GhostWriterMia

Fandoms I write for:

Marauders, Fourth Wing/Iron Flame, ACOTAR, Stranger Things, Star Wars, The Hunger Games

Characters I write for:

Regulus Black, James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Poly!Moonwater, Poly!Moonchaser, Poly!Marauders, Poly!Wolfstar, Wolfstar!Parents, Poly!Jegulus, Xaden Riorson, Liam Mairi, Sawyer Henrick, Ridoc Gamlyn

𝖂𝖗𝖊𝖓 𝖍𝖆𝖉 to seriously consider that perhaps Jack Barlowe was insane. She had heard his name from the roll keeper by the entryway, meaning that he actually completed the parapet. She should've killed him, she would probably regret having mercy later on in the year. However, if he thought he had a shot at killing Wren, he was in a serious case of denial. If she would let anyone kill her? It would definitely be Xaden.

"Did you really have to attack him?" Violet hissed, trying to keep up with Wren's quick strides. She was moving across the courtyard on a mission to get away from peering eyes, but Vi wasn't getting the hint. For someone so smart, she could be so stupid at times. Wrenley seriously wondered if the fact that they were officially enrolled into a war college hadn't quite sunk into the shorter girls' brain yet.

Wrenley paused deliberately, letting Violet run straight into her back, putting the girl to a halt. "Vi. He will keep coming after you. You may not realize how this sort of thing works yet, but he's set his eyes on a target, and his line of sight isn't going to waver until that target," Wren took a moment to point at violet to emphasize her point, "is destroyed, abolished, burnt to the ground."

"I feel like that's a tad dramatic," Violet groaned.

"No. You'll come to see just how right I am in a short period of time Violet. You need to trust me on this one." She realized that her words may have been a bit harsh, but she needed Violet to understand that things were never easy in the Riders' Quadrant, and that if she wanted to live, she'd have to change her focus.

Wren glanced down as they started to walk again and noticed Violet limping, her gaze jumped up to her knee. Her gaze then moved to the blonde who had been following them from a short distance silently. "I'll be back in a minute, Liam." With that she grasped Violet's elbow and guided her into a secluded corner. "You have to get that knee braced and wrapped before someone notices. Any disadvantage will be calculated and noticed faster than you would think."

"I know, I know." It was only then that Wren noticed Violet wearing two different boots.

"Violet Sorrengail. Where the hell is your other boot?" Wrenley was sure that being friends with Violet was going to lead to her death.

The shorter girl winced at her harsh tone and looked down at her feet, which were in fact, sporting two different boots. "I lent it to a new friend. Her boots had heels, so I was giving her a better chance."

"Yeah, and downing your own chance," Wren snarked. Seeing Violet flinch at her sharp tone, Wrenley visibly softened and took a hold of her hand. "Vi, I'm sorry. You're just too nice for your own good sometimes. Being kind within the quadrant might get you killed. Only share that kindness with people who you know you can trust."

Movement caught Wrenley's eye and she looked to the side to see Dain hurriedly striding toward them. "Wren. Violet? Wrenley, why the hell is she here?" Wrenley wondered why people always assumed she was to blame.

"Don't you dare act like this is all my fault, Dain. You know as well as I do, that once Lilith Sorrengail sets her mind to something that no one is going to talk her out of it." Wrenley seethed. She had dealt with Dain's nonsense for years as they grew up together, and she was done. Beside her Violet's knee gives out, throwing the girl off balance completely. Wren's arm darts out under the girls' shoulders to hold her up; keeping her glare set on the man in front of her. Not that she would ever consider him a real man. Averting her gaze from Dain, she carefully eased Violet to the ground, allowing the pressure to dissipate from Vi's knee.

"Damn it, Violet, head between your knees." Dain snaps. Wren rolls her eyes and crouches in front of her, resting her hands on the back of Vi's neck, and guiding it down. Her left hand moves to Violet's back and starts rubbing soothing circles, giving the girl something to focus on other than the rushing going through her body. "It's the adrenaline. Give it a minute, it'll pass." Violet nods, keeping up with her deep breaths.

Hearing footsteps, Wrenley looks up to see a woman with long braids and beautiful dark brown skin. "Who are you?" Wren asks skeptically. Her eyes trace down the brunette's body until they land on her feet, which happened to be adorning mix-matched boots.

"I'm Rhiannon," she nods towards Violet. "Violet's friend. We met on the parapet. Rhiannon spoke clearly, holding her ground against Wren's sharp gaze. That, was something that Wrenley had to respect.

Dain's jarring tone pierced through the air, slicing the tension between Wrenley and Rhiannon like a jagged blade. Wrenley found herself gaining a headache from the pitch of his voice. "Listen to me, Rhiannon. Violet is fine," he commands; Wren rolls her eyes and so does Rhi. "And if anyone asks, then you tell them what I said, that it's just the adrenaline working out of her system. Understand?" Wrenley personally thought that the level of patronization in his voice was sickening. She might have actually been sick if he had continued.

"No, I'm sorry, could you actually repeat that?" Rhi asks sarcastically. Dain sighs, but is interrupted by Wrenley before he could stupidly dumb it down for her.

"Learn how to take a joke, Dain." Wrenley jumped in. "And cut the crap. They're clearly friends. Something that you must not have. Just like you don't have any observation skills. She's clearly wearing Vi's missing boot." Wrenley moved back down to Violet and starts unlacing the boot that doesn't belong to her. "Now, you two switch boots," Wrenley slides the boot from Vi's foot and hands it to Rhi as the brunette starts to remove Violet's boot from her foot.

Wrenley stands up and claps her hands together, "Vi," she points to the girl. "Rhi and I are going to get us put into Dain's squad and you're going to go with Dain and get that knee wrapped up." She briefly glances at Dain and he nods. "Got it?" Violet nods in confirmation and laces up the boot that Rhiannon had returned a few moments earlier. "Alight, I'll see you soon." Wren stood and held her hands out to Violet, pulling the girl up from her sitting position, before walking off with Rhiannon.

"Alright, Rhi, let's move." Wren sighs.

"Alright, Wren." Rhiannon mimics.

Up in the distance, Liam sat leaning against a tree trunk. "Hey, blondie!" Wren called out mockingly, waving her hands wildly.

Liam looked up, punching Ridoc in the shoulder to grab the man's attention and they started walking towards the girls, huge grins lighting up both of their faces. "Hi, firecracker, good to see you're still alive."

"Firecracker, huh?" Wren smirks, tilting her head to the side, loose strands of hair falling to the side.

"Firecracker?" Rhiannon asks, a teasing lilt to her voice; curiosity peaking through as well.

"Oh, well this one right here," Ridoc swings his arm around Wren's shoulders. "Is a real hot head when she wants to be." He nods, "Yeah, she already sliced someone up with the lovely sword of hers. Tainted the white blade with red. It was graphic, but so badass."

"I hardly sliced someone up," Wren scoffed. "I simply grazed his hip."

"Yeah, I got to witness that. It was amazing by the way. The jackass totally deserved it." Rhi complemented. "Firecracker totally does fit," she nodded approvingly.

"Don't be modest, Wren." Liam chuckled. "Hand please?" He asked. The snowy haired girl looked at the blonde skeptically, but extended her arm out, leaving her palm facing the sky. Liam dug into the pocket of his black cargo pants until he had hold of the small wooden carving. He gently placed it on Wrenley's palm and she looked down to see what it was, only to see a small carving of a Wren. Of a Songbird.

She traced her index finger along the delicate but sharp lines of the carving. "Thank you," little did Liam know, that he was the first person to ever give her something aside from her mother and Knox. "This means a lot."

"Hate to break up this adorable moment babes, but Wren, we were on a mission," Rhiannon steps in, reminding Wrenley of where they were headed before the two distractions came into their line of sight.

Wren nods, "Yes, we were. Let's go do that before the last few cadets make it across." Wrenley turns, walking backwards, "Blondie, we'll discuss the nickname thing later." She turned around on her heel to walk normally but not before hearing Ridoc.

"Like later, meaning in bed, or like having a friend picnic?"

She couldn't help but to wink at Liam before tilting her head back and laughing.

"Sure we will!" Liam shouts back in between bouts of laughter.

Rhi was only a few steps ahead so Wrenley skipped to catch up with her, looping their arms together. The two girls quickly made it back up to the copper haired roll keeper. Wrenley quickly taps on her shoulder, "We've been told to have you add a few people to Dain Aetos's squad."

"I can't do that," she shakes her head and Wren smirks.

"He said to remind you that he saved your life during threshing." She let out a deep sigh and Wrenley's smirk grew deeper, knowing she had the upper hand. She knew that she shouldn't, but she loved blackmail, even if it did come from Dain Freaking Aetos.

"Alright, who are the people?"

Wrenley took a moment to deliberate her response. "Violet Sorrengail, Rhiannon Mathias, Liam Mairi, Ridoc Gamlyn, and Wrenley Aesira." She may have added two people, but she figured that Dain would most likely never know. Even if he did, Wrenley had her own blackmail to use against him.

Rhiannon and Wrenley made their way back towards the center of the courtyard. Wren glanced around, hoping to find either Violet or Ridoc and Liam. She kept looking until she heard Rhi call for Vi, "There you are!" Her smile grew; genuine and full of relief. Wrenley could see now that she would be a very good friend for Violet. "I was worried, is everything okay?"

"I'm good to go," Violet sighs and nods towards someone behind Wrenley. The girl turns around to see Liam and Ridoc and lets out a sigh of relief, the feeling flooding into her eyes, showing a rare glimpse of emotion towards her boys.

"Vi," Wren speaks up. "This is Liam," she points to the taller, blonde man. "And that's Ridoc," she points towards the shorter guy with curly brown hair and deep soulful brown eyes.

An hour passes after the introductions, then another, according to the bells, which Wrenley had been listening closely to. She looks over to the entrance that she had walked through hours earlier to see the last group of cadets flooding into the courtyard. The newest cadets were followed in by the three riders from the other turret.

Xaden is among them, standing at the tallest height. Wrenley thought he appeared as a shark in a crowd of minnows. He was the first person that Wren had met to just naturally stand out from the crowd; he had nothing to prove. People quickly moved out and around him, swiftly leaving his path. For a minute curiosity struck Wren's mind and she wondered what signet he had, and if it held as much ground as he did. He quickly strides up to the dais, focused on only what's in front of him. Wren had to notice that Commandant Panchek moved to the front of the stage to face the crowd.

"I think that they are about to start," Wrenley stated calmly, only slightly turning towards her small group of friends. Everyone slowly turns to face the dais, preparing for what was about to be said.

"Three hundred and one of you have survived the parapet to become cadets today," Panchek starts and Wrenley immediately picks up on his practiced political smile; a similar one to the smile her father fashions, as well as Violet's mother. Violet and Wrenley had been taught to adorn those same smiles. Panchek gestures to the crowd, always talking with his hands, moving them in large over the top gestures. "Good job. Sixty seven of your year did not."

"I heard that this position is just a stepping stone for him," Ridoc whispers. "That he wants either General Sorrengail or General Aesira's job. Then on to Melgren's." Wrenley would rather he take her father's job than General Sorrengail's. She knew that her father didn't deserve to be in a position of power.

"General Melgren's?" Rhiannon inquiries from her spot beside Vi.

"He won't be able to accomplish it," Wrenley intervenes quietly, her voice low enough that only their group would be able to hear. "Melgren's dragon allows him to see the outcome of any and all upcoming battles. There is no signet in a power position that beats the strength of his. And, no one would be able to strike him down without him seeing his demise ahead of time."

"As the codex says, "now you begin the true crucible!"" Panchek's voice rises up and out above the crowd of new cadets, not to be missed. "You will be tested by your superiors, hunted by your peers, and guided by your instincts. If you survive to threshing, and if you are chosen, you will then be riders. Then we will see how many of you make it to graduation."

Wren couldn't help but wonder how many of them would make it to graduation as she caught Liam's gaze. She found herself zoned out of the rest of Panchek's long speech. She was curious as to how long it took to write with both the length and how carefully constructed it was. Wrenley didn't tune back into what was happening in front of her until a brunette with a permanent frown appeared on stage. "I'm Nyra, the senior wingleader of the quadrant and the head of the first wing. Section leaders and squad leaders, take your positions now."

Wrenley felt someone bump into her shoulder, pushing in between Liam and her. Others followed suit until at least fifty people stood in front of the mangled cadets. They all stood in a structured and crafted formation, perfectly still.

"Sections and squads," Violet whispers, going into an explanation for the others. The ones who didn't grow up in a military family. "Three squads in each section and three sections in each of the four wings."

Liam and Rhi mutter thank yous, cataloging the information away for upcoming weeks. Ridoc was staring off into space and Wrenley picked up on that, snapping her fingers in front of his line of sight twice. "Snap out of it, sunshine." He blinked, and grinned at her before focusing back in on the front.

"First squad! Claw section! First wing!" Nyra calls out. A man closer to the dais raises his hand.

"Cadets when your name is called, take up formation behind your squad leader," Nyra instructs. The redhead the Rhiannon and Wren had talked to earlier in the day steps up to the dais with the roll and starts calling out names. One by one, cadets start to move and get sorted into their formations. Jack, the asshole that Wrenley had put in his place earlier, was sorted into the flame section of the first wing. Wren made sure to take note, and she hoped that his squad leader would put him through hell.

Wrenley lets out a grateful sigh as soon as it hits her that Violet won't be in the same squad as Jack. Jack Fucking Barlowe, Wren laughed, what a joke.

After a few suspenseful moments of waiting, Wrenley, Rhiannon, Violet, Liam, and Ridoc are all called into second squad, flame section, second wing. Their group quickly takes their place in formation, forming a straight, uniform line. Wren looks up and notices that their squad leader is Dain. Which she isn't surprised, because in theory, they did set it up, but it still doesn't bring her any sort of joy.

Everyone stays quiet besides the occasional whispers among groups as the rest of the squads are sorted into formation. It was almost eerie how quiet it was. It was like everyone was too afraid to speak, should they get thrown off the edge of the turret. The sun had fully risen, and Wren thought she should be melting by now, but she had always run on the colder side, even in the sweltering heat. Knox always teased her that she was cold-blooded.

When the order finally sounds everyone turns to face the dais. The turn was a little chaotic if Wrenley was to be honest; everyone was clumsy, bumping into each other and tripping. She keeps her gaze set on the dais, but can't ignore the tingle that crawls up her spine and slithers down her arms. She knows that he's watching her, but Wrenley has never let anyone beat her in a game willingly. Blame it on her stubbornness, she could care less.

Violet, bless her heart, makes the mistake of looking around and spotting Xaden staring at Wren. "Wren," she whispers. "Xaden's watching you." Wrenley had to roll her eyes.

She looks back and faces Violet, ready to tell her to keep quiet, but Dain beats her to it. "Quiet," Wren can't help but notice how Vi stiffens at the harsh tone of his voice. She isn't used to this version of Dain, she isn't used to him snapping or raising his voice towards her at all.

After minutes spent in silence, the wingleaders turn and face Dain's squad. Wrenley watches from the corner of her eye, still refusing to give Xaden her full attention. She did however notice that Xaden had a slight tilt to his lips. She smirks, her dimples making a subtle appearance, but Xaden notices. He also notices when she raises her vibrant green eyes to meet his, he refuses to admit that those eyes might just entrap him like a snare. Wrenley notices his expression falter and soften and her smirk grows. She won.

"Dain Aetos, you and your squad will switch with Aura Beinhaven's," Nyra instructs.

Wren's smile doesn't falter, she doesn't let it. She refuses to let him get to her. She also wonders what kind of last name Beinhaven is.

Dain nods, then turns to his squad. "Follow me," He says it once, commanding the entire group, expecting them to follow his immediate orders. Everyone follows after his long strides. It takes Wren a moment to notice where exactly they're headed. Her smile deepens. Fourth wing. Xaden's wing. She wondered if he seriously thought that moving her into his wing would intimidate her. He was going to have to try a lot harder.

He's still smirking, so is Wrenley. Wrenley's only thought in that moment was that his smirk only made him prettier. His thoughts happened to be along the same lines.

Wrenley was completely at his mercy. She was slightly worried about the fact that she couldn't find it in her to care. She had to wonder if her father had truly traumatized her that much. Wren was snapped out of her thoughts when she felt Violet start trembling beside her. She reached over, giving Vi's hand a quick, firm, grounding squeeze.

Xaden steps to the front. Wrenley had to mentally prepare herself to endure yet another speech. "You're all cadets now," His voice carried out throughout the entire courtyard. Birds on a distant tree squawked and flew off, landing atop a nearby roof. His voice was easily stronger than the others that had spoken that day. Wrenley would never admit it, but it turned her on. "Take a look at your squad. These are the people guaranteed by the codex not to kill you. But just because they can't end your life, does not mean that others won't. You want a dragon? Earn one."

Most people cheer. Wren's trusted group does not.

Xaden's eyes clash with Wren's, onyx meeting emerald. He looks away first. "And I bet you feel pretty badass right now, don't you first-years?" More cheers, still not one heard from Wrenley. "You feel invincible after the parapet, don't you?" The brief thought of the parapet being easy flashed through Wren's mind. She had closed her eyes and Liam had crossed it backwards.

"You think you're untouchable! You're on the way to becoming the elite! The few! The chosen!"

Another round of cheer surrounded the courtyard with each of the declarations. Louder and louder. They grew each time until the cheers were drowned out by the louder noise of wings flapping.

"Oh gods, they're beautiful," Rhiannon whispers in complete awe as the dragons fly into view.

Wrenley had seen dragons before, both from close up and from afar. They don't feel the need to tolerate humans unless they choose to.

The eight dragons flew straight towards the crowd of new cadets, but Wrenley couldn't find it in herself to be frightened. Instead of continuing on their path, they pitch vertically and land on the top of the outer wall. The scales on their chests ripple in waves as they land. Their talons, sharp enough to impale a human, dig into the stone wall on either side. It was only then that Wren realized that the abnormally thick wall doubled as a perch.

She'd lived there for seven years and had never gotten to experience this. She wishes that she could have seen it sooner. She had never been allowed to watch Conscription Day; probably the one decent thing her father ever did for her.

A few cadets scream. That was their first mistake. And for some, it would be their last.

It shows their mindsets. They want to be a rider until they actually see a dragon up close.

Steam blasts into Wren's face as the navy blue dragon in front of her exhales through its wide nostrils. Its shiny blue horns rise above its head in an elegant, lethal, deadly swipe, and its wings flare before tucking in. There was no tell as to what breed each dragon was. Wrenley couldn't see their tails from where she stood on the ground, still in formation.

It didn't really matter, though. All dragons were deadly.

Dain muttered something, but Wrenley was too transfixed by the sight in front of her to hear it. Three of the dragons were red, two green, one brown. They were all massive, overshadowing the structure of the citadel as they narrowed their amber eyes onto the rows of cadets. Judging.

Wrenley looked to her left as a cadet bolts out of the third wing, screaming as he makes his way toward the stone keep behind them. Everyone turns as he sprints for the giant door at the center. Wrenley couldn't clearly make out the words carved into the stone arch, but she didn't need to. She knew them by heart. A dragon without its rider is a tragedy, a rider without their dragon is dead.

Once bonded, a rider cannot survive without their dragon. Most dragons can survive without their riders. That, Wren thought, is the exact reason as to why dragons chose their riders so carefully. They don't want to face the humiliation of picking a human that is too afraid to actually become a rider. Not that a dragon would ever admit that they made a mistake.

The red dragon, a shade of deep blood red, on the left of the wall, opens its vast mouth revealing teeth at least as large as Wren is. Its jaw could crush any of the cadets. Fire erupts along its tongue, then shoots outwards in a blaze toward the fleeing cadet.

The cadet is lying as a pile of ash before he could make it into the shadow of the keep. As soon as he had made the decision to run he hadn't stood a chance. Not with the dragons lurking over them.

Sixty-eight are now dead.

Heat from a new set of rolling flames flared at Wrenley's face. Sixty-nine. She stays quiet, facing forward. There is another blast of heat, flame, to her left. Seventy.

The navy dragon ahead of Wren tilts its head at her, as if its narrowed eyes were searching hers for any sign of fear. It wouldn't find any. Wren was pretty sure that she was broken. And it was at her father's hands. The dragon can probably sense it. Dragons are smart. They notice everything.

Wren doesn't run, she doesn't look away, she makes eye contact; like an idiot. Its eyes narrow further, Wren tilts her head and raises a brow. It blinks; either in approval, or a death threat.

"Anyone else feel like changing their mind?" Xaden shouts, scanning the rows of remaining cadets with a shrewd gaze that matches that of the navy blue dragon. It wasn't hard for Wrenley to notice that they were a bonded pair.

"No? Excellent. Roughly half of you will be dead by this time next summer." The formation stays silent, except for the few that break into sobs. Seemingly just now realizing what they truly signed up for. "A third of you again the year after that, and the same in your last year. No one cares who your mommy and daddy are here. Even King Tauri's second son died during his threshing. So tell me again: do you feel invincible now that you've made it into the riders quadrant? Untouchable? Elite?" This time everyone join's Wren's group and remains silent, refusing to cheer.

Another blast of heat rushes - this time straight toward Wrenley's face. She fully relaxes into the blast of steam. The rush of steam blows back her braid, loosening more strands of curls.

They want the cadets scared, and most are.

"Because you're not untouchable or special to them," Xaden points toward the navy dragon and leans forward slightly, like he's spilling every one of his secrets as his eyes lock onto Wren's. "To them, you're only prey."

𝖂𝖗𝖊𝖓 𝖍𝖆𝖉 never really feared death. Maybe that's why she had briefly considered just jumping off of the parapet. She didn't want to die, but she also didn't really want to live anymore either. But then again, had she ever really gotten the chance to live? Maybe this was her chance to. She dismissed the idea of jumping. She wanted to see the look on her father's face when she not only survived but bonded a dragon. Perhaps she was being overly confident, however, her rapid paced thoughts were the only thing keeping her from looking down. Looking down from the height of the parapet never brought anyone any good.

Liam was a few steps ahead of her, he turned back slightly to catch sight of her. "I'll meet you on the other side," he smirked. He would make it to the other side, because she cared for him, despite only knowing him for a few hours, and admitting that she cared for someone was not something that Wren did very often. If he fell off, she vowed to find some way to resurrect him before pushing him off.

"See you there." She calls back as the wind picks up. Wrenley takes two quick steps, almost losing her precious balance as rain starts to fall. She steadies herself with a deep breath, trying to ignore the stray curls whipping through her eyesight. She kept sense of her steps, one foot in front of another. One step at a time, left and then right, repeat.

A picture of the sketchbook that Knox had gifted her appeared in her mind. Wren chose to focus on that, and without realizing it, she had started imagining a sketch coming to life within the pages of her sketch pad. Mentally taking a step back to look at the sketch, she looked to see a pair of dark, striking eyes staring back at her. Gods, he was in her mind now.

She snaps out of her mental fervor and looks up to see that she's only two steps away from Liam, and he's looking at her with a startled expression that makes her let out an equally startled laugh. "Hey, buddy."

Liam laughed, the sound bright and cheerful, almost causing him to lose focus and fall. He plants one foot down, gaining his balance again. "Wrenley, good gods, how did you catch up so fast?"

"Blondie, it's called skill." Wren hums, a smirk coating her lips as they each move four more steps forward.

Liam turns around, trusting himself to walk backwards and looks at Wren incredulously. "Oh? Are we feeling the need to be rude now, firecracker?"

"Well, if I have the chance of dying within the next ten minutes, then I might as well go through every mood." She answers simply and arches a white brow and tilts her head as they continue to walk. Liam walking backwards and Wrenley walking forwards.

Liam rolls his eyes before turning back around to face the right way, or what Wren considered to be the safe way. He jumps gracefully into the grass at the end of the parapet and turns around to wait for Wren to join him. She takes two quick steps before hopping down.

Liam scoffs, "You're a total show-off."

"Yes, and?" Wren retorts. "Also, you're one to talk." She quips, bumping her shoulder against his as she passes him.

"Name?" The rider next to the entrance asks, snapping them out of their nonsense. She looked really bored of her job if you were to ask Wrenley. Wren scanned over the rider's features, but her gaze mainly caught sight of the chin-length red hair. The rider was holding a scroll to write names out on, and she had three silver four-point stars stitched onto her cloak; she was a third year. "You're a little small for a rider."

"Please, we're the same height." Wrenley snarked. "My name is Wrenley Aesira, and no need to ask, yes, General Aesira's daughter." Wrenley wasn't cocky or proud to use her father's name, but by initiating the title, she had also eliminated the awestruck questions.

Wren briefly looked back out onto the parapet before moving her gaze to the table, only for her eyes to snap back up in time to notice someone threatening Violet. Wren and Vi's eyes meet and a silent conversation passes between them. Violet steps off and away from the parapet to sign in as Wren takes her place. "According to the Codex, I am a cadet, and you have yet to make it onto the school grounds yet. So, therefore, I have the high ground."

"Who do you think you are?" The blonde man sneered. Wrenley rolls her eyes, sensing that this idiot would only cause more problems in the future.

"Well, last time I checked, my name was Wrenley, although, I can't say I'm sure of that now, as I've lost a few brain cells from standing here and talking to you." Wren snarks, pulling her sword from its sheath, the blade glistens in the sun as it moves. "And I don't take lightly to assholes threatening my friends." The sword at her hand moves swiftly through the air and quickly slices into the blonde's side. Liam's hiss could be heard from behind Wrenley.

Wren does a once-over of the damage done and steps back, but not before wiping the blood from her sword onto his shirt. In one swift motion, the sword was slid into the sheath at her hip. "Chill the hell out, or I'll knock your ego down a few more notches." Wrenley looks up, not bothering to give the asshole one more glance and sees the red head watching her with amusement in her eyes.

Liam turns to the now wounded man. "You might want to see a healer and make sure that cut doesn't get infected, bud." There was not one hint of sympathy lacing his voice.

"You're so dead," he seethes, his eyes locked on Wren as he steps down from the parapet.

𝕮𝖔𝖓𝖘𝖈𝖗𝖎𝖕𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓 Day was known to be the deadliest day of the year. Wrenley knew from a very young age that she would be participating in this day. It was ingrained in her mind from the time she was born up until now. She wondered if the reason behind the sunrise being abnormally vibrant that morning was that it may be the last one that some may get to see. It was a sad thought, truly.

She was confident in herself. Her mother had taught her to be. She didn't think that today would be her last to have a chance to see a sunrise this extravagant, but one could never be so sure. Wrenley took a moment to look out of her window and watch as vivid shades of pink, yellow and oranges blended into one another. If she had time, she would have painted it.

Sighing, she pulled her long hair back into a loose ponytail, only tightening it with a frail black ribbon. She had to talk to her father before she left, which of course, was the last thing she wanted to do. Leaning her head back and staring at the ceiling she mentally told herself that the worst he could do was state his disapproval of her. That wasn't the worst, but she didn't want to think about that when she could very well die within the upcoming hours.

Walking down the hall towards his office had always been a daunting thing. If Knox were with her, he would have tugged on her hair and told her that everything would be fine, however, Knox wasn't there with her; a thought that made her want to turn around and collapse back into her room.

Wrenley heard the distant sound of a door slamming shut and could only assume that it was Violet going into her mother's office. They didn't have a good relationship either. Six months ago, General Sorrengail had made the decision to send her youngest daughter to the riders quadrant instead of letting her go to the scribe quadrant. Wrenley, however, had known that this was her path since the day she turned six and was thrust into training. Hand-to-hand combat, battle strategies, and all things riders quadrant have been drilled into her mind for as long as she could remember.

To say that Wren wanted to be anywhere else right now would be an understatement. She hated her father, and he hated her. He was good once, but Wrenley couldn't remember that time, or maybe her inner child had just held onto the hope that he was once a good person. Hope is a fickle thing.

Taking a deep breath, she eases the door to her father's office open. Warner was a cruel and manipulative man. Wrenley had learned that the hard way; she was glad that Knox was no longer around to witness it, even though she missed her brother terribly.

The office space was large with large windows overlooking the gates to the entrance field of Basgiath. Wrenley's gaze wanders and hones in on the hundreds of families saying goodbye to their children, and the thought struck her that she would never get to experience that type of love from her parents. She couldn't help but think that if people had just a little more faith in each other that maybe more people would survive to graduation to see their lovely families once more. Doubt was an admirable adversary. Basgiath was not known for being kind, and Wrenley wondered if the halls were haunted with death, grief, and doubt itself. Those haunted halls weren't kind to anyone, not even children of commandment.

Every Navarrian officer is trained or molded into weapons that will protect the mountainous border in one shape or another. Scribes, Infantry, Healers, and Riders all have that in common.

Wrenley's head whips to the side at hearing her father clear his throat. She had always been most fearful of his eyes. He knew how to use them to his advantage, narrowing and zoning on to his target until they broke. Wrenley learned not to break. She would no longer bend to her father's will, for she was determined to not only be stronger than him, but to be a better person. One that held compassion. She steeled her spine and looked at the man that she had never called dad.

"You will survive, if you do, you will be more of a disappointment to the family name than you already are." His words came out sharp and cold, and Wrenley felt almost as if she had been stabbed in the heart by a frozen sword. "If you let Violet Sorrengail die, I will personally see to it that Clayreage pays you a visit." Warner had always found a way to simultaneously torture Wren both physically and mentally. He found great joy in being more proud of a practical stranger than his own daughter.

Wrenley refused to cower or look away from her father, however with her nerves getting the best of her, she took to picking the dried paint from her fingers. He had always hated that she liked art and that brought her just a little bit of joy. "Yes, General Aesira." Wren's icy tone was a contender against his own.

His eyes narrow, "You're dismissed." With that, he sent her off with a wave of his hand.

Wren nods her head once before promptly pivoting on her heel and walking out the door, making sure to slam the door behind her. She was satisfied when she heard a frame fall from the wall.

Looking up with a smirk on her face, she sees Violet and Mira standing across from her. The younger sister carried a sympathetic expression, whereas the elder sister had a proud smile gracing her lips.

"Our parents are batshit crazy," Mira states as they head back down the hall. Mira holds center, while Vi takes her left and Wren her right. There are guards scattered along each side of the hallway.

"Keep your voice down, they'll hear you and tell them you said that." Violet hissed, gripping Mira's arm so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Wrenley couldn't remember a time she had ever seen Violet so tense.

"You're paranoid," Wrenley scoffs, reaching behind Mira and squeezing Vi's right hand. "They could care less, because they probably agree. They won't go running to mommy and daddy about their gossiping children."

Mira nods her head right in Wrenley's direction, taking her side on the matter at hand. "Let's go. We only have an hour before all candidates have to report, and I saw thousands waiting outside the gates when I flew over." Mira starts walking, leading the two younger girls back down the cold, stone stairwell, and then through the halls towards Violet's bedroom.

Violet and Wrenley's rooms were shells of their former glory. What was once sanctuaries for the two girls, was now just two empty rooms with crates full of things they may never see again. Dust was already starting to collect. Wrenley wondered if her dad would burn her things once she was gone. Consider her dead, alongside her brother.

Wren glanced over to see Violet furrowed her brows. She quickly brushed a stray curl from her line of sight and avoided eye contact with her close friend. She always felt guilty. Wrenley wasn't one for comforting people, it had never been taught, had never been allowed; for in the Aesira house, empathy had no room.

Pushing through her guilt and what she considered to be selfish struggles, Wren slowly reached over and intertwined her fingers with Vi's before squeezing the girl's hand gently. The movement was staggered and awkward. She hadn't received or given affection since her brother had been gone. Violet glances over, surprised, and offers a reassuring smile, appreciating her friend's efforts.

"She's fucking efficient, I'll give you that," Mira mutters, breaking the still silence that had settled over the space. The eldest turned to face the two, her gaze assessing every little detail, as if this may be the last moment she would see their faces fully; feeling the need to take in, catalog, and memorize every fine detail. "I was hoping I'd be able to talk her out of it. You weren't meant for the Riders' Quadrant, Vi."

"So you've mentioned." Violet turns towards her sister. "Repeatedly."

"Let's not discount Violet just yet, Mira." Wrenley joins into the conversation, breaking the tension that had started to form between the two sisters. "Violet is stronger and more capable than you think. She's been training with me, and have a little faith. She isn't weak by any means." Wrenley ignores Vi's stare of disbelief and looks pointedly towards Mira, her eyes narrowing.

She winces. "Sorry." She drops to the ground and empties the belongings from Violet's pack.

"What are you doing?" "M?" Wren and Vi ask in unison.

"I'm doing what Brennan did for me," She replies, her tone soft, as if to settle the girls' racing minds. Wrenley watches as grief floods and fills both of the sister's eyes. Mira then turns to Wren. "And I'm doing what Knox would have done for you if he were here and able." The younger girl's heart ached at the mention of her brother. He had been the one person that she had always looked up to. He was her one constant. Her father was a bastard and completely unreliable, and she had no clue where her mother was. Clearing her throat, Mira asks, "Can either of you use a sword?"

Violet shakes her head immediately, whereas Wrenley nods once in confirmation. "It's my quickest weapon, daggers are second."

"They're too heavy for me. Although, I'm fairly decent with a dagger," Vi knocks her shoulder into Wren's. "Wren makes for a pretty good weapons teacher." Wrenley had taken to training Violet as soon as she had heard that Lilith was sending her youngest to the Riders Quadrant. The brunette wasn't as strong as most would be, but what she lacked in strength, she made up for in speed. She would keep working with her once they both made it across the parapet.

"Good, now drop your pack, Wren. Violet, take off those terrible boots." Mira quickly instructs both girls and they listen. Mira had always been Violet's older sister by blood, but Wrenley would always fit in right beside Violet in Mira's mind. The three of them were sisters, through and through. Mira starts to sort through her own bag, pulling out a pair of riding boots before passing them off to Violet. She then pulled out a black uniform to replace the tan clothing that Violet was currently wearing. "Go change."

Mira then pulls Wrenley's bag over next to Violet's. "Wait, what's happening?" Wrenley askes, startled as Mira starts stifling through their bags.

The older girl paused briefly before continuing. "You're both carrying way too much. And you, Violet, your boots are a death trap, you'll slip right off the parapet." Books sail through the air as Mira hastily explains her actions and they land near the crates stacked in the corner of the bedroom.

Violet starts to protest, but Mira dismisses her and continues on. "Dad gave this one to me," Vi murmurs, holding a leather-bound book close to her chest. Wrenley's gaze, unknowingly to her, was filled with compassion as she pried the book from Violet's hands and gently placed it into her own pack. She would never admit it to herself that she had a kind soul, but the two sisters would tell anyone instantly, given the chance.

"What's this one for?" Mira holds up a new book, refraining from throwing it.

"Killing people." Violet responds, curling her fingers into her palms.

Mira nods in approval before placing the book into the newly repacked bag. "Now, go get changed while I rifle through Wren's."

"Hey! What's wrong with my bag?" Wrenley questions skeptically, pointing at Mira.

Mira ignores her and opens the bag. She then turns and grabs a second black uniform and hands it to the younger girl. "Go change with Violet and we'll discuss it after you're changed. You cannot take everything." Mira responds sternly, knowing if she used any other tone that Wren would find some reason to not listen.

Wrenley sighed in discontentment, before turning on her heel and walking away. She had fought with Mira enough times to know that she wouldn't win. Minutes later, Violet and Wren walked out, both donned in black leathers and black rider's boots. Wren searched around the room and noticed Violet's pack ready to go, and hers lying on the bed, her items neatly organized around it.

"Alright, I've packed everything that you will absolutely need. If, and only if you can guarantee that your art supplies and Vi's book won't put you more at risk out on the parapet, will I allow you to carry them." Mira instructs, her face holding a stern and serious expression. Wrenley didn't miss the pointed look that Mira sent her way, probably warning her against taking them. However, when did she ever listen to authority figures; plus, art is the only thing that had kept Wren alive within the hollow halls of her father's house.

"I can carry it, Mira." Mira looked at Wren skeptically. "Please," Wrenley pleaded, her voice breaking at the end of the word. "Knox gave me that sketchpad.

Mira nodded her head in resignation and Wren was quick to neatly stack the art supplies, setting it into her bag, then sliding Violet's book into the pocket and tying it shut.

Breaking the silence that had settled over the room, Mira sighed dramatically before pulling a stool towards the middle of the room. "Since you two refused to submit to the simple act of cutting your hair shorter, we need to do something about it. Vi, sit." Mira points to the stool. Violet sat, and Mira pulled her hair back and began brushing. "Wren, you're next."

While Mira starts on Violet's braid, Wren runs her hands down along her uniform, noticing a strange material. "Hey, M?" Mira looked up from the braid and arched a brow. "What's this made of?"

"Teine's scales are sewn into the vest." Violet and Wrenley nodded, most of it becoming clear now, except for one thing that wouldn't stop itching at Wren's mind.

"How? Teine is massive."

A devious smile graces Mira's lips. "I happen to know a rider who has the power to make big things very small." She grins like the cheshire cat. "And small things...much much bigger."

Violet rolls her eyes, but Wren smirks and raises a suggestive brow, "Mira you dirty, dirty dragon rider." She shakes her head in faux disappointment, sending white curls into her line of sight. She sighs, annoyance lacing her noise of displeasure before brushing her hair from her face.

"You two are absolute children." Violet chides.

Mira and Wrenley meet each other's eyes before Mira chimes back in. "We know."

The older sister tugs Violet's newly braided hair up into a crown and clips it into place, patting her shoulder to signal her to get up. She then grabs Wren's hand and pulls the younger girl in front of her and down onto the stool. Mira switches out the hairbrush for a comb and sprays down her hair before combing through the now wet curls. Wrenley melts back against Mira, taking in comfort; as she gets so little of it. Mira weaves the long snowy strands of hair into a braid and then fastens it with a leather band. "Do you want to leave the braid down, or do you want it tied up?"

"Down, please." Mira nods and gives it one last tug as baby hairs fall loose and back into Wren's face. Mira gives the two younger girls a quick speech on wearing their vests to bed and to always watch their backs. She then moves to sheath daggers at Vi's ribs and thighs. Mira moves to Wren and does the same.

"Keep the sword on your back for the parapet. Once you cross you can move it to your hip, but it'll make for better balance sheathed along your spine." Wrenley nods as Mira slides the white bladed sword into its sheath.

Wrenley had found the sword hidden under her bed a week after her mother had vanished. The sword blade was a crystal white that glittered when hit with the right lighting, and the hilt was pure silver. The hilt was made to look like a songbird resting on a bundle of vines.

The bell chimes, signaling that there are only thirty minutes left until sign in and Wren and Vi are quick to swing their packs onto their backs as Mira leads them down to the courtyard. Just before the three glides into public view, Mira grabs Wrenley's arm and tugs her into a hug. "I know I'm not your sister by blood, but you are and will always be my sister. Do you understand?" Wrenley nods, swaying them from side to side. "Knox would be so proud of you." Mira squeezes tighter. "You've become an amazing person, despite growing up in a house with your father...and hey. I almost forgot. Here," she passes a small canister to the younger woman.

"I know. I know he would be. He loved you. I want you to know that." Wrenley grabs hold of the canister. "Thank you for this."

"I do. And you're welcome." Mira nods. "I need you to promise me one thing," Mira suddenly turns serious. "If it comes down to it and it's either you or Violet, you need to choose yourself. I know your dad sets high and unreasonable standards and makes you feel less of yourself, but you are just as important as she is."

Wrenley's mind raced. Mira practically just told her to go against everything she's always known. How could she ever choose her life over Violet's? She didn't deserve life more than Violet did. Her father had made that abundantly clear, and she had started to believe it at some point. She couldn't remember when her father had succeeded in warping her mindset, but it unsettled it now that she realized it. How much more damage had her father done that she was so brainwashed that she couldn't remember it? She didn't want to die, at least she didn't think she did. But didn't Violet deserve life more than she did?

She quickly blinked back tears that she hadn't realized were forming. "I promise. Now go hug your other sister, I'll be okay." Mira nods and kisses the top of her head before walking over to Vi and pulling her into a hug. Wrenley turned, heading off on her own, knowing that Mira would easily get Violet to the parapet.

She briskly walks up to the line to sign in. A blonde stands in front of her, and shortly after she joins the line does another man with curly brown hair.

"Who's first?" a voice calls from behind the wooden table. The blond in front of Wrenley quickly signs his name before moving towards the stairwell. "Next," the voice calls, sounding bored. Wren hastily picks up the quill and scribbles out her name. She had never been one to care about handwriting. "Wrenley Aesira?"

She looks up from the table. "That would be me."

"Good luck in there," Captain Fitzgibbons wishes as Wrenley walks off towards the stairs.

"You guys ready to risk your lives?" the guy walking behind Wrenley asks abruptly, his voice is followed by a low chuckle. The blonde in front of Wren turns his head around and glances at Wren questioningly, as if she held all the answers.

Wrenley shrugs, but responds nonetheless, "I've been waiting for a day to risk my life since the day that I turned fifteen." The two men would learn in a short time that dark humor was one of Wren's largest coping mechanisms.

Her statement pulls a laugh from the man behind her, and a concerned glance from the one in front. "I didn't really have a choice." The blonde responds, glancing towards his arm. It was only then that Wren recognized the swirling pattern of a rebellion relic climbing up his arm. "I'm Liam. Liam Mairi." He smiles, revealing his dimples before turning around, attacking the stairs while walking up them backwards. Wrenley marveled at the sight.

"Ridoc," the brunette from behind her calls up, flipping curls out of his face. A large smile took over his face, shining brighter than the sun itself.

They both turn to look at Wrenley expectantly. "Wrenley Aesira, you can call me Wren, though."

"Aesira?" Ridoc asked with a raised brow.

"Unfortunately." Wren muttered.

Liam quickly gave Ridoc a pointed look, as if to say not to bring up the last name again.

Behind Wrenley, Ridoc lets out a groan. "How many steps are there?" Liam and Wrenley laugh before listing off the number at the same time. "Great, I'm stuck with two know-it-all's." Ridoc rolls his eyes dramatically, earning himself a glare and middle finger from Wren. Liam laughs loudly, and there was no denying that he had a very contagious laugh.

As the trio reached the top of the stairs, another trio could be seen. Three riders stood at the entrance, which was a large gaping hole in the wall of the turret. One rider was recording names onto a scroll, while another starts to instruct Liam. That one had long, crimpy strawberry blonde hair that flew around with the breeze, however, the woman didn't seem bothered in the slightest. The third rider is the one that catches Wrenley's eye.

The man was tall, Wren had to give him that. He was at least a foot and a half taller than her, if not more. She was tall compared to the average woman, but he could still tower over her. He had wavy black hair, the opposite color of her own, and eyebrows to match. He was graced with a strong jawline, covered in dark stubble. It's easy to notice his muscles ripple and flex when he folds his arms in front of himself. She found his eyes striking, a dark onyx with gold flecks throughout. They were unlike any eyes that she had ever seen. To be frank, he looked like a drawing that could be ripped straight from her sketchbook.

Liam calls out, snapping her from her stupor. "See you on the other side, Wren and Ridoc." He gives one last wave before taking his first step out onto the parapet.

"Ready for the next one, Riorson?" the rider that is recording names calls out.

It is only then that Wren realizes who she's practically been eye-fucking. She was hoping, however, that maybe they could get along. Wrenley was eager to piss her father off as much as possible now that she was out from under his thumb.

Riorson's gaze snapped to hers before turning to fully face her. His rebellion relic swirled from his left wrist, up under his sleeve, and appeared again at his collar, where it twists and turns up his neck, finally coming to a halt at the start of his jawline. It was similar to Liam's, but Liam's relic was not nearly as bold.

Xaden's eyes narrow and he takes a step forward. Wrenley has to look up in order to make eye contact with the towering man.

"Aesira?" Gods, she only reached his collarbone. She nods once, confirming. The color of his eyes froze over in hatred, which could be understandable.

"You're General Aesira's youngest?" his tone was deep, and full of accusation.

"It's unfortunate that you were smart enough to piece that together. And you, my friend, must be Fen Riorson's son." Wrenley counters easily, her voice laced with sarcasm. She arches her left eyebrow and tilts her head to the right.

He could very well pluck her from the very ground she stood on and throw her over the edge. That didn't mean that she wouldn't put up a good fight, though. Xaden sucks in a breath and a muscle in his jaw ticks.

"Your father captured mine and oversaw his execution."

"Yes, and your dad killed my brother. Does that not make us one in the same?" She takes a step forward and tension crackles between the two. "You're not the only one who hasn't had it easy. You are not the only one who gets to be mean and mad."