I talked about you during Presentation yesterday. There's a guy in my squad who asked about my childhood, and the first thing I thought of was how even when you were a kid you never took anyone's shit. Like that one time Xaden and I tried to keep the secret about the Venin from you. You said you were smarter than us and gods I believed you; I still do.
-Recovered correspondence from Garrick Tavis to Raya Riorson
The night before Gauntlet training starts, I stand with the other marked ones. This is our third meeting and we've only lost one other cadet since Parapet. "Let's make this meeting quick, the first years need rest since Gauntlet training starts tomorrow. How's hand-to-hand coming with you guys?" Xaden asks as he looks towards Carolyn, Dmitry, Julian, and Carina.
The four nod, sharing looks. "I've seen improvements." Garrick answers, "They've each won a few challenges and lost some, but no serious injuries."
"We're continuing the training multiple times a week, and we won't stop even with challenges pausing." Imogen adds.
Xaden nods, "Good. Any questions?"
"The Gauntlet has one of the biggest death counts in the quadrant, any tips on how to survive?" I ask.
Xaden holds my gaze, "Time doesn't matter. Even on presentation day. Just get through the obstacles safely, don't worry about being fast."
"Doesn't the time determine the order in which you walk presentation?" Ashton asks.
Garrick nods, "It does, but in the past there have been cadets that have walked last and bonded and cadets who have walked first haven't. So like Xaden said, your time doesn't matter."
"There are ropes every six feet, grab them if you need to." Bodhi starts, eyes sweeping over the first years, "Time will be added but they may save your life." His eyes lock onto mine. There's a flash of worry but I smile, reassuring him.
"Any more questions?" Xaden asks. When no one replies he continues, "Good. Head to bed. And good luck tomorrow." I turn to walk back with Liam but Xaden grabs my arm, "Let me walk you."
"Okay," I turn to Liam, "I'll see you tomorrow." He nods, running to catch up with Bodhi. I look back at Xaden, "What did you want to talk about?"
Xaden pauses, "Just be careful tomorrow, I know you'll probably do fine but…"
I smile, "I get it, Xade. I'll be careful."
He nods, "So, I've seen you hanging out with that Sawyer guy a lot."
I smirk, "Well, he is in my squad."
"That's it?"
"I mean…" I trail off before starting again, "Do you really want to talk about this?"
"I just want to make sure you're okay. He's treating you good?"
"I'm very satisfied." I try not to laugh at the look on Xaden's face.
"That's not what I meant." He rubs the bridge of his nose.
I giggle, "Sorry. Sawyer's great, I think you'd like him if you talked to him."
Xaden nods, "Good. That's good. I obviously don't know him well but," Xaden pauses, "You can do worse."
I smile, "That sounds like the Xaden stamp of approval. Wow, I never thought I'd see the day."
Xaden nudges my shoulder, "Listen, I know I'm protective of you and no one is going to be perfect for you in my eyes but I also know you're smart, strong, beautiful and you deserve to be happy. Plus, Sawyer is in your squad, so if you're going to have a relationship with anyone at least it's with someone who can't kill you."
I snort, "There it is. But Sawyer and I… We're not serious. We're friends, we get along. And sometimes we just need to… Let off steam."
Xaden chuckles, "Yeah, let off steam. Thank you for putting it that way." I laugh along with him, "I get it. I've been there, I just want you to pick your partners carefully and Sawyer is a safe option. A good option. I just don't want you doing anything in front of me."
I wrap my arm around Xaden's waist causing him to wrap his around my shoulder's, "Noted. I will try to be aware of my surroundings and not flirt or kiss or anything else around you. If you promise the same."
"Deal." Xaden smiles.
*_*_*_*_*
The next morning my squad stands in front of the Gauntlet waiting for Professor Emetterio. "Well, that's…" Rhiannon trails off. The obstacle course is carved into the side of the cliff that leads to the flight field, the Vale lays beyond that.
"Amazing," Aurelie sighs in awe.
Rhiannon, Violet, and I all turn to look at her, "You think that hellscape looks amazing?" Rhiannon asks, causing me to smile.
"I've been waiting years for this!" Aurelie grins, "My dad - he was a rider until he retired last year - used to set up obstacle courses like this all the time so we could practice, and Chase, my brother, said it's the best part of being here before Threshing. It's a real adrenaline rush."
"He's with the Southern Wing, right?" Violet questions. She turns back to the Gauntlet, studying the obstacle course.
"Yep. Pretty much desk duty for all the action they see near the Krovlan border." She shrugs then points about two thirds of the way up the course, "He said to watch out for those giant posts jutting from the side of the cliff. They spin, and you can get crushed between them if you're not fast enough."
"Oh good," Rhiannon states sarcastically, "I was wondering when it might get difficult."
"Thanks, Aurelie." Violet says. I remain silent, but nod in thanks.
"Still not sure why they call it the Gauntlet," Ridoc pipes up, cupping his hands and blowing air into them to try and keep warm.
"To ensure dragons keep coming to Threshing by weeding out the weaklings," Tynan sneers, folding his arms and casting a pointed look at Violet.
I cross my arms to stop myself from punching him, "Shut up, Tynan."
"Knock it the fuck off." Ridoc snaps at the same time. The whole squad turns in his direction. We've never seen him lose his temper, he's always so happy, cracking jokes and laughing.
"What's your problem?" Tynan pivots turning his full attention to Ridoc, who stands a half a foot taller.
"My problem?" Ridoc scoffs, "You think because you made friends with Barlowe and Siefert that you have the right to be a dick to your own squadmate?"
"Exactly. Squadmate." Tynan gestures towards the obstacle course, "Our times aren't just ranked individually, Ridoc. We're scored as a squad, too, which is how the order for Presentation is decided. Do you really think any dragon wants to bond a cadet who walks in after every other squad in processional?"
"Xaden told me the times don't matter." I say.
"And they're not timing us for Presentation today, asshole." Ridoc adds.
"Stop." Sawyer steps in between Ridoc and Tynan who are still chest to chest. "Raya's right. Or I guess Xaden. The order for Presentation doesn't matter. The last cadet to walk last year bonded just fine, and some of the cadets in the first squad onto the field were passed over."
"Little bitter about that, aren't you?" Tynan snarks.
Sawyer ignores the barb but I lunge, tired of hearing Tynan speak ill of my friends. Sawyer quickly grabs my waist, pulling me into his chest. "Easy." He whispers into my ear, I stay still but my glare doesn't leave Tynan, who is staring wide-eyed, shocked I almost attacked him. "Besides," Sawyer continues, like I almost didn't just punch Tynan, "It's not called the Gauntlet because it weeds out cadets."
"It's called the Gauntlet because this is the cliff that guards the Vale," Professor Emetterio says, walking up to the squad, "Plus, actual gauntlets - armored gloves made of metal - are slippery as hell, and the name stuck about twenty years ago." He cocks an eye at Tynan, Sawyer, and I. "Are you three done arguing? Because the ten of you have exactly an hour to get to the top before it's another squad's chance to practice, and from what I've seen of your agility on the mat, you're going to need every second."
There's a grumble from the group, Sawyer keeps an arm around my waist, pulling me slightly away from Tynan. He already knows me too well, because despite what Professor Emetterio just said, I still want to knock some sense into the dark haired boy.
"As you know, hand-to-hand challenges are on hold for the next two and a half weeks before Presentation so you can focus here." Emetterio flips a page in his notebook, "Sawyer, you're going to show them how it's done, since you already have the lay of the land. Then Raya, Pryor, Trina, Tynan, Rhiannon, Ridoc, Violet, Aurelie, and Luca." A smile curves on Emetterio's face, "You're the only squad to remain intact since Parapet. That's incredible. Your squad leader must be very proud. Wait here for a second." He walks past us, waving to someone high up on the cliff.
"Aetos is especially proud of Sorrengail." Tynan sneers.
Violet snaps, "Look, if you want to talk shit about me, that's one thing, but leave Dain out of it."
"Tynan," Sawyer warns, his grip on my waist tightens as I tense at Tynan's jeer.
"Like it doesn't bother any of you that our squad leader is fucking one of us?" Tynan asks, throwing his hands out.
I roll my eyes, "Not that it's any of your business, but they're not fucking. And so what if they are? Dain's hot. I say get it."
Everyone's eyes snap to me, "I thought you didn't like him?" Rhiannon asks.
"I don't, but I also have eyes." I shrug.
"It matters if it means that Violet gets preferential treatment!" Luca exclaims, "And of course you wouldn't care when you're fucking our section leader."
Before I can stop myself I laugh, "Me? Fucking Tavis?" My laughing slowly stops but a smile lingers on my face, "No sweetie, Garrick is my brother's best friend. I literally grew up with him, much like how Dain and Violet grew up together. Neither of us are fucking people in leadership."
Tynan's eyes widen, "Really?" He asks Violet.
She nods her head, "Really."
"Shit. I'm sorry. Barlowe said-"
Ridoc interjects, "And that's your first mistake. Listening to that sadistic ass is going to get you killed. And you're lucky Aetos or Tavis aren't here."
I quietly laugh, "Oh man, I can't wait to tell Garrick about that assumption of us." Luca's eyes widen but she doesn't say anything.
"Here we go!" Emetterio says walking back over towards us, "You'll get your time at the top of the course, if you make it, but remember, you'll still have nine practice sessions before we rank you for Presentation in two and a half weeks, which will determine if the dragons find you worthy for Threshing."
"Wouldn't it make more sense to let first years start practicing this thing right after Parapet?" Rhiannon asks. "You know, to give us a little more time so we don't die?"
"No," Emetterio replies, "The timing is part of the challenge. Any words or wisdom, Sawyer?"
Sawyer blows out a couple of slow breaths, his hand twitches on the small of my back, "There are ropes every six feet that run from the top of the sheer cliffside to the bottom, so if you start to fall, reach out and grab a rope. It'll cost you thirty seconds, but death costs you more."
"I mean," Ridoc points to a steep staircase set in the cliff, "There's a perfectly good set of steps over there."
"Stairs are for reaching the flight field on the top of the ridgeline after Presentation." Professor Emetterio says. He lifts his hands towards the obstacle course, flicking his writs, pointing at different obstacles. The fifteen-foot log at the start begins to spin, the other obstacles along the course begin to move as well.
"Every one of the five ascents on this course is designed to mimic the challenges you'll face in battle," Emetterio explains, "From the balance you must keep on the back of your dragon, to the strength you'll need to hold your seat during maneuvers, to-" he gestures upward, toward the last obstacle, "The stamina you'll need to fight on the ground, then still be able to mount your dragon at a second's notice."
"What if we don't make it up?" Luca asks the professor. She secures her hair in a loose braid. Mine is already up in a high bun, the same way I wore it when crossing the Parapet. "What's the alternate route?"
"There's no alternate route," Emetterio says. I could have told her that, "If you don't make it up, you can't get to Presentation, can you? Take your position, Sawyer."
Before Sawyer moves, he turns to me, "Are you going to behave?" He raises an eyebrow.
I smile, blinking innocently, "If they keep their mouths shut."
Sawyer sighs, he looks at Ridoc and gently pushes me into his side."Don't let her attack anyone." Ridoc nods.
"I don't need a babysitter, Sawyer!" I call after him
"Yes, you do!" He yells back, as he moves to the beginning of the course.
"After he makes it past the final obstacle, so everyone can learn from this cadet completing the course, the rest of you will start every sixty seconds. And… Go!" Emetterio says to the squad, ignoring mine and Sawyer's argument.
Sawyer takes off, he easily runs the fifteen feet across the spinning log but it takes him three rotations inside the wheel before he jumps out. Other than that I don't see a single misstep in the first ascent. He turns and rushes toward a series of giant hanging balls that makes up the second ascent, jumping and hugging one after another. With his feet back on the ground, he starts up the third ascent, which is divided into two sections. The first has giant metal rods hanging parallel to the cliff wall, Sawyer easily swings arm over arm to reach the bars. From the last bar, he jumps onto a series of shaking pillars before leaping back onto solid ground.
Sawyer makes it to the spinning logs Aurelie warned us about. He's making the course look easy as he runs across the logs. He pauses at the giant chimney formation that sits at about a twenty degree angle. "You got this!" Rhiannon yells.
As if he heard her, Sawyer runs toward the chimney and flings himself upwards, his body creating an X. He starts hopping up the obstacle until he reaches the end and drops down in front of the final obstacle, a massive ramp that's a nearly vertical climb.
Sawyer sprints towards the ramp, his speed and momentum take him two-thirds of the way up. Just before he starts to fall, he reaches up with one arm and grasps the lip of the ramp, hauling himself over the edge. Rhiannon, Violet, and I cheer for him.
"Perfect technique!" Professor Emetterio exclaims, "That's exactly what you should all be doing."
"Perfect, and yet he was still passed over at Threshing," Luca snarks, "Guess the dragons have some sense of taste."
Ridoc's hold on me tightens as I try to step towards Luca, "Give it a rest, Luca." Rhi snaps.
Professor Emetterio raises his eyebrows at me, "Are you ready, Raya?"
I nod, turning to look at Ridoc, "You can let go."
He narrows his eyes, "You're to move right to the beginning of the course. No hurting Luca."
I nod. He slowly let's go of my waist, letting me move away. I turn to send a sickly sweet smile to Luca and Tynan, "I hope you both fall."
"Really, Raya? Right in front of our Professor?" Ridoc scolds. He reminds me of Xaden for a second.
"I'm sure our wonderful Professor has heard worse." I turn to look at Emetterio once I reach the beginning of the course, "Ready when you are, sir!"
Emetterio looks exasperated but I can tell he's trying not to smile. He checks with the person at the top of the cliff then looks back at me, "And… go."
I take off, quickly running across the 15 foot long spinning log. Once I saw the course I knew this first part would be the easiest ascent. My balance is great, so I wasn't worried making it past this obstacle. Jumping off of the log, I quickly jump past all four of the pillars and enter the spinning wheel. The wheel goes through two rotations and on the third I jump through the opening, landing back on solid ground.
I take a quick breath, this first practice round I want to pause after each ascent. This practice session is all about testing the obstacles and knowing what I need to do to survive. My time can improve with the other practices. The second ascent is the 5 buoy balls. I jump up, grabbing the chain above the first ball. I swing the ball and launch myself onto the next one, doing this over and over until I reach the end of the ascent.
I take another breath, assessing the next ascent. I jump up grabbing the iron bar, a hand on each side. I swing hand over hand, moving from bar to bar. When I reach the last one, I swing my body, aiming to land on the first shaking pillar. I wobble, reaching out for the rope in front of me to regain my balance. "You got this!" I hear one of the girls yell. I quickly regain my footing, leaping across the rest of the pillars.
Before I run across the logs Aurelie warned us about, I check behind me. Pryor is doing alright but he's hesitating before trying the third ascent, I watch as he wobbles, but rights himself with the help of a rope. I turn back around and sprint across the rolling logs. I smile when I make it across. That part was easier than I expected.
I take another breath then run at the chimney, launching myself upwards and landing in an X like Sawyer did. I check my hand and feet placement then hop up the chimney. Reaching the top, I grab the lip and pull myself up. I eye the ramp in front of me, take a breath, then run. My hand skims the top, just missing, causing me to slide back down the ramp. I shake out my shoulders, take another breath, then run again. This time my momentum takes me higher, and when I feel gravity begin to pull at me, I throw my right hand up, catching the top of the cliff. I sigh in relief, reaching up with my left hand as well to pull myself over the top.
Sawyer meets me at the top, pulling me into a tight hug. "You did it! Good job!"
I giggle, "Thanks. Some parts weren't as bad as I thought they were going to be."
Sawyer playfully rolls his eyes, "You would think that. Come on, let's go watch the others." We hear a scream just as we approach the edge of the cliff. We share a look then quickly look down, finding Trina who just started the fourth ascent. "You can do it!" Sawyer encourages.
"They go in opposite directions!" Aurelie yells from the bottom. Trina makes it past, causing Sawyer and I to sigh in relief. Pryor and Trina both finish the course, and come to join us at the edge, watching the others. Tynan is stuck on the hanging balls.
"He can still do us all a favor and fall." I mumble.
Sawyer lightly shoves me, "Be nice, he's still our squadmate."
"Yeah and? You're supposed to be able to trust your squadmates, I don't trust him. And I highly doubt he'll ever earn that trust. Same with Luca."
"Swing to the next one!" Trina calls, trying to encourage Tynan.
"I can't!" Tynan screams back.
"Rhi!" Violet yells, "The rope is between the first and second!" Rhiannon jumps up onto the first ball, swinging her body around and grabbing the rope for Tynan. Once he has the rope in his hands, he climbs down.
I snort, "What a fucking baby." Sawyer sends me a look but I can tell he's amused, I hold out my hands, "I know, I know. Be nice."
Everyone is either on the course at this point or has had their chance to practice. I watch as Violet starts on the third ascent. Her right hand loses its grip and she swings face first into the mountain. I cringe, hearing Rhiannon yell for Violet. "The rope is next to you!" Aurelie shouts.
Violet grabs hold of the rope, using it to grab onto the iron swings and continue her way up the obstacle course. Violet pauses before the fourth ascent, Aurelie standing with her. They exchange a few words before Violet runs across, cheering when she succeeds. "Go, Violet! Here I come!" Aurelie calls. She starts moving across the posts, a roar is heard from a dragon flying above, then Aurelie cries out. Her foot slips on the fifth post, she careens forward, belly hitting the sixth post, Violet tries to move forward to help her, but she can't make it.
*_*_*_*_*
Garrick
I'm sitting on the couch in Xaden's room, Imogen, and Bodhi next to me. Liam is sitting on the floor and Xaden and Raya are sitting on Xaden's bed. Raya lays with her head placed in Xaden's lap. The six of us don't get a lot of chances to spend time together so when we do have a chance, we take advantage of it.
"So how was Gauntlet training today?" Bodhi asks, looking between Liam and Raya.
Xaden lightly taps his sisters forehead, "I heard you lost a squadmate."
Raya nods, "Yeah, Aurelie. She was a good person."
"You holding up okay?" I ask, looking at her with concern.
Her eyes flicker to me, "Yeah, just sucks. I knew I was going to lose a squadmate at some point, we were lucky to keep everyone for this long." She pauses, cracking a smile, "You'll never guess what Luca said."
Imogen raises an eyebrow, "She's the bitchy one right?"
"The one you fought on assessment day?" Xaden asks.
"Mhm." She hums, nodding in confirmation.
"What did she say?" Liam questions.
I reach down to grab my water, taking a sip just as Raya answers, "She thought Garrick and I were fucking."
I quickly pull my canteen away from my lips, choking on my water. Bodhi reaches over, slapping my back, "What?" I choke out.
Raya nods, smirk evident on her face, "Yeah, we got into a whole argument before Emetterio showed up because Tynan was accusing Violet of sleeping with Dain and I said if she wanted to she should 'cause he's hot." Xaden flicks her on the ear, cutting her off, "Ow!" She sits up, turning to look at him, "What the fuck, Xaden!"
"Never look at Aetos like that, that's disgusting." He scolds, glaring at her.
Raya rolls her eyes, "I'm not lying, he is hot! That doesn't mean I like him but I'm not blind. Plus you had a thing with Cat so you can't judge me." Gods, this conversation is going down hill quickly.
"Cat was an arranged marriage!" Xaden defends.
"And yet you still slept with her when you weren't actually married. If I was in an arranged marriage with a she demon I would avoid her as much as possible. But no, you had to get your dick wet."
Oh shit. My eyes widen as Xaden lunges for his sister. Raya yelps pushing herself away from him. Bodhi, Liam, and I move quick. I grab onto Xaden, pulling him away from Raya. Bodhi wraps his arms around his younger cousin, making sure he's in front of her and Liam steps in between the siblings, arms raised to ensure they stay separated. I look towards Imogen who is fighting back a laugh.
Honestly, I kinda want to laugh too. And stealing a glance at Liam and Bodhi I can tell they do as well. We don't want Xaden hurting Raya, but Raya has a point. And only she would have the balls to say that to Xaden.
"If I let go of you do you promise not to kill your sister?" I ask Xaden.
"If I really wanted to kill her, I don't even need to touch her." Xaden grumbles, his glare staying on Raya.
Raya's jaw drops in shock at her brother's words, "Hey! You love me! As your little sister it's in the job description to be annoying!"
Liam shrugs, dropping his arms, "She's got a point. And honestly, I miss Sloane so much. I can't wait until she's here next year, annoying the fuck out of me."
Xaden rolls his eyes, shoving me away from him, "I'm not going to kill her."
Imogen finally lets her amusement show, chuckling lightly as she asks, "So why did you saying Dain's hot lead to Luca saying you and Garrick were sleeping together?"
"Right," Raya nods, she moves to sit on Xaden's desk. The rest of settling back in our previous spots, except for Liam who moves to sit in the desk chair. "After I made that comment she said that of course I'd be fine with it since I'm fucking our section leader."
"How did you respond?" Bodhi asks, still keeping an eye on Xaden.
"I laughed. Like Garrick could ever get with me."
I cock my head, "What the fuck does that mean?"
Xaden narrows his eyes, "Why the fuck do you care?"
My head whips back to Xaden, "I- I don't." I stutter, "But like what the fuck? I'm great in bed!"
Xaden's eyes narrow further, his glare cold, "Never talk to my sister about your sex life."
"That's not- I didn't-"
"Okay!" Raya interrupts, "No matter how entertaining this is, I'd rather not witness a murder. And Xaden, no need to worry, Garrick can brag about his skills all he wants, I'm still not planning on ever sleeping with him."
Before either Xaden or I can reply Imogen speaks up, changing the topic, "Was your first day on the Gauntlet as eventful, Liam?"
Liam chuckles, shaking his head, "Definitely not. We were lucky to not lose any of our squad and there were no arguments."
Xaden pipes up, calmer than before, "We lost Carolyn on the Gauntlet today." We're all silent for a moment, that's another marked one, dead.
"There's nothing we could have done." Bodhi says quietly. The rest of us nodding in agreement.
Xaden looks at the time then sighs, "It's late. We should head to bed." We slowly start to file out of the room. Everyone is gone except for me and Raya, Xaden grabs Raya's arm before she can exit, "I love you. Even though you piss me off sometimes."
She smiles, "I love you too, Xade." Raya reaches up, kissing his cheek, "Goodnight."
"I'll walk her back to the barracks." I mumble to Xaden, his eyes narrow, "Would you rather she walks alone?" Xaden sighs but shakes his head. That's what I thought. "Night."
I quickly catch up to Raya who turns to look at me once I'm next to her, "Really feeding those rumors of us sleeping together."
I laugh, lightly shoving her away from me, "Shut the fuck up." I pause, "But seriously, why wouldn't you sleep with me?"
"Do you want to die? Xaden would kill you and possibly me if he found out that we slept together."
I raise a brow, "Is that the only reason?"
Raya tilts her head, "That's the only reason I need. I value my life."
"He wouldn't kill you, he's your brother." I argue.
Raya stops in the middle of the hallway, right by the door leading to the woman's barracks. She turns to directly face me, "Do you want to sleep me with, Tavis?" She questions.
My eyes, widen. Deny, deny, deny. "Wha-no."
That was very convincing. I hear Chradh, my dragon, say through our bond. I can practically hear the eye roll in his tone.
"Uh huh," Raya nods, "Then this conversation is irrelevant. Goodnight, section leader." She opens the door, walking away before I can reply.
Even she's not convinced. Chradh speaks once more, laughing.
Shut up. I answer him, scowling.
*_*_*_*_*
Raya
The next morning I wake up early, I've decided I want to start running before breakfast. My stamina is good, but it can be better, and after running the Gauntlet yesterday and watching Aurelie die, I know I need to be at my very best. I finish quietly tying my shoes, not wanting to disturb anyone. I leave the room, stretching my arms above my head. "What are you doing?" I jump, looking up to see Dain glaring at me.
"I'm going for a run?" I say, though it sounds more like a question.
"By yourself?" He asks, eyes narrowing.
"Yes, why?"
"Have you ever gone for runs before?"
I raise an eyebrow, "Not here…" There's a pause as we both asses each other. "Can I go now?" I finally ask, pointing around him. He pauses once more, before stiffly nodding and stepping to the side. I walk around him, then turn back to look, confused on why he was asking me about my run. I shake my head, then continue, heading to the courtyard to start running.
I've been running for 20 minutes and decide that I should start heading back so I can get breakfast. It should be starting any minute and I don't want to be too late. Just as I'm passing the Iakobos River a cadet steps out of the shadows. He's a first year like me, I think he's in second wing but I can't remember his name. I nod at him trying to move past, but he steps in my way. "I overheard you talking with Aetos, saying you were going on a run by yourself."
"Yeah, here I am." I say shrugging.
"Traitors shouldn't be here." I roll my eyes, of course he hates me.
"Listen, I don't have time for this. Can't you just wait for Threshing to try and kill me? Or challenge me when matches start back up?"
"Not when I have the perfect opportunity right now." He takes out his long sword. I sigh, not wanting to fight, I quickly slip out two of my daggers, the only two I brought with me on my run.
He lunges, since he's fighting with a sword he has a longer reach than my daggers. I block his strike, stepping in closer. I stick my foot out tripping him but he quickly rights himself. He spins, lunging once more in a series of quick strikes. I manage to block each one but I need to move off defense and end this quickly.
I take a step in his direction, feigning right and moving left. I nick the back of his sword hand. He hisses in pain but recovers quickly. My breath is heavier, my run from earlier tiring me quicker. When he lunges again, his sword catches my side. "Fuck." I take a chance, sending a quick prayer to Zihnal, I throw one of my daggers, aiming for his throat. The dagger lands where I intended. The tall cadet stumbles, a hand flying to his throat.
I walk over to him, sheathing my extra dagger, "I'm taking this, since you wanted to try and kill me with it." I grab his long sword from his limp hand. "And I'll be taking this back." I reach down, grabbing the hilt of my dagger that's buried in his throat. "Say hi to Malek for me." I pull the dagger out, blood spraying across my face. I must have hit the artery in his neck. I wipe the dagger on the boys tunic. Watching as he takes his last breath. I sigh, sheathing my dagger once more and heading back to the quadrant.
There are a few cadets walking around, either heading to breakfast, their morning duties, or back to their rooms. Some do double takes, seeing the hole in my tunic with blood seeping out and the blood on my face. One cadet even leaping out of my way. I pay them no mind. My eyes sharpened into a cold glare as I head towards the dining hall, searching for Dain.
Just as I move around the corner, closest to the dining hall, I bump into him. "Are you okay?" He asks, noticing the blood on my face.
I scoff, "Just the person I was looking for. You have a second to talk in private, squad leader?"
"Are you hurt? Do you need the healers?"
"What I need is to talk with you."
His eyes narrow in confusion, "Okay? How privately?"
I whisper through gritted teeth, making sure that none of the passing cadets can hear me, "That depends on if you want people to know that your attempt to get your squadmate killed failed."
"What?"
"Oh, so that's how you want to play it?"
"Hold on, I never-" He stops himself, "Come with me." He quickly ushers me away, leading me to his bedroom. "What are you talking about? What happened?"
I roll my eyes, "That first year from second squad you sent after me? He's dead by the Iakobos."
"Someone went after you?"
"You should consider acting, Aetos."
"Raya, I never sent anyone after you."
I scoff, "Oh, so just asking about where I was going and if I was going alone was just out of per curiosity and a random guy - who I don't even know the name of - who hates me, managed to overhear and then attempt to kill me."
"I asked you where you were going this morning because I never saw you up that early before. And I asked if you were going alone because with your last name a lot of people don't want you here and traveling in groups is safer."
"You really expect me to believe that?" I yell, taking a step towards Dain. My hand flies up to my side, the adrenaline wearing off causing the pain to be worse.
"You're hurt. Let me look." Dain steps forward.
I recoil, "Stay the fuck away from me!"
Dain sighs, "Raya, I swear to Amari I never told anyone about your run and I never sent someone to kill you. Now either let me bring you to the healers or let me check your wound."
"I'm fine! I don't need your help." I try to storm past him, but he grabs my arm.
"Let me help." My glare never leaves my face but Dain doesn't back away.
"Let. Me. Go."
"No. As your squad leader, I order you to let me check your wound."
I scoff, "Oh, as my squad leader? News flash, Dain, I don't give a fuck what you are. I can take care of myself."
"I'll tell Xaden."
"Really? Tell him what exactly?"
"That you're too stubborn for your own good. That you won't let someone help you when you're injured. That you were dumb enough to go on a run by yourself when half the quadrant wants you dead."
"Dumb? I'm still alive in case you haven't noticed."
"Yeah for now, but what if that cadet brought along some friends. That wound on your side probably would had been a lot worse. You would had probably been with Malek right now."
I shove Dain off of me, knowing that I'm not indestructible and he's right, but not wanting to admit that out loud. "Fine. Want to check my wound?" I drop the sword, then reach down to pull my tunic over my head, "Go on. Check it."
His jaw ticks, but he nods to his bed, "Sit. Let me get my first aid kit." I roll my eyes, but do as he says. I lean back on my hands so I don't put pressure on the wound. I look down at the cut, the cut is deep enough that I'm going to need stitches.
"I'm going to get blood on your sheets." I say, looking up to him as he approaches, scowl still on my face.
Dain shrugs, "Wouldn't be the first time someone got blood on them." He squats down in front of me, "This may sting a little." He pours alcohol onto a cloth, then gently rubs it over my wound. "What happened?" He quietly asks.
I nod to the long sword that I dropped on his floor, "He had the reach with his sword, I only had my daggers on me. I misjudged and he cut me. So I threw one of my daggers into his neck."
"Well at least you're okay. And now you know not to go on runs by yourself." I purse my lips, "You will go running with someone, right?" He raises an eyebrow. He puts the cloth down, "You need stitches."
"I wasn't planning on it. Do you have a needle and thread in the kit?"
Dain nods, asking, "Running again?"
I roll my eyes, "Going with someone." I reach for the needle and thread that Dain pulled out but he pulls it out of my reach. I narrow my eyes but let him prepare the needle, "It's nice to have some alone time, when you're surrounded by other cadets twenty-four seven."
"Do you have a death wish?" Dain scoffs, "Lay back." He instructs, once I do he reaches for the wound, starting to stitch it back together.
I hiss in pain, "I can handle myself." I say through gritted teeth, "And if you're telling the truth then I don't have to worry about people knowing I'm running alone."
He shakes his head, finishing the last stitch, "I'm not going to tell anyone, Raya. You and your brother may not be my favorite people but you're in my squad." He gets gauze out of his first aid kit to cover the stitched up wound, once finished, he checks the time. "Shit. We're going to be late to formation." He stands, moving to his closet and taking out a tunic, "It's going to be big on you but you don't have time to get a new one."
I sit up, taking his tunic from his out stretched hand, pulling it over my head. My senses fill with the smell of leather and soap. When I look at him again, he's holding out an apple. My brows knit together in confusion, "You didn't go to breakfast. At least this way you're not functioning on a completely empty stomach." He holds out a cloth for me as well, "You still have blood on your face."
I reach for the apple and cloth, "Thanks." I mumble. I turn towards his desk, there's a mirror above it and I quickly clean off my face. Then I pick up the discarded sword just as he moves to open his door, holding it for me to walk out first. I take a bite of the apple as we both head to morning formation.
Once at morning formation, we get a couple odd looks seeing that we're arriving together and I'm wearing a shirt that is clearly too big. The attention is quickly taken off of us as Captain Fitzgibbons reads off the death roll, "Calvin Atwater, Carolyn Bennett, Newland Jahvon, Aurelie Donans."
*_*_*_*_*
Dain
The next morning I'm up early waiting outside the first year woman's barracks. I'm not sure if Raya was planning on running today or not but I'd rather be here just in case. Sure enough Raya steps out of the room, almost running right into me, "Great. Why are you here?" She scowls.
I resist the urge to roll my eyes, "Going on a run again?" I ask, instead of answering her question. Raya nods, "By yourself?" She nods again. "I'm coming with you."
"I'm sorry. What?" She asks, crossing her arms.
"I'm. Coming. With. You." I look Raya directly in her onyx eyes as I slowly repeat myself.
"Why?"
"Someone almost killed you yesterday."
Raya laughs, "The cadet did not almost kill me, he threatened to kill me and all he left me with was a singular cut before I took his life."
"Do the details matter? Someone wanted to kill you yesterday, and they took advantage of the fact you were by yourself. And clearly you didn't tell any of your squad or your brother about this because if you did I bet at least one of them would be here with you."
Raya takes a step closer to me, standing so we're chest to chest. Her arms brushing against me, "I don't need protection, Aetos. I'm not Violet. I'm perfectly capable of handling people trying to kill me."
I don't back down, eyes narrowing, "Either walk back into the barracks and wait for breakfast, cadet, or run with me. Those are your only two options."
Raya's eyes narrow in return, "Why do you care?"
"You're in my squad, you're under my protection. No one is killing you on my watch."
Raya scoffs, reaching back to tie her hair into a loose ponytail, "You know what? Fine. Hope you can keep up." She runs fast, probably trying to make me fall behind, but I stay with her.
I stay silent for a while but I need to ask her if anyone said anything about the day before, "Did anyone say anything to you yesterday?" When she doesn't answer, I try again, "Imogen tried to ask why we showed up to formation together. Then she asked why your shirt was too big."
I wait for her response, glancing at her out of the the corner of my eye. When she still doesn't answer, I continue, "I told her it was just a coincidence that we showed up at the same time and I didn't know anything about your shirt." She still doesn't respond. Gods, she's stubborn. "She's really protective of you, you know?"
"Well the fuck aware. I'll deal with it if she asks me." Raya finally replies.
"So did the squad ask?" I question, she nods but doesn't say anything else. As our run comes to an end, I'm breathing heavier than Raya, which is saying a lot considering I'm already bonded to a dragon.
You need to run more. Maybe it's a good thing the first year is refusing to tell anyone else. Cath says to me. I roll my eyes but don't respond to my dragon.
"Gods, how do you have such good stamina?" I ask as I wipe the sweat off my forehead with the back of my hand. Raya smirks, but doesn't answer. My mind flashes to Raya naked in bed, I quickly shake the thought away, "Really?" I ask exasperated.
Cath chortles, And you claim to dislike her.
Raya laughs, "I didn't say anything."
"It was written all of over your face." I scold. She's attractive, that doesn't mean I like her. I snap at Cath, my jaw ticking.
"You can interpret my facial expressions however you want, Aetos."
I shake my head, "Same time tomorrow?"
Raya sighs, "You seriously don't need to come with me."
"Are you going to tell someone else about the murder attempt?"
"It's a typical day for me. I can handle myself."
"I have no doubt that you can." I step closer to her, she tilts her head to look me directly in the eyes, "But I'm still not letting you go by yourself."
The tip of her tongue darts out of her mouth, wetting her lips, my brown eyes following the movement, "I'll see you tomorrow morning then." She says, before walking away.
*_*_*_*_*
Raya
The next few practice runs on the Gauntlet have gone great for me, despite being in minor pain because of my wound. I make it up each time and my time improves as well. I haven't had to reach for a rope again either. Violet and Tynan are the only two left in the squad who haven't made it to the top. I feel bad for Violet but at least Tynan has stopped running his mouth. I'm still holding out hope that on presentation day he'll fall.
It's the day before presentation and the last practice, I lay on top of the cliff, Ridoc beside me. We were the first two to run. Sawyer. Rhiannon, and Violet are standing before the chimney trying to figure out how to help Violet get up. Ridoc and I both decided not to watch since we can't hear them anyways.
"You're going to end up with the fastest time tomorrow." Ridoc says.
"Maybe in our squad, but Liam told me his best time and I doubt I'll beat him." I reply.
"Do you both have to be good at everything?"
I smile, "Yes." Ridoc laughs, shaking his head. A red dragon flies overhead, "Pretty."
"I don't think I'll ever get used to that." Ridoc sighs.
"Sure you will. In a matter of days you're going to be a badass dragon rider. Seeing them fly above you is going to be nothing compared to flying on the back of one."
"Very true, Riorson." Ridoc and I smile at each other, "Gods, I can't wait."
*_*_*_*_*
"Doria Merrill," Captain Fitzgibbons says from the dais, during morning formation. Formation gets tighter every day as we lose more and more cadets. "Kamryn Dyre." It's presentation day, one of the deadliest in the quadrant. "Arvel Pelipa." Imogen and Quinn suck in a breath. First years aren't the only ones at risk, we're just the most likely to die. I send Imogen a sad smile, she nods in response. "Michael Iverem. We commend their souls to Malek."
Formation breaks, "Second and third years, unless you're on Gauntlet duty, head to class." Dain says to the squad, "First years, it's time to show us what you've got." He forces a smile, gaze stopping on Violet.
Imogen looks at Violet, she tucks a strand of pink hair behind her ear, "Good luck today. Hopefully you won't fall…short." She turns to look at me, pulling me into a tight hug, "You got this, Raya. Make me proud."
I smile, "Don't I always?" She smiles back, ruffling my hair causing me to slap her hand away. She walks off with Quinn and Cianna.
"Best of luck," Heaton one of two third years in our squad says to us. They tap their heart, right over two of their patches and offers us a genuine tight-lipped smile before heading to class. I've earned a patch for being undefeated in challenges but like Xaden I don't wear the extra patches. Just the ones that say my wing and year.
"I didn't realize Heaton actually knew how to speak." Two lines appear between Ridoc's brows.
"Maybe they figure they should at least say hi before we're potentially roasted today," Rhiannon says, causing me to snort.
"Back in formation," Dain orders.
"Are you coming with us?" Violet asks him. He nods, but doesn't look at her.
A few seconds pass before Ridoc speaks once more, "We're the biggest squad," He's looking around, assessing the other squads.
"What are we down to?" Tynan asks, "Hundred and eighty?"
"Hundred and seventy one," Dain answers.
"For a hundred dragons? But what will we..." Trina starts.
She's cut off by Luca, "Stop letting fear leach into your voice. If the dragons think you're a coward, you'll be nothing but a name tomorrow."
"I hope you're nothing but a name tomorrow." I mumble under my breath. I'm the closest to Dain so he hears my barb, he sends me a look and I innocently smile back.
"Stop it. You need to support your squad." Dain scolds quietly.
"I'll support my squadmates that I actually care about, I'm not a squad leader like you, I don't need to care for everyone in the squad." He rolls his eyes, "Still want to go on those morning runs with me?"
"You're insufferable." He states. "How's your wound?"
"Fine, just like I told you this morning." Dain nods, "You still never answered my question."
"Fourth Wing!" Xaden calls from ahead, "Move out!"
Dain glances at me out the corner of his eye, "I'll see you for our morning run tomorrow. And I still think it was stupid to go for one today." Then he falls back, moving to the back of our formation. Our section is first, Xaden falls behind, walking next to me and letting Garrick lead.
"Good luck, I know you'll do great on the Gauntlet." He says, reaching out to give my shoulder a squeeze.
"I said when I got here that the only way I plan on dying is if a dragon doesn't find me worthy. So let's hope they like me."
"They will. If Sgaeyl likes you - which she does, and she's one of the hardest to please - how can the ones at Presentation not?"
I smile, "Thanks. I love you."
Xaden smiles back, "I love you too." He leaves my side, moving back towards the front of the wing, towards Garrick.
Forty five minutes later, it's my turn on the Gauntlet. I fly over the spinning log and leap from pillar to pillar, quickly hopping into the wheel. I hop out at the second rotation, completing ascent one. I jump onto the first buoy ball, grabbing the chain and swinging from ball to ball.
I take a deep breath before jumping up to grab the iron rails on the third ascent, I climb hand over hand making it to the shaking pillars. I aim my landing perfectly, bending my knees to brace the impact. I jump to each pillar and don't hesitate to run up the fourth ascent. All these morning runs were for this, to keep my stamina up during the Gauntlet, and in future battles.
I make it to the last ascent, I run at the chimney, my body making an X before hopping up and climbing on to the edge before the ramp. I take one more breath then run as fast as I can, when gravity starts pulling me down, I throw my hand up catching the lip and pulling myself up the rest of the way.
Sawyer and Ridoc run at me, enveloping me in a tight hug. They went before me, I'm the third in the squad to go. "Badass!" Ridoc exclaims, "You flew through the course!"
"Seriously, you made it look easy, Raya." Sawyer says.
I giggle, "Come on. Let's go watch the rest of our squad." I make eye contact with Xaden and Garrick who both send me proud smiles. Then I turn to watch the rest of the squad. Trina, Luca, Rhiannon, Pryor, and Tynan all make it up. Violet is the last on the course, she's just made it past ascent four, stopping before the chimney. This is it for her, she hasn't completed this obstacle yet, but I know she can.
"You can do it!" Rhiannon yells to Violet.
"Or you can do us all a favor and fall!" Jack calls out. My head snaps in his direction but before I can move both Sawyer and Ridoc grab onto my arms.
"Let go, I only want to talk with him." I mumble.
"Talk with your fists,maybe." Ridoc mumbles, refusing to let go.
I roll my eyes but look back down as I hear Rhiannon yell, "What are you doing?" Violet is grabbing one of the ropes. She drags it horizontally across the surface of the cliff. She gets the bottom portion onto the chimney, pulling the rope tight. She plants one foot on the side of the shaft and gives the rope a tug.
"Can she do that?" Someone snaps. I turn to see Amber Mavis, the wingleader for second wing. Violet climbs the chimney, using the rope for leverage.
Once she makes it to the top Ridoc shouts, "Hell yes! That's our girl!"
"You got this Violet! One more!" I cheer her on. Violet takes a breath, unsheathing one of her daggers. She's runs as fast as she can towards the ramp, when gravity begins to pull her back down she swings her arm up, slamming her dagger into the ramp, a guttural scream rips through her throat. She reaches up with her other hand, grabbing the lip of the ramp, pulling herself up, using the dagger to step on for extra leverage.
Once up, she lays on her stomach, reaching over the edge to retrieve her dagger. Ridoc, Sawyer, Rhiannon, and I rush over, nearly tackling Violet in a group hug. "She can't do that!" Amber screams.
"Yeah, well she just did!" Ridoc argues.
"You made it! You made it!" Rhiannon cheers.
"Luck," Violet draws in a shaky breath, "And. Adrenaline."
"Cheating!" Amber yells, once more, stomping over to us.
I snap, not caring that she's a wingleader, "Back the fuck up."
Her jaw drops in shock, but before she can reply to me, Garrick steps in between us. She clenches her jaw but stops, "Watch your tone with me, cadet." I roll my eyes. She turns to look between Garrick and Xaden, "The cheater clearly used foreign materials not once but twice! It's not to be tolerated! We live by the codex or we die by them!"
"Gods," I mumble to my squad, "Can I punch her?" Ridoc snorts.
"I don't take kindly to calling anyone in my section a cheater," Garrick says, "And my wingleader will handle any rule-breaking in his own wing."
"Sorrengail?" Xaden calls out.
"I expect the thirty second penalty for using the rope," Violet answers.
"And the knife?" Amber's eyes narrow, "She's disqualified." Xaden doesn't answer, still watching Violet, "Surely she's out! You can't tolerate lawlessness within your own wing, Riorson!"
But Xaden remains quiet, waiting for Violet. "A rider may only bring to the quadrant the items they can carry-" Violet begins.
She's cut off by Amber, "Are you quoting the codex to me?"
"- And they shall not be separated from those items no matter what they may be," She continues like she wasn't interrupted. "For once carried across the parapet, they are considered part of their person. Article Three, Section Six, Addendum B."
I smirk, waiting for Xaden's reply, but it's Amber who opens her mouth once more, "That Addendum was written to make thievery an executional offense."
"Correct," Violet nods in agreement, "But in doing so, it gave any item carried across the parapet the status of being a part of the rider." She unsheathes the dagger she used, "This isn't a challenge blade. It's one I carried across and therefore considered part of myself."
Amber's eyes flare but Violet speaks once more, this time looking at Xaden, "The right way isn't the only way."
Xaden holds her stare, "She has you, Amber."
"On a technicality!" She tries to argue.
"She still has you."
"You think like a scribe!"
"I know." Violet agrees. Amber marches off, clearly pissed.
"Sorrengail," Xaden says, causing Violet to turn to him once more, "You're leaking." He gestures to her hands, "Do something about it." Rhiannon helps Violet cut the sleeves off her tunic to bandage her hands, then we wait for the rest of the cadets to either make it up the cliff or die trying.
*_*_*_*_*
There are 169 first year cadets left by the time everyone finishes the Gauntlet. Even with Violet's penalty for using the rope, we ended up eleventh out of thirty six squads. Liam won the Gauntlet patch, being the fastest one up. I asked Xaden, where I placed individually and I was third, which I was happy about.
The box canyon that makes up the training field is a colorful array of reds, oranges, and golds. Autumn was always my favorite time of year. I love the crisp air and the colors littering the trees; everything looks serene.
The dragons line the valley, standing twenty-five feet tall. They're in a formation of their own, lined up several feet back, close enough to pass judgment as we walk past. "Let's go, Second Squad, you're up next." Garrick calls out. "Into formation." We all move, Rhiannon, Violet, and I ending up near the back.
There's a sound like rushing wind that stops quickly, one of the dragons wasn't happy with one of the cadets. Garrick's eyes skim over the group, stopping on me, "Hopefully Aetos has done his job, so you know that it's a straight walk down the meadow. I'd recommend staying at least seven feet apart-"
Ridoc interrupts, "In case one of us gets scorched."
"Correct, Ridoc." Garrick's gaze turns away from me, addressing the whole group, "Cluster if you want, just know if a dragon finds disfavor with one of you, it's likely to burn the whole lot to weed one out." He pauses, "Also, remember you're not here to approach them, and if you do, you won't be making it back to the dormitory tonight."
"Can I ask a question?" Luca says from the front. I roll my eyes, Garrick nods, but his jaw ticks. He's annoyed, he doesn't like Luca on my behalf plus he's always been impatient. "Third Squad, Tail Section of Fourth Wing already went through, and I talked to some of the cadets…"
"That's not a question," Garrick lifts his brows. I smirk at his tone. He's intimidating to everyone else, but to me he's just a big teddy bear.
"Right. It's just that they said there's two feathertails?"
"F-Feathertails?" Tynan sputters, he's in front of Violet. "Who the hell would ever want to bond a feathertail?"
I roll my eyes, I tend to do that a lot whenever Luca or Tynan open their mouths, they have that affect on people. "Professor Kaori never told us there would be feathertails." Sawyer says, "I know because I memorized every single dragon he showed us. All hundred of them."
"Well, guess there's a hundred and two now." Garrick replies, "Relax. Feathertails don't bond. I can't even remember the last time one has been seen outside the Vale. They're probably just curious. You're up. Stay on the path. You walk up, you wait for the entire squad, you walk back down. It really doesn't get much easier than this, kids, so if you can't follow those simple instructions, then you deserve whatever happens in there."
We follow the crowd of first years, stopping in front of Nyra, the senior wingleader. "They're all yours," Garrick says. He walks past me, squeezing my arm, "I'll see you later." He whispers before walking off.
"Single file." Nyra calls to the squad. I move so I'm the last person in line, Rhiannon and Violet right ahead of me. "Talk."
"Nice day for a Presentation," Ridoc jokes.
"Not to me," Nyra narrows her eyes, "Talk to your nearby squadmates while you're on the path, as it will help the dragons get a sense of who you are and how well you play with others. There's a correlation between bonded cadets and level of chatter."
She pauses, looking at each squad member, "Feel free to look at the dragons, especially if they're showing off their tails, but I would abstain from eye contact if you value your life. If you come across a scorch mark, just make sure nothing's currently on fire before continuing along. See you after your stroll."
She sweeps her hand, stepping to the side. The line starts to move, everyone giving the suggested seven feet before following. We pass a trio of reds first. "I can't even see their tails!" Tynan shouts from ahead of Violet, "How are we supposed to know what breed they are?"
I roll my eyes but keep my mouth shut, "We're not supposed to know what breed they are," Violet responds.
"Fuck that, I need to figure out which one I'm going to approach during Threshing."
"Pretty sure they're the ones to decide, Tynan. Or have you already forgot what Kaori taught us?" I say, I probably should have left that last part out but I might as well be authentically myself. The dragons need to know the real me and make their decisions based on that.
"Hopefully one of them will decide you don't get to make it to Threshing," Rhiannon says so quietly that I barely hear her.
I laugh, "Him and Luca." I reply just as quietly, causing her to laugh as well.
We are now approaching a set of browns. "They're a little bigger than I thought they would be…" Rhiannon trails off, "Not that I didn't see the ones at Parapet, but…"
"So do you know if you're having a niece or a nephew?" Violet asks, trying to distract Rhiannon.
We pass a handful of oranges as Rhiannon replies, "What?"
"I've heard some of the healers can make pretty good guesses once a woman is further along in her pregnancy."
"Oh. No. No clue. Though I'm kind of hoping she'll have a girl. I guess I'll find out once we finish the year and can write our families."
"Ugh," I groan, "I hate that rule. It's so dumb."
"Agreed." Violet pipes up, "It is a bullshit rule."
"You don't think it encourages loyalty to the wing?" Rhiannon asks us.
"Honestly, I just think it's about control." I shrug.
Violet answers next, "I think I'm just as loyal to my sister whether I've had a letter from her or not. There are bonds that can't be broken."
"I'd be loyal to your sister too," Tynan calls out. He turns around, facing Violet, "She's one hell of a rider, and that ass. I saw her right before Parapet and damn, Violet. She's hot."
"Turn around," Violet makes a spinning motion with her finger, "Mira would eat you for breakfast, Tynan."
"I'm just wondering how one of you got all the good traits and the other looks like she got the leftovers."
"Are you blind? Violet's so hot. I think it's just in the Sorrengail genes." I say. I think of Brennan, who is also very attractive.
Violet laughs, "Says you. The Riorson's clearly have some good genes too."
I laugh, "Are you saying me and my brother are hot, Violet?"
She doesn't answer but Tynan speaks up again, "All I'm saying is maybe I'll write a letter of my own to your sister once we get privileges."
"A nephew would be good," Rhiannon says, changing the topic. "Boys aren't too bad."
"My brother was awesome, but he and Dain are my only experience with growing up around little boys." Violet replies. "Though I think Dain was probably a little more rule-abiding than most kids." I snort, picturing little Dain always following the rules. "He likes order and pretty much detests anything that doesn't fit neatly into his plan." She pauses, "What about you, Raya? What was it like growing up with Xaden and Bodhi?"
I quietly laugh, "They was the best. Xaden's always been there for me, even when we were separated. Bodhi too, though Xaden was always a bit more serious than Bodhi. Xaden never tried to stop me from hanging around him and Garrick even when I was being annoying. He's definitely my built in best friend."
"What about Garrick?" Rhiannon asks.
"Garrick too. He could had gotten annoyed so many times with me following them around but he never minded. I remember we used to play hide and seek in the halls of Riorson House, Gods that was so much fun. And Liam…" I trail off, "When Liam and I met we were attached at the hip. I was miserable whenever he was gone. I think Garrick, Bodhi, and Xaden let me hang around them so much because they hated seeing me upset."
"They sound great," Rhiannon replies.
"Yeah, they seem to really love you." Violet says.
I smile but don't answer, my head is filled with memories of growing up in Aretia. "You guys done bonding back there?" Tynan sneers, "Because we're almost to the end of the line, if you haven't noticed." He pauses, "And I still haven't figured out which one I'm going to choose."
"With arrogance like that, I'm sure any dragon would feel lucky to share your mind for the rest of your life." Violet replies.
The rest of the squad is gathered at the end of the path, facing our direction. Their focus is to the right, there's a brown dragon up ahead, though I can't see what's behind it. "What the hell?" Tynan stares.
"Keep walking," Violet orders. Her gaze is so focused she stumbles right into Tynan.
"Get off me, Sorrengail." He hisses, shoving her back, "Who the hell would bond those?"
That's when I see them, two feathertails sitting side-by-side. One gold, the other silver. "They're fucking yellow and gray." Luca's lip curls in disgust, "So not only are they obviously too small to carry a rider in battle, but they're not even powerful enough to be a real color."
I roll my eyes, "There's so much we don't know about dragons, how do you know that there aren't more silver and gold dragons in the Vale? I mean we learned about a white one, and there's no other like her."
"Maybe it's a mistake," Sawyer says quietly, "Maybe it's a baby orange and black."
"They're fully grown," Rhiannon argues, "There's no way the other dragons allow babies to bond. No human alive has ever seen a baby."
"It's a mistake all right," Tynan agrees with Sawyer. He scoffs, "You should bond one of them, Sorrengail. You're both freakishly weak. It's a match made in heaven."
"It looks powerful enough to burn you to death," Violet counters. I want to punch Tynan on her behalf but I can't stick up for her like that in front of the dragons, she needs to prove herself.
Sawyer lunges between Tynan and Violet, grabbing Tynan's collar. My jaw drops, that's unbelievably hot. Especially since he's held me back from punching Tynan so often. "Don't ever say that about a squadmate, especially not in front of unbonded dragons."
"Let him go - he's just saying what we're all thinking," Luca mutters.
"You two are the only ones thinking that." I snap.
Trina places a hand on Sawyer's shoulder, "Don't make a mistake in front of them. We don't know what they'll do." Sawyer drops Tynan's collar. We all step away from each other so we're not grouped together anymore.
"Someone should kill them before they bond," Tynan sputters, "They're just going to get their riders killed, and it's not like we get a choice if they want to bond."
"You're just picking up on that now, are you?" Ridoc shakes his head.
"Well, I think they're beautiful. Garrick's probably right anyways, they're just curious. They can't carry riders, it wouldn't make sense for them to bond. The rider and dragon would both be in danger."
"We should go back," Pryor says, his gaze darts around the group, "I mean… if you think we should. We don't have to, of course."
"For once in your life," Tynan snaps, pushing Pryor to start walking, "make a damn decision, Pryor."
Sawyer goes after Tynan, me following behind, then Trina behind me. "So, Sawyer. After all this time telling me to be nice…" I trail off, teasing the tall boy.
"Do as I say, not as I do." Sawyer replies, laughing.
"I mean, it was kinda hot, seeing you be protective like that."
He glances back at me, "Oh, really? Is that what does it for you, Raya?"
Before I can answer Tynan inserts himself in the conversation, "Please, you can do so much better than someone who had to repeat a year, Raya."
"Sawyer already knows I think he's brave for repeating."
"Brave?" Tynan, whips around.
"Keep walking," Sawyer scolds.
Tynan walks backwards looking around Sawyer to eye me, "Yes, brave. It's brave enough showing up expecting to do three years then live out your life as a dragon rider, but to add an extra year to the college where other cadets constantly try to kill you? It's brave."
"Thanks, Raya." Sawyer says.
"Whether it's brave or not, you deserve someone who didn't have to repeat." Tynan replies.
"Oh yeah? Like who?"
"Well, I bet I'd be better than him."
I roll my eyes, "Only in your dreams, Tynan."
"Oh you've definitely been in my dreams."
"Ugh, Gods, that's disgusting."
"Turn back around, Tynan." Sawyer snaps. Tynan smirks but turns back around.
"You can move a little faster up there, Pryor." Rhiannon calls out.
"Maybe we should slow down and take our time?" Pryor replies, but it sounds like a question, "Or I guess we can go faster if we want to get out of here." A red dragon steps out of line, halting the squad. It opens it's mouth, exposing it's fangs. The fire erupts from along the sides of it's tongue, right at Pryor. The scent of sulfur and burned grass enters my nose.
We pause, waiting for the fire to stop, "Fire's out." Tynan calls, then continues to walk the path. I pass the pile of ash that used to be Pryor, trying to think of something else to talk about.
"Xaden approves of you, Sawyer."
He laughs, "What do you mean?"
"He knows we've gotten close, said I could do worse. That's approval from Xaden if I ever heard it."
"Well that's good to know. Your brother is intimidating as fuck."
"Yeah, maybe to others."
"To everyone, the only reason you're not intimidated by him is because he's your brother." Tynan says from up front.
"Nah, plenty of the marked ones aren't intimidated by him. We just know him better."
"He kinda scares me," Trina says from behind me, causing me to laugh, "Honestly, you're a lot like him from what I can see." We hear another whoosh of fire from behind us, I glance behind me just to make sure it wasn't Trina.
When I see she's still there I reply, "He was basically my hero growing up, so I'm not surprised we seem so similar." We walk past the last of the dragons. Everyone in the squad besides Pryor and Luca make it out.