks, folding her arms over her chest.

Emery, Garrick, and Xaden raise their hands. Dain's eyes narrow, "That's not correct. We're never called into service before graduation."

Garrick's jaw ticks and Xaden's lips pull together, giving him a sarcastic nod and thumbs up.

"I'm going to slap him." Garrick grumbles to me, through our connection.

"Please do, that would be funny." I reply. I notice Garrick glancing at me through the corner of his eyes.

"You learned how to talk back." He states.

"I'm a quick learner." Garrick's lips twitch into a smile before returning back to neutral.

"Yeah, all right." Emery laughs, "Just wait until next year. I can't count how many times we're the ones sitting in these very rooms in the midland forts because their riders have been called to the front for an emergency."

The color drains from Dain's face.

"Now that's settled." Mira reaches under the table and pulls out models, putting a six-inch stone keep in the center of the table. "Catch." She tosses wooden dragon figures to each of us, keeping one to herself. Liam's wood sculpture's are better.

I turn towards Liam, holding up my dragon, "If being a rider doesn't work out you can always make these for the outposts."

He laughs, shaking his head. "Fuck off."

Once Mira finishes throwing the dragons to each of us, she continues talking, "Pretend Messina and Exal don't exist back there, and we're the only squad available to take back that keep. Think of the power in this room. Think of what each individual rider brings to the table and how you'd use those powers in unison to conquer your objective."

"But they don't teach that to first years." Liam says slowly.

Mira glances at his rebellion relic, causing my to roll my eyes. She acts like she hasn't been around us for the last few days.

Violet clears her throat from Liam's other side, Mira lifts her gaze to look at her. Mira's eyes widen slightly before she turns back to Liam, "They might not teach you this battle strategy as first-years because you're all busy trying to stay on your dragons. You had your first taste of strategy during the Squad Battle, and it's almost May, which means final War Games should be beginning, right?"

"Two weeks." Dain confirms.

"Good timing, then. Not all of you will survive the games if you're not prepared." She holds Violet's gaze for a second, "This kind of thinking will give your squad - your entire wing - an advantage, since I guarantee your wingleader is already assessing every rider for their own abilities."

"So let's do this," Mira stands back, "Who is in command?" She glances toward Quinn, "And let's no pretend that I don't have three years of seniority on even the highest-ranked of you."

"I vote (Y/N)," Emery says, sending me a smirk. "She's a better leader than Dain."

Garrick snorts, quickly holding a hand to his mouth to quiet the noise.

"Awe Emery! That's so sweet, thank you!" I exclaim, holding a hand over my heart.

Dain glares, "I'm your squad leader."

"And if it wasn't for my brilliant leadership skills during Squad Battles we wouldn't be sitting around this table." I smile brightly.

His jaw ticks, "I still out rank you."

I roll my eyes, "Fine, fine. Have it your way. Just knowing Emery thinks I'm better is all I need." I wink at Emery.

Liam smiles but argues with Dain, "Our Wingleader is here. I would say that puts him in command."

"We can pretend I'm not here, just for the sake of the exercise." Xaden says, placing his dragon on the table, "Give Aetos here the position we all know he craves."

Liam and I exchange a look at his words. I notice Violet quickly look at Xaden, then him turning to look at her in return, "Are they talking?" I ask Garrick.

Garrick's arm brushes against mine, "Probably."

"You're. The. Wingleader." Dain speaks through clenched teeth.

"I'm not even supposed to be here." Xaden shrugs, "But if it makes you feel better, for the purpose of War Games, you'd be getting your orders from Garrick, which he's get from me. You'll be carrying out your maneuvers as a squad for the good of the wing. Just pretend Garrick and I are members of your squad and use us as you wish, Aetos." Xaden folds his arms over his chest and Garrick leans back in his chair.

"Why are you even here? Both of you?" Dain challenges, "You couldn't make it three days?"

"It has nothing to do with them," Violet argues, "That's up to Tairn and Sgaeyl and Chradh and Nyx."

"It was definitely Xaden." Garrick says to me.

"Of course you rush to defend him." Dain says, hurt evident on his face, "Though how you can forget that this guy wanted to kill you six months ago is beyond me."

Violet glares at him, "I cannot believe you went there."

"Good job remaining professional, Aetos." Xaden scratches his neck, looking bored, "Really shows those leadership qualities to their best advantage."

One of the riders, Messina, lets out a low whistle, "Do you boys just want to whip it out and measure? It would be faster."

Liam, Garrick, and I smother laughter. I turn my head to hide my face in Liam's shoulder. "Huh," I hear the other rider say. "I thought you two had a thing." I feel Liam tense so I look up. He's motioning between Dain and I.

Dain's face flushes, "What?" He asks.

"No. Definitely not." I argue quickly.

The rider shrugs, "I just thought- I mean with the tension between you two the other morning."

Now my face turns red, everyone's eyes on us, "What the fuck is he talking about?" I hear Xaden ask.

"I'll tell you later." I quickly say, quickly making sure my power is blocked.

"Enough!" Mira yells, slamming her hands on the table. Garrick and Liam are tense on either side of me, they're glaring at Dain.

"Oh, come on, Sorrengail," Messina whines with a wide smile. Both Mira and Violet look his way. "I mean… the older Sorrengail. This is the best entertainment we've had in ages."

Violet shakes her head, "Mira has the ability to extend the shield if the wards are down, so the first think I would do is send her to scout the area with Teine. We need to know if we're dealing with infantry or gryphon riders."

Fliers, I think to myself but don't correct her out loud.

"Good." Mira says, moving her dragon closer to the castle, "Now let's assume there are gryphons."

"You want to do your job?" Violet asks Dain, smiling sweetly at him. "I mean, how you can forget you're the squad leader is beyond me."

Dain's hand clenches around his dragon. I sink lower in my seat, trying to avoid attention for the first time in my life. "Quinn," Dain begins, "can you astral project from the back of you dragon?"

"Yes," she answers.

"Then I would have you project into the fortress to check for signs of weakness." Dain orders, "And have you report back. Same with Liam. We'd use your farsight to see if you can locate where the gryphon riders are and if there are any traps."

"Good. The weaknesses are the wooden gate," Mira notes as Quinn and Liam move their dragons into position, "and the Navarrian citizens they have captive in the dungeons."

"So much for blasting the whole place," Ridoc says.

"Emery, Tavis. You're both air wielder's, right?" Dain asks. They both nod, "So you can shape your dragon's flames, lead them through the occupied parts of the keep without killing civilians."

"Yes," Emery answers, "But I'd have to be in the keep."

"Then you'll have to get into the keep," Mira says with a shrug.

Emery's eyes widen, "You want me to leave my dragon and go on foot?"

"Isn't that why we have hand-to-hand training?" I ask.

Mira nods, "Exactly. Or are you going to leave innocent people to die?" Mira flicks her wrist to put Emery's dragon in position. "The real question is, how do we get you close enough without getting you killed?" She glances around the table, "Since I'm guessing the others will be busy fighting off the gryphons that launch once the fireworks start."

"What's your signet, Aetos?" Quinn asks.

"Above your pay grade." Dain says, eyes skimming over the table. He purposefully avoids looking at me or Xaden. "Any ideas?"

I scoff, "Um yeah." I stand up, moving so I can reach Xaden's wooden dragon. I move it into position, "We have a powerful shadow wielder on our side. Have him black out the area, so Emery and I can go in. I'm one of the best at hand-to-hand combat and if any of the civilians need a mender I'll be there. Garrick should stay with the others and fight the gryphon's. There's no need for two air wielders to be in the keep."

"She's not wrong." Mira agrees, but her voice is clipped.

"You can do that?" Dain asks Xaden begrudgingly.

"Are you seriously asking?" Xaden retorts.

"Just wasn't sure you could cover an area that-"

Dain's cut off as Xaden lifts a hand and shadows pour from underneath the table and seats. The room turns pitch black, causing me to smirk. I feel a light tug at my hair, "Knock it off, Xade."

"Fuck me," Someone says, but I can't make out who.

"I can surround this entire outpost, but I think that might freak some people out," Xaden says, his shadows disappear. Everyone besides Garrick, Emery, and I look surprised at the power. Even Mira stares at Xaden like she's assessing a new threat.

We continue going over the imaginary battle. Using everyone's signets to the best of our abilities. "Good job," Mira says, glancing at her pocket watch. "Aetos, Riorson, and Sorrengail, I want to see you in the hallway. The rest of you are dismissed."

I raise a brow, exchanging a look with Xaden, Mira sighs, "Older Riorson." I nod.

"We're talking later." Xaden says to me. I nod slightly but don't reply.

*_*_*_*_*_*

I walk back to the barracks, Garrick and Liam at my heels. "What did Exal mean? About you and Dain?" Garrick asks.

I sigh, "It was nothing, he caught us arguing."

"Why were you two arguing?" Liam presses.

"It was nothing." I say again, trying to brush them off.

I feel each of them grab my shoulder's, pulling me back to stop walking. I avoid eye contact, biting my lip. "What's going on between you two?" Garrick asks again.

I sigh, "Dain and I went on a run the other morning. He knows I run at Basgiath and didn't want me going alone here because of this-" I gesture to my relic, "We got into a fight because I said I didn't need his protection on my run."

"And what? He insisted on going with you?" Liam asks, brows pulling together.

"Yeah, basically." I shrug.

"Why?" Garrick asks, confusion evident in his voice.

I scratch the back of my neck, "I don't know. He insists it's because I'm in his squad which means I'm under his protection but I can protect myself, which I told him."

"Wait." Garrick's eyes narrow, "A few months back, you two came to formation together and it looked like your shirt was too big."

I shake my head, "Fuck," I mutter. I look away from them, "He… let me borrow a shirt because mine was cut."

"Cut? What do you mean cut?" Liam questions.

"Someone may have attacked me on my run and I needed stitches but refused to go to the healers quadrant but I ran into Dain when he was leaving the dining hall so he cleaned me up." I say quickly, cringing as I do.

Garrick's jaw ticks, "So what? He's now weirdly protective of you?"

"Maybe? But hey wouldn't rather have that then him trying to kill me?"

"He can't kill you. He's in the same squad." Liam replies, exasperated.

"Besides the point." Before either of them can say something I continue, "look, it doesn't matter. He cleaned me up and let me borrow a shirt. Then months later, we went on one run together. That's it."

"Gryphon's are headed this way." Nyx says through our bond, stopping any argument.

"We have to go." Garrick says, immediately grabbing my arm and rushing the rest of the way to the barrack's to collect our things. When I look into my room, my bag is already gone, along with Violet's and Rhiannon's. One of them must have grabbed it. I run back out, Garrick grabbing my arm again to pull me along. Liam slightly ahead of us.

I see Violet and Xaden on the roof, Emery just took off on his dragon and Cath and Deigh wait. "Liam, you're next." Xaden calls out. Liam nods, getting on the back of Deigh. Cath takes his place, Dain hesitates, not wanting to separate from Violet but listens to Xaden's order.

Nyx is next in line, I take my bag from Violet, sending her a quick smile before getting onto Nyx. Garrick and Chradh are right behind me, followed by Violet and then Xaden. I turn to look, making sure we have everyone, and I see a dozen gryphon's enveloping the keep.