I bonded a blue daggertail. Her name is Sgaeyl. I think she'd like you.
- Recovered correspondence from Cadet Xaden Riorson to Raya Riorson
It's conscription day, and being a marked one means joining the rider's quadrant whether we want to or not. Lucky for me, I've always loved dragons and knew I wanted to bond one even before the Tyrrish Rebellion. Call me crazy, but flying on a dragon that you have an irreplaceable bond with, that sounds like something to live for.
Plus there's a bonus for me today, after being separated for 5 years, I finally get to see my older brother again. Navarre separated every separatist child that had a sibling, not wanting them to be together and potentially plan another uprising. My brother, Xaden, and I kept in touch through letters of course, but haven't had the chance to see each other since they split us up. His first year in the quadrant was the worse since first years aren't allowed to send or receive letters at all. They claim it helps support wing loyalty but I think it's just about control.
I'm dressed in a tight black tank top and skin tight black pants with a pack filled with only necessities. I have a few daggers strapped to my thighs and ribs as well, one of which has Tyrrish runes on the hilt. My father, Fen Riorson, also known as 'The Great Betrayer' gave me the dagger when I was 13. It's the only type of dagger that can kill Venin. Most people believe Venin are just a fairy tale but they're real and incredibly dangerous. My long black hair is dyed with bright rainbow underneath and is in a high bun, a few wisps of hair loose around my face.
I look around me, then glance up at the tower I'm about to climb. I slowly smile, wondering how quickly I'll be able to find my brother. When I look back to the people around me, some tend to be glancing at my rebellion relic on my left arm, mine's the second biggest out of all of them, it starts at my wrist and stops at the base of my neck. I roll my eyes when I see people scowl. Navarrian's judge too quickly, if only they knew what was really out there.
I quickly join the line behind a blonde boy. He gives his name to the scribe taking roll call. Beside the scribe is a rider with a rebellion relic. I smile when I realize who it is. "Next," The rider calls out. He looks up, his eyes meeting mine, and smiles, "Raya Riorson. It's good to see you. You look good."
I reach down to pick up the quill and write my name, "Thanks Masen, you do too. It's really good to see a familiar face."
"You're brother will be happy to see you. He's made Wingleader."
"Good, he deserves it. I'll see you up there." Masen nods as I step past the table. The girl behind me taking my place. I slowly start up the stairs behind the blonde boy, my eyes adjusting to the darkness.
"Sorrengail as in...?" I hear the girl behind me ask. I turn around to see who she's talking to. The girl directly behind me has high cheekbones and an oval face. Her dark brown hair is worn in several rows of short braids that just touch the dark skin of her neck. She looks to be about the same height as me.
The girl behind her replies, "Yep." She's petite, her skin is pale and her eyes are blue, or maybe green? The thing that gives her away though is her hair. She's brunette but the ends are silver. Her hair is styled in a braid to keep it out of her face. It sits like a crown at the top of her head.
"The general?" The blonde guy in front of me turns and asks.
"The same one." The general's daughter replies.
"Wow. Nice leathers, too."
"Yeah, you look hot." I say, smiling at the girl. Most people would think since her mother killed my father I would hate her, but that's just not me. Don't get me wrong, I can't stand her mother. But we are not our parents.
"Thanks," She blushes, "They're courtesy of my sister."
"I wonder how many candidates have fallen off the edge of the steps and died before they even reach the parapet," The woman behind me says.
"That's a morbid thought," I mutter, but crack a smile.
"Two last year. Well, three if you count the girl one of the guys landed on." Sorrengail answers.
"How many steps are there?" Asks the girl between me and Sorrengail.
"Two hundred and fifty." The four of us walk in silence for a few minutes.
"Not too bad. I'm Rhiannon Matthias, by the way."
"Dylan," The blonde ahead of me replies.
"Violet." The youngest Sorrengail introduces.
The three turn towards me, "You'll find out soon." I smile. I don't want Violet to get the wrong idea about me after she finds out my name. I could give her just my first name but I'm not sure if she'll recognize it, so I'd rather not say anything. I notice her glance at my rebellion relic, curiosity written on her face.
"I feel like I've been waiting my entire life for this day." Dylan says, bringing the attention to him. "Can you believe we actually get to do this? It's a dream come true."
A smile lights up mine and Rhiannon's faces, "I can't fucking wait." Rhiannon says, "I mean, who wouldn't want to ride a dragon?"
"Do your parents approve?" Dylan asks, "Because my mom's been begging me to change my mind for months. I keep telling her that I'll have better chances for advancement as a rider, but she wanted me to enter the Healer Quadrant."
"Mine always knew I wanted this, so they've been pretty supportive. Besides, they have my twin to dote on. Reagan's already living her dream, married and expecting a baby." Rhiannon says, she glances back at Violet, "What about you? Let me guess. With a name like Sorrengail, I bet you were the fist volunteer this year."
"I was more like volun-told." Violet replies. We all nod in understanding. "What about you," She looks at me, "Or is that something else we can't know yet?" We've caught up to the guy in front of us, he has light brown hair and tanned skin. He doesn't turn when he hears us approach, instead he continues to focus on the steps in front of him.
I laugh, "My mom hasn't been around since I was 8 and my dad died during the rebellion." I gesture to my relic, the guy in front of Dylan tenses. "I can't say much about my mom but I don't think my dad would had wanted me to join. He was Infantry, wanted my brother to join like him and I think he would had been happy with me joining any other quadrant. But it's been my dream to bond a dragon since I can remember." I shrug. "So even if I wasn't, how did you put it? Volun-told, I would still be here today."
"You were forced into the riders quadrant?" Dylan asks.
"Yeah, all marked ones are required to join. It was a deal made for us to survive instead of dying alongside our parents." I pause, "I think they were hoping we'd be killed off here, but lots of marked ones have become riders, so jokes on them." The guy in front of Dylan finally turns around, his eyes land on my relic causing his glare to harden. He looks disgusted but I just roll my eyes.
There's an awkward silence before Violet changes the topic back to riders perks, "Riders don't get way better perks than other officers." She says to Dylan, "Better pay, more leniency with the uniform policy." She trails off.
"And the right to call yourself a supreme bad ass," Rhiannon adds.
Violet nods in agreement. "Plus, I've heard that riders are allowed to marry sooner than the other quadrants." Dylan says.
"True, right after graduation." Violet replies. "I think it has something to do with wanting to continue bloodlines."
"Or because we tend to die sooner than the other quadrants." Rhiannon says.
"Exactly, we need to actually make it the three years in the quadrant first," I continue.
"I'm not dying." Dylan says confidently, he pulls a necklace from under his tunic, there's a ring dangling from the chain. "She said it would be bad luck to propose before I left, so we're waiting until graduation." He kisses the ring before tucking the chain back under his shirt, "The next three years are going to be long ones, but they'll be worth it."
I keep my mouth shut but something in me screams that it's not going to turn out alright for him. I admire his confidence, hell I'm confident I'll be fine. But talking about the future so far in advance feels like you're asking Zihnal to give you all the bad luck in the world.
"You might make it across the parapet," The guy behind Violet sneers, "This one here is a breeze away from the bottom of the ravine." Violet and I simultaneously roll our eyes.
"Shut up and focus on yourself." Rhiannon snaps. The top of the tower comes into sight. The clouds look gray and there is a breeze, it's going to start raining any minute now. I can't tell how windy it actually is until I step forward, pass the enclosed walls. The brunette in front of Dylan just started across the parapet, slow and steady.
I eye the three Riders taking roll call, one is instructing Dylan and another is writing the names down but my gaze is locked on the last one. I immediately notice his relic, his black hair, and tawny skin that matches mine, and a smile stretches across my face. Before I can say anything to him Dylan turns towards us, '"See you three on the other side!"
I nod in acknowledgment then my gaze snaps back to the rider with the relic, a smirk is on his face when my eyes reach his. I run up to him and give him a big hug. "I've missed you so much, Xaden!"
He laughs, "I have a reputation to uphold, you're ruining it," He mutters, but he still wraps me in a hug just as big. We pull away and he checks me over, "You've grown a lot since I last saw you."
"Well duh, I was 15." I roll my eyes.
Xaden's eyes narrow, we have the same gold-flecked onyx eyes, "Same attitude though. You ready, Raya?"
I nod confidently, stepping up to the other rider, "Raya Riorson." The riders eyes flicker between me and my brother, "Yes, we're siblings."
Behind me I hear Rhiannon, "You ready for this Sorrengail?"
Xaden's gaze snaps to Violet, I roll my eyes knowing he's going to have to say something to the petite woman. "Sorrengail?"
Violet doesn't answer, so Rhiannon nudges her, "Violet?"
"You're General Sorrengail's youngest."
"And you two are Fen Riorson's kids." Violet counters looking between Xaden and I.
"Your mother captured our father and saw his execution."
I sigh, "Xaden-"
"Your father killed my older brother. Seems like we're even." Violet replies. If only she knew he was alive.
Rhiannon looks at me, "He won't do anything, right?" She asks.
"No." I shake my head.
"You all right?" Rhiannon asks Violet.
Xaden glances at her then me, "You guys friends?"
"We met on the stairs." Violet replies, "All of us."
"Interesting."
"Are you going to kill me?" Violet asks, she glances between my brother and me.
The sky opens up, rain pouring over us. A scream comes from the parapet. We all turn our heads to see Dylan slip. I knew something was going to happen, I just didn't know it would be this quickly. He catches himself, hooking his arms over the stone bridge, his feet scrambling for something to grab onto. "Let go of your pack!" I call out to him.
"Pull yourself up, Dylan!" Rhiannon screams right after me.
But Dylan loses his grip on the parapet. He falls, his body disappearing from view. The guy in front of him, has turned around, watching where Dylan falls. "Why would I waste my energy killing you when the parapet will do it for me?" I hear Xaden say to Violet. He turns back to me, "Don't you dare die out there. I just got you back."
"Please, I can skip across and still be fine. Maybe do a little spin?" I smirk at my brother.
Xaden glares, "Don't test anything. Especially not in this weather."
"Yeah, yeah. See you later. Can't wait to meet Sgaeyl." I turn towards the girls, "Good luck. Hope to see you both on the other side."
I step up onto the soaked parapet, the wisps of loose hair whipping in my face. I take a step and put my arms out to the sides to keep my balance. If it wasn't rainy, I would had been fine walking without my arms out for balance, but my shoes don't have a good grip which I realize after just a few steps. I slowly kneel down, untying my right boot and taking it off. I slowly stand up, boot in hand, and take one step forward so my left foot is in front of me. I bend down again, untying my left boot, taking it off and holding it in my other hand.
Once I'm standing up at my full height I notice the brunette is still standing on the parapet, facing me. "Dude, are you going to continue?" The guy smirks at me, he slowly takes a dagger out of a sheath at his ribs. "You've gotta be fucking kidding me." I mumble to myself.
I tie my shoelaces together, then place them over my neck like a scarf to free my hands. I reach for my dagger that's strapped to my thigh. "Last chance to continue before I kill you." I yell at the guy. He's bigger than me but there's no way I'm dying here. Not today.
The guy scoffs, "I'd like to see you try." He beckons me forward. So, with nothing else to do, I charge. I'm quick, quicker than what he thought I would be considering the look on his face. I fly over the wet stone, once I get close enough, I drop into a slide. Before he can block me, I kick my leg out, he falls to his back with a heavy thud, the air knocked out of his lungs.
I stand up quick, he tries to lift his dagger up to protect himself, but I kick his arm. The unmistakable sound of bone snapping can be heard over the pounding rain. His dagger falls out of his hand, dropping to the ravine below. I bend down over him, dagger held to his throat, "Should had walked away when you had the chance." Before he can beg for his life, I slit his throat, I wipe the blood off my knife with his shirt then I search his sheaths for anymore daggers, placing them in my own sheaths, before I push his body off the parapet.
I stand up straight again, noticing blood on my hand, I wipe it off on my own shirt and double check my sheaths. I look ahead of me, noticing that I have about ten more feet before making it to the other side. Ten more feet before I can become a cadet. I square my shoulders, raise my head high, then continue across like nothing happened.
Once I take my last step off the parapet, I turn to the rider sitting beside the scroll for name call. She has red hair and a crossbow attached to her back, "Name?" She asks.
"Raya Riorson." I smile.
She snorts, "Should have known."
The male rider next to her looks me up and down, noticing the boots around my neck, "Can't say I've ever seen someone cross barefoot. Or kill someone that quickly on the parapet."
"Yeah, well, there's a first time for everything." I remove the boots from around my neck then look away from the rider. I instantly make eye connect with someone I haven't seen in 5 years. He's under an overhang, keeping out of the rain. His blue eyes connect with my onyx ones, a smirk on his face. I run towards him and jump into his arms, boots gently bouncing off his back. "I missed you so fucking much, Liam."
Liam and I have been best friends for years, his mother Colonel Mairi worked with my father during the rebellion. He was also fostered with my brother. Liam and I wrote letter's to each other often, especially when Xaden went into his first year in the quadrant. We promised each other that we would wait for the other after crossing the parapet, wanting to see each other as soon as possible.
"I missed you too, Raya." He pulls back slightly, still holding me in his arms. "Crossing the parapet barefoot and did I hear that guy say you killed someone?" He shakes his head. He reaches lower, picking up my legs to lock them around his waist.
"What are you doing?" I smile at him, but keep my arms and legs locked around him. "And yes I killed someone, he was trying to kill me first, I gave him the option to walk away but he didn't listen."
"Carrying you to a bench," He answers my question before continuing to talk about the candidate I killed, "I'm guessing he didn't realize who you were if he challenged you."
"I can walk, you know." I reply, rolling my eyes. "And you'd be correct, he saw my relic but didn't know anything else."
"Yes, but the ground is gross and you have no socks or shoes on." He stops in front of a bench, gently placing me back on the ground. "Sit." I sit, watching as he kneels in front of me, reaching for my boots. He unties the laces so they're no longer together, "Already getting death threats." He mumbles under his breath.
"I can also put on my own shoes." I smirk. I choose to drop the conversation about the guy I killed unless he asks me more questions.
"I know. But why should you when I'm here?" He smiles.
I sigh as he lifts my left foot to put my boot back on. "You're too good to me."
"Just treating you like you deserve."
"I don't know. I think this is a lot."
Liam shakes his head, "Absolutely not. You deserve to be treated like a fucking Goddess. So that's exactly how I'll treat you." I blush at his words.
"Well at least stop looking at me like that." I say as he puts my left foot down and picks up my right. His blue eyes are soft, he's looking at me like he's seeing the sun for the first time in years.
"I can't help it. You're beautiful. And I haven't seen you in 5 years."
"I look like a mess right now." I wave a hand indicating my hair which is messy from the wind and rain.
"You always look beautiful to me." His smile lights up his face.
"Stop. I'll have to marry you if you keep saying all these nice things to me." I roll my eyes, but the smile on my face tells him I'm not annoyed.
"Then I'll have to thank Zihnal, because luck would surely be on my side if I get to marry you." I giggle, causing his eyes to light up. He squeezes my thigh, "All set." He stands up, hands stretched in front of him to help me up.
I kiss his cheek once I'm at my full height, "Thank you, handsome."
"You're very welcome," His eyes scan my body, making sure I'm alright, "Are you okay? That guy didn't hurt you, right?"
I shake my head, keeping one of my hands in his, "No, he didn't even get one hit in. Now come on. I gotta make sure the girls I met on the stairs made it." When I get back to the parapet I see Violet and Rhiannon hugging. I let go of Liam's hand, making my way to the girls, "You guys made it!"
"We did!" Rhiannon yells back, pulling me into a hug. Violet hangs back clearly unsure how to act around me. "Thank gods you're okay! Your brother looked about ready to murder that guy when he saw you start to fight. I seriously thought he was going to start crossing and interfere, but you ended everything so quick he didn't have a chance."
"The guy was underestimating me." I shrug, "He thought because he was bigger he could easily over power me, clearly that didn't work." I then gesture towards Liam, "This is Liam Mairi, my best friend." Liam smiles, waving at Rhiannon and Violet.
Rhiannon smiles back at Liam, she then turns her attention back to Violet, looping an arm through hers, "We need to switch our shoes back."
"There's a bench right over-"
I'm cut off as a tall figure in rider black pushes past Liam and I, moving towards the youngest Sorrengail, "Violet?" He looks her over, "What the hell are you doing here?"
"Good to see you too, Dain." Violet replies, her knees give out once the sentence leaves her mouth.
"Damn it, Violet," he mutters. He wraps an arm around her, helping her stand straight. He moves her to the bench that Liam and I just left. Rhiannon, Liam, and I exchange looks before following.
"I'm going to be sick." Violet whispers.
"Head between your knees," Dain replies. The two clearly know each other. "It's the adrenaline. Give it a minute and it will pass." He finally turns to the rest of the group, "Who the hell are you guys?" He eyes mine and Liam's rebellion relics.
I glare at him as Rhiannon answers, "I'm Rhiannon... Violet's friend."
Dain's eyes linger on me and Liam. "I'm Liam Mairi." Liam introduces.
"Raya." I say, not giving him my last name.
"Full name, cadet." Dain growls.
I roll my eyes, "Raya Riorson. Asshole." Liam's lips quirk up, fighting a smile.
Dain's glare hardens at my name, "Listen to me. Violet is fine. And if anyone asks, then tell them exactly what I said, that it's just the adrenaline working out of her system. Understand?"
"It's no one's business what's going on with Violet," Rhiannon retorts. "So I wouldn't say shit. Especially not when she's the reason I made it across the parapet."
"You better mean that," Dain's eyes flicker back to Liam and I.
"Like Rhiannon said, it's no ones business. So I won't say shit." I reply, Liam nodding in agreement.
"Why are you even here, Riorson? We're in formation. You can't kill her."
I roll my eyes, "If I wanted Sorrengail dead, I would had pushed her off the stairs the minute I realized who she was. Who the fuck are you anyway?"
"He's one of my oldest friends," Violet replies, slowly lifting her head.
"And a second-year rider, Cadet. Show some respect."
"I'll show some respect when you earn it." I snap back. Dain glares but focuses back on Violet. They have a whispered conversation. Rhiannon, Liam, and I hanging back.
"Vi, do you trust this one?" He asks Violet, nodding towards Rhiannon and leaving Liam and I out of the question. Violet nods, causing Dain to turn towards Rhiannon, "I'm Dain Aetos, and I'm the leader of Second Squad, Flame Section, Second Wing." No wonder he's bossy. Still doesn't mean I'm going to respect him if he's being a judgy ass just because of my last name.
"Parapet should be over in the next couple of hours, depending on how fast the candidates cross or fall. Go find the redhead with the roll - she's usually carrying a crossbow - and tell her that Dain Aetos put both you and Violet Sorrengail into his squad. If she questions you, tell her she owes me from saving her ass at Threshing last year. I'll bring Violet back to the courtyard shortly."
Rhiannon looks at Violet in reassurance. Violet nods. "Go before someone see us," Dain orders. When Rhiannon leaves Dain looks back at Liam and I.
"Don't worry, I can tell when I'm not wanted." I roll my eyes, at the taller boy. Before leaving I turn back towards Violet, "I really am happy to see you made it." I grab Liam's hand once more pulling him away.
"Becoming friends with a Sorrengail?" Liam asks.
"She's not her mom. And according to her she didn't even want to be here. I need to find Bodhi." Liam nods, "Did you want to come with?"
Liam shrugs, "Sure, haven't seen him in a while. Might as well say hi."
Liam and I look around the group of cadets, and gently elbow our way past people to try and find my cousin. Just like Xaden and Liam, it's been 5 years since I've seen him so I'm definitely eager to catch up. It's only his second year, so last year I didn't get to keep in contact with him. Xaden, of course, let me know how he was doing and that he bonded a green swordtail named Cuir. "I know you said that guy didn't hurt you but how are you feeling? He was the first person you killed, right?"
"He was," I confirm, "But I feel fine, it's not a big deal. I knew coming here, especially with my last name, it was going to be kill or be killed. And I quite like living so I don't really have another option." Liam nods, but still keeps a close eye on me. He's always been protective, despite knowing that I'm completely capable of caring for myself.
As we walk through the crowd, my eyes land on Eya, who is a second year and my foster sister. "Eya!" I call out. Her eyes snap to me, a giant smile showing on her face.
She stops talking to the woman next to her and wraps me in a big hug. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you too. Have you seen Bodhi?"
She shakes her head, leaning back to look me over, "He should be around here."
"I'm fine. No need to look me over like that."
She rolls her eyes, "Your balance was always the best but you can't blame me for being concerned." Her eyes narrow on the spot of blood smeared into my shirt, "Is that blood?"
"It's not mine. And I'm alive. That's all that matters right now."
Her eyes widen, "It's not yours?"
Before I can reply, strong arms wrap around me from behind, "There you are! Thank gods you're okay!" I recognize Bodhi's voice instantly, he backs away, grabbing my shoulder's to turn me around so we're eye to eye. "I was hearing rumors that you were attacked on the parapet. Are they true?"
I smile, "Yes, they're true. Yes, I'm fine. Yes, I killed him. The blood is his, not mine. Any other questions I missed the answer too?"
Liam adds on, "Don't forget you were also barefoot."
"What happened?" Eya asks, bringing my attention back towards her. So I retell the story about the guy glaring at me when he found out I was a marked one and how he waited for me on the parapet so I couldn't cross and my only option was to kill him.
"He didn't even know your last name?" Bodhi questions. I shake my head, "Fuck, I know we're targeted but..." He trails off.
"I knew coming here I was going to be targeted, even worse once people know who I am. I'm not dying at the hands of another cadet. If I die here, it's going to be because the dragons decide I'm not worthy, but gods do I hope that's not the case."
He nods, "Always the smart one. But we all got your back. You're not alone in here. Imogen and Garrick will be happy to see you again. And of course there's us three," He nods towards Eya and Liam, "And Xaden. We won't let anything happen to you."
I smile brightly, "I know, but no need to worry about me, like I said, I have everything handled. And gods am I excited to see everyone again. I was lucky to be with Eya in our foster home but it's nice to have all of you back." Because marked ones can only be in groups of three or less, Liam leaves me alone with Bodhi and Eya. He hugs me goodbye, reassuring me that we'll talk again soon. For the next two hours I sit with Bodhi and Eya, waiting for the last of the cadets to cross the parapet. Xaden is the last to cross the parapet once all the cadets have crossed over. He stops to say something to the redhead, then moves away, towards the front of the courtyard.
"Looks like we're about to start, get over there with the other first years, we'll see you later." Bodhi pulls me into a quick hug as he speaks. As soon as Bodhi lets go, Eya hugs me too. I smile one last time at them before I turn and head towards the group of first years.
I spot Rhiannon first, moving to stand beside her. I flash a quick smile at her, Violet, and another girl that I haven't met yet, then face forward. "Three hundred and one of you have survived the parapet to become cadets today," Commandant Panchek starts, "Good job. Sixty seven did not."
The girl I don't know whispers to us, "I heard this is just a stepping stone for him. He wants Sorrengail's job, then General Melgren's."
"General Melgren's?" Rhiannon whispers back.
"He'll never get it," Violet says just as quietly, "Melgren's dragon gives him the signet ability to see a battle's outcome before it happens." Except for when there's four or more marked ones in the battle, but I don't tell them that. This is why only three marked ones are allowed to be around each other at a time. Not that we actually listen to the man who killed our parents. "There's no beating that, and you can't be assassinated if you know it's coming."
Panchek continues, "As the Codex says, now you begin the true crucible! You will be tested by your superiors, hunted by your peers, and guided by your instincts. If you survive to Threshing, and if you are chosen, you will be riders. Then we'll see how many live to graduation."
There's a pause before Panchek continues, "Your instructors will teach you," he swings a hand to indicate the professors. "It's up to you how well you learn." He then points at us. "Discipline falls to your units, and your wingleader is the last word. If I have to get involved... You don't want me involved."
"With that said, I'll leave you to your wingleaders. My best advice, don't die." Panchek walks off stage and a brunette woman takes his place.
"I'm Nyra, the senior wingleader of the quadrant and the head of the first wing. Section leaders and squad leaders, take your positions now."
Second and Third years gather at the front, I see Garrick standing among them, he's a section leader for fourth wing. "Sections and squads." Violet whispers. "Three squads in each section and three sections in each of the four wings."
"Thank you," Rhiannon whispers back, I already knew this thanks to Xaden.
"First Squad!" Nyra calls out. "Claw section! First Wing!" A man close to the dais raises his hand. "Cadets, when your name is called, take up formation behind your squad leader."
The cadet with red hair that took our names once we got off the parapet stands in the front with her scroll and starts calling out names. The asshole that stood behind Violet on the stairs, Jack, gets placed into Third Squad, Flame Section, First Wing. Tara, the girl standing next to Violet that I never got the name of, is called into First Squad, Tail Section, First Wing. Rhiannon and Violet are placed together in Flame Section of Second Wing, Dain's Squad.
Liam gets called for Second Squad, Tail Section, Fourth Wing. I'm not called until Second Squad, Flame Section of Fourth Wing. Though no surprises there when I see Xaden is Fourth Wings wingleader. Once the final name is called the wingleaders get into a heated discussion. Once the argument is settled, Nyra calls out. "Dain Aetos, you and your squad will switch with Aura Beinhaven's. Except for Cadet's Scarlett McCall and Raya Riorson. You two will stay where you are."
I stay put as the rest of my former squad moves to Second Wing and Rhiannon, Violet, and Imogen, who I just spotted for the first time, head my way. I send Imogen a quick smile, she squeezes my hand as she passes by to stand behind me. "It's good to see you." She whispers.
"You too," I whisper back. Unlike Xaden, Bodhi, and Liam, throughout the years after the rebellion I still saw Imogen. Our foster parents were friends and lived close to each other which made it easy for the two of us to stay in contact.
Nyra and Xaden exchange a look before Xaden takes Nyra's place. "You're all cadets now," Xaden starts, "Take a look at your squad. These are the only people guaranteed by Codex not to kill you. But just because they can't end your life doesn't mean others won't. You want a dragon? Earn one."
Most people cheer but I keep my mouth shut, there's nothing to celebrate yet. "And I bet you feel pretty bad ass right now, don't you, first years?" There are more cheers. "You feel invincible after the parapet, don't you?" Xaden shouts, "You think you're untouchable! You're on the way to becoming the elite! The few! The chosen!" Xaden reminds me of dad, he knows how to hold the attention of a crowd. Knows how to be a leader.
As people cheer, wing beats can be heard getting louder, growing closer. "Oh gods, they're beautiful." Rhiannon whispers from ahead of me. A smile grows on my face as I see the navy blue dragon, that must be Sgaeyl. And damn, is she gorgeous, they all are.
A few cadets scream as the dragons land on the side of the walls, steam blows across us, as Sgaeyl swings her head in an elegant, lethal sweep. There are three dragons in shades of red, two in shades of green, one brown, one orange, and Sgaeyl, the lone blue. One cadet in third wing makes a run for it. I can't help but roll my eyes, he can't seriously think that he'll actually make it. The red dragon on the left opens its mouth, revealing huge teeth. Fire erupts along its tongue incinerating the fleeing cadet.
Two more cadets run and two more blasts of heat fill the air around us. Seventy dead now. After a pause and no more cadets running, Xaden speaks once more, "Anyone else feel like changing their mind? No? Excellent. Roughly half of you will be dead by this time next summer." The formation is silent except for a few sobs, Xaden's eyes scan the crowd, pausing on me, "A third of you again the year after that, and the same your last year. No one cares who your mommy or daddy is here. Even King Tauri's second son died during his Threshing. So tell me again: Do you feel invincible now that you've made it into the Rider's Quadrant? Untouchable? Elite?" No one cheers this time.
A blast of warmth, hits the side of my face. I blink, glancing sideways at Sgaeyl. She breathes in my scent, she must know that I'm Xaden's sister. My mouth quirks up into a smile, eyes trained on her. The dragons, and probably the older cadet's, want us scared. But I was born for this, I'm ready. I'm not dumb enough to be overly cocky, I know shit happens and there's a chance I'll die any day now, but I refuse to go down without a fight. I'm determined to make it to graduation. And even longer than that.
"Because you're not untouchable or special to them." My eyes flicker back to Xaden as he points to his dragon, "To them, you're just the prey."
*_*_*_*_*_*
Before bed I meet with Xaden one last time in the courtyard. He throws an arm over my shoulders in a one armed hug, "Who did you reunite with after parapet?" He asks.
"Liam, Bodhi, and Eya." I pause, "And briefly, Imogen. I know you didn't switch my squad because of me, but I'm happy you did."
"It's none of your business why I switched your squad. My room is on the third floor, last door on the left. I have it warded so only you and I can get in. If you need me, try there first." I nod as he pauses, "I also want to warn you, don't let Aetos touch your face. I don't know why he would try with you but just in case I want you to be aware."
"What's up with Aetos?" I question.
"He's a memory reader. It's supposed to be classified information so don't go telling anyone but you need to know."
"Well, I'm pretty sure he hates me, but if he tries I'll break his arm before he can lay a hand on me."
"Why do you think he hates you?" Xaden's eyes narrow.
"I called him an asshole and said the only way I would respect him is if he earned it."
The right side of Xaden's lips twitch into a smile, "Of course you did," he sighs. "Try not to piss him off more, he's your squad leader."
"So? You can just get me out of trouble. You're my wingleader."
"And show bias? No way."
"Well what's the point of me being in your wing if you don't even help me out." I cross my arms, "I bet I can get Garrick to defend me against Dain."
"Yeah, you're probably right about that. We both think he's a dick, now get to bed. I'll see you tomorrow morning." Xaden dismisses me, but before he walks too far away I call out to him.
"Xaden!" He turns around to look at me, "Tell Sgaeyl I think she's badass." Xaden chuckles, shaking his head, then continues down the corridor.