- 6/12/2025
Category
🦄
CreativityTranscript
00:00Four days since I've seen Zayden, and he keeps his shields up so frequently that we may as well just start writing letters again.
00:05Carved into a northern rich line just west of the infantry quadrant, the half-door marina is more fighting pit than lecture hall.
00:11It's capable of seating all thousand plus infantry cadets, but this afternoon the magically warm space only holds our squad,
00:16Caroline Ashton's from first wing, and the devastatingly beautiful man standing in the middle of the flat base of the amphitheater,
00:21impatience carved on every line of his face.
00:23I've always loved him in uniform, but there's something about seeing him in tight-fitted sparring gear,
00:27sword strapped across his back, that makes me instantly wish this was a private teaching session.
00:32This is incredible, Sloane says ahead of me, the snow is piled up along the edges, but it feels like summer in here.
00:38Weatherward, Link's guesses, ruffling the melting snow off his short black hair.
00:42I guess there's a little more to it than that, given the way the magic quilted me like a sticky piece of toffee while walking through,
00:47I'm sure weather isn't the only thing we're keeping out.
00:50Shadows brush against my shields as I step out of my winter flight jacket midway down the steps,
00:54and I crack open just enough of my defenses to let Zayden in.
00:57I've missed you, his gaze devours me, but he does a good job of quickly looking away.
01:01Same, I lay my jacket on the first row of stone seats beside my classmate,
01:05leaving me in traditional sparring gear.
01:07Is this where you've been hyped, girl?
01:09Welcome to your first session of segment sparring, in what I like to call the pit,
01:12he announces as we reach the base of the steps.
01:14The floor is laid in an arched cobblestone pattern of various shades, but only 5 or 2 feet are
01:18visible before the mat begins.
01:21Those who can wield, keep your feet on the rock, but, and I cannot stress this enough, off the mat.
01:25Those who cannot, take a seat in the first row.
01:28He gestures to the terrace stone behind us, and to let's move.
01:31If by height be out, you mean constructing incredibly complex walls that might make even
01:34your sister proud, then yes.
01:36And it's not like you've been accessible.
01:38Bodhi says you're either reading with and an hour as a backrest or building alone in the range.
01:42An hour a day, that's what I've promised myself.
01:44No matter how cold it is or how tired I am, I'm on the red line with 10,
01:48practicing smaller, more concise strikes until my arms feel like jelly.
01:51I spend a lot of time in the library, too.
01:54I roll my shoulders, then take my place between the dock and the anon,
01:57keeping two rows back from the mat as I secure the strap of the conduit through the loop on the left side of my waist.
02:01Quest squad may be headed north, but I'm still reading everything I can find on Devorelly,
02:05which isn't nearly enough.
02:06And the tome one dark weird as both Queen Maria and Tikalus have sent,
02:09though there's been no hint of cure or mention of the dragon ever taught you when in like Enden I did.
02:13Maybe it's a good thing I can't spend all my nighttime hours with Zayden,
02:16or I wouldn't be flying through books like I am.
02:18Let's go, it shouldn't be this hard to sort yourselves out.
02:21His gaze won us to mine.
02:23Quest squad.
02:24Redog gave it a nickname and it stuck.
02:26I shriek as the other squad fills in to the right of our third ears,
02:28standing in our mirror image, oldest to the center of the arc.
02:31It also used for his tropical deer soon,
02:33so we've been preparing to get into my parents, I wins.
02:36His quarters.
02:37Need my help, he stands over our line,
02:39no doubt assessing strengths and weaknesses.
02:41No, but I'll let you know if that changes.
02:43I bend my left knee, testing to be sure the rap is still in place.
02:47Doesn't matter how often Brennan bends me,
02:48that particular joint never stays here for long.
02:51Any chance you can sneak away to Chandra this weekend?
02:53We are dragging Sawyer out.
02:55I hope you have a great time,
02:56but watching you across the pod sounds like torture.
02:59His joke is,
02:59I think we had more time together whenever stationed at Samara.
03:03Agreed, but you're safe here.
03:04I take stock of who we have on the floor.
03:06On Rhiannon's right,
03:07Braygen and Nevek,
03:08the third ear of flyers,
03:09stand with Imogen and Quinn,
03:10and to Redogs left a treasure,
03:11that, Marin, Bela.
03:14Avalyn, Sloan, and Kay.
03:15I reckon Lynx are seated behind us,
03:17and it catches me off guard to realize
03:18that all four of the first years in first wings forward are sitting, too.
03:22Dragons are taking their time when it comes to channeling.
03:25Safe is starting to feel overrated.
03:26He looks forward first wing.
03:28You done bossing among yourselves?
03:30We were just saying that we are not sure
03:31someone who graduated less than a year ago
03:33makes the best teacher.
03:34Louran Yashil folds his arms.
03:36The cocky third ear with bright purple locks
03:38is one of the best fighters in their wing.
03:39Oh shit,
03:41Rhiannon whispers.
03:42A corner of my lips rises.
03:44They've earned whatever Zayden is about to dish out.
03:46Let's see if you can take me down and settle that worry right now.
03:50Zayden crooks his fingers.
03:51You are a metallurgist,
03:52right?
03:53My heart quenches,
03:54so I should be here,
03:55too.
03:55I was to to read.
03:56Yeah,
03:56well,
03:57everything I've tried to convince him has failed.
03:59Her mouth tenses.
04:00Shit,
04:01you were doing your best.
04:02I didn't mean,
04:02her shoulders deep.
04:04I know.
04:05Metallurgist,
04:05Louran nods,
04:06so these are nice and sharp.
04:08He walks onto the mat,
04:09drawing the sword from his hip
04:10and a dagger from his waist.
04:12Good for you,
04:12Zayden claps twice
04:13but keeps his feet planted apart on the mat.
04:15I hope they help.
04:17Louran lifts his sword
04:18and circles Zayden to the left.
04:19Are you going to draw a weapon?
04:21We'll see,
04:22Zayden shrubs,
04:23his eyes tracking Louran's movements.
04:24Now do us both a favor
04:25and don't hold back.
04:26Begin.
04:27Louran charges,
04:28and my ribs tighten like a vice around my lungs.
04:30Zayden doesn't move.
04:33Louran runs until he's three feet from Zayden,
04:34then thrusts his sword forward,
04:36kicking his dagger tuck at his side.
04:38My blood catches as Zayden lets the blade
04:40come within inches of his chest,
04:41then side-stucks and slams his left fist
04:42on top of Louran's wrist.
04:44Louran shouts as the sword falls,
04:46but he's already pivoting towards Zayden
04:47before the blade hits the mat,
04:48his left arm swinging in and out
04:50that same did slice of open Zayden's jugular.
04:53Zayden grabs hold of Louran's forearm and spins,
04:55yanking the appendage behind Louran's back
04:56and driving his elbow upward
04:57until Louran cries out in painful frustration.
04:59Then he pucks the dagger from Louran's hand
05:01and releases him with the shove forward.
05:04The fucking nerve on that one,
05:05Redock mutters,
05:06shaking his head.
05:07If he'd waited a second later.
05:09But he didn't,
05:10because he knew exactly what Louran intended.
05:12A slow smile spreads across my face.
05:14I've always loved watching you on the mat.
05:16I know,
05:17Zayden rolls his neck,
05:18I've used it to my advantage a few times.
05:20Of course he has.
05:22Louran stumbles,
05:22but,
05:23to his credit,
05:23immediately turns to face Zayden again.
05:25Zayden flicks the dagger,
05:26and it lodges in the mat between Louran's feet.
05:29You threw too much energy into the charge.
05:31Using brute force instead of effort is a first-year tactic.
05:34He cocks his head to the side
05:35and studies Louran with a look that's almost bored.
05:37Now that we've proven I am capable of kicking your ass
05:39without breaking a sweat or holding steel,
05:41what do you say we get to the point of the class and meal?
05:43Zayden lifts his arms at an innate degree angle,
05:45palms up.
05:46Louran swallows and keeps both eyes on Zayden
05:48as he retrieves his weapons.
05:50Begin,
05:51Zayden orders.
05:52Louran shifts his way,
05:53and there's a definite sheen of panic in his eyes
05:55as he circles Zayden again.
05:57To my utter consternation,
05:58the man I love doesn't even look as Louran creeps around his back.
06:01No,
06:01instead of following his opponent's moves,
06:03Zayden looks my way and fucking wings as Louran attacks from behind,
06:06the sword transforming,
06:07lengthening as he strikes.
06:09In fact,
06:10he holds my gaze unflinchingly until Louran raises his blade a few feet from his neck.
06:14Then Zayden glances down at his left,
06:16with the blade shadow stretches past his boot,
06:18elongated by the afternoon sun,
06:19and lifts a single finger.
06:21The shadow rushes back on Louran
06:22and within a heartbeat wraps around his throat and arm.
06:25Zayden steps to the side as Louran falls to his knees in the very space Zayden had stood,
06:29and the sword falls,
06:30to abandon his Louran grab for Thay.
06:33Shadows tightening around his throat,
06:35his face gloches,
06:35and the other's sword starts to shift uncomfortably
06:37before Zayden drops his hands.
06:40The shadow falls back into position,
06:41and Louran gasps for air.
06:43I'm either completely in love with your boyfriend or utterly terrified of him,
06:46Redog says under his breath.
06:47Not sure at the moment.
06:49Both,
06:50Cat answers from his left.
06:51You can be both,
06:52trust me.
06:53You shouldn't be either,
06:54Traeger matters.
06:55Redog glances my way and rolls his eyes.
06:57I bite back my smile,
06:59I'm never scared of him,
07:00Zayden's eyes find mine,
07:01and my pulse skips,
07:02and he's not my boyfriend.
07:03Ries nods in Redog offers me a sarcastic thumbs up.
07:06Agreed,
07:07Zayden says,
07:08that's far too casual a term for what we are.
07:10His gaze drops to Louran,
07:12who's still heaving for breath on the mat.
07:13Get up.
07:15Louran stablers to his feet
07:16and runs his hand over the purple bruise forming on his throat.
07:19I have two swords and four daggers strapped to me,
07:21Zayden tells him.
07:22And you didn't think to heed them,
07:24twist them,
07:24manipulate them in any way.
07:26I used my sword,
07:27Louran starts.
07:28Foolish choice,
07:29get back to your squad.
07:30Zayden dismisses him,
07:31and Louran retrieves his weapons before retreating.
07:33I'm sure you all noticed the weather ward we have in place
07:35to keep you nice and comfortable for these efforts few lessons,
07:38but what you don't see is that the area of the mat
07:40has been protected by the best sword weavers in Nava.
07:42He fares his hands and shadows run from his feet,
07:45expanding in every direction in a cloud of darkness
07:47that flies toward us,
07:48only to slam against an invisible barrier and flow upward.
07:50They withdraw with a nerving speed,
07:52gearing the air in front of us in a matter of heartbeats.
07:54With only a couple of exceptions,
07:57he glances my way,
07:58whatever you wield will stay between the opponents on the mat,
08:00and I am assured your cigarettes will not leave the amphitheater
08:02or endanger the campus,
08:04so when I tell you not to hold back,
08:05I mean it,
08:06because the women won't.
08:07Next,
08:08one by one,
08:08he sets just about everyone on their ass.
08:11They put a fire wheeler against him,
08:13and he dodges the flame,
08:14her own shadows taking her out at Denise with the flick of his wrist.
08:17Quinn steps up and creates two versions of herself,
08:19and when shadows tug her feet from under her,
08:21the real Quinn falls and the projection dissipates.
08:24Rihanna has her own blade pecked from her breast
08:26and lifted to her throat by a whisk of shadow.
08:29Caroline Bailey gets her hands up before Zayden knocks her backward
08:31with a stream of shadow that propels her across the mat
08:33and forces her onto the stone.
08:35Neve steps onto the mat,
08:37dropping her daggers,
08:37then uses lesser magic to levitate them.
08:40Now that's fun,
08:41Zayden says that the Grin is the race toward him,
08:43only to be grasped by shadow
08:44and returned with deadtips coiled to strike above her collarbones.
08:47She pulls up her hands,
08:48and the shadows fall,
08:49dropping the blades to the mat.
08:51Point made,
08:52Zayden asks is Neve retrieves her blades and steps back into line.
08:55I never need to draw a sword because I am the weapon.
08:57I am just good with blades for the fun of it.
09:00No,
09:00Laurent says,
09:01his voice to horse,
09:02you handing everyone their ass on the mat isn't anything new from last year.
09:06Correct,
09:06Zayden lifts his card brow.
09:08Up until now,
09:09when we start our challenge,
09:10our priority has been to feed our opponent at all costs.
09:12That means we train in private,
09:14we find an edge,
09:14a corner of his mouth lifts.
09:16Like poisoning our opponents,
09:17he slides his hands into his pockets.
09:19And we keep our tactics secret because we need that edge on the mat.
09:22The difference between my position as a cadet last year,
09:25even as a wing leader,
09:26and now as that is your teacher,
09:27I want to give you my edge.
09:29I want you to learn,
09:30not just from me but from one another.
09:31I'll help expose the weaknesses in your signet
09:33so that when you come up against a dark wielder with such a power,
09:35you will have already practiced how to defeat them.
09:38Each of you has something to learn,
09:39and I am here to keep you safe while you do it.
09:42And what about the ones who can't wield segments?
09:44Caroline asks.
09:45They're just the practice dummies.
09:47Kat scoffs.
09:48We are far from helpless.
09:49She turns a withering glare on Caroline.
09:51You can try your water-wielding on me,
09:53but I'll already be in your head,
09:54turning your own emotions against you.
09:56She's good at it, too,
09:57I admit,
09:58shifting the majority of my weight to my right leg.
10:01You'll find that minwork can be just as deadly,
10:03Zayden agrees.
10:04And if you haven't learned how to shield,
10:05I suggest you spend some time with Professor Carr
10:07before facing off against a flyer
10:09or anyone wearing a classified patch.
10:10He glances at Imogen.
10:12And you are going to teach us how to defeat you,
10:14Arak asks from behind us.
10:16A corner of Zayden's mouth slowly curves upward.
10:19I can teach you to try,
10:20but there's only one person capable of taking me down one day,
10:22and it isn't you,
10:23Grey Castle.
10:24My cheeks he dares head swing my way.
10:27Let's get back to it while you have some relative privacy.
10:29As of next week,
10:30the infantry cadets will be sitting in
10:31so they stand half a chance on the battlefield.
10:34Zayden scans the line,
10:35Gumlin,
10:35you're next.
10:36Redog ends up caged by a set of icicles of his own making.
10:40Sloane retreats from the arena with her hands tied in shadow behind her back after not even crying.
10:44I glance at her rebellion relic and wonder if she's hiding the second segment too.
10:48Neither Cat nor Marin get close before they're off the mat and sends Tumling in her direction,
10:52but Cat is the only one of the pair who looks momentarily devastated at having failed.
10:56You are going to get over him at some point,
10:58right?
10:58Traitor matters as Cat falls back in line.
11:01Seems like a waste of time to chase someone who doesn't want you
11:03when there are plenty of people who do.
11:05Cat's cave snaps in his direction,
11:06and I lift my brows.
11:08Go, Traitor.
11:09And then Zayden lifts his brow at me.
11:11No exceptions.
11:11Sorry, Gail.
11:12Now this is what I've been waiting to see.
11:14Caroline bounces on her toes like a child.
11:17Do me a favor,
11:17I say to Zayden,
11:18unfastening the conduit's leather strap at my hip
11:20and hooking it over my wrist so the orb fits comfortably in my palm.
11:23Then I take three steps forward onto the mat
11:25and open the door to ten's power with a hell of a smirk.
11:27Don't let me hurt you.
11:28It is hereby suggested strongly that neither bonded dragon nor griffin
11:32shall be allowed to land her hand in a one-mile vicinity of the village of Chandra
11:35in order to sustain the endeavors of our sheep orders through the surge of demand.
11:39Posted Bulletin, Village of Chandra Transcribed by Percival Fitzgibbons
11:42Chapter 16
11:44Arrogant, Avi,
11:45his flash of an undeniable smile is there and born
11:47before I can fully succumb to its new wobbling effect.
11:50Let's see how you do in the dark.
11:52Shadows fill the mat and devour every ounce of sunlight,
11:54leaving me incomplete and total darkness in every direction I look.
11:57Challenge accepted.
11:59This is playing dirty.
12:00I lift the conduit to just above my shoulder and release a steady flow of cough from my left hand.
12:04The orb crackles, catching the tendrils of lightning as it imbues the alloy at its center
12:07and illuminating the area directly surrounding me.
12:10You already have the upper hand, he replies,
12:12and a strand of shadow caresses my cheek but doesn't take form any closer to the conduit.
12:16I'm just leveling the playing field.
12:18I walk forward, catching a glimpse of him before he fades into darkness once more.
12:22Strike, he orders.
12:24And chance actually hitting you.
12:25I think not.
12:26My left arm heats, and I grit my teeth against the strain of sustaining the power flow.
12:30It's so much easier to strike than trickle.
12:32Use our pathway to track me down.
12:34His lips brush the back of my neck, and a jolt of awareness races down my spine,
12:38but when I spin, he's already gone.
12:40That's cheating.
12:41I walk left, then forward, then turn around again, completely lost as to which direction
12:45I am facing.
12:46It's using every tool at your disposal, he points out.
12:49Come on, violence, live up to the nickname.
12:51I could have killed you a dozen times over by now because you're reluctant to strike.
12:55And I could kill you with a single, non-hypothetical strike.
12:58I open my senses, but it's impossible to concentrate on our pathways while my body channels continuously.
13:03Fuck it, it's not like I can see through this anyway.
13:06Lowering my arm, I cut the flow of power from my fingertips, and shadows rush over me, cooling
13:10my heated skin.
13:11I focus on our connection, on the bond, and obey the subtle, very deceptible tug that comes
13:16from my right.
13:17Good, the bond strengthens when he talks, and I change directions slightly, following the
13:21connection.
13:22I can wield from anything that casts a shadow, but no one knows the strongest threads are
13:25always my own.
13:26If you can sort through them, feel their difference, you'll be able to track where I am in the
13:30darkness.
13:31Is that really what you need me to learn?
13:33I run my hand through shadow, but it all feels the same.
13:36You have to learn the difference for both our sakes.
13:38The bond surrounds me in the same instant that he wraps his arms around me from behind,
13:41and a stronger shadow, his, is my chin toward my shoulder and up.
13:45Only you.
13:46His mouth finds mine in the darkness and he kisses me long and slow, like we are the only
13:49people in the world, like our time is infinite and there is nothing more important than hearing
13:53my next sigh.
13:54It's utterly decadent, thorough, and only makes me want more.
13:57Michael sleeps, racing faster with every stroke of his perfect tongue.
14:01Strike, he demands, his fingers sliding down my stomach and slipping under my waistband.
14:04Or someone might think I am taking it easy on you.
14:07He nips my bottom lip.
14:09Easy is the opposite of what I want from you.
14:11Power rises, humming through me with insistent demand, and I lift my right hand, aiming my
14:15palm toward the sky of the open amphitheater.
14:18Zedan vanishes from behind me a second before I release the strike.
14:21Light flashes, illuminating the arena's lightning streaks upward, through the barrier of the
14:25wards and into the clouds above, and I hear the other cadets' selective bursts before
14:28the darkness descends again.
14:29You are astounding, he says, already one of the shadows.
14:33Why only me, I ask, turning in the sea to find him.
14:36You need to be able to find me.
14:37Shadows rush against my skin, and less than a breath later, they burn, leaving me stumbling
14:41near the front of the mat, staring at Zedan's retreating back as he climbed the stairs.
14:45Glass is over, I expect you all to come prepared next session, he says over his shoulder.
14:50Why only me, I repeat, more than aware of the other cadets staring as I have found my balance,
14:54staring me as if hoping to discover a mark, since Zedan.
14:58Walked away and scared, Zedan.
15:00He doesn't so much as pause his ascent, because you're the only one capable of killing me.
15:05And then there's Violet, Redoxi is the next afternoon, waving his mug of ale as we sit
15:08at the corner table of the six talents of Enchantra.
15:11Scaring off the professor with a lightning strike, he got the fuck out of there and left
15:14her stumbling around in the dark.
15:16Soya laughs, really, truly laughs, and I don't care if it's from his second mug of ale
15:20or if Amari herself dragged it out of him, I'm just relieved to hear it.
15:23For a second, it feels like we have him back, like we are all, us.
15:27The door opens across the room, and snow blows in before someone manages to shed it against
15:31the insistent wind.
15:32The noisy pub is crowded with villagers and cadets looking for a Saturday escape.
15:36I spotted David Dupar earlier, trying his work with a second-year healer, and Redoxi's
15:39already photo of three separate attempts to pilfer the three chairs we've saved across
15:42the table for the flyers.
15:44The group of us visited a few temples after lunch, but the flyers have been born for hours
15:48worshipping.
15:49If they're not back soon, we'll miss the last wagons back to campus.
15:51Ria Sun had my own dagger at my throat, Ria says, shaking her head like she still can't
15:56believe it.
15:57I always knew he was powerful, but I never realized he could, she drifts off.
16:01He'll everyone in the room without getting up from his seat.
16:04I finish for her, lifting my lavender lemonade to take a seat.
16:07And he thinks I need to know how to kill him.
16:09The normally sweet drink tastes glitter in my throat.
16:12Maybe he slipped on the border, but he isn't gone.
16:14One mistake does not equal losing your entire soul.
16:16Exactly, she nods, have you always known that?
16:20Yep, I set my mug down.
16:22Well, not always, but definitely after he busted into my room and killed Oren and the
16:25others during our first year.
16:27What are we discussing?
16:28Cat asks, setting a mug down on the table and taking the seat directly across from me.
16:32She shrugs out of her snow-covered jacket as Marin and Prater do the same.
16:36Ria's inability to wipe out.
16:38Well, everyone, Riddock answers, taking his coat off, Marin says it is so I moves his
16:41switches to lean them against the wall behind him.
16:44Ah, Marin settles in next to Cat and looks her way.
16:47That's, kind of new, right?
16:49Cat stares down into her mug.
16:50He wasn't as powerful when me, she cuts herself off and takes a ring.
16:54Ah, Sid meets Fingro, I say to fill the awkward silence.
16:57We spend our lives honing them and figuring out our limits.
16:59A third year is way more powerful than a first, just like a colonel can wipe the floor magically
17:03with the left hand.
17:04And he never scares you.
17:06Cat stares at me over the table.
17:07That's what you said yesterday.
17:09He never scares you.
17:10I get scared for him, but I haven't been scared of him since threshing.
17:13I run my finger along the top of my mug.
17:16Because your lives are connected.
17:17She tilts her head, like she's trying to understand.
17:20Because he'd never hurt me.
17:21I take another drink.
17:22He had his reasons for wanting me dead, and instead taught me how to strike a death blow
17:26on the mat, and that was way before threshing.
17:28Speaking of secrets, I am starting to worry.
17:31Rie quickly changes the subject.
17:32Sloan is a siphon.
17:33Avalyn began wielding fire last week, and Beryl has manifested farsight.
17:36Like I am.
17:38But links and Rarach haven't manifested yet, and the clock is ticking.
17:41Refinishes.
17:42What happens if they don't manifest on your timeline?
17:45Traitor asks.
17:46The magic builds up and we kind of explode.
17:48Redock makes the correlating motion with his hands.
17:50But at the end of January, we have months before it gets dangerous.
17:53We didn't manifest until what?
17:55May?
17:55Redock asks me.
17:57I.
17:58Blink.
17:58Remembering the first time Zayden kissed me against the foundation walls.
18:01It was actually December.
18:03I just didn't realize it.
18:05That doesn't comfort me.
18:06Rie says, frowning over her mug.
18:08The last thing we need is Zings or Rarach exploding on us.
18:11My chest tightens.
18:12Remind me not to stand next to either of them information.
18:15Ted draws.
18:16Better than one of them manifesting as an intrinsic.
18:18Redock mutters.
18:20Could you imagine executing?
18:22No.
18:22Rie snaps.
18:23Then shudders.
18:24I can't.
18:24And neither should you.
18:25She glances at Maren.
18:26So, how was temple?
18:28Our offerings were received.
18:29Maren answers with an easy smile.
18:31I believe Omari will watch over my brothers in Aritya.
18:33I really can't thank your family enough for taking them in.
18:36Rie.
18:37Are you kidding me?
18:38Rie waves her off.
18:39My mother loves kids.
18:40And my dad is still to have two little boys running around the house.
18:43I'm really sorry that they couldn't stay here with you, though.
18:46Maren drops her gaze.
18:46Me too.
18:47But besides, it isn't exactly friendly for raising kids.
18:50Cat rubs her shoulder.
18:51Your temples to Malak and Brunei are disproportionately large compared to the other birds here, Trager
18:55notes, leaning back in his chair.
18:58Except Omari, of course.
19:00It's a ritual thing, Sawyer answers, pushing up on the arms of his chair and readjusting
19:03his way.
19:04He seems more comfortable wearing the new wooden metal prosthesis he has been working
19:07on but hasn't been up for discussing it, so we haven't pushed.
19:10This close to bizarre, war and death are on most minds.
19:14So true, Redock agrees.
19:15Your scribe don't pray too long for wisdom, Trager asks me, leaving his heel in touch long enough
19:20for Cat to reach over and steal it with a sly smile.
19:23Knowledge and wisdom are two different things, I answer.
19:25Scribes are careful not to ask for what should be earned.
19:28So you won't refrequent patron when studying to enter the quadrun.
19:32He scoots his chair in when some drunkards try to squeeze past behind him and sighed as
19:35Cat for stealing his drink, but desert it to his lips.
19:38My mother was never temple-minded, which is odd, considering you'd think she'd favored
19:41only.
19:42And I preferred to spend what worship time I had.
19:44In Amari's temple, I glanced down at my nearly empty mug.
19:48And then once my father died, I frequented Malik's, though I probably spent more time
19:52yelling at him than praising.
19:54I personally prefer Zinal, Redock adds, you can get through any situation with luck.
19:58And ours must have run out, because here comes the wingleader, re-notes with a quick glance
20:02my way.
20:03The flyers look over their shoulders, and we all quiet as day and waits for a group of cadets
20:07to walk by before reaching the corner of our table.
20:09Wee, he still has that flat, butchered look in his eyes, and I hate that I can't take it away.
20:14Dane, my hands tighten on my mug.
20:16I'd rather he be a dick again, even obnoxious in his certainty, or this hollow version of
20:20himself.
20:21Can I talk to you?
20:22His attention sweeps over the others at the table.
20:25Alone.
20:25All right, I push away from the table, leaving behind my lemonade, and follow Dane into the
20:29dim, deserted hallway that leads to the pub's private rooms.
20:32My stomach clenches as he twits to face me.
20:35I've spent the last few days reculing the security on dad's quarters, and there's no way
20:38to sneak other people in without getting caught.
20:40He slides his hands into the pockets of his flight jacket.
20:43My heart sinks, you won't help me.
20:46I told you I would, and I will.
20:47His mouth tightens.
20:48It's just going to require you to trust me and if to let me retrieve the research and
20:51bring it out myself.
20:53Preferably tomorrow night, since my father will be gone.
20:56Shit.
20:56All he'd have to do is hand that research over to his father and Dane would be back in
20:59his good graces.
21:00My only assurance that wouldn't happen had been going with him.
21:03The history between us, both good and bad, you can see here.
21:06It's up to you, he says with a hint of a shrug.
21:09Either you trust me or you don't.
21:11It's not just it.
21:11I rush.
21:12There are so many ways this would go wrong.
21:14If they catch you with it, autocadets who constantly follow Zaden and may squat you
21:17handing something over secretively.
21:19I've got that figured out, he interrupts like I've insulted him.
21:22What's your choice?
21:24I weigh the pros and cons in less than a heartbeat, then sigh.
21:26There's a secret compartment under my father's desk in study.
21:29The latch is in the far back of the center drawer of my mother's.
21:32He nods, you'll have it by Monday morning.
21:34For better or worse, my fate rests in the hands of Dane Eto's.
21:38My brightest like, I meant to prepare you but only had time for half the lessons you
21:41need, half the history, half the truth, and now time runs short.
21:45I failed Ren and the day I watched him walk the parapet, failed Meera when I could not
21:48stop her from following, but I fear my death will fail you.
21:51Your mother and I trust no one, and neither to you.
21:54Recovered Correspondence of Lieutenant Colonel Asha Sorengele to Violet Sorengele.
21:58Chapter 17
21:59Today is Nathan, Captain Fitzshibbons reads from the days the next morning, his voice carrying
22:04over the formation in the snowpacked courtyard as he holds the death roll in front of him.
22:07Nadia Axel, Keresel Tomni.
22:10Hearing the names of every member in active service who has died the previous day takes longer
22:13than the typical quadrant death roll, but I appreciate the change.
22:16It feels right to honor those losing their lives.
22:18It also serves to remind me that though Major Davira has called a moratorium on killing one
22:22another within our walls, there's an enemy just waiting to do so the second we leave.
22:26There's an enemy who thinks I am going to come to her.
22:28Melanie Chilston, Captain Fitzshibbons continues as the ICU in dust, tearing at the sprawl and
22:32stinging the tips of my nose and ears.
22:34And Ruford Scherner.
22:36I blinked.
22:37From third wing, Redox had swings left, as do Quincy and Imogen's in front of us.
22:40Fell from his seat during minmovers yesterday, Raxi is from behind us.
22:45According to the ETL section, him couldn't see to catch him in the snow.
22:48It was an accident, somehow that makes it feel even worse.
22:52We commend their souls to Malik, Captain Fitzshibbons says, and a few an hour since later,
22:55formation breaks.
22:57We all head toward the dormitory wing, and Sloan grabs my elbow as we leave the door.
23:00I need to do you something, she says, staring at the ground.
23:05Follow me.
23:06Sure, talking to me is at least a start.
23:08She leads me through the rotunda, up in the commons into our small quadrant library on the
23:12right.
23:12It's empty this time of morning, and I wait at...
23:15The last brook of study tables as she quickly ducks behind the first set of tall bookshelves.
23:20You can look at me, you know.
23:21I unbuttoned my flight jacket.
23:23My mother made her choice.
23:24You didn't.
23:25Not exactly, Sloan pushes a loaded library cart out of the aisle.
23:28I felt her power, I could have rejected it.
23:31Stopped it, even, she rose the cart directly in front of me.
23:34But I wanted the wards up, wanted to live, so I let it happen.
23:37She ends on a whisper.
23:39That's a pretty valid emotion, especially considering that my mother had overseen the execution of
23:43hers, and I am not angry.
23:45Did you know that I have archives duty?
23:47She interrupts, crouching down to the bottom shelf of the cart.
23:49I thought it was kind of fitting, seeing as Liam always went with you when you heard it.
23:53Do you like it?
23:54I managed to ask as my throat squeezes in on itself.
23:57Well, this morning it gave me a chance to see Jasonia.
24:00She stands, pulling a large black canvas bag with her.
24:03Thank you, icing the straps of the bag over my shoulder, noting its exceptional way.
24:07She nods, then finally drags her gaze to meet mine.
24:10It wasn't out of revenge, I swear.
24:12I'm sorry I didn't stop her.
24:14My hands pass around the thick canvas straps, knowing she isn't talking about Jasonia.
24:18I'm glad you didn't.
24:19Powering the stone was going to take someone's life.
24:21If I had succeeded, Zayden, Tan, S-T-A-E-Y-L, and I would all be dead.
24:25The world needs Brennan, Araki is, irreplaceable, and I wouldn't trade you for any ward, Sloan.
24:30My mother made the choice she had to.
24:32You were the tool, but she gave her own life.
24:34Her neck spread shakes.
24:35Anyway, Jasonia said to tell you that two of the dome for her selection and the other
24:38was passed along to her from leadership first thing this morning.
24:41Dane, a smile spreads across my face.
24:43Not only did he come through, but he did it in a way that no one potentially watching either
24:47of us will suspect.
24:48I hold the bag tighter.
24:49This could be my father's final body of work.
24:53Rumor is you're headed northward.
24:54Sloan folds her arms.
24:56Unfortunately, that rumor may be true.
24:57I grimace.
24:58Her face puckers, seems an odd place to search, given how cold it is.
25:02Don't know about Tan, but Thawd hates the cold.
25:05I nod, make sense, since Thawd is a red.
25:07Many of their lines' ancestral hatching grounds were along the limestone cliffs at the edge
25:10of the Dunes River.
25:12My gut tells Ney Nought is the wrong direction, but Tan doesn't mind the cold, and most browns
25:15prefer it, so maybe Grady is onto something.
25:18And Dana isn't a big fan of Sloan, either, but maybe she isn't stereotypical of her kind.
25:22I hope for all our sakes he is, Sloan says.
25:25Me too, but I can't ignore the little voice of intuition insisting we should head south.
25:30When I get the package back to my room, any hope I'd felt since finding Dad's research
25:34slips and put toe frustration as I unwrap it from mid-parchment to find the locking mechanism
25:37that holds the thick, leather-bound book close.
25:39It's a six-letter lock, and if I get the answer wrong, there are six files of things
25:42spaced equidistantly around edges of the paper, ready to destroy whatever my father left inside.
25:47Even worse, there's a rune in the center that looks suspiciously like the one that
25:50makes things end badly if magic tamples with the lock.
25:53Definitely need to spend more time studying runes.
25:56I pick up the scrap piece of parchment Dad had stashed in a roll beneath the lock and read
25:59his formal handwriting again.
26:01First love is irreplaceable.
26:03Fuck, nothing Dad wrote was ever this simple.
26:05So what the hell is that supposed to mean?
26:08Are we wasting time by overthinking this?
26:10It's obviously Lilith, right?
26:12Redok asks as we descend the steps into the pit a few days later.
26:16Dad would have wanted me to overthink.
26:17And if I'm wrong, we ruin whatever's in there.
26:20I take my jacket under my arm and scare the bottom of the amphitheater in hopes of seeing
26:23Zayden.
26:24Maybe we're not thinking furtherly enough, Dream uses.
26:27Good idea.
26:28So maybe it's Bren.
26:29Redok counts out on his fingers.
26:31Never mind.
26:31That has too many letters.
26:33Mira is too short.
26:33But what about Violet?
26:35Honestly, it's not like my dad to make it about himself.
26:38Both Lilith and Violet are too obvious.
26:40We pass by the infantry already seated in the middle of the terrace rows and spot Calvin,
26:43the sport leader of one of the infantry units we'd been paired with during our essay.
26:47I nod, and he returns the gesture.
26:50Fine, then who was Brennan's first love?
26:52Redok asks, is we near the bottom of the steps?
26:54There's nine years between us.
26:56It's not like he was filling me in on his romantic exploits.
26:58I pauses Redok shuffles into his seat beside Marin.
27:01Though I do remember Mira saying he'd been in a relationship with a rider a year or two
27:04older than him.
27:05Guess the friends and family?
27:07Redok shuts his jacket.
27:08Are you guys still trying to figure out the password to open the damn book?
27:11Cat asks, leaning forward and running a backward glance from the FSTL seated ahead of us.
27:17Obviously, or they wouldn't be talking about it, Raja says, resting his elbows on the
27:20rise behind him and leaning back.
27:22Space watch, Nevi shoves his arm off the rise with a boot.
27:25What book?
27:26The one violet's father left her that everyone seems to think might have some information
27:30about where Andrin is fine when Cat answers.
27:32I shoot her a look, and she shrugs.
27:34What?
27:34No one on this court is going to hand you over, and you obviously need some more opinions before
27:38you're comfortable enough to actually try and input a password.
27:41Fair point, but still.
27:43Fine, who's Mira's first love?
27:44Raja asks, her gaze darting between Evelyn, Gai, and Bela, who are seated as far apart as possible.
27:49I think, tilting my head and fastening the conduit's bracelet over the raw band of skin around
27:54my wrist.
27:55An hour of wielding a day is definitely helping me pull down more precise strikes, but my
27:58body is over it.
28:00I'm not sure she's ever really been in love, or if she has, she's never said anything to
28:03me about it.
28:05You hadn't even seen Zayden when your dad met Malik?
28:07Redbox tears at me and sighs with complete exaggeration.
28:10Hello, who is your first love?
28:12Oh, that's not happening.
28:13I set my hands in my lap and notice more infantry pouring in above us.
28:18Nothing like being humbled in front of an audience.
28:20My father couldn't stand the first guy the first really dated and never knew about the
28:23second.
28:24Raja turns his entire torso around to look at me.
28:26How many letters?
28:27I narrow my eyes.
28:28Six.
28:29He lifts two sandy brown eyebrows.
28:31I mean, it fits.
28:32Absolutely not.
28:33Heat stings my cheeks.
28:35Hold on, Redox head swings between the two of us.
28:37It's the first ear entitled to information we don't have.
28:39Good afternoon.
28:41Zayden's voice fills the amphitheater as he scribes in from Eternal on the right, dressed
28:44in sparring gear that immediately has all my attention.
28:47Surprisingly, Garrick is at his side.
28:49Oh, Imogen is going to allow having class today, oh.
28:52Redox reaches for the back of his head.
28:54Riders, if you'll take your positions as you did last class.
28:57Zayden motions to the rings of cobblestone outside the mat.
29:00Hopefully no one gets performance anxiety, because as you can see, he gestures to the seats
29:04behind us, we have a full house today.
29:06Not sleeping well, I ask him, noting the circles beneath his eyes.
29:10Abandoning our coats, my squad heads for the edge of the mat, mirrored by first wing.
29:14A certain hazel-eyed rider kept me up last night talking.
29:17He turns and says something to Garrick, who nods.
29:19Which I didn't mind, since my bed is too cold without you physically in it and too
29:22quiet without you screaming my name.
29:24Oh, he wants to play.
29:26A corner of my mouth lifts.
29:28Game on.
29:28I'm his aritya, misleading next to you.
29:30Find a way to sneak me in and I'll keep the bed at precisely the right temperature for
29:33you to get some rest.
29:34I roll my shoulders and stretch out my arms, just like my squad mates are doing.
29:38If I find you in my bed, there's no resting, trust me.
29:42Zayden turns toward the front of the mat, bracing his feet apart and folding his beautifully
29:45toned arms.
29:46Lefton Antavi's hair is an incredibly powerful wind wielder.
29:50Don't forget that I know exactly how to knock you out for the night.
29:52I drop my arms and Zayden shoots me a warning loop, with edges of his mouth curled up.
29:57And has agreed to let you try your best to bring him, he full-on smirks.
30:00Knock me out.
30:01You're usually the one begging for mercy a few orgasms in.
30:04Want to see begging?
30:05All I have to do is swirl my tongue around the tip of your...
30:08Zayden talks like he swallowed a non-existent bug, and Garak glances sideways at him.
30:12Down, he finally finishes.
30:14Lefton Antavius is willing to be a sparring dummy.
30:16He rolls his neck and chances a look in my direction.
30:19I simply smile.
30:20You started it.
30:21I'd give anything to be able to finish it.
30:23Zayden's fingers girl, you are going to be the death of me.
30:26So you keep saying, I try not to think about the other ways that statement can be interpreted.
30:31The fireweaver steps up first, and Garak blows her own flame back at her.
30:35That's unnerving, Red Orc mutters, and Imogen masks the smile to my right.
30:39We go as a team, Rhiannon says quietly by my side.
30:42They never said it had to be one-on-one.
30:44I nod, good idea.
30:46Rhiannon relays orders quietly.
30:48The metallurgist, Loran, learned from his last attempt, and within seconds, Garak enclaves
30:52the harness across his chest and the scabbles fall from his back before he blasts Loran
30:55to his ass with air.
30:57You ready to join in, second squad?
30:59Garak asks, putting his fingers directly at Imogen.
31:02You don't want anything to do with these.
31:04She lifts her hands.
31:05Why don't you put them on me and we'll see.
31:07A corner of his mouth tilts and a dimple pops in his cheek.
31:10Oh gods, just stop flirting and fuck already, Red Orc says.
31:13Every head slowly turns in his direction.
31:16I said that out loud, didn't I?
31:17He asks me in a hushed whisper.
31:19Oh yeah, you did, I reply, patting him on his back.
31:22Garak's going to blow you off the mat.
31:24Now that I might enjoy, depending on the method he chooses, Red Orc winces.
31:28I'm going to stop talking now.
31:30You might want to keep the inside voices inside while we are there, I agree, following Rhiannon,
31:34Tet, and Quinn onto the mat, calling Red Orc behind me when he hesitates.
31:38How exactly is this fair?
31:40Garak asks.
31:41We are never alone on the battlefield, are we?
31:43I tilt my head to the side.
31:44His face tightens, obviously getting my meaning.
31:48We fight as a squad, Rhiannon saves from the center of our group, and Red Orc moves to
31:51my left.
31:52Solid point, Zayden retreats to the back of the mat.
31:55Begin.
31:56Rhiannon lifts her hands beside me, and two of Garak's tigers appear in them.
32:00Knees, Garak admits with a slight smirk, then flicks his hands upward.
32:04Red Orc steps forward simultaneously, throwing a wall of ice that's instantly battered by burst
32:07of wind that travels the tornado 10 and I got caught up in.
32:11The edge of the ice shuts at the assault, and chunks barrel my way.
32:14I spin toward our squad and tackle read to the ground as the ice flies overhead so near
32:17I can hear it whistle.
32:19Too close, Zayden bellows, and I look up to see him taking a step in Garak's direction,
32:23rage etched in the hard lines of his face.
32:25Don't, I'm fine.
32:26I stab her to my feet as Quinn squeezes her eyes shut and turns her palms toward the sun.
32:31He nearly took off your fucking head.
32:32Zayden looks at Garak in a way I've never seen, like his best friend has suddenly morphed
32:36into prey, and there's a cold edge in his eyes that prickles the hair at the back of
32:39my neck.
32:40My power rises in response, and I welcome it with open arms, savoring the quick rush of
32:44heat and the hum of energy in my veins.
32:46My head is still firmly attached.
32:48Through translucent ice, I see two Queens appear on Garak's sides.
32:51Give me his blade.
32:52I power toward Rian hold on my right hand, which she promptly fills with Garak's dagger.
32:56To my shock, Garak stares at one Quinn, then the other, and then his head pivots between
33:00the two quickly, repeatedly.
33:02Cat.
33:03You are going to have to be fast, real ones.
33:06No worries there, the second the wind dies, I step around Redox's eyes, then throw Garak's
33:10own dagger close enough to scare him but not cause.
33:13Any real damage, heat flushes my skin as power builds, demanding to be set free.
33:18His hand whips upward and a wind gust knocks the blade off course, causing it to land about
33:2120 feet to the right behind him.
33:23Fine, that works, too.
33:25He starts to redirect, bringing his hand toward the front of his body again, but mine is already
33:29Skywind.
33:30The conduit siphers off just enough power to give me the control I need, and I release
33:34the rest, pulling the power downward in a precise click of my wrist.
33:37Lightning swatches the air, rending it with a flash of brilliance that strikes through,
33:41flaring bright as it scares from the sky, then disappearing as quickly as it came.
33:45The thunder swallows a few of the gusts and screams from the seats to my right, but I keep
33:48my eyes on Garak and my handheld Skywind.
33:50His eyes widen at me.
33:51You really did it.
33:52I did.
33:53The conduit hums in my left hand.
33:55Hate to tell you, sorry Gabe, but not only did you leave yourself exposed, you also missed.
34:00He grins.
34:01Did I?
34:02I look pointedly to the smoking hilt of his melted blade behind him, and he follows my
34:05line of sight, visibly tensing when he spots the ruined dagger.
34:08If I wanted to be dead, you'd be dead.
34:10Bye Malik.
34:11I fucking love you, Zayden says.
34:13And if I'm exposed, fine.
34:15The rest of my spot is alive.
34:16I shrug.
34:17Zayden's gaze puts to mine.
34:19Garak turns back toward me, his mouth hanging slightly agape, and someone begins to slowly
34:23clap from the top of the steps.
34:25I look up, along with just about everyone else, and my balance wobbles.
34:30No.
34:30No.
34:31No.
34:32Sandy Brown here falls requisely over his left eye as he starts down the steps, and
34:36I know it's illogical, but I swear I can see just how green those eyes are from all the
34:39way down here.
34:41Help Arach hide, I tell Zayden.
34:42Now.
34:43Done.
34:44A royal help puffs out his chest from the edge of the back row.
34:47His Royal Highness, Vince Hilding, every cadet rises to their feet.
34:51Sit, he says loud enough for his voice to carry over the amphitheater and motions downward
34:55with his hands.
34:56I know that look on his face all too well.
34:58He's perfected in expression of relatable annoyance at the fanfare, when really, he lives in
35:01for this shit.
35:02Impressive, he tells me, passing the first row on the rock wall that separates it from
35:06the arena and sticking onto cobblestone.
35:08Breathe, just breathe.
35:10Your Highness, you'll be safer in the seats, Garak starts.
35:13And yet, I think the view is much better from right here.
35:16He slides his hands into the pockets of his professionally tailored dark blue infantry
35:19uniform and smiles.
35:20Please, don't let me stop you.
35:22Garak looks back, I'm guessing it's Zayden, but I'm too busy keeping my gaze locked on
35:26her dang so I don't draw any accidental attention to Arach by checking.
35:29Garak nods and looks to the line of riders.
35:30Next, our squad walks off the map, and instead of filing in with the second deals, I take
35:35empty place next to Haldang, noting that one of the two guard station pros behind him
35:38is Captain Anna Winshre.
35:40She isn't just the infantry liaison for the quest squad, she's Haldang's.
35:44I'd been naive to assume he'd removed himself from the task force, and if Haldang ever realizes
35:48that Zayden is the reason his twin isn't breeding, well, he won't be as understanding
35:51as Arach.
35:52This is bad.
35:53What are you doing here?
35:54I ask, glancing over at him.
35:56He doesn't seem as tall as I remember, definitely a couple of inches shorter than Arach, but
36:00he's just as strikingly beautiful as the last time I saw him.
36:03His high cheekbones, the mouth tilted in a permanent smirk, and the perfect proportion
36:07to his features are enough to turn heads, but his eyes are the real showstopper.
36:10There is greener summer leaves, but man, do they wonder.
36:14Learning, of course, like everyone else in this arena, he flashes a smile, and the edges
36:18of his eyes actually cling to.
36:19Never figured you'd ride a black, but power looks good on you.
36:23Don't, I shake my head and face the match.
36:25Garrick blasts the remnants of Redox wall away with a gust of wind, and Caroline Ashton
36:29takes the mat, bringing the fire wheeler with her.
36:31Zayden's gaze narrows as it jumps between Haldang and me, and then he turns his attention
36:35to the sparring match.
36:37I don't mean in the arena.
36:38I hug the conduit to the strap of my hip.
36:40What are you doing at Buswell?
36:41It's not exactly alumni weekend.
36:43Please don't say going Northwood with us.
36:45Straight to business, I feel the weight of his stare as he studies my profile.
36:49You aren't going to ask how I've been.
36:51My brother's missing, you know.
36:52He sounds exactly 0% worried.
36:55Is he, I fold my arms, or did Cam just need some space from your ego?
36:59Both Caroline and the fire wheeler fly backward, landing on their asses before sliding to the
37:03edge of the mat.
37:04What made second squad's assault effective was the use of min work, Garrick reminds the
37:08first-ling squad.
37:09Quinn and Cat work together to fuck with my head, giving Soaring Gale enough time to strike.
37:13Not that she needed it, Trader calls out, and he's right.
37:16I could have struck at any moment.
37:18I simply waited until I could be certain of my accuracy.
37:21A smile cocks at the corners of Zayden's mouth.
37:24Seriously, though, Haldang T-S-K-S.
37:26No hello, not even a compliment on the tailoring of my uniform.
37:29Or the fresh haircut.
37:30I'm heartbroken, wee.
37:31You'd have to own a heart to break it.
37:33I immediately counter.
37:34And the only hair I remember is the professor's covering your face when I walk in on her riding
37:38you.
37:39It was Auburn, right?
37:40The next batch heads up.
37:41This time armed with flyers as Zayden changes position, moving slightly to the left.
37:44Arch, you wound me, Haldang rubs his chest.
37:48Yes, I cheated, but you have to remember, I was still suffering from the loss of my twin.
37:52I was stupid, thoughtless, cruel, I suggest.
37:55Grief doesn't excuse any of that.
37:57Never did.
37:58He sighs.
37:59And here I thought you'd thank me for offering to step in and agree with you in regard to
38:02your upcoming mission.
38:03How so?
38:04My bra scrunches.
38:05He reaches into his uniform pocket and retrieves a missive wearing the broken wax seal of
38:09I-Count Icarus.
38:10Here, Grady is taking too long and has yet to present a clear part that satisfies my father.
38:15I like this option.
38:16I take the parchment, and my eyes widen.
38:18It's addressed to me.
38:19Don't get caught up in the details.
38:20He sheds unapologetically.
38:22My mouth tightens as I open the folded parchment.
38:25Cadet Sorengeal.
38:26As to our agreement, here are your requested poems.
38:28I've also hand-paid a selection from my personal library.
38:31I hope you'll find educational.
38:32In regard to your search, Team Cotwin of Deverily has agreed to a single meeting, noble blood
38:36only, for the reasonable price of the Aemilian Citroen.
38:39Queen Maria has agreed to gift the gem to him but will not be responsible for its retrieval
38:42from its display in anger.
38:44Please let me know when you have the Citroen in hand so I can schedule our visit.
38:48In service.
38:49Why can't Icarus?
38:51You are doing a library exchange with the man first in line to the Poromish throne.
38:55Guess you didn't leave the scribes entirely behind, helping muses as I finish reading.
38:59You shouldn't be reading my messages.
39:00I fold the parchment and tuck it into an empty dagger sheath along my ribs.
39:04Lucky for you I am.
39:06Lucky, you are kidding.
39:07I scoff as Garek sends another rider flying.
39:09I wouldn't kid about your upcoming mission.
39:11Or you.
39:12He looks my way.
39:13I did some research.
39:14You mean had someone do your research.
39:16I counter.
39:17Same thing.
39:18He smuts.
39:18The Aemilian Citroen is a lesser magic amplifier won by one of the members of the first
39:21trif.
39:22If you are willing to retrieve it, I'm willing to order Gradle to change courses.
39:26It's not this simple.
39:27Anchor is in occupied territory.
39:28I am just not sure if it's still occupied, or one of the cities that Brandon moved on
39:32from.
39:33Either way, it's beyond the words, and even going there is a risk to Zayden.
39:36Like I said, if you want to go, I'll step in on your behalf.
39:40I owe you at least that, and title overpower's rank every day.
39:43He clears his throat.
39:44Tell me, is it true what they say?
39:45You and, Ryerson, he says Zayden's name with cringeworthy disgust.
39:48If you are asking if I am in love with him, then the answer is wholeheartedly yes.
39:53I glance Zayden's way and find his eyes already on me.
39:56If you are prodding to see if we are still together, then let me assure you, we are adhering
39:59to the code of conduct in the way you never bothered to do.
40:02You can report that to your father.
40:04I wasn't asking for my father, we.
40:06I was asking for me.
40:07You what?
40:08I forget all pretense of watching the sparring match, giving Haldane my full attention.
40:12I never told you I was sorry.
40:14His face softens, and his gaze skims over my face like he is noticing every detail that's
40:17changed.
40:18And I should have, if you are not with Ryerson.
40:21I am in love with him.
40:22I bristle.
40:22I haven't so much as thought about you in years.
40:24Don't chase just because you like a challenge.
40:26You lose.
40:27Haldane scoffs.
40:28Anyone who's ever dated a rider knows their first priority, their first love, is their
40:31dragon.
40:32Once you accept that, another man hardly feels like a challenge.
40:36My lips part.
40:37He's right.
40:37Our first priorities are our dragons.
40:39They're irreplaceable.
40:41Besides, with all this time we have coming up together on this mission, I thought maybe
40:44you'd at least be willing to have a quiet dinner with me.
40:47His smirk slips.
40:48Tell me you don't let your non-boyfriend control you.
40:50Allow me to apologize properly, the way I should have three years ago.
40:53He lifts a hand toward the loosened strands of my braid, but never makes it.
40:57Shadows blast straight through the wards and Haldane in the chest like a pattering ram, sending
41:01the crown prince of Nava flying backward, straight into the rock wall.
41:04Shit.
41:04I cannot imagine sustainable life beyond the emiracy.
41:07No ship has ever survived the tempests that form its highest-tick waves, and the only sailors
41:11who return from her exploration do so defeat it.
41:14The Last Admiral, a member by Admiral Levine Kroosai.
41:18Chapter 18.
41:19Haldane, I rush to kneel by his side, and the shadow of her prates like it was never there.
41:23Are you alright?
41:24My prince, Anna jumps to the cobblestone, panic filling her eyes, as his second guard joins
41:28her.
41:29Oh, Haldane, are you?
41:31Not just his guard.
41:32My eyebrows rise as I glance at her hair.
41:34Yep, redheads are definitely his type.
41:36Haldane waves her off as he visibly fights for breath, and both guards retreat.
41:41Thank you, Malik.
41:42Zayden didn't kill him.
41:43There isn't even a crack in the rock above his head.
41:45Give it a second, and you'll be able to breathe.
41:47I promise Haldane, praying his ribs aren't broken.
41:50Boots took the proof from behind me, and a wave of glittering onyx wraps around my mind
41:53like a caress.
41:55Sorry about that, Zayden says, his tone implying otherwise.
41:58I was blocking a potentially lethal blow to the first ear and seem to have knocked the
42:01wind right out of you.
42:02I arch an eyebrow and slowly look over my shoulder at him.
42:06Seriously?
42:07He was going to twitch you?
42:08The glacial rage in his eyes has mind widening.
42:11Right, because that's the mature response.
42:14Haldane sucks in a breath, then another.
42:15Quiet.
42:16All.
42:16Right.
42:17It wasn't a response, it was, it simply was.
42:20Zayden crouches behind me as Haldane pushes himself to sit upright.
42:23Let's get three things straight, your highness.
42:25First, I have remarkable hearing thanks to the shadows at your very feet.
42:28Second, I don't and grow violent.
42:30Never have, never will, but third, and most importantly, he lowers his voice.
42:34She really, honestly hasn't thought about you.
42:36At least thought since the second she set eyes on me.
42:39I'm going to fucking kill him.
42:41A-I-M-S-I-R.
42:42An hour later, I'm still seeding his eyes with three on my bed, burning finger-sized bronze
42:46dials until each letter is visible in the book's locking mechanism.
42:49My finger hovers over the tiny level that will either open the book, or destroy it.
42:53I can't do it.
42:55We could talk about how your non-boyfriend threw your purely ex-boyfriend into the wall
42:58instead, re-says.
43:00Or even chat about how you've never mentioned you were in a relationship with the prince.
43:04Never seemed important.
43:05I shrugged.
43:06He was just holding to me like Arak is.
43:07Arak.
43:08And I promised myself I wouldn't give him an ounce of my headspace when he turned out
43:11to be the asshole everyone warned me he was.
43:13A prince.
43:14A duke.
43:15Clearly you have a tie.
43:16She teases.
43:16Did Zayden know?
43:18I shake my head.
43:19Haldang didn't have Zayden arrested.
43:20But there was a definite beam of promised revenge in his eyes when he strode up the stairs
43:23with his guards.
43:25Class ended shortly after that.
43:27That explains the wall.
43:28She muses.
43:29Zayden simply didn't have a lack of control over his temper because his venom is what explains
43:33the wall, but I'm not exactly going to say that to her, so I changed the subject.
43:37Ames here.
43:37It's the right answer.
43:38I say, mostly to myself.
43:40My father's world rotated on the axis of my mother, and they didn't meet until the third
43:43year.
43:44Her first real love would have been Ames here, and she was irreplaceable.
43:47Our entire family's happiness rested on her health and survival.
43:51You don't have to convince me.
43:52Reese sits with one leg bent under her and her hands outstretched toward the boat.
43:56I rest the tip of my finger against the lever.
43:58You think you can save my ass if I'm wrong?
44:00I've never tried to retrieve six vials worth of liquid, or any liquid, but I think I can
44:04grab enough that at least all of your father's work won't be ruined.
44:07She flexes her fingers, then sighs.
44:09And if that rune activates, well, there can't be too much power stored there.
44:13Probably just enough to destroy the book.
44:15Probably.
44:15I nod.
44:16I can tell you I'd rather climb the bone that again than be wrong about this.
44:20Then don't be wrong.
44:21I'm not.
44:22Lilith is the obvious answer, and therefore it's the wrong one.
44:24Anyone else would have entered it without a second thought and ruined the book.
44:28No.
44:28He left this for me.
44:29I press the lever.
44:31It sinks into the mechanism, and my heart stumbles over its own beat when I hear the
44:34metallic click of the device unlocking.
44:36The book opens, and the six vials of ink pivot to life that along the pages, their contents
44:40perfectly sealed.
44:41Thank you, Zinnel.
44:43I think that one might be a bit directed to you don't, but I take whatever board is with
44:46us, Reese says, scooting closer as I rotate the book so we can both read.
44:50A history of the second problem, uprising, draft, by lefton and colonel Asher Sorengell, I
44:54read, smiling at the familiar sight of his formal handwriting.
44:56All of that for a history text.
44:59Reese shakes her head.
45:00You Sorengell are something else.
45:02I flip the next page and suck in a sharp breath at the first words.
45:05Dear Violet.
45:06It's written, but I can hear his voice said so clearly in my head with my eyes immediately
45:10sting.
45:11Not just a history text, then, Reese wraps her arm around my shoulders.
45:15How about I give you some time with your dad?
45:17I'll knock when you need to head out for flight maneuvers.
45:20I nod silently in thanks, and Reese leaves through the door, closing it behind her.
45:24I want to read it all instantly, yet simultaneously limit myself to a single line so I can save
45:28another for tomorrow and then the day after, like I have with my mother's journals.
45:32I could make it last, keep him with me as long as possible.
45:35But I need the knowledge now, so I lift the book onto my lap and begin.
45:39Dear Violet.
45:40I
45:41It's my most sincere hope that you are reading this by my side, laughing at the glorious
45:45nest that is the first draft, but I fear that may not be the case.
45:48If
45:49Now walk alongside Malak with your brother, then guard this manuscript carefully.
45:53But if the worst has happened and your mother has joined us, then you must protect this
45:56knowledge with your very life.
45:57Within these pages, you'll find my careful study of the second Krogan uprising.
46:01My daughter, remember what I taught you about history, it is simply a collection of stories,
46:05each influenced by those that happened before and steering the ones to come.
46:08I wrote this study so it could be read by others but understood by you.
46:11If time is sweet, but who's a pleasure, you'll find the connection between the uprising and
46:14the pursuit of which day is to be both alarming and enlightening.
46:17But if time has indeed run out and you seek the weapon to defeat those you've only learned
46:20about true lore, then abandon your robes and ride for Krogan.
46:23You have always struggled with Krogan leash, but I made sure Dane would be capable should
46:26you need him, should he not choose to cross the parapet this summer.
46:29If he follows in the footsteps of his father, you must find the strength to let go of your
46:32affection for him.
46:33From Krogan, Book Passage to Deverly, you will be safe beyond the reach of magic there,
46:37and quietly seek the merchant Neral Anselm.
46:39Take her the rarest item you possess, be sure it's truly exceptional to be given what you
46:42need.
46:43Do not send another in your stead.
46:45Should you travel under the banner of Nava, beware their king, he bears riches and speaks
46:48only in profit.
46:49I am so sorry this falls to you, my brightest light.
46:52Trust only Mira.
46:53Lao, Dad.
46:54I read the page over and over, committing it to memory even as my mind races.
46:59How would he have known a merchant in Deverly, seek the weapon, did he know about Androna,
47:03about the rest of her kind.
47:04For the first time in my life, it dawns on me that maybe I didn't know my father as well
47:07as I thought I did.
47:08Neral Anselm, I relayed the information to Tane and Androna.
47:13Safe beyond the reach of magic, I asked them, then fold the parchment and hide it back in
47:16the book.
47:17There is no magic beyond the continent, it is why we dragons remain, Tane tells me,
47:22why it is surprising the irids left our shores.
47:24I know what to bring with us, Androna adds.
47:27I have come to the same conclusion, Tane growls, but do not wish to spend my time with nursery
47:31gossips.
47:32Do you truly think the isles are our best chance of finding your kind?
47:35I ask.
47:36I think it's a better plan than flying north until we expire, Androna answers.
47:40Agreed.
47:41Tane chimes in.
47:42If the captain is so convinced, then split the squadron too, but we will head for Deverly.
47:46Someone knocks.
47:47I startle, then quickly lock the book and shove it under my pillow before crossing to the door
47:51and opening it.
47:53Zayden stands at the threshold, his hands writting the frame on both sides, his light jacket and
47:56button, and his head bowed.
47:58My immediate elation is sane by logic.
48:00What are you doing?
48:01I whisper, trying to look past him to see if there's anyone else in the hallway who could
48:05report him.
48:06Did you love him?
48:07The question is a low rumble of sound.
48:09Someone is going to see you.
48:11Did you love him?
48:13Zayden lifts his head and peens me with a look that borders on feral.
48:16I have to know.
48:17I can handle it.
48:18But I have to know.
48:19Oh, for a Murray's sake, I grab the lapels of his light jacket and yank him into my room,
48:23and he flicks his wrist, shutting the door behind him.
48:26The loud tweet tells me he's locked it, too.
48:27I was with Haldane years ago.
48:29Yeah, I picked up on that.
48:31His brown nits as he nods.
48:32I picked up on a lot of things he was thinking.
48:35I blinked.
48:36That's not how you see me.
48:37Did you love him?
48:38He repeats.
48:39Holy shit, my hands fall from his jacket.
48:41You are actually jealous?
48:42Yes, love, I'm jealous.
48:44He spares his hand over the small of my back and turns me toward him.
48:47I'm jealous of the armor that holds you when I can't, the sheets on your bed that caress
48:51your skin every night, and the blades that fill your hands.
48:53So, when the prince of our realm walks into my classroom and starts talking to the woman
48:57I love with what can only be considered intense familiarity, and then has the audacity to ask
49:00her outright.
49:02In front of me, naturally, I'm going to get jealous.
49:05He brings our bodies a flush.
49:07And put him into a wall.
49:09My hands dim the cold skin off his neck to cup his chill cheeks.
49:12He's been outside for a while.
49:13I told you I would.
49:15His gaze goes into mine, and my purse skips.
49:17Back in Aritya, remember?
49:19Right after I put you on my throne, split those beautiful thighs.
49:22I slip my thumb over his perfect mouth.
49:24I remember, and so does my body, which is instantly heated.
49:28He nips the pad of my thumb, and my hand falls away.
49:30I told you I'd feel jealous and then I'd kick his ass.
49:33I might have turned, but I'm still a man of my word when it comes to you.
49:37You're Zayden Riesen, I rise up on my toes and press a kiss to his chin.
49:40Shadow wielder, another at his jaw, duke of Tyrenda, my mouth brushes just beneath his
49:44yellow.
49:45Love of my life, you have nothing to be jealous of.
49:48His hand flexes along my spine, but then he steps back, putting a few feet between us.
49:52Did you love him, Violet?
49:54You have to tell me, the sharp edge of desperation in his voice does mean.
49:58Not the way I love you, I admit softly.
50:00He retreats until his ass hits my desk, then stares at the floor.
50:03You loved him.
50:04I was eighteen, I searched my memories, trying to think of a better word to describe what
50:08I'd felt for Haldane, but come up blank.
50:10We were only together about seven months, a little before his conscription day until December.
50:14I was infatuated in Ennemouth, and at the time, that rush of utter beguilement was what
50:18I knew of love.
50:19Oh yes, I loved him.
50:21He grips the edge of the desk, and his knuckles pale.
50:23Fuck, and he's going with us.
50:25I caught that, too.
50:26Yes, and I get it, I crossed the distance between us.
50:29It's really hard for me to see you anywhere near Kat.
50:32I never loved Kat.
50:33Zayden's head whips up, sure, the idea of, he swallows like he might puke, Haldane putting
50:37his hands on you makes me want to put him back into the wall, especially given the fact
50:41that he can touch you and I can't, but knowing he's been here, Zayden puts his hand just
50:44beneath my collarbone.
50:45Has me considering murder so there's no chance of him warming his royal ass back in.
50:50He can't touch me, I lift his hand and press a kiss to the center of his callous palm before
50:53putting it back above my heart and holding it there.
50:56This will only ever be yours.
50:57You could leave me or even meet Malik, and it still would be.
51:00I've made my peace with knowing there's no getting over you.
51:03He moves faster than I've ever seen, and in a blink, his hands are full of my ass and
51:06I'm up against his chest.
51:08Stop me if I cross the line.
51:09That's the only warning he gives before his mouth is on mine.
51:13He lays claim to every inch of my mouth like it's the first time, with death, skillful
51:16flicks and plunges of his tongue that devastate me in the best possible way.
51:20The second he searches forward, I can't bring myself to care why he's kissing me like tomorrow
51:23doesn't exist.
51:24The world tilts, I feel the bed beneath my back, and I only care that he never stops.
51:29We can live right here, never taking it a step further as long as he keeps his lips against
51:33mine.
51:34My hips arch up as he sitters between my thighs, and the weight of him feels so damn good that
51:37I moan.
51:38Limiting ourselves to the kiss only makes it that much more intense, like we're both
51:41afraid to elicit every sensation possible in the simple yet infinitely complex connection
51:45of our mouths.
51:46Madness, this need between us is always the sweetest madness.
51:49He is the craving I'll never say, the rush I'll never get enough of.
51:52Only him.
51:53I hook my ankles over the small of his back and kiss him with every ounce of longing that's
51:57bit within me over the last few weeks.
51:59He sets my tongue into his mouth, and I whimper as he flushes my skin and adders my mind.
52:04I love you, he says against my mouth and rolls his hips.
52:07I love you, the confession ends on a gasp as I feel just how hard he is for me.
52:11My hands slip down his muscle back over the leather of his flight jacket.
52:14I miss you.
52:15Violet, he groans, his hands capturing mine, winning them above my head.
52:20No, not his hands, shadows.
52:23My breath hitches, he holds me as a more than willing captive while he kisses me over and
52:26over, a heavy combination of urgency and demand paired with determined restraint.
52:30He slides the backs of his fingers down my neck, and goosebumps rise on my skin as pure,
52:34electric needle and the length of my body.
52:36Fuck, your skin is so damn soft.
52:39My only answer is a whimper, then a moan when the caress is followed by his mouth.
52:42Yes, my hands tug at their bones, and I arch my neck for more.
52:46Still just a kiss, he works his way down my throat and rusts my hip.
52:50He rolls away from me so quickly that I almost go with him, and I am left staring at my ceiling,
52:54grusting for breath, but at least he is in the same condition.
52:57Fuck, he throws his forearm over his eyes, please have mercy and say something, anything
53:01that distracts me from how damn good you feel in my arms.
53:04I blink, trying to force my mind to function, and the soft bands of shadow retreat, freeing
53:08my wrists.
53:09My heartbeats was just enough to allow logic to creep its way in, and I shove my hands back
53:13into my pillow to keep from reaching in his direction.
53:16The book, my dad left me a letter.
53:17He needs me to go to Deverelley.
53:19His head whips to me and I slowly turn mine, locking our eyes.
53:22Then we'll go.
53:23My body isn't big enough to contain how much I love this man.
53:26We'd have to go under the pretence of searching for Andrenerstein, and I think that's what he's
53:30alluding to, but I could be wrong.
53:32I have to read the research.
53:34His brow for Rose, you still think we should search the Isles, right?
53:37I nod.
53:38Then it seems like we can accomplish two goals with one trip.
53:41I go smiting over my swollen low lip, searching the Isles means we'd need the audience with
53:45the king, which requires leaving the wards to get an artifact for the king of Deverelley
53:48and calling in help from Haldane, so it's not an easier choice.
53:52It is, if my dad left me a letter, Zeran rolls up onto his elbow.
53:55You can tell me all the ways it's going to be shitty, and I still say let's go.
53:59The artifact is in occupied territory.
54:02His face tightens, and if I ask you to stay behind, all cozy and safe while I get it.
54:06I shake my head.
54:07Yeah, that's what I thought.
54:09He sighs, at least it will be a chance to evaluate how we function in-
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