- Fourth Wing -

Masterlist

Arya Melgren

Chapter I: Conscription Day

Chapter II: Conscription Day II

Chapter III: Battle Brief

Chapter IV: Assessment

Chapter V: Assessment II

Chapter VI: Fury Bonus Chapter: Liam (Ch. VI)

Chapter VII: Challenges

Chapter VIII: Punishments

Chapter VIIII: Gauntlet Training

Chapter X: Formation

Chapter XI: Presentation Part I

Chapter XII: Presentation Part II

Chapter XIII: Threshing Part I

Chapter XIV: Threshing Part II

Chapter XV: Innea

Chapter XVI: You are not special

After dinner everyone is celebrating. Well, not everyone. The unbonded cadets are nowhere to be seen, probably planning on how to kill us freshly bonded to get a dragon after all. My bet is, Violet will be one of the prominent targets, as everyone seeing her still as the weakest link. Even though she has bonded two dragons AND is tethered to Xaden fucking Riorson. 

I got myself a drink and now I am on my way to find a place where no one is bothering me. Today drained the fuck outta me and my muscles ache. Killing people is not easy, but killing people who deserve it, is.

In a deserted corridor towards the dormitories I find a place on a stone ledge with a view over Basgiath.

If someone had told me before my first year here that I would bond a dragon, I wouldn't have been so sure. And now I have Innea.

‚One can almost hear your enthusiasm' she replies sarcastically.

'I'm more than happy that you chose me. I'm just glad that Barlow’s words didn't turn out to be true.' They still haunt me.

'What do you mean? Barlowe... is that the rider of Baide?' She asks. Baide? Why does that name sounds familiar?

'Uh, I don't know. Baide? I think Violet mentioned something about an orange dragon. To answer your first question, he said some time ago that my father or Codagh would make sure that I didn't return from Threshing without a dragon. And those words, well, stuck. I trust my abilities, but I don't trust my father. And certainly not the black beast.'

'Don't worry about that. I saw you at presentation and knew immediately that you would be my rider. I know that you felt me ​​in your mind. Neither Codagh nor his rider had anything to do with it, I chose you because I wanted to, not because I had to. Together we will achieve great things.' She finishes.

I smile. God, I won today with her bonding me. A wave of affection reaches my mind, calming me even more. I already love and appreciate her.

During the conversation with Innea I didn’t realize, that someone took the seat in front of me. 

I am even more startled when my eyes meet those gorgeous one of none other than Bodhi Durran. The shock must be written all over my face because he immediately starts to grin.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you, but you were so lost in your thoughts that you didn't react to my words." I think... this is the first time I've ever heard his voice. And God, it's so deep and smooth, and so much softer than his cousin's.

I shake my head to clear my mind. Difficult, with this dream of a man in front of me. Am I really crushing on a marked one? Father would have a heart attack.

'I'm more likely to gag' echoes in my head.

"I'm sorry, I was a bit... distracted" I say, a little shyly, absolutely in awe of this man in front of me.

„I see. Your dragon?“ I nod.

"Sgaeyl wasn't really happy that your dragon bonded. And Xaden doesn't know what to think about it either." he admits. Oh? I mean, I already knew that Xaden doesn't trust me at all.

"I guess my last name isn't particularly trustworthy either. And my lineage." I grin.

I can completely understand why they're so unsure of me. But it's not like I'm going to run to my father and spill the beans, like he actually wants me to. That's not going to happen.

"It's... difficult. I admit that. But so far you haven't given anyone of our wing a reason to dislike you. Quite the opposite. What I've observed says anything but that. You help your squad and even beyond that, you help your wing. With history, battle brief, sparring, everything. And we've all seen what the general is capable of, even towards his own flesh and blood." He grimaces. It almost seems as if he is … pitying me. Well, I don't need that.

"I don't need pity. The way my father treats me is nothing new. It's just that he's never shown it in public before. That was actually something new, something I absolutely didn't expect."

I let my gaze wander over Basgiath. From here you have a clear view of the Parapet. Meanwhile, I feel his deep gaze on me, which makes me nervous. Damn, why does he have such a strong effect on me?

„I- uhm, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you! I just-" he sighs deep, not knowing how to explain himself.

„We all were really shocked, when we realized the relationship between you and your father. We all had our opinions on you without even knowing you, I admit that. But after that evening, with, you know, the injury on your neck, and now the scene on the flightfield... I apologize on behalf of all of us marked ones. We find it difficult to see this whole thing objectively. All of us are just trying to survive, which is hard as it is, but coming here without prejudice was practically impossible. We know what our parents and siblings fought and died for, so it’s not really easy. Some of us are still blinded by the anger and pain left behind by the loss of our loved ones. We try, especially for our squad and wing, but many of us struggle really hard with the emotions. Especially because people like Imogen, for example, are only guided by the pain. She tries, but with an Aetos, a Sorrengail and... well, a Melgren in the squad, it is three times as difficult." He takes a deep breath, clearly effected by his own words.

I am oddly touched by his little speech. I understand how hard it must be for them, I definitely don’t blame them. Their pain and anger is something I can relate to, even though on a different base. We all lost something in the past. 

"Thank you for your words. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for you here in Basgiath. You can feel the hatred of some of the other cadets and riders, but believe me... I'm one of the last people to judge someone for their past. And if we're being completely honest..." I look around to make sure we're alone. "I don't trust the history the way it's told. I have my doubts about various things. And I certainly don't trust my father, nor some other people. But other than that I can assure you that as long as no one gives me reasons, I will treat you with the same respect that I expect from y’all. We can all learn from and help each other, because at the end of the day we're all just trying to survive. I'm glad I ended up in Fourth Wing, because I much prefer Xaden as wing leader than someone like Amber Mavis." We both have to laugh.

The whole thing must give an awkward picture. A marked one and the daughter of the most feared general on the continent sitting together and laughing. We should hate each other, from the bottom of our hearts. But that's not how I see him at all. He seems to be someone who thinks a lot, rather than feeling direct dislike. And I'm grateful for that. He could have used my mental absence earlier, when I was talking to Innea, to kill me. Or knock me out. But he didn't. That's a start, isn't it?

"Yes, that's true, I also prefer Xaden much more, and that has nothing to do with the fact that we are family. I'm glad that I'm in the same wing as my closest friends, it makes things a lot easier. And who knows what friendships could develop," he says, looking deep into my eyes. Oh God, don't embarrass yourself now...

'He's not that wrong. I'm curious to see if you two will stay friends. Your thoughts say otherwise, you're really smitten with Cuirs rider.' I start to blush while looking shyly at him, trying to ignore Inneas words.

'What else could come of it other than friendship? He would never find a Melgren interesting.' I deny her words, for my own sanity.

'I'm not so sure about that,' she replies, chuckling deep.

I pull a face, confusion taking me over and Bodhi also seems to be communicating with his dragon.

'What are you talking about? I'm lost.' What the hell is she suggesting? Why shouldn't we just be friends? 

Bodhi’s head whips in my direction, shock and something else in his eyes as they find mine.

'Cuir and I are mates.'

WHAT?!

The cold wind rips little tears from my eyes and I know now, why riders choose to wear goggles. 

Normally dragons would test their newly bonded riders to if they are worthy or not. But due to it being already late we have no time for this today.

‚I promise,I will not disappoint you and show, that I am worthy of our bond.‘ I say truthfully. She grumbles in approval.

‚I am Arya, by the way.‘ Not me totally forgetting to introduce myself before I mounted her.

‚I know exactly who you are, Arya Melgren. Fierce, protective, misunderstood‘ her soothing voice echoes through my head. Oh wow, that fits perfectly. I am impressed.

‚My name is Innealfala, Innea for short. I am from the Gormfaileas Line of dragons, the same as your wingleaders dragon.‘ Sgaeyl and her are from the same den? That shouldn’t really surprise me. 

She chuckles. Well, at least she got some sense of humor.

‚The small one Tairn chose as his rider‘ she starts. 

‚Violet?‘

‚Yes. Andarna bonded her as well. The Empyrean just decided that they are both allowed to bond her after your human leadership wanted to prevent that.‘ 

Oh. My. God. Both dragons?! Not a single rider since the first ever dragon riders bonded more than one dragon! Wow, that’s truly something. I can imagine how shocked and disapproving the leadership is. As if they would have ever any say in what the dragons do or not.

Damn, what would I have given to see my fathers face when Violet revealed both names of her dragons. I bet Dain was on the verge of an heart attack.

And just then I notice that we approach Basgiath. The flight field comes in sight and we can see the variations of dragons down there. Red, Brown, Green, Orange, Black. Blue as well, you have to see Sgaeyl, even from up here and even if she is just at the side. The flight field is filled with hundreds of dragons and riders. In between them are hopefully my friends. 

Innea roars loudly. She is bigger than the other dragons but must be around the same height as Sgaeyl, I’d think. Her roar seems to mean something like „Get out of the way“ because the dragons step aside. Cadets, riders and leadership look our way when we land.

While I dismount I ignore the prying eyes send our way and land steadily on both my feet. 

Kaori said no blue dragons are going to bond and yet, here I am. With a gorgeous midnight blue dragon by my side. And if I can read her den leaders glare right, she is not impressed with Inneas choice to bond.

The dry blood on my face suddenly makes me remember how I must look like right now. Completely bloodied face and neck, a triumphant smirk growing in the corners of my mouth while I make my way over to the roll-keeper to tell them my dragons name. Fuck … she really chose me.

‚Of course I did. You are one of the most intelligent, not only in your year but in general. You are strategic, strong, independent and calculating. We’ll make a fantastic team.‘

Gods, I already love her.

Stepping in front of the roll-keeper, I ignore my fathers heated glare and the rest of the leadership. Professor Kaori stares open-mouthed (probably for the second time today) and tries to memorize every single detail of the midnight blue dagger tail behind me, whose eyes never left my retreating figure. I can feel her stare, her golden calculating eyes, on me. 

„Wow, Arya. No one has seen her for over fifty years.“ he says impressed.

The roll-keeper looks up and glances sideways to my dragon, throat bobbing nervously while trying to hold her composure. Poor girl probably has enough surprises for today.

„Arya Melgren“ she say while she writes in the Book of Riders. Her eyes swipe over my bloodied figure, noticing how the most of it is not my own. Her wide brown eyes turn back to the book. „For the record, please tell me the name of the dragon who chose you.“ Her shaky voice betrays her. While Tairn is massive and deadly, blue dragons are known for being unpredictable, ferocious and murderous. No wonder the girl is terrified.

„Innealfala“ my strong and cold voice carries over the almost silent flight field. 

‚Mh, I am impressed‘ Innea murmurs amused.

‚What can I say, I am a natural.‘

I pivot, ready to finally get back to her when the voice of my father stops me. „You are late“ judgement clouding his words. Of fucking course, that’s the only thing he is concerned about. I clench my fists.

„I was … occupied“ I spit out. Knowing that he wants to say more and try to humiliate me further I ignore every rational thought and walk away from him. More than one sharp intake of air is heard. No one dares to ignore or challenge the General. And I just did.

‚If he ever dares to lay another finger on you, he’ll regret it deeply.‘

‚Maybe get that black beast on the list too.‘

‚Will do.‘ No questions, just acceptance.

Standing in front of her again I look up at her thankful and turn back around to the flight field. General Sorrengail took her place on top of the podest. She closes out the formal portion of the Threshing ceremony, promising the unbonded cadets another chance next October. As if they wouldn’t try and kill riders to get to our dragons. Violet now has a big fat target on her back.

‚Don’t worry. The wingleader will protect her‘ Innea says.

‚Why would Xaden bother to protect her?‘ I ask confused, ignoring the speaking General in the front.

‚Because Sgaeyl and Tairn are a mated pair‘ she replies calmly. My eyes widen. Oh god … that’ll complicate everything.

‚Step forward‘ she grumbles.

Confused I do as she says and then there is a stinging pain and heat blasts at my right side of my back and down my ribs.

‚It’s pretty big, but you’ll like it.‘ My relic!

Rushed footsteps come my way and then I am in strong arms, hugging me tightly. No wait, three pairs of arms.

„We fucking did it!!“ Ridoc shouts loudly. I laugh while Ri and Sawyer cheer. 

„Where is Vi-“ in this moment I see her. In Dains arms. Kissing.

Ridoc whistles. A few feet away from the kissing pair stands our wingleader, a murderous glare firmly on his face while his executive, Garrick Tavis, is next to him with an amused smirk.

„Well, I am not so jealous anymore“ I murmur. While my friends have no idea what I am talking about, Innea laughs in my head. 

‚Glad to hear that.‘ I just chuckle.

„Actually“ Sawyer starts, „what the fuck happened with you?!“

„Well … let’s just say, Trevor is not going to be a problem anymore, as well as Tynan, and Barlowe has two lapdogs fewer.“ We all laugh again.

Suddenly, Innea hisses loudly. Heavy footsteps approach us. Making eye contact with my father, I realize some curious glances are thrown our way. My friends tense but don’t move away from my sides. Amari, I am so happy to have them. 

Over my fathers strong shoulder I can see Xaden, Garrick and Liam, who must have joined them, observe us. While I can’t describe Xadens mimic, Liam is obviously worried and Garrick tense.

„I’d like to speak to Cadet Melgren alone, if you don’t mind.“ That was no question. That was a command, to leave us alone. They have no choice but to go away, probably to Violet. But I know they’ll let their eyes on us. In case … he tries to hurt me again.

„There is no need for you to be here because this dragon will be MINE!“ He growls. He behaves like a fucking animal.

‚Please do me the favor and kill him, he bores me almost to death.‘ The dragons voice echoes through my head. With pleasure.

„Sorry to disappoint you, Trevor, but she already chose me. And she wants me to kill you, which I can’t say no to. Not, when I want to get rid of you as well.“ With that I stalk forward into his direction, drawing my little sword and throwing my bow and arrows to the side, losing unnecessary weight to fight more freely. I don’t plan to kill him softly, I want to shred him apart into pieces.

He has his sword already firmly in his hand while he puts himself in a (pathetic) fighting stance. When I am near enough, a battle cry rips from Trevors throat and he charges at me. He swings his sword at my neck but I throw myself to the side, catching his stomach with a deep nasty slice through his leathers. He roars in pain and I use this moment to my advantage to knock the handle of my sword onto his nose, breaking it in the process. Rage contorts his feature, making him look like a maniac.

‚You are efficient and fast, I like that. Keep up and we can get out of here‘ the feminine voice runs through my head again.

On it.

Raising my sword, again, I manage to push the blade through his right shoulder. Trevor stumbles and I fall forward. Distracted, I don’t notice the dagger in his hand and while he slips from my sword, he slices his blade through my leathers, cutting through the skin over my left collarbone down to the top of my right breast. I hiss. Fuck, the pain is harsh.

‚CONCENTRATE!‘ I am fucking trying!

I step back and look at his face. His greedy eyes stare back at me.

„You’ll go down, and then I’ll take your body with me to show the General and everyone else how weak you truly are“ he spits.

I scoff. He is the one bleeding out from several deep wounds, not me.

„Really? As if you aren’t the one suffering heavily from the bloodless right now.“ Annoyance coats my words.

This is going to end now!

„This dragon is MINE“ I roar, rage radiating from me.

Throwing my sword to the side, I unsheathed my favorite dagger … and attack.

He is catched off guard and steps back in surprise. Then, I am on him.

I punch him in his throat, making him splutter an struggling to catch his breath. Swinging my dagger upward I slice precisely through his cheek bone and through the left eye, damaging it heavily. He screams in agony, clutching his eye while stumbling backward.

„What … the fuck?!“ He struggles to get the words out.

The midnight blue beauty grumbles in approval.

Not wasting any more time, I swing again but barely catching his throat and so I push the dagger directly into it. Warm blood splatters on my face, running down the sides of my neck, soaking into my leathers. The blood running down makes my own open wound sting but I ignore the pain. 

Trevors knees give out and he sinks down, hands trying to stop the thick blood from pouring out, but still running through his fingers. Leveling down to his height I look him dead and cold into his dying eyes.

„You’ll never be better than I am. You are just a pathetic excuse of a cadet and way to arrogant. This dragon is mine and you’ll die today … because of me. I am finally the one to get rid of you.“

Standing back up I don’t waste any time and push the dagger through his chin back up into his head. More blood splatters on my face, which I still ignore. 

His eyes lose the maniac glimmer and his body falls forward. He is dead, finally.

‚Good job, Little Flame.‘ I turn around, facing her. Due to her words, a thankful smile stretches over my face. A true, happy smile. 

‚Come on, we have to get back. We are one of the last pairs.‘

Only then I notice how much colder it got and that the sun is already going down. The fight must have been longer, than I thought. Shit, it’s getting late.

While I climb her leg up I let my thoughts wander. 

Father will be mad, or maybe annoyed that I’ll show up this late. Probably punishing me again.

Fuck, did Vi make it? Did Tairn kept her seated? Did Rihannon made it? Ridoc? Sawyer? Liam?

‚I can assure you, Little Flame, all your questions will be answered. And now, hold on tight.‘

And with that, we are up in the air.

The general seemed so sure about me claiming a dragon, but right now … I am not so sure anymore. The fact that I have to see him again, if I claim a dragon today, makes me swallow anxiously. If I fail … I don’t want to know what happens then.

My eyes find the bright blue ones Liam owns and he gives me an encouraging smile. He is one of the best in this quadrant, there is no doubt of him claiming a dragon. I bet he isn’t as nervous as everyone else here. Even Barlowe is quiet, and that must mean something but after all, he is just human as well.

A shiver runs through me as I can feel someone staring at me and when I look up, the startling hazel-colored eyes, that even follow me in my dreams, are studying me. He looks like he is somewhere trapped in his mind and even over the distance I can see the worry and anxiety radiating from him. I give him a small tight-lipped smile, which he returns.

Half an hour later we are all gathered at the entrance of the bowl-shaped forested valley, where we’ll hopefully find our dragons or our possible death. I had to promise Violet that I’ll let her go alone but I will definitely stay near her. I won’t take the risk and lose her. She is strong, she has proven herself over the last months, but the way Jack and his entourage look her way … I’ll definitely trust my instincts and follow her through the valley. When it comes to the dragons, there isn’t much I can do, that’s when I’ll leave her.

Dain stands beside her and whispers probably some instructions into her ear. He looks just as worried as I feel about her but even as he knows what she is capable of, he still doesn’t appreciate her strength. Idiot.

When we finally get the go, some of the cadets eagerly run into different directions while others walk slow, unsure into the valley.

Violet is around 50 feet in front of me, so I take a deep breath and start to go after her.

For around half an hour I simply just walk behind her as quietly as possible. A few dragons could be heard in the distance, even cadets screaming. The short girl suddenly halts. “I know you are here” she says, without turning around. My eyes widen. Fuck, she is good. I should have expected that.

“Sorry Vi, but I am not taking the chance and risk your life, without trying to protect you” there is guilt in my voice, but I know, I am doing the right thing.

“You saw me fight these last months, you saw me getting stronger and even then, you still don’t trust me? Don’t trust what I can do? Am I really that weak to you, that you desperately try to protect me? I know you have to do this because of my moth-“

“NO! I do not do this because of your mother! I do this because you are my friend, no, more like a sister! I believe wholeheartedly in you! I am so proud of you and your growth; you have no idea. But I do not trust Jack and his hounds. We both know you all alone have no chance against the four of them. I really just wanna help you” I finish.

For a few minutes she just stands there, looking at me with nothing but adoration. “You know, if we would have been into girls, I would totally kiss you right now” she finally says as we both continue our walk through the valley. I laugh. “But here we are, totally into boys we aren’t allowed to have.”

She snaps her neck my way, wide eyed. Oh, fucking hell. “You what?! You too?!?! Who?”

Shit. Me and my loud mouth. “Well … I mean- maybe- a certain ... cousin … of your … little crush” I stutter, admitting my interest in the handsome male.

Her jaw drops in pure surprise and shock. “HIM?! Oh my-“

We hear a little growl somewhere in front of us. I try to look between the trees and see … something golden? Oh no. Violet seems to have the same thought.

“The feathertail” we whisper simultaneously. We both step forward into the clearing, where we get a better view of the little dragon.

“Gosh, it’s so cute” I whisper. As if the dragon heard me she looks up … offended?

“Oh god, sorry, I didn’t mean to insult you” I say, panic dripping in my voice while Violet snickers quietly beside me.

The dragon looks curious at us both and steps forward when we hear something snapping behind us. Like someone is walking into our direction. I have an extremely unsettling feeling, who that could be. To small and quiet for a dragon, it's definitely a human. More like, a bunch of humans.

“You have to hide or fly away!” Vi whisper shouts to the little golden one. “Go! Fly!” We both run to hide behind the trees, but Vi stumbles over a branch and falls. “Shit Vi, you okay?” I ask her while helping her up. I think I heard a pop but am not sure.

“Damn it, my ankle … go hide” she hisses in agony.

Reluctantly I let her go and hide behind another tree. In the last second, I decide to climb the tree, hovering a bit over Violet and see everything that’s going to happen. And just a few seconds later Jack with his lapdogs come out of the tree line. Shit. I hate when I am right in the wrong situations.

“We have to kill this little thing! It’s a danger for everyone!” Jack says loudly.

Tynan, Oren and Trevor are behind him. While the other three are determined walking to the little golden dragon, Oren looks unsure whether he should join this shitshow. They seriously want to murder a dragon? Are they really that dumb? I can only hope some other dragons are possibly near and hear, what these pathetic humans want to do. Or at least a third year, that could talk some sense into them, even though with Jack there is probably nothing we could do besides throw him into a cell and never let him see the daylight again.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea. What if one if the third years see us” Oren says. “They aren’t allowed to interfere” Jack shrugs.

“You can’t do this!” Violet says loudly, stepping out from behind the tree. Shocked I look down to her. Fucking. Hell. Violet.

I stay seated.

“And why not, Sorrengail?” Tynan sneers. “It’s against everything we stand for and believe in!” Oren still looks unsure about Jacks plan to kill the little dragon.

While they are insulting each other and Violet trying to get the dragon to flee, I feel something prickling in my head. Like … someone tries to ... reach me? I definitely need more sleep. This is getting ridiculous.

‘Oh, so now I am ridiculous?’ a feminine voice says in my head. I- HELLO?!

‘No need to scream, I hear just fine. Just because my ears are old doesn’t mean I am deaf.’

Oh fantastic. It’s sassy.

‘I need to help my friend before I can deal with you!’ I hiss in my head. I need therapy. Is there any therapist in Basgiath?

‘Well now you sound ridiculous.’ I try to ignore her, for now.

“I would advise against trying to do that” a dark voice echoes over the field. On the other side stands our wing leader and behind him, between the trees, shimmer … golden eyes. Sgaeyl. His dragon. And the way her eyes are fixed on the boys in front of Violet tells me how annoyed she is.

“And what if we don’t listen to you? You can’t do anything, Riorson” Jack mocks him. “That may be true, but Sgaeyl isn’t really a fan of bullies” To underline the statement, there is a deep growl echoing through the trees. Oh, she is definitely pissed.

Xadens eyes find mine and he smirks.

“Besides that, it’s not Sgaeyl you should be worried about right now” he says.

“Whatever” Jack growls and leaps forward into Violets direction. She throws a dagger with unbelievable precision into his shoulder and with a shout he goes down. That’s my girl.

While Trevor stays behind, Tynan and Oren attack together. Now I am thankful for the bow and arrows I grabbed as my weapon of choice, because the arrow I aimed landed directly in Tynans thigh. I jump down the tree and join the fight.

“Oh fantastic, the Generals little warrior princess is here too! Have you found yourself a dragon already? Surely Codagh or daddy must have bullied them to claim you!” Jack sneers and runs. First he says THAT again, and in front of the dragons too??? And then he runs? What a coward. But I can’t keep my focus on him when Trevor is attacking me as well. I hear Violet grunting somewhere behind me. Fuck, I need to focus.

‘Watch out!’ the feminine voice shouts in my head. ‘I know’ I growl back.

With my dagger I land a deep blow in Tynans abdomen. He screams in agony as I cut through him. He’ll bleed out if he won’t get any medical treatment. So far, I am completely unharmed.

I join Violets side in front of the golden dragon, to protect the little thing.

‘If she hears you calling her ‘little thing’ she’ll try to bite you’ there she is again. ‘Oh, so it’s a she’

‘Andarnaurram. Andarna for short’

Well thanks?

‘You’re welcome’

Oh, for fucks sake.

“Are you okay, Silver one?” I ask the girl next to me. “I’ll live. Hopefully” she says.

“I won’t let anything happen to you” I growl pissed. During the fight Xaden must have stepped forward, because he is not leaning against his tree anymore. As if he wanted to… to help Vi? Damn, talk about whipped.

Oren lays unconscious in front of us after Vi knocked him out with the grip of her dagger, Tynan stands behind him ready to strike again and Trevor is a bit more far away. My eyes are fixed on him because I know for sure he wants his revenge for the challenge he lost against me.

Suddenly, both of them look ridiculously shocked and Trevor runs into the forest. A dark shadow flies over the field and when I turn around, I flinch violently. The black dragon. He is incredibly big but not as big as the black beast. And he looks pissed. I move out of the way the same time as Violet.

Tynan tries to run away but his thigh is still wounded due to the arrow sticking in it and the blood loss of the wound in his abdomen. The black dragon growls loudly and then … there is fire. In just a few seconds there is nothing but the smell of burning flesh and death in the air.

Xaden and Sgaeyl are long gone.

“I can’t kill an unconscious man!” Violet suddenly says while looking up the dragon. What?!

“Yeah, that surely says something about them but not me.”

Oh. Oh my god. My eyes widen. The dragon, THE black dragon is choosing her! I am a bit jealous of her I have to admit.

‘Excuse me?!’ someone is offended.

‘Well while you are watching your friend bond with Tairn, I am waiting for you! There is a boy here, trying to claim me but I am just bored by him. You think you can finally show up?’ she asks annoyed.

‘What boy?’ I ask curious while I make my way to her. My feelings are leading me through the woods, leaving Violet behind me. Whatever happens now is out of my control. I just hope she can stay seated, or Tairn is catching her if she falls.

‘The one that just ran away from you before Tairn showed up’ she says.

The boy that run- oh HELL NO! Trevor! That is MY dragon, you fucker! I run through the woods as fast as I can to reach them. She chose me, so therefore he can fuck off. I reach the part of the valley, where she leaded me and step forward into the clearing.

‘Oh, now you accept me, little flame?’ she asks amused.

‘Little flame?’ Where does this come from?

‘Your hair is resembling fire’ Ah, makes sense.

And that’s when I see him, Trevor in front of a … massive midnight blue dragon. Amari, she is gorgeous. ‘Thank you, I can say the same about you.’

Furious, the boy turns around and glares at me. This is going to get dirty.

‘Show me, what you are made of and you will never have to fight alone anymore, little flame.’

“Can I ask a question?” Luca says in front of us. Have you ever met the human version of a headache? “Oh, this is going to be good” I whisper annoyed while pinching the bridge of my nose.

Garrick nods, but the ticking of his jaw shows how annoyed he really is. Me too, buddy.

“Third Squad, Tail Section of Fourth Wing already made it through, and I talked to some of them …” “That’s not a damn question” I hiss out.

This is already nerve wrecking without her yapping … why can’t she just shut up? Garrick’s eyes find mine, amusement obvious in them before he turns back to Luca.

“It’s just … some of them said there is a feathertail.” Oh?!

“A f-feathertail?” Tynan shrieks. “Who the hell would want to bond such a thing?”

Amari, please help me survive these idiots. Rhiannon shakes her head in disappointment, but Sawyer looks intrigued. “Professor Kaori didn’t say something about a feathertail” he says. “I have every dragon memorized he showed us, and I didn’t see a feathertail.”

“Nerd” I whisper with a teasing grin. He just shoves my shoulder while smiling. “As if you don’t have everything remembered” he grins back.

“Look. Feathertails don’t bond, so relax. If there is really one, then it is probably just curious. When you are up, stay on the damn path. You don’t walk alone but in your squad. It doesn’t get any easier so whatever you do, not following the rules and instructions for example, you deserve whatever happens to you, kids.”

Well damn, thank you for that. But his “pep-talk” did the job, because everyone is finally quiet. Even Luca, who looks like she is about to shit her pants.

A woman I’ve seen a few times around steps forward and ushers us to stand in one line. I am at the very back, Ridoc in front of me. “Talk” she orders.

“Nice day for presentation” Ridoc jokes. I choke out a laugh. “Yeah, the air is nicely fresh with a lingering smell of death” He joins my snickering.

Sawyer in front of Ridoc shakes his head in disbelief.

“You two need to be studied because how the fuck can you two always be so …” he struggles to find the right word. “Unhinged” Garrick.

“Yes right. So fucking unhinged in the wrong situations?”

We look at each other, then back at our curly haired friend. We shrug. “Amari, give me patience” Garrick mutters while stepping away, shaking his head in disbelief just like Sawyer did moments prior.

“See you after the stroll” the senior wingleader says and steps to the side, revealing the dirt path leading through the vale. Let’s go into the dragon’s den.

The first dragons we pass after a few minutes are red ones, three of them. They’re incredible huge but nothing beats the black beast.

“I can’t see their tails” Tynan shouts from the front. Is he dumb? “Yeah, let’s go, scream into their faces. I am sure they’ll like that” I murmur sarcastically, loud enough for Ridoc to hear me. He snorts but doesn’t turn around.

“I need to figure out which one I am going to approach during Threshing” he shouts again. Amari, give him brain please.

“There is not a single reason why he should bond a dragon. He would get us all killed before he figures out how to get on top of one” Ridoc snaps. I try to surpass a laugh but don’t say anything against it, because he is right.

While Ridoc and Sawyer are talking about who they’d like to bond I let my gaze wander around, accidentally making eye contact with an orange one. Bowing my head, I turn away.

“What the hell?” Tynan, again. “What now fucker?” I hiss to myself.

Violet and Tynan are bickering in the front while everyone stares to the right. What-Oh.

At the end of the line is a tiny yellowish, no – golden, dragon. That must be the cutest little thing I’ve ever seen. “Maybe it’s a mistake” I hear Sawyer say. “Maybe it’s a baby orange.”

Suddenly he lunges at Tynan, grabbing his collar while he hisses something in his face.

“What the fuck is going on up there” I ask Ridoc. “I think Tynan said something to Violet about her being weak and that she should bond the little dragon. Matching her weakness.” he whispers.

Oh gods, he really has no shame.

“Someone should kill it before it bonds” Tynan chokes out, not noticing the feathertail swinging it’s head into his direction. Is it glaring at him? Cute. “Someone should kill you for being disrespectful in front of dragon’s” I hiss at him.

We get back into formation and start walking again. Aaand … Luca is complaining again. Or more like insulting the dragons. And hasn't even been five minutes. Violet and her talk about folklore and about wyvern.

“You don’t know what a wyvern is?” Rhiannon asks with a dumbfounded face. Lucas face is beet red when I catch sight of her, obviously embarrassed.

“Don`t be ashamed of yourself Luca. That`s your parents’ job” I call in her direction, making her gasp, offended. The two boys in front of me can’t hold their laughter.

We are walking near a set of reds who kind of look annoyed. Shit, time to shut up if I want to live. One of them steps a foot forward and open its mouth.

“Fuck” I curse as fire streams through the air into Rhiannon’s direction. Ridoc gasps audibly. The scent of sulfur and … death fills the air as everyone holds their breath.

‘Please don’t be Rhiannon. Please don’t be Rhiannon’ I beg quietly in my mind.

The red one steps back to his prior place and I look to the side, hoping it wasn’t- “You okay, Rhi?” Violet calls forward. “Yes, but Pryor…” she answers with a shaking voice. Thank god, it wasn’t her who got incinerated.

“Oh my god, the smell” Luca complains again which makes Violet turn around furiously. “Do you even have a sense of decency?” she spits, not noticing the two greens stepping in her direction.

“Violet” Ridoc whispers horrified. The girl immediately turns around and comes face to face with the dragons. She bows her head, and I can see her lips moving, talking to them when they start sniffing her. Oh… The armor! Teines scales! I could kiss Mira right now.

They sniff some more while Violet still talks to them and then they are retreating. Before I can ask her if she is okay, I feel something … different.

It’s like a lingering presence at the entrance of my mind. I subtly let my eyes scan over the dragons and the path but can’t notice anything different. The presence still there.

When I make eye contact with the red one from before it looks interested. A loud grumble interrupts us, and I think I see its eyes widening for a second but that could be my mind playing tricks on me.

I didn’t even notice another squad member being torched, only when we are out of the vale I notice Luca missing. Sawyer confirms my suspicions.

“She got … incinerated.”

“Thank god, finally” I breathe out in relief but snort the next second and slap my hand over my mouth as my squad members (minus Tynan) break out in loud laughter. Garrick looks at me in disbelief, again.

I understand her frustration and annoyance. The chimney and probably the wooden ramp afterwards are giving her troubles. She can’t really reach the walls of the chimney due to her body missing centimeters.

The Gauntlet looks menacing in the sun.

“I mean, we all know that your size isn’t helpful- “ “Why thank you!” she whisper shouts offended. “BUT- I may have an idea how you’ll get up to the top!” I smirk. Now I have her attention.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Presentation day. Probably the third deadliest day for first-years in the quadrant, right after conscription and Threshing. I tone out the others around me as I stare up the obstacle. Up there is the flight field. Up there are the dragons. I can feel the anxiety creeping through me as my breath starts to quicken.

“Nervous?” a deep but soothing voice pulls me out of my thoughts. I didn’t even notice when Liam stepped beside me.

“Yeah, a bit” I admit quietly. There is no use in trying to be strong right now. You can be an excellent fighter but one wrong step and it’s over. It could happen to the best of us.

“I think you’ll do just fine. You are certainly a badass and from what I’ve heard, you didn’t had a single misstep. You probably can do this with your eyes closed” he chuckles.

“I mean, I already had Gauntlet training even before I entered the quadrant. Father made me do it under his watchful eyes. But now that it’s finally the day that will partly decide our future … I am not so sure of my skills anymore” I say. He hums but doesn't say anything.

“But the same goes for you. I believe you’ll get the patch just as easily as everything else. Do you even consider taking second place?” We snicker till Violet takes her place on my other side; Dain right next to her.

“I don’t think I can watch” he admits quietly. “Then close your eyes.” Violets answer is just as soft as the breeze that runs through our braids.

It’s time.

Over an hour later I stand next to Rhiannon and Ridoc on top of the cliff, trying to catch my breath as I finished just seconds ago. Not a single misstep. And I think I outdid my previous times, because the way Xaden looks up from the stopwatch, impressed, makes me think I am almost as good as Liam.

Violet is currently climbing the rope up next to the chimney, as our friends, myself included, cheer for her.

“Can she do that?!” someone complains from the back.

As she pulls herself up with what’s left of her strength, I think about what comes next. That will earn her complains, for sure.

“Come on Violet! You know what to do!” I roar from the top as I walk over to the edge, crouching down on one of my knees, ignoring the confused glances that are thrown my way.

She unsheathes a dagger she brought with her to the quadrant and takes place, far enough from the wooden ramp to run as fast as she can. For just a short moment she looks up, finding my glare on her. She knows I believe in her.

And then – she runs.

When she reaches the point we talked about, a scream breaks out of her as she rams her dagger into the ramp. With the very last bit strength she has in her she pulls herself over the edge with the help of her dagger and yanks it free. She fucking did it.

I catch Xadens impressed gaze over the heads of the other cadets until his eyes meet mine and the usual closed-off face takes place again.

Rhiannon and I are beside our friend in no time and pull her into a tight hug, Ridoc and Sawyer joining us.

“You made it” Rhi breathes in relief. “Luck. And adrenaline.” Vi rasps out. “Doesn’t matter, I take that over anything right now. You fucking did it, Silver one.” I say, a big proud grin on my face, mirroring hers.

“Cheating” someone yells enraged behind us.

Turning around, I see Amber Mavis, a wingleader and Dains little friend from last year, storming over to our own wingleader. But Garrick is faster and puts himself between his friend and the strawberry-blonde girl. While Amber looks like she is about to burst from her rage, Xaden just sits bored on the stones. God, it’s just so funny how unbothered he is. I could laugh right now.

“The cheater used foreign materials! Twice!” she yells. “This can’t be tolerated! We live by the rules or we die by them!”

That makes me scoff. “Of fucking course. No wonder Dain used to fuck her. I bet they even have rules for that too” I murmur, not expecting to be heard but the chocked-out laughter proves me otherwise. Liam stands around five feet away from me but he clearly heard what I said, because when I look at him I can see how much he struggles to keep his laughter inside. I smirk.

They bicker for a few more minutes and when Violet starts quoting the codex to Amber, it’s over for me. And Ridoc. Both of us step back behind our squad to get our laughter under control.

I fucking love this girl.

When the last two of our squad made it to the top, the winner of the Gauntlet patch (who is quite obvious) is announced.

“Liam Mairi. Second Squad, Tail Section, Fourth Wing. Congra- oh. Wait a second.” Xaden stops and turns around to the other wingleader (minus Mavis as she is still sulking) with the roll and they start to discuss something.

Furrowing my brows, I turn to Violet to see she is just as confused as everyone else. She is still holding her shoulder in pain but puts a brave face on.

The leader are talking for a few more minutes till they all turn back around and focus their gazes – on me?

“It seems to be that we have two winners this year. Both of them have the exact same time crossing the obstacle, which is a premiere. Like I already said, Liam Mairi and … Arya Melgren. Second Squad, Flame Section, Fourth Wing. Congrats to the both of you. You bring great joy to your wing.” Xaden finishes.

I - Huh?!

Confused I turn to Liam. “How in the actual fuck was I just as fast as you?!” Even the confusion is confused.

But the handsome blonde male just laughs out loud.

It made me realize how time works at Basgiath. Some of us have more, some of us less. And out of our group, Aurelie was the first one to meet Malek way to early. It makes me so incredibly sad, and angry, and devastated. And I fear for Violet. One short moment is enough – and she could be gone as well.

*Flashback*

Stunned and in utter disbelief, I look down where Aurelie’s broken body lays.

Aurelie, who was looking forward to the training and presentation. Aurelie, who was looking forward to Threshing and having her own dragon. Aurelie, who wanted to make her father and brother proud. Aurelie, who was always in a good mood and tried to help everyone of us as much as she could.

And now she is dead. Gone. Forever.

I slowly pick myself up, trying to hide the violent shaking, a high-pitched ringing in my ears. I can’t hear Violets scream, or Ridocs, or Trinas. Can’t hear Tynan’s nasty laugh.

The only thing I notice is Lucas’s heavy breathing behind, maybe still in disbelief too, to what she just did.

My body fills with anger, and pain, and pure rage.

Furious, I whip around, facing the blonde girl, who looks extremely terrified at the moment. Fear is radiating from her. I know how I must look like right now … dilated pupils, pitch black. A nasty snarl on my face, teeth bared. I think, I look like a feral animal, but can’t bring myself to care.

“Are you actually, totally fucking stupid?! I could have reached her. I could have FUCKING CATCHED HER FOR FUCKS SAKE! WHAT IS YOUR FUCKING PROBLEM?!” I roar, struggling to form full sentences in my rage.

There is talking above us, but I don’t bother listening.

“SHE WAS OUR FUCKING SQUADMATE, YOU STUPID IDIOT!! WHY ARE YOU PULLING SUCH SHIT?!” My roar echoes from the mountains, pretty sure you can hear it in the college as well.

“I- she- you have to understand …” she stutters.

The rage is clouding my mind. Racing towards her, I grab her collar harshly, choking her in the process and pull her into my face. She claws at my hand, trying to get air into her lungs.

“You can be fucking happy I am not in a killing mood or else you would lay down there with her” I spit out. “Every bone broken, splattered on the gravel. If you ever do shit like this again, I will kill you myself, with my bare hands, slowly and painfully. Without any witnesses. Squad mates be damned, since you clearly didn’t care as well.”

With that, I let her go and push her away, turning on my heel and start finishing the course. After a few more minutes I finish successfully and reach the top. I immediately take Violets shaking form into my arms, comforting her.

*Flashback ends*

When morning formation ends, we get ready to go to our classes, but Dain stops us.

“Okay … I know we lost one of us yesterday and that some of you were close with her, but this tension is almost suffocating. What the fuck happened, that everyone acts like scared chickens?” he asks us, brows furrowed, clearly frustrated with the behavior of his squad.

I notice that almost everyone in Fourth Wing is lingering, trying to catch some gossip. Our wingleader and his minions too. My friends look around anxiously, but no one says anything. Violet shifts on her feet while Ridoc and Sawyer share awkward glances, the second and third years looking just as confused as Dain, having no clue what happened yesterday. Seems like no one said anything after yesterday’s actions.

The moment Tynan lay his eyes on my tense form, Dain looks at his face and follows his line of sight, sighing deeply when he finds me.

Oh, I dare him to blame anything on me. I’ll actually tear him a new one, if he starts shit with me now.

Raising a brow, he asks “What did you do?”

When my heated glare finds his eyes, he flinches visibly. Good, don’t even try asshole. I am in the mood to punch someone, even if it’s my squad leader. I am sure, Xaden wouldn’t stop me.

Rhiannon clears her throat, gaining the attention of the others. “Well, Aurelie’s fall was an accident” Violet turns her head to the side “but … Arya could have caught her.”

I feel the eyes of more than one hundred cadets on me and it annoys me. Knowing what everyone thinks, I just take a deep breath, mentally preparing for what’s to come.

Imogen lifts an eyebrow. “And why haven’t you?”

My eyes find hers. “I don’t know. Maybe you should ask the annoying blonde next to you.”

Said girl looks up and flinches terrified when she looks at me, letting out a high-pitched squeak.

“Luca? What did you do?” Heaton is the one asking her, intrigued to where the conversation will lead. She mumbles to herself.

“Talk!” I order her loudly, making her and some of the other cadet’s flinch, again.

“I slammed Arya to the ground, so she couldn’t reach her” she says louder. “But then she attacked me!” Luca accuses me.

A sarcastic laugh finds its way out. “You deserve so much worse” I hiss. “Wait” a second year from Tail Section speaks up, “that was you yesterday? The roaring that echoed from the cliffside?!” she asks. I nod.

“Yes, and she choked me” Luca whines.

“Hardly, you don’t even have any bruises, so quit whining like a soon to be slaughtered pig.” I don’t even try to hide the annoyance in my tone. She has no idea what choking feels like. When you try to fight for your life, while someone wants to kill you with their bare hands.

“You threatened to kill me as revenge!”

I scoff. “Revenge is beneath me” pausing, a murderous glint finds its way into my eyes “but … accidents happen.” Gulping hard, she turns to our squad leader for help.

“Okay enough! We can’t change that Aurelie is dead. But you won’t kill your squad mates. That’s against the Codex.” Of fucking course. Chuckling fills the rotunda, most of the cadets amused by his statement.

“In my defense, my dearest squad leader, I simply do not vibe with the Codex.” I spit out. He really has the audacity to look offended.

Someone chokes out a laugh on my right side. My eyes find the gorgeous brown ones of Bodhi and I can see the amusement in them. And … a proud glint?

Next to him stands his cousin. He looks like he has no idea if he should laugh or glare at me, it’s kind of a mix. Garrick Tavis, our section leader, stands on Xadens other side and he doesn’t bother to hide his amusement.

Today starts the Gauntlet training and currently, we are standing in front of the … menacing obstacle course, how Violet calls it. Said girl takes her place next to me and looks up to the top horrified. And while Rhiannon shares the sentiment, Aurelie looks fucking excited.

“I’ve been waiting years for this day!” she grins widely.

She explains how her father used to set up obstacle courses all the time and how she and her older brother trained for this. She also explains, what we have to look out for while running through this.

I observe every death trap we have to cross in order to get to the top. My heart rate picks up, even though I’ve run this more than once and am familiar with this. Father made me train this and every time he came back to Basgiath I had to show him, how much process I’ve made. And all that in secret, without prying eyes around me.

“Still not sure why they call it the Gauntlet” Ridoc says next to me, shivering from the morning cold, while the sun is still set behind the mountains.

“To ensure dragons keep coming to Threshing by weeding out the weaklings” Tynan sneers from the other side while sending a pointed look in Violets direction. Fucking. Asshole.

“Knock it the fuck off” Ridoc snaps at him, earning himself the attention from the rest of our squad. Surprised and a smirk waiting to lift on my lips, I watch the situation in front of me unfold.

“What’s your problem?” Tynan asks, trying to be intimidating in front of our dark-skinned friend. He is as intimidating as a slide of molded bread as Ridoc is way taller and wider than him.

“My problem? Just because you are one of Barlowes lapdogs you think you can be an asshole to your own squad mates?” Ridoc states. They bicker front and back till Sawyer has heard enough and shuffles between them, trying to calm the situation.

He starts to explain, why they measure the time you need to get up the Gauntlet, since he survived it last year. “Little bitter, are we?” Tynan asks smirking.

“Can I punch him?” I ask no one in particular, earning a few chuckles and a lighthearted laugh from Sawyer, looking gratefully in my direction when I am coming to his defense.

Professor Emetterio arrives and starts explaining the function of the course.

“Sawyer, you’ll start and show your squad mates how it’s done. Then Pryor, Trina, Tynan, Rhiannon, Ridoc, Violet, Aurelie, Arya and Luca.”

“Great,” Luca murmurs, “so she can push me down.” Rolling my eyes, I ignore her and take my place into the formation.

“You are the only squad to fully remain intact since Parapet. Your squad leader must be proud” Emetterio walks past us.

“Aetos is especially proud of Sorrengail” Tynan sneers again, earning a high-pitched giggle from the annoying blonde behind me.

“You want to talk shit about me, fine. Do it. But leave Dain out of this” Violet hisses. My girl is gaining confidence. They grow up so fast, I think amused.

“Like it doesn’t bother any of you that our mighty squad leader is fucking one of us” the boy asks in the group, offended.

“I’m not-“ Vi starts but I don’t let her finish, heard enough of him.

“Look, buddy, you crave some attention and affection from our squad leader, I am pretty sure you can ask Dain yourself, if he could fuck you. Seems to me that you are quite jealous of Violet, that she gets all of his attention.” I say, glaring in his direction.

And while Ridoc and the rest of our group, besides the offended boy and Luca, starts laughing loudly, Tynan turns deep red, clearly embarrassed.

He opens his mouth to reply, but our professor gives the signal to start the Gauntlet.

“Any words, Sawyer?” he asks our friend.

Said boy lets out a deep sigh. “There are ropes every six feet that run from the top of the cliffside to the bottom. So, if you start to fall, reach out and grab a rope. It’ll cost you thirty seconds, but death costs you more.” So much more.

Violet whispers to Trina when a heavy chunk of granite tumbles down. And after that, Sawyer is off. And off he goes. Not a single misstep, no balance problems. None. He is simply fantastic. He faces the giant ramp and sprints forwards. He uses all of his strength to pull himself over the edge to the top and into safety.

Rhi and Vi cheer loudly for him while I look up impressed. He is really fucking good. He could easily earn the Gauntlet patch, if it weren’t for a certain blonde hulk of a cadet in Tail Section. Liam Mairi is a beast through and through. He’ll easily beat everyone.

I bet that Sawyer will bond a dragon this year and I’ll lose any hope if not.

Emetterio praises him. And then Pryor is off, struggling hard on his way.

Violet struggles too, I already predicted that, but she is fast, wicked fast.

After her, Aurelie is on her way and you can clearly see the training she has in her bones.

I give her around twenty seconds and then I make my way to the first point. I can hear the others encouraging each other but I try to focus on myself, still having father’s words in my ears. “We’ll see us after Threshing when you’ll have your dragon.” And if I don’t even make it to Presentation, then he’ll haunt me even if I am meeting Malek early.

Shouting sounds from above and just in time I see Violet slamming into the rocks, clearly dazed after the hit. My heart starts beating faster, adrenaline is rushing through my veins. Shit.

“Come on Silver one, you’ve got this!” I roar up to her. She blinks through the pain and gains her composure back. Her and Aurelie land on the gravel path.

I take a deep breath through my nose. She is alright, for now.

I am in front of the giant buoy balls and jump on the first one. It rotates slightly and I take the chance and leap onto the next one. Not wanting to slip and fall to my possible death, I immediately jump over the next ones too and land on the gravel path that leads me to the giant metal rods. Luca is struggling behind me, but I pay her no attention.

I am directly under the rolling logs and see Violet crossing them successfully.

“Violet, here I come!” Aurelia shouts. She starts good but then a roar sound from above and while Violet is distracted by the Green Daggertail that fly’s over our heads, Aurelie slips on the fifth post. She cries out and rolls of the log, Violet too far away from her to catch her.

“Aurelie!” Shouting erupts from the top.

I sprint forward, desperately trying to catch her. I can reach her. I can grab her when she is near and pull her into safety. Hold her off from falling. I can-

A body slams into my back and I am tackled to the ground. Aurelie passes me, screaming loudly, while I hang limp over the edge. Shocked, the air freezes in my lungs as I watch her with wide eyes fall into her death, having a direct view on her terrified face.

She slams on the last buoy ball with murderous force, clearly breaking her neck and possibly every bone in her body, and falls on the gravel path down.

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.

Every challenge since then I won too, without getting them unconscious, on behalf of my dearest Squad Leader, Dain. I am good but I shouldn’t overdo it, those were his words. And while every other cadet can beat the shit out of their opponents and can fight properly, I am not allowed. I gave him a piece of my mind for that, because it’s truly bullshit. I think he is just afraid I would accidentally kill them. Alone for the last month there were twenty more names of first years on the death roll, mostly thanks to challenges.

I fought against a smaller girl from Second Wing. She practically reeked of fear when she stepped on the matt, but she was the one challenging me. I did what I had to do.

The next one was a tall, stocky guy from First Wing. Trevor Laine, one of Barlowes little lapdogs. He challenged me as well and the match lasted longer than I wished for. He got a few good hits, but it was my final move that got him down.

*Flashback four weeks prior*

“Trevor Laine and…” there is a short break, “Arya Melgren”. Emetterio looks a bit unsure in his notebook.

We take our place on the matt and look at each other. He is tall, around 6’0’’ and has a good number of muscles but apparently … he has a loudmouth too.

“Bow before your champion!” he shouts and cheers mostly from First Wing echoes through the gym but Third and Fourth Wing don’t entertain him.

“I’d rather jump from the Parapet than bow to you” I snort while waiting for him to get ready so we can finally start.

“It will be a pleasure to beat the shit out of you and have you struggling under me.” A disgusted shiver runs down my body when his gaze and eyes practically undress me.

“That’s disgusting” I hear someone say from behind, but I don’t have time to react because Trevor moves forward, ready for the first attack.

I move out of the way and land a hard punch against his kidneys, making him double over but he regains his composure fast. He unsheathes a dagger, way too small for his figure, and charges at me again, holding it up in a striking position. I can block the attack, but his blade catches my arm. Ignoring the sting I jab him against his wrist, making him loose the dagger, and land a punch under the junction of arm and collarbone, paralyzing his arm temporally.

Confusion is written on his face when he can’t move his arm properly. The confusion is quickly replaced with rage. “You bitch!” Unsheathing another blade, he charges again with me dodging the attack for a second time, knocking the blade out of his hand again but he can land a hard punch at my face. The sting hurts like hell because of the power behind his punch but the next move is mine.

My fist connects with his cheek in a hard strike and I use his disorientation to go for another one. Lifting my right leg, I kick into his knee and with a painfilled shout he goes down on one knee, his other one definitely damaged. Ignoring the cheering of my squad in the back, I take a step back, asking him if he taps out but all I get is a frustrated growl and a shake of his head. Shrugging my shoulders, I hit him in the face again with a well-placed roundhouse kick. He falls down on the matt completely, on the verge of losing consciousness.

“Do you yield?” I ask again, my squad cheering louder behind me.

He barely nods and taps the matt three times. Bending down, I take the smaller knife to place it into the empty space at my right thigh. The victory is mine.

*Flashback ends*

I won the next two challenges after this without any problems.

Violet is currently standing on the matt, nervous because we both saw her opponent, Rayma Corrie from Third Wing, brought to the healers, unsteady on her legs. She poisoned her to early. Emetterio confirms, that Rayma is in no position to challenge today.

“That’s too bad,” Violet says. “Should I just- “she starts but is interrupted by a deep, dark voice. “I am happy to step in.”

Xaden. My eyes widen and Ridoc gasps loudly next to me. Our wingleader finds his place in front of Violet, who looks like she is about to throw up. This is bad, really bad.

“How much do we bet, that Dain is trying to prevent that?” I whisper to Ridoc. He just snorts but gives me a knowing look. Dain is way too smitten and whipped for her but it’s not like Xaden will or can kill her.

“A little out of her league, don’t you think?” Dain argues from the sideline.

Ridocs loud laugh echoes through the gym but he quickly slaps a hand over his mouth when he earns the attention from the others. I grin.

“Relax, Ateos. She’ll be in one piece when I’m done teaching her” Xaden muses.

“That sounds so wrong” I whisper in amusement and hear a chuckle behind me. Turning my head, I catch the eyes of Liam and … Bodhi. Before I can blush, my name is called through the gym.

“Cadet Melgren!” That voice.

I whip my head back around to see my father’s right hand at the entrance. No, fuck! He is already back?! He wasn’t supposed to be back here, not before Threshing!

I tense violently, eyes wide open and jaw dropped and I barely notice Ridoc and Sawyer step next to me, tensing too. The older man nods once and that is my sign. ‘Follow me’ it says. “Fuck” I mutter under my breath but move forward.

I call out to my friends. “We see us at dinner.” Hopefully. My dark-skinned friend looks way too serious, I’ve never seen him like this before and I hate it.

Moving around I catch Violets worried eyes, ignoring the curious onyx eyes of our wingleader.

“Kick his ass, silver one” but said girls answering grimace says it all. She’ll lose and I am not here to help her up afterwards. I can only hope for Rhiannon and our two idiots to stay with her.

I can’t believe he would say such things, especially to her considering who her father is and that he could punish him with just a snap of his finger. He is one of the most powerful men on the continent after all.

Thinking that Jack would have more braincells proved to be wrong.

I watch Arya storm out of the room when the bells ring and Professor Kaori follows her figure with his eyes, still looking pale and worried. He pivots and faces Barlowe, fury taking over his face.

“How dare you insult another cadet like that? And a Melgren after all! You have no idea what you have done. You should be careful with your words and actions, Cadet, before she’ll take revenge. Her threat wasn’t just a threat … she is capable of things you can’t even imagine. She is just as powerful without her father breathing down her neck. This threat was a promise” he finishes his lecture.

If this whole situation wouldn’t be so serious and fucked up, I would laugh out loud about Jacks fearful expression.

I gather my things and walk out in the hallway, coming face to face with Xaden, Garrick, Bodhi and Imogen, all of them looking confused down the hallway. Xaden notices me first, his brows hitting his hairline, curiosity in his eyes.

“What happened that Melgren was literally sprinting down the corridors with nothing but rage radiating from her?” my wingleader asks.

“Barlowe” I say, noticing said cadet steps out of the classroom, finding my glaring eyes watching him. He flinches slightly and scrambles down the hallway. “What did he say?” Imogen asks with a furrow of her brows.

“That no dragon would choose her on their own because she is ‘pathetic’ and General Melgren would manipulate Threshing or his dragon will threaten some of the other dragons to choose her as their rider” I whisper so other cadets doesn’t hear what happened.

Even though the most horrible man on this continent is her father, she is nothing like him. She is … nice and funny. She cares about her squad (minus Luca but she is just annoying), helping them with academics and challenges because if we’re being honest … she is incredibly tough.

My friend’s heads snap into my direction, disbelief in their eyes. “Amari, and in front of Kaori too?” Garrick asks wide eyed. I nod.

“What was her answer? Because we all know that she will never ignore such an insult” Bodhi says, crossing his arms in front of him. I chuckle nervously, rubbing my neck with one hand while trying to form the words that left the red-haired women a few minutes ago. To be honest, she impressed me with her threat and Kaori’s reaction confirmed that she meant what she said. The next time she’ll kill him.

“Uhm, you know … she said “please, say that one more time and I shall have you beheaded.””

Garrick breaks out in loud laughter, Xaden looks unbothered but I can see his mouth twitching, trying to hide his smirk. Imogen and Bodhi both chuckles. “Yeah, I can totally see her doing that” Garrick still laughs while shaking his head.

“Well, Kaori confirmed that the threat was actually a promise and that none of us has any idea what she is capable of.” My words seem to get them to think.

“I mean” Xaden begins “she carries herself with a lot of confidence.”

“Yeah, we saw in assessment what she can do and that it doesn’t matter how tall or buff her opponent is. She is a beast on the mat, and I am pretty sure she even could take us down or at least hold the fight for as long as possible.” the section leader says, looking at my older foster brother.

“I still can’t believe she took that guy out with only two punches” Imogen mutters, reliving the memory in her head.

I still remember how we all stared dumbfound and in disbelief at her when she took down her opponent in assessment. Two punches- one on the nose, one in the upper cheek/jaw, and then he went down. Unconscious.

“We need to be careful with her being around. I best believe that the general has something to do with her being assigned to Fourth Wing. She has to observe us, I am sure about that. What we are doing. I will not risk anything so be careful and take care. She is dangerous!” Xaden orders while we make our way to today’s challenges.

And while Xaden will punch me for this in foreseeable future, I actually want to get to know her more, what her history is.

Looking over my friends I notice Bodhi is lost in his thoughts, a closed off look adorning his face. I know he finds her as interesting as I do, maybe even more because she is gorgeous and his type after all. But he would risk everything they build up over these past months and years by getting involved with her like that.

“Nah, I think the way our girl here described the way his shadows felt around her is her admitting how she want to be handled in bed- ““OKAY! Stop that now please!” And now she is beet red. Rhi and I burst out laughing while the others around us find their seats, Sawyer and Ridoc taking their usual spots next to me while looking confused by our laughter.

“Can you people be any louder?” a feminine voice sneers in front of us. When I look forward, I meet Luca’s eyes who looks as annoyed as I feel by her presence. “Some of us are trying to study” she continues with a roll of her eyes.

Studying? Her? The past lessons, no matter the class, she asked the most unimportant and actually dumbest questions.

“What color was the dragon that was attacked?” “Do you think gryphons could be trained to spit fire?”

Like- what the actual fuck?

Ridoc snickers to himself while thinking the same. The second and third years are walking by and Imogen is giving the girl in front of us the nastiest side eye I have ever seen.

I make eye contact with the boy behind her. Bodhi Durran, Xaden’s cousin and probably the most beautiful man on the continent. He is incredibly handsome with dazzling brown eyes and tawny brown skin. I would pay a good money to get a chance to stroke my hand through his thick black curls adorning his head just once. Violet said his features reminds her of Xadens, and while I see what she means, I think Bodhi is divine in his own way. His smile is lovely, and he holds himself with so much confidence and grace, I am jealous of everyone that can call themselves his friend. My father would kill me if he could hear me right now.

Before I can start to blush, I cast my eyes forward to Luca.

“You know Luca, if stupid could fly, you definitely wouldn’t need a dragon, and everyone could live a bit more peaceful here without your annoying ass.” My smirk is downright devilish, but it serves its purpose – she is offended. Sawyer loses it and Ridoc starts laughing too. Violet and Rhiannon giggle to themselves.

Luca rolls her eyes again and opens her mouth to say something, but I am faster. “Keep rolling your eyes. Maybe you’ll find a brain back there.” I need to get my sassy side under control before it backfires in the form of my father.

Laughter fills the hall and the boys next to me gasping for air while trying to get their hollering under control. I can even see Dain trying to fight of a smile, as he walks past us. He finds her just as annoying as everyone else does.

Lucas cheeks redden with embarrassment and she finally turns back around.

The boys are still laughing but it’s a raspy chuckle behind me that gains my attention. Turning my head slightly to the left I make eye contact with the blue ones of cadet Liam Mairi, Tail Section in Fourth Wing, Second Squad. He surprises me by giving me an amused smile and wink to which I just chuckle lightly and turn back after Violet jabs her elbow in my ribs because Devera entered the hall.

After Battle Brief our next lesson is with Professor Kaori, one the only Professor after Devera and Emetterio I kind of like and respect. As an illusionist his signet allows him to project whatever he sees in his mind.

“Red Scorpiontails, like Ghrian here, are the quickest to temper. Keep that in mind, when you approach one at Threshing and better decide fast if you need to run.” The projection of a massive red dragon in the middle of the room shows just a fraction of its actual size. The reds can be vicious, I’ve already met one when I was with the General at the Samara Outpost.

“So if you offend him, you are-“ “Lunch” Ridoc interrupts him from next to Violet. I chuckle but it’s true. You better do your best to avoid them.

“So, what is the best way to approach them?” Professor Kaori asks the class. “They like it more when you approach them from the left and front, if possible” I answer.

“That’s right. This year there are three Red Scorpiontails willing to bond of they find their match.” He switches the image to another dragon.

“How many dragons are there in total?” Rhiannon asks. We are all looking forward to Kaori with excitement, nervous about what the answer will be.

“A hundred for this year.” My brows hit my hair line. That’s thirty-seven fewer than last year!? Shit, that will get bloody when Threshing arrives. There could be a lot less after Presentation, two days before Threshing, and the dragons will change their minds after seeing the cadets for this year. I mean … I would understand them, some of these cadets are pathetic, physically and mentally.

“…but I am not about to lie to you and say that we’re not seeing increased breaches when you know from Battle Brief that we are.” I catch the rest of Kaori’s answer. It’s frightening how fast the wards are faltering and I tense every time when Devera starts the daily Battle Brief.

A massive navy-blue dragon appears in the middle. Sgaeyl, Xaden’s dragon.

“No blue dragon is willing to bond this year, so you don’t have to worry about how to approach one, but you need to recognize Sgaeyl if you see her” Kaori says.

“So, you can fucking run” Ridoc drawls. The others laugh, but it’s true too. No one with any common sense and brain would even dare to look at her direction or approach her with or without her rider by her side. Xaden is ruthless but Sgaeyl … you better find somewhere else to be because she is downright malicious, as my father would describe her. She is a beast through and through.

“There are other blues in active service and all of them are intimidating, but Sgaeyl is the most powerful of them all” he adds in a serious tone. No wonder she bonded Xaden. They are the most powerful dragon rider duo of our generation.

“What about the black dragon?” a first year from First Wing asks. “I want that one” Jack says with excitement shining in his eyes.

“Oh, hell no!” I say out loud, turning some heads in my direction, Jacks included. He is glaring with a mix of hatred and amusement in my direction.

“Not that it is going to matter” Professor Kaori interrupts our glaring contest with a flick of his wrist and then there is … Codagh. I avert my eyes immediately to the side and turn my head, which doesn’t go unnoticed by Violet, her concerned eyes finding mine. Besides my father, she is the only other person who knows my history with the black beast. I catch Liams gaze over her head and while he looks confused by my reaction, I can also see … concern? I give him a reassuring smile, or more like a grimace since I am confused myself. Why is a marked one, especially a Mairi, concerned about my wellbeing?

“But just to appease your curiosity, since it is a bit rare to see him, this is Codagh, General Melgren’s dragon.” I can feel his eyes on me, and sense some heads turning in my direction again. “Ignore them Arya” I repeat to myself mentally.

“And this one” Kaori changes the image to another black dragon “you’ll never get to face again, not in the wild at least. He has a massive Morningstartail with unbendable power.”

“He looks like a killing machine” Jack calls out, still excited.

I notice Violet shifting uncomfortable in her seat. And while I try to blend out the image of this massive dragon that reminds me way too much of my father’s beast, Kaori answers some questions about him.

“… he is one of the deadliest dragons in Navarre.” No one saw him for the past five years since his previous rider, Naolin, died trying to resurrect Brennan Sorrengail in the Battle of Aretia. Father told me about them, how they died for the kingdom, next to each other. How Brennan was killed by Fen Riorson, Xadens father.

“How do you approach him?” Jack demands to know. That’s where I draw the line.

“You especially don’t because the continent doesn’t need a fucking psychopath with a dragon like him. Besides if he would be willing to bond, I am pretty sure that he would be smart enough to choose someone that is not you or even related to you!” I snarl in his direction. There is anger building up in his eyes as he tenses. The cadet next to him sits still, not moving a muscle.

“And what about you, Melgren? Do you really think you’ll be chosen without daddy manipulating Threshing to help you? Or his dragon? I bet Codagh will bully some of the dragons to approach you, because none of them would want a rider as pathetic as you!” he laughs maliciously, expecting the others to join him.

Some of the cadets around us gasp in shock, even Kaori looks greenish. How dare he say something like this?! Violet tenses and whips her head around to face me, worried what I’ll do.

“Please” my glare is as cold as my voice, my eyes practically black right now, like always when I am mad. I can see the effect it has on him, even his squad mates shrink in their seats, avoiding my eyes.

“Say that one more time and I shall have you beheaded.”

My voice dropped a few octaves due to me being enraged, more than that. To insult a cadet like this in this quadrant can cost you your life, even though the world would be a better place without him. He accuses my father of manipulation, which is a capital offense, but accusing Codagh?! If they will ever find this out, Jack is dead. Not because father is protective of me, but because it's a stab at his reputation and position.

Kaori’s still shocked grimace finds his way into my line of sight, eyes wide, mouth agape. He knows the best what I am capable of and that my threat isn’t just a threat, it’s a promise.

Barlowe snaps his mouth shut and his little friend seated next to him looks like he is about to piss himself.

*Earlier*

Imogen sits above Violet and, I don`t know if I am hallucinating, but I see a fucking dagger in her hand! That is against the rules for fucks sake. Thanks to Mira and the armor Violet is gladly unharmed. For now. This is assessment, no power or weapons!

She uses the moment of confusion from Imogen and throws a punch into her cheek. It`s a back and forth between them but Violet again takes a wrong turn and Imogen doesn`t hesitate and is over her again.

“Shit,” Rhiannon curses, “That won’t end well.”

“It was destined to end bad from the beginning. Violet tried, but it was clear that Imogen would not hesitate. Now all that Violet has to do is yield before it ends way more horrible.” I say.

The pink haired girl has way too much anger and pain in her to fight fair. Violet had no chance from the beginning, not when Imogen fights like this.

But I understand her feelings, the pain and anger that still lingers from all those years ago. They all have a reason to hate Violet, or Dain, or me. We are the children of the leadership that is responsible for the death of their loved ones. I would react like this as well, if I had family that loved me and I them.

Violet cries out in pain and with a pop, her shoulder is dislocated. Shit.

“Yield, Violet” Dain yells furiously. And while I absolutely dislike him, I agree now. Vi has to yield.

“Yield” Imogen demands.

But Violet is way too stubborn and it`s Emetterio who orders “She yields. That`s enough!”

It’s to late and the next sound that echoes through the hall is her bone snapping and her pained scream that makes us flinch where we stand.

*Present*

When I step into the infirmary, I can hear Dain and Winifred argue.

“You can’t ask him to mend her” Dain protests. I guess they are talking about Nolon since he is the only mender at Basgiath but … why can’t he be asked to mend Violet?

Winifred answers something I can’t focus on because said mender just walked in next to me.

Surprise takes over his features when he sees me lingering a few steps away from the curtain that shields the three from us.

“Arya, it’s great to see you. It’s been a long time” he greets me with a gentle smile. The dark-skinned older man always was my favorite around here alongside his wife.

“Hi Nolon, yeah it’s been over a year since we met last” I softly smile back.

“What brings you here?” he asks me and whips the curtain back, revealing a slightly drugged Violet, a frowning Dain and an annoyed Winifred.

“Her” I say while fixing my glare on Dain, trying to figure what his problem is.

“She’s with you, Dain?” Nolon sends an accusing look his way to which the squad leader flinches but holds his ground. “I am her squad leader” he tries to defend himself.

“Hm, doing an excellent job, are you?” Nolon replies, sarcasm dripping in his tone.

While Dain explains, how Imogen destroyed Violets shoulder during assessment, I find my way next to said girl and take the hand of her uninjured arm in mine. She gives me a crooked smile, which makes me chuckle. She is way too cute like this, even if she has no idea what’s going on.

“… This is our chance to get her out of the Riders Quadrant while she is still breathing.” Dain says while gesturing furiously.

My head snaps to him, mouth agape. So that’s what he is trying to do? Get her out of here to the scribes? He finds my wide glaring eyes and his hold so much emotion in it, mostly fear. I understand him, but there is nothing I can do.

“Please, Arya. You have to help me on this one. We need her away from the Riders Quadrant to the scribes before it kills her!” he begs me. And while I am still partly with him on this, I can’t help him.

“You know how stubborn she is and besides, it doesn’t matter what we want or try. We have no chance in that matter. General Sorrengail gave her orders and General Melgren is behind her decision. If we try to bring her out of there, she’ll get hauled back in in no time and we will have enough trouble and punishment on us that’ll last us to our third year. We can safe this energy and use it to train her, so she’ll have a real chance!” I finish.

Dain looks incredibly disappointed of my answer and I almost feel sorry for him. I know that he has feelings for her and fears for her safety, hell I do that too, but like I said … nothing we can do.

Violet gifts me a sweet beaming smile because I defend and accept her wishes.

“Thhhanksss” she slurs. Chuckling, I gently stroke her head.

“Please Vi” Dain tries it one last time. “For me- because I didn’t step in fast enough.”

It`s really heartbreaking, the way he looks into her eyes with so much pain and fear.

“I made m-my choice” she murmurs. His shoulders slump down, and with one last glance Nolon sends him back to the quadrant and finds my eyes.

“I am staying by her side.” I’ll go nowhere. He nods in understanding and takes position.

Winifred holds a strap of leather in front of Violets mouth, which she takes between her teeth. It’s going to be incredibly painful. Nolon twists his hand once and Violet screams in pure agony; a second time and she is out cold. I stay by her side till she wakes back up a few hours later.

When we arrive at the barracks most of the cadets are in their sleeping garments and loud chatter fills the hall. Violet and I make our way to our bunks where Rhiannon is already waiting for us.

“You are here” she smiles with relief crossing her face.

“Yeah, we are” Violet assures her, tired even though she slept for a few hours already. Still exhausted from the fight.

“How bad is it?” Rhi asks and while the both of them catch up and are talking about the following weeks including challenges, I change into my pyjama, turning around and help Violet with hers. The serum must have worn off because her face turns into a painful grimace. Taking my place behind her on her bed, curiosity takes over and I look over her shoulder when she pulls a book from under her pillow. “The Book of Brennan” It reads on the first page.

“Oh” I breathe softly, laying my hand gently on her uninjured shoulder as I feel her tense next to me. I rub her shoulder in a soothing manner to calm her down. While Rhiannon studies her history book both Violet and I fall into Brennan’s history at Basgiath so many years go.

“(…) Here’s the secret – if you know where to look and can get out without being seen, you’ll know who you’re fighting so you can prepare.”