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Chapter Text

Dain Aetos

Oh, fuck no.

The wingleader stepped forward and my body kicked into full-blown panic mode. There was no way Emetterio would allow this right? He couldn’t. Anyone with eyes would see she was half the fucking size of him. 

“You are all in for a treat,” Professor Emetterio chimed, clapping his hand in excitement. “Xaden’s one of the best fighters we have. Watch and learn.” 

Treat, my ass.

I already knew how he fought. Trust me, I watched plenty last year. Riorson and his rebellion group were the best fighters at Basgiath. Everyone in this room knew how this was going to end. He was her wingleader, which meant nothing for her protection. He could kill her and make it look like it all just happened in the heat of the fight. I glanced over at Violet, who looked like she was going to be sick. Fuck, I was going to be sick.

“A little out of her league, don’t you think?” I said from the sidelines, trying to sound calm and failing horribly. I also meant every fucking word to Riorson. She was way out of his league. I’ve seen the way he looks at her. If those eyes weren’t out for revenge, it only meant one other thing. How fucking dare he.

“Relax, Aetos.” Riorson looked over at me and stared. I stared back at him. My jaw clenched and my hands tightened into fists as the panic faded and anger started to overcome me. “She’ll be in one piece when I’m finished teaching her.” 

No way in fucking hell. I had to talk some sense into Emetterio. “I hardly think it’s fair -” 

“No one asked you to think, squad leader.” Riorson cut me off and my mouth closed shut. Always pulling rank for convenience. He moved to the side discarding the endless cache of weapons he kept stored on his body. I glanced at the professor and he shugged from across the mat eyeing the weapons Riorson took off. 

Violet, no. 

“Let’s go,” Riorson stretched out his hand at Violet and curled his fingers, tempting her to come to him. Was he fucking smiling? I crossed my arm, flexing my muscles as I focused on Violet. She takes her fighting stance and waits for him to make his first move. It was a smart move for now, but it was just stalling.

Eventually, she reached for her dagger and flung it toward Riorson who easily caught the blade like it was any mundane thing. Fuck. Violet’s daggers were her strength since her speed was good, but her technique needed more training. I watched as her mind strategized. She knows that she has to be faster. Being small was her advantage against him here. She closed the gap between them using the swipe-and-kick combo I saw her training with Rhiannon a few times. 

Just when I thought she could land something on him, he caught her leg mid air and slammed her down on her back. My heart slammed against my chest with her. He was going to kill her.

In the split second, I uncrossed my arms and took a step forward. I had to stop this. Then I saw Riorson drop Violet’s dragger and kick it off the mat towards me. I steadied myself and locked eyes with Emetterio who shook his head at me. 

You know the rules. I heard his voice ring in my head. 

I did, but right now, I wished I didn’t. I watched as Violet lunged with a second blade that he caught easily like he was picking berries from a bush. He slid the blade towards me. I reached over and grabbed the two blades. He wasn’t trying to kill her, not yet. He was fucking toying with her. Fucking son of a bitch was enjoying every moment of it.

He reached out his hand to like some truce and I wanted to pull Violet towards me. Don’t trust him, Violet. Don’t take it. Get up on your own, you can do it. 

She took his hand and I closed my eyes in frustration. When I opened my eyes again, Riorson had her against his chest, pinning her hand down. Everyone watched in silence as Riorson showed off how easy it was to catch her. Violet’s third dagger made its way over to me. My blood boiled as I glared at him. No one could stop me if I walked over with these blades and sliced him open. 

Violet gunned for his throat, he knocked her hand away. Violet kicked, he caught it. He smiled at her, enjoying his prey flail for her life before the kill. When he took her blades, he sent them my way. Fuck you, too, Riorson. 

When Violet went for another attack, Riorson took her down. I heard her cry out as his knee reached her ribs and he held her arm with one hand. I ignore the blades he slides over to me as I watch him hold one of her blades where her jaw meets her neck.

No, no. Violet, no. Panic stirs in me.

I dropped the rest of her blades except one and tightened my grip around it. If I moved fast enough I could knock him off of her. I had to charge at an angle to make sure I didn't hurt her. I felt a stare from the right side of my face and I turned to see Imogen looking at me with a blade in her hand as well. 

Don’t you dare, she mouthed. 

Fuck off, I mouthed back. 

Riorson dragged the blade against her soft skin and I can’t anymore. When I move an inch, Imogen shifts to match me. Two more daggers land in front of me and I look over at Violet who ignores Riorson’s hand and stands up on her own. 

Good, Violet. I relax. She was learning. 

“You’ve made your damn point,” Violet snaps at Riorson. Imogen makes an audible gasp and I loosen the grip on the blade. 

There she is. Bring him down. Aim low, Vi. 

As if she heard me, she goes low and kicks the back of his knees and he goes down. Using her elbow, she tries to cut off his breathing. He grabs a hold of the back of her thigh and easily makes his way on top of her. I stood there watching, unable to move, as his forearm rested against her throat. As a last ditch effort she tried her daggers at him and he pinned her. 

I look away when I see Riorson lower his face down to hers. Was I mad? Sad? My emotions tangled into a hot mess. I felt so fucking useless here. I should have stopped this before it even began. Fuck Emetterio. Fuck Imogen. Fuck Riorson. 

“Damn, Riorson, better get a room,” a voice muttered behind me, followed by a few low chuckles. I swung my head around at whoever made the comment and glared into the green eyes of some no name first year. His face went white and immediately looked away. 

I looked back at Violet staring up at Xaden with their hands linked together. I can taste the bile in my mouth. I was done. I didn’t have the stomach for any more of this.

“I think she’s been taught enough for the day,” I shouted out. 

Violet blinked like she was breaking out of a trance. Both of them got up from the mat and I finally exhaled for the first time since the sparring started. I saw the discomfort on Violet’s face as she made her way over to me. 

“You all right?” I asked.

She nodded and started rearming herself. I started to reach for the blade and help her when I heard Riorson’s voice.

“Aetos.”

The last fucking person I wanted to talk to. I clenched my jaw and turned to stare at the wingleader. 

“She could use a little less protection and a little more instruction.” 

I scoffed. Like he knew what she needed. I gave him half a nod and turned away checking on Violet. 

She needed to get out of here.

Far away from people like him.

❈ ❈ ❈

When Violet showed up in front of my door. Everything in the world fell back into place again. I helped loosen her muscles from her drilling with Rhiannon and earlier with… Riorson. I needed to talk to her about the chat I had with Colonel Markham. I didn’t want to bring the professors, but I felt so helpless after today. Violet could not stay here longer. I was not going to lose her to him. That was not an option.

This morning, I almost assigned Seifert extra chores when I saw him push Violet into the wall before formation. I didn’t want to add more targets on her back so I stopped myself. 

And there was the thing with Rhiannon after the sparring session.

“Hey, Dain.” Rhiannon said cautiously. “Violet told me that she found dead flowers on her bed last week.”

What? “Dead flowers? Why?” I asked and she nodded.

Rhiannon pulled out purple flowers from her pack. “She said it wasn’t a big deal, but I wanted to make sure you knew about this.” Her voice was filled with concern. “I worry for her.”

Mutilated. Violets. Dead. Violets. Fuck. 

“Thanks,” I managed out. 

Violet couldn't catch a damn break. I went to see Colonel Markham in the evening after classes ended. I didn’t want to seek help, but I didn’t know what else to do. Bringing her back to her scribe ties was the only way. I went in with the intention to ask for advice, but it was less asking and more of me begging for him to take Violet. 

Markham was hesitant at first, telling me that he couldn’t do anything. I explained to him about Barlowe, Seifert, and Riorson and he started to open up. Each one of them wanted to deliver her to Malek and I couldn’t live with that knowing that I could have prevented it. I begged him to take her back to the Scribe Quadrant and put her with the rest of the first-years. I would owe him a big favor later down the line. But, Violet didn’t need to know any of that. She just needed to know that the doors to the Scribe Quadrant were still open. 

“You what?” Violet backed away from me when I finally mustered up the courage to explain.

“I saw a way to get you out of danger, and I took it.” I stood up holding my ground.

“You went behind my back because you think I’m not cutting it.” 

I could see the tears welling in her eyes and I wanted to pull her close to me. I wanted to tell her that all of this, the pain, threats, and fear can stop. If I told her that I believed in her, but didn’t believe in myself to see through it all, my argument would fall apart in front of her. I kept my mouth closed and fought my urge to hold her.

She started getting ready to leave. I sighed. 

“I never said I don’t think you can cut it, Violet.” 

“You say it every day!” She snapped at me. “You say it when you walk me from formation to class, which I know makes you late for the flight line. You say it when you yell at your wingleader when he takes me to the mat-” 

Riorson. I clench my jaw at the thought of him. “He had no right to-”

“He’s my wingleader! He has the right to do whatever he wants - including execute me.” 

That’s it. I was not having this conversation with her. I raised my voice back at Violet. “And that’s why you need to get the hell out of here! I’ve been watching, Vi. Her’s just toying with you, like a cat plays with a mouse before the kill.” 

She doesn’t back down. “I’ve held my own so far. I’ve won every challenge-”

Won? What was her definition of winning? Barely making it out alive? Surviving was not good enough around here. The names of dead cadets read every morning should be a grim reminder.

“Except today when he wiped the floor with you time and again.” I reached for her shoulders. “Or did you miss the part where he took every weapon so you knew exactly how it is to defeat you?” 

Raising her chin, Violet glared at me. “I was there, and I’ve survived almost two months in this place, which is more than I can say for a fourth of my year!” 

I didn’t want to do this, but I had to. It was only a fourth of the year now, but in a month it was going to be half of her year. There was no guarantee she wasn't going to end up on the list.

I asked her about Threshing and explained to her about guys like Barlowe and Seifert who will do anything to remove liabilities to the wing. My heart broke as she started to see her confidence shake when I said liabilities. 

I continued to press her. Did she understand that I had to watch while they hunted her down? Watch as her soul leaves her body? I would be stuck in purgatory hell as my mind replayed the moment of her death, over and over again. My heart clenches when I see the fear I caused in her eyes. I’m sorry, Violet. 

“Markham says that he’ll put you through the first year without telling your mother. By the time she finds out, you’ll already be inducted as a scribe. There’s nothing she can do after that.” It was a solid plan. It would be her way out. 

I held her head in between my palms and tipped it towards me. I looked into her eyes remembering the simple moments we cherished as kids. The way she laughed at me when I told her I hid father’s boxers out in the woods in Old Lucerish, our own language. The things I would do if we could go back to the simpler times. 

“Please. If you won’t do it for yourself, then do it for me.” I didn’t know if it was enough to convince her. “I can’t lose you, Violet,” I whispered, lowering my forehead against hers. “I just… can’t.”

She was my ground. She was the constant in my life I needed. 

“Just promise me you’ll think about it,” I begged her. “We still have four weeks until Threshing. Just… think about it.” 

“I’ll think about it,” she replies. 

My heart skipped at the thought of hope. The hope that she might save herself… and save me in the process.

Thank you, Violet.

That was more than enough. 

Chapter Text

"Cath." I called out. "Any updates?"

My anxiety was building as the sun started to set on the horizon. I should be there.

"No, you should not. There is nothing you can do." Cath replied, slightly irritated from my anxious state today. He showed me what he was seeing as he scanned the fields. From his vantage point, I could see hints of the different dragon’s colors peeking through the woods. 

It was against the rules to interfere. Maybe sending Cath out to be my eyes could be considered an interference. I clenched my jaws and looked around the second and third years around me making bets on who would bond. I stepped away from the chatter into a quieter area. 

Confusion stirred around me as I felt Cath making his way back. Did it happen? Did she bond?

"She bonded with Tairn."

Wait, Tairn? I didn’t know he was going to bond again. Especially since his last rider-

"She bonded with Andarna."

"Andarna? Cath, didn’t you just say she bonded with-?"

"I said what I said." After a short pause, Cath spoke again. "She bonded with Tairn and Andarna. There will be an Empyrean meeting."

I swallowed. The Empyrean meeting was a rare occurrence and there was never a rider who bonded with two dragons before. That couldn’t be a coincidence. 

I turned and headed for the clearing where Violet along with other new riders will be dismounting for the first time today.

❈ ❈ ❈

Violet.

She did it. My shoulders relaxed as I finally took a long exhale since the first years left this morning. My heart radiated with warmth. She was glowing in the crowd of other first years around her. I knew she would make it. I caught myself in my own thoughts. But did I? Painful memories from the last two years came rushing in, reminding me that no one was the exception. Not even the General’s daughter. 

I imagined the face of Malek, indifferent, heartless as he watched the souls of each dead first year from Threshing lined up at his door.

In long powerful strides, I walked through the crowd of celebrating first years and spun her body by the shoulders, and pulled her into my chest.

Violet. I never wanted to let her go. 

“Damn it. Violet. Just…damn.” I squeeze her as tight as I can before pulling away to take a good look at her. She was covered in dried crimson splatters and it was heavily concentrated on her leg and arm. Was it the dragon? Heat radiated through my body as I thought of other possibilities. Fuck, if it was anyone else…

“You’re hurt.” 

“I’m fine,” she tries to assure me. Fine? She was covered in blood looking like a dragon tossed around with her for fun before bonding. Her face expression drops. “But we’re all that’s left of our squad’s first-years.” 

I saw the sadness in her eyes and looked at the others. We were missing more than half the squad, but there was nothing new about that. It was Threshing. “Four out of nine. That’s to be expected. The dragons are currently holding a meeting of the Empyrean - their leadership. Stay here until they return.” I glanced over at Violet. “You come with me.” 

I tugged her along until we reached the opposite edge of the field, hidden in shadow. When I knew no one was around our listening distance, I looked at her. “What the actual fuck happened out there? Because I’ve got Cath telling me that not only did Tairn choose you but so did the small one - Adarn?” I intertwine our fingers together in desperation. I just wanted her to be safe. This just put a huge target on her back and there were already many to begin with.

“Andarna,” her voice corrected me. I watched as a small smile appeared on her face. The smile I saw many times growing up. I knew she was happy. It should be as simple as that. But, Tairn had a mate. A very well-known navy blue daggertail. The only thing I could do now was convince her to pick Andarna. Sharing a bond with Riorson was a death sentence for Violet. 

“They’re going to make you choose,” I said, preparing her. 

“I’m not choosing.” She pulled her hand away from mine and shook her head. “No human has ever chosen, and I’m not about to be the first.” 

She was the first. I was so proud of her, but I needed her in my life more than anything. I couldn’t lose her to a mated dragon bond that was thicker than blood.

“You are.” Violet stared back at me in anger. This was not going the way I planned, I can feel the desperation taking over me. “You have to trust me. You do trust me, right?”

She hesitated for a quick second. “Of course I do-” 

There. That’s all I needed. I needed to press while I still had her. I hated arguing with her more than anything. “Then you have to choose Andarna. The gold one is the safest choice of the two.” 

She opens her mouth to speak, but no words come out. I could see that she was thinking, maybe trying to reach out to her dragons. But the Empyreans were meeting. There was no way she or any of us could listen to that conversation.

“I’m not choosing,” she said softly. 

My heart broke. “You are. And it has to be Andarna.” I reached for her shoulders and leaned in. The softer features of her younger face were slowly fading away, replaced by stronger features of a strong woman. I saw General Sorrengail's features on her. She was slipping away from the Violet I knew.

“I know she’s too small to bear a rider-” 

“That hasn’t been tested,” she countered. But I knew it from her face. She was smart. Smarter than anyone I knew and there was no way she believed her own words. Her feelings were messing with her logic. 

“It doesn’t matter. It will mean that you won’t be able to ride with a wing, but they’ll probably make you a permanent instructor here like Kaori.” 

Fuck, she was mad. My Kaori’s example got shot down because she knew about his signet and his requisite with a combat win before teaching. I was running out of ideas. How else was I supposed to tell her the risk? How do I tell her that she will no longer experience freedom? A part of her life would be to tend to the needs of Tairn. When Tairn needed to see Sgaeyl, he would be delivering Violet straight to Riorson’s front door. 

I needed to be honest with her. “Even if you take Andarna into combat, there’s only a chance you’ll be killed. You take Tairn, and Xaden will get you killed. You think Melgren is terrifying? I’ve been here for a year longer than you have, Vi. At least you know what you’re getting when it comes to Melgren. Xaden isn’t only twice as ruthless, but he’s dangerously unpredictable.” 

I watched the certainty from her face wash away with a single blink. “Wait. What are you saying?”

She didn’t know? “They’re a mated pair, Tairn and Sgaeyl. The strongest bonded pair in centuries.” I explained.

I could see from the silence that her mind was spinning, digesting the information I just shared with her. Her face was fumbling as the consequences of her decision came tumbling down on her. Oh, Violet. I wanted to hold her in my arms. 

“Just… tell me how it happened,” I say softly over to her. 

Violet told me about the fucking pieces of shit, Jack and his friends, hunting down Andarna. Riorson was watching her and warned her of an attack from Oren. Once I heard his name, my mind hyper-focused on one thing only… Riorson had interfered. 

“Xaden was there,” I said to Violet knowing well how his name sounds in my voice this time around. I sound disgusted. 

She nodded and added, “but he left after Tairn showed up.” 

“Xaden was there when you defended Andarna, and then Tairn just.. showed up?” I asked for clarification. My blood started to boil as anger consumed me. Riorson. He had set it up. Not only did he interfere, but he set all of this up.

My voice grew louder as my grip around her tightened out of my control. “Don’t you see what happened? What Xaden’s done?”

“Please, do tell me what it is you think I’ve done.” The familiar voice spoke as a shape emerged from the shadows into the moonlight. Riorson. Perfect, just the person I was looking for. 

“You manipulated Threshing.” I let go of Violet and turned to face Riorson. He knew exactly what he was doing. Every single moment was calculated from the beginning. 

“Is that an official accusation?” Riorson replied.

“Did you step in?” I demanded. I needed him to admit the dirty tricks he played. 

“Did I what?” Riorson stared directly at me. “Did I see her outnumbered and already wounded? Did I think her bravery was as admirable as it was fucking reckless?” He glanced over at Violet and she straightened her posture.

“And I would do it again.” She raised her chin. Oh gods.

As Riorson and Violet shared a moment, my mind drifted. Feeling the stinging words from Riorson, all I could think about was how I wanted to be there for her. I could have killed those boys for her. I felt a pang of regret. Riorson saw what I saw in her. One of the many reasons why I will always love her. He saw her bravery. My mind reminded me of how she would stand up for others even when we were younger. 

When Riorson glared back at me, he pulled me out of my thoughts. “Did I see her fight off three bigger cadets? Because the answer to all those is yes. But you're asking the wrong question, Aetos. What you should be asking is if Sgaeyl saw it, too.” 

I looked away. I didn’t even think about this. Sgaeyl called for Tairn. They were a mated pair after all. 

“She’s never been a fan of bullies. But don’t mistake it as an act of kindness toward you. She’s fond of the little dragon. Unfortunately, Tairm chose you all on your own.” Riorson explained. 

“Fuck,” I muttered. I didn’t like Riorson. He was the last thing from warm hugs and smiles, but I knew he was telling the truth even without looking at his memories. You can’t control the actions of mated dragons. Together, they wrote their own law. 

Riorson moved towards me. “Would you really level that accusation knowing it would have been what saved the woman you call your best friend?” 

I felt transparent. It was like he could see through me. Violet was more than a best friend to me, but I couldn’t admit that here. He was cornering me. But, rules exist to protect the ones you love. There were consequences to every rule broken. A chain reaction that was unpredictable and dangerous. Father always made sure I understood that. 

“There are… rules.” I looked at Riorson. 

“And out of curiosity, would you have, let’s say, bent those rules to save your precious little Violet in that field?” 

The fuck? Anger and chaos broke loose inside me as I glared at him. Of course, I would break them for I caught myself mid-thought. By design, the Threshing existed for dragons to bond with the riders who proved their worth. Interfering in that process is not only a disgrace to the rider, but to the rest of the dragons looking for a bond to protect the Vale and their future. By not interfering she proved her worth to not one, but two dragons. So, no. I gulped at my realization. I would have not bent the rules. As my logic triumphed over my heart, I felt defeated. 

“That’s unfair to say to him,” Violet’s voice whispered. She wanted me to know it was okay. Maybe she already knew what my answer was, she always knew me better than I knew myself after all. 

“I’m ordering you to answer, squad leader.” Riorson pressed.

Orders. I was given orders by my wingleader to answer. I swallowed hard and closed my eyes. “No. I wouldn’t have.” 

I turned to Violet and my heart clenched. It was too late. I already saw how much I hurt her. She knew I had to follow the rules, but didn't want to believe that. I made it a reality for her. “It would have killed me to watch something happen to you, Vi, but the rules-” I started.

It was the truth. The reason why I wanted to make sure she was under my supervision. If she died under my watch, it only meant one thing. I failed to protect her. My life would be meaningless.  

“It’s all right.” She cut me off. Her hand touched my shoulder. 

She was lying. Telling me it was fine looking like a tattered piece of cloth, telling me it was all right when I should have stood up for her. Was this our new relationship? Did we lie to each other now? 

“The dragons are returning. Get back to formation, squad leader.” Riorson ordered. 

Another order. An order I followed without question. I tore my eyes from Violet.

I didn’t want to be here anymore. I hurt her enough. 

❈ ❈ ❈

As General Sorrengail addressed the new riders, my eyes focused on Violet. It was time to celebrate. My dragon branding tingled on my shoulder, remembering the pain from last year. I clenched my jaw and fists as I watched from a distance as Violet felt the pain. 

Cath told me the decision was made. Violet was going to keep both dragons. I was happy for her. There was no one else on this Continent who deserved it more than her. When I saw that she was starting to catch her breath, I made my way over. 

“Violet!” You kept both of them!” I smiled.

She smiled back too. “I guess I did.” 

I felt pure joy between us. I helped her unlace the top of her gear so she could see what her dragon relic looked like. I took a sharp inhale when I saw it. Two dragons, one white, one black, overlayed on top of another stretching across her shoulder. Her dragon relic, like her, was beautiful. 

Lacing her top back up, I built up the courage to talk to her. “You have to know that I would do anything to save you, Violet, to keep you safe," panic stirs in my heart when I meet her eyes. “What Riorson said…” 

“I know,” trying her best to sound reassuringly, she nodded. “You always want me safe.”

It was true. I wanted her safe. I didn’t want her to know the shit that existed outside her books. There was nothing I wanted more than to shelter her from this, from all of this. I could see death every day for the rest of my life if it meant she would never have to see it. 

“You have to know how I feel about you.” I stroked my thumb gently over her cheek. Her skin was so soft. I looked into her eyes searching for a sign. Did she want me? Did she want me like I wanted her? She lived rent-free in my head, but was I just a friend to her?

I leaned down and kissed her. Her lips were like soft pillows that greeted you after a long day. She tasted like how I always imagined her to taste, sweet and warm. Pressing my lips against hers harder, I felt like a new breath of life was blown into me. I was alive. 

I pulled away, smiling. I could feel the eyes on us as I finally revealed my secret card to her. When I looked into her eyes, I knew something was wrong. I shouldn’t have searched for an answer. 

I wasn’t losing her.

I had already lost her. 

Chapter Text

- One Year Ago -

Exhausted, I sat down on the lawn where some of the cadets were eating their dinner. I wasn't hungry and honestly, I didn’t think I could handle the chewing.

I touched my jaw. I sucked a sharp inhale when I felt the pain from challenges all over again. I had to work on my dodging. I tasted iron in my mouth and knew my lip was busted too. At least my teeth were intact because it sure didn’t feel like it. 

“Are you okay?” A voice called out.

I looked up to see a pair of blue eyes staring down at me. Her neck-length strawberry blonde hair fell forward, framing her face.

“Mavis, right?” I asked and she nodded. She was a Squad Leader for the Third Wing. There were a few upperclassmen who stood out as strong leader candidates and she was one of them. Her skills on the sparring mat and analysis during Battle Brief were exceptional. She was going to be a wingleader next year. 

“You took that punch straight to the face,” she said as she sat down next to me. “You might want to get that looked at.”

“This is nothing,” I replied. “I saw it coming too, I just couldn’t dodge it in time.” 

“It might scar that pretty little face of yours,” she said nonchalantly and my mouth dropped open. I looked over and she was smiling at me. I felt the heat rushing to my face. 

“You can call me Amber, by the way, only my parents call me Mavis when they are mad at me.” She reached out her right hand towards me.

“Uh,” I started to say and she eyed my hand. I took her small hands in mine. “Dain Aetos.”

“You were slow dodging the punch because your fighting stance is too rigid. You need to relax your posture and be more fluid.” 

I mentally noted that. Her advice gave me something to work with. “Anything else you think I could work on?”

“Hm,” she thought for a second. “Letting go of hands after a handshake?” 

Shit. I pulled my hand, now sweaty hand, away. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean-“

“Don’t worry, Dain. You’re cute when you are flustered.”

“Article Five, Section Seven of the Codex discourages strong romantic attachments,” I muttered under my breath and she laughed. Her whole body laughed along with her.

“Well, I like you a whole lot more now,” she said as she stood back up. “At least ice your jaw okay? I was being serious about that face of yours.”

I didn’t know what she meant by the first part of that. “I will,” I managed to get out. 

“I’m going to meet up with a friend for dinner, do you want to join us?” She asked and I shook my head, pointing at my jaw. She nodded and started to walk off. She stopped in her tracks a few steps out and turned to look at me. “Oh, and the first part of Article Five, Section Seven says, ‘though not forbidden’,” she recited back and winked.

My face felt hot again.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Dain,” she turned and walked off with her short strawberry blonde hair bouncing with each step. 

❈ ❈ ❈

- Present -

“Are you seriously not hearing me, Dain?” Amber paced up and down the empty classroom. “When are we not on the same page when it comes to rules?” 

I secretly glanced over at the clock on the wall and realized I had been sitting for almost an hour now. Clearing my throat, I sat up from my slouching position. Amber was ranting to me about Violet’s “dishonorable” acts during the Gauntlet like I could do anything about it. I watched Violet at the Gauntlet and heard her quote the Codex in front of the two wingleaders, Xaden and Amber. 

Yes, Violet used a part of the rule that was intended to make thievery an executional offense, but the rule was not made up. It existed in the Codex. Also, she survived at the end of the day. I didn’t want to think beyond that. 

“Amber, don’t forget that she paired with two dragons after during Threshing. One of them being Tairn. I don’t think you holding a grudge about the Gauntlet is going to make a difference,” I sighed trying to reason with her and get out of here soon. “Dragons don’t make mistakes.”

"We don’t," Cath echoed. 

“Do you hear yourself, Aetos?” She straightened up and walked towards me. She was mad. I knew this because she called me Aetos. “It seems like you started seeing the world in grayscale when Violet joined. Where is your allegiance to the law?”

I stood up from my seat. “Don’t come for me, Amber. Right now it seems like your problem is with Violet and not the rules.” 

"Fuck you,” she seethed. “Do you have a thing for her?”

“If you are going to act like this, I don’t have to be here.” I started, reaching for her arms trying to calm her down. “I told you before. Violet is a childhood friend. She means everything to me. So, no. I don’t have just a ‘thing’ for her. My life revolves around protecting her.” 

Amber blinked. I knew that face. I saw it after when I broke it off with her last year. She opened her mouth to speak and then closed it back shortly after. She shook off my hands and swallowed. “Rules are not around for convenience. I’m disappointed in you, Aetos.”

“Amber-” 

“Don’t fucking touch me or talk to me again.” Then she stormed off.

❈ ❈ ❈

Every bone in my body hated me for showing up to formation today. Riorson and Violet were non-stop arguing. For everything Riorson had to say, Violet had something to add. Is this what it meant to have mated dragons? Riorson better realize soon that Violet will never lose an argument. Actually, from the sounds of it, Riorson didn’t like losing either. Both were stubborn as hell. 

“Fucking mated dragons,” I hiss out under my breath. 

I kept my eyes forward trying to listen to Fitzgibbon's announcements. When he finished, he stepped to the back of the dais like he usually did, but Commandant Panchek took the podium shortly after. My eyes narrowed in confusion. Panchek hated this stuff, he always avoided morning formation like the plague. 

I hear conversations behind me. If Commandant Panchek heard it, then discipline would fall on me as the Squad Leader. “Quiet,” I ordered, glancing back over at my shoulders. 

Wait, what the fuck?

My eyes caught splotches of blue and purple around Violet’s neck. That wasn’t there during our fight about her inability to stay on her dragon yesterday. That was less than 24 hours ago. My eyes grew wide as I examined it further. 

“Vi?” I exhaled. 

“I’m fine,” Vi assured me.

There was that fine again. What about this was fine? When I couldn’t look away, she raised her voice.

“Squad Leader Aetos, people are staring.” 

How did it happen? When did it happen? 

“Dain!” 

I blinked, meeting her eyes. This is what they were arguing about earlier. What Riorson meant by last night. I already knew the answer to my question, but I asked anyway. “Is that what Riorson meant by last night?” 

She nodded and I fucking lost it. This was why there was a squad roll change this morning. The reason why Liam was moved. Fuck.

“I didn’t know. Why didn’t you tell me?” 

“I’m fine,” she repeated, nodding toward the dais. “Later.” I was getting sick and tired of hearing her say fine over and over again. I had to talk to her later. I turned back looking at Panchek, but felt a heavy weight on my chest. 

“It has been brought to my attention as your commandant that a breach of the Codex occurred.” 

Breach… of the Codex? 

“Will the accuser please step forward.”

Whispers start from all the Wings and my squad behind me starts talking about… sex? “Will you all shut the hell up?” I ordered, annoyed at the situation. We are talking about a breach of the Codex, an executable offense, and my squad can’t keep their pants on. Fucking great. 

Riorson was the one climbing up the dais. Fuck, I didn’t feel good about this.

“This is about me,” Violet whispered. 

I glanced back at Violet who looked as pale as a ghost. Yeah, I really didn’t feel good about this.

I stared up at Riorson who had a commanding stage presence up on the podium. He had a natural charisma that brought a wave of silence when he started to speak.

“Early this morning, a rider in my wing was brutally, illegally attached in her sleep with the intent of murder by a group primarily composed of unbondeds.” 

Tairn, Vi’s dragon was one of the strongest. Perfect candidate for the unbonded. I felt my body stiffen. 

“As we all know, this is a violation of Article Three, Section Two of the Dragon Rider’s Codex and, in addition to being dishonorable, is a capital offense.” Xaden continued by giving a breakdown of the attack and how he executed six cadets. The attack had been orchestrated by a rider who had access to the map where all first-years are assigned to sleep. 

“I call you to answer for your crime against Cadet Sorrengail, Wingleader Amber Mavis.”

No. I felt like someone knocked the breath out of me. “What the hell?” I cried out.

Amber? The name had to be wrong. There was zero chance it would be Amber. No way. Riorson had to be lying. “Amber would never,” I shook my head in disbelief. She was a wingleader first and foremost. A wingleader would never break a rule. “A wingleader would never.” 

I turn to face Violet and she calmly looks at me. “Get up there and tell everyone that he’s lying, Vi.” I begged. 

“But he’s not.” Her voice was so gentle. 

“It’s impossible.” 

“I was there, Dain.” She continues to speak in her gentle tone and I know she has to be telling the truth, but my heart rejects her out of… sadness. Some riders die in battle, to lose a rider like this… it was too sad for me to comprehend. 

“Wingleaders are beyond reproach-” 

Violet cuts me off. “Then why are you so quick to call our own wingleader a liar?”

I didn’t know what to say to that. Her logic was sound and mine… mine was falling apart. From the back, Amber stepped forward.

“I have committed no such crime!” 

I point at Amber in desperation. The last time we spoke she was telling me about Violet being dishonorable. How could she do the very thing that she despised so much? “See? Put a stop to this right now, Violet.” 

“She was with them in my room.” 

“That’s impossible.” There was only one way I could confirm this. I lift my hand towards her face. “Let me see.” 

Violet hesitated and that fact alone is enough for my heart to convince my mind that she could be lying. “Give me the memory,” I ordered. 

“Touch me without permission, and you’ll spend the rest of your life regretting it,” Vi lashed out. I lowered my hand down. Violet, why?

“Wingleaders, we need a quorum.” Xaden projects and wingleaders walked up to the dais followed by chaos in the air signaling that dragons were joining us. 

I glanced over at Amber standing by herself in the courtyard. Our eyes lock and I can see the tears welling up in hers. Her entire existence is grounded in the rules. How could she break them? Maybe I could talk to Violet? Riorson said it happened when it was dark? How could she have known it was Amber?

“You can stop this all right now, Violet. You have to,” I pause for a second. “I don’t know what you saw last night, but it wasn’t Amber. She cares too much about the rules to break them.” 

Violet just blinks in my direction and we both hear Amber’s voice. “You’re using this to get your revenge on my family! For not supporting your father’s rebellion!” 

Her cries are desperate, but Xaden doesn’t even bother looking up. There has to be something I can do for her. Why won’t Violet let me read her memories? 

Then I saw it.

Cath showed me a memory. It was Violet’s memory.

Violet’s knees slam against the hardwood floor as she thrusts her hands beneath her pillow grabbing two daggers. There are seven cadets in her room, four are unbonded men, and three unbonded women. One of the female cadets' strawberry blonde hair peeked from her hood and glaring icy blue eyes stared back. It was Amber. Amber Mavis dashed to Violet’s dorm room door, slamming it on the way out. The rest stare at Violet with weapons in their hands, determined to kill her.

"Traitor," Cath roars. joining other dragons. "Rulebreaker."

As the memory fades, I’m speechless.

“Believe me now?” Violet fires back. “You’re supposed to be my oldest friend, Dain. My best friend. There’s a reason I didn’t tell you.”

Violet was trying to protect me and I couldn’t trust her. What kind of friend was I? It felt like the ground was shaking beneath me as I stumbled backward. 

“The wingleaders have formed a quorum and are in unanimous agreement. We find you guilty, Amber Mavis.”

My heart drops, but there is nothing I can do. We all saw the truth.

“No!” Amber shouted. “It is no crime to rid the quadrant of the weakest rider! I did it to protect the integrity of the wings!” 

I join the rest of the formation and we all step backward. Next to me, I hear Violet, staring up at Tairn and begging. “Please don’t.” Then, she turns to Riorson. “Please give her a second chance.”

I don’t need to look at Tairn or Riorson to know the answer. There are no second chances for those who went against the Codex. Amber knew. We all knew.

I lock my gaze with her blue eyes one last time across from me. Last year around this time we were in a different place. I don’t know if Amber can hear me, but I say it quietly anyway.

“Goodbye, Amber.”

“Claidh,” Amber whimpers for her dragon and my heart shatters for both of them. I close my eyes. We all feel the scorching heat around us, followed by a piercing scream. Instinctively, we all slam our hands over our ears. Claidh was mourning. 

Amber Mavis.

May her soul be condemned to Malek.

Chapter Text

It took about five minutes for Amber Mavis to be replaced. Years of Amber’s reputation crumbled to nothing in about... 300 seconds. Lamani Zohar, the executive officer, was officially named the wingleader of the Third Wing. Just another reminder that Malek is always looming around the corner, waiting for you to fuck up since there's no such thing as second chances. 

“You’re supposed to be my oldest friend, Dain. My best friend. There’s a reason I didn’t tell you .”

I rested my back on the stone walls and closed my eyes for a quick second. I couldn't sleep more than 30 minutes at night these days. Violet’s words haunted me as much as Amber’s death did, but I had to eventually talk to her. I couldn’t just avoid this forever. 

When I opened my eyes again, I saw Violet and Rhiannon. I pushed myself from the wall and picked up my pace to catch up to Violet. 

“Vi, can we talk?” I asked when I caught up to her. My eyes traced hers as she looked away from Riorson. I mentally sighed. 

“Now?”

I frowned and rubbed my hand behind my neck. “I tried to catch you after formation, but you disappeared pretty quickly, and after what happened last night, I figure now is better than later.” To be fair, I didn’t try to catch up to her. I was avoiding her. When she didn’t want to show me her memory, I knew there was something seriously wrong between us. 

“It might be convenient for you to want to walk after weeks of ignoring me, but I have class right now.” She gripped her satchel, signaling to me that she didn’t want to talk. I know I was pushing this on her, but I needed to talk to her. 

“We have a couple of minutes,” I pleaded. “Please.”

Rhiannon glared at me. Assuming Violet shares secrets with her, I probably deserved whatever that was. After a short pause and what felt like minutes of glaring later, Rhiannon headed off to class first and I led Violet to a quiet place along the wall out of everyone’s way. I took a glance, making sure Riorson wasn't around, and I turned to face Violet. 

“You let Tairn share your memory with everyone instead of just showing me yourself,” I blurt out what I’ve been wanting to say since the Amber incident. 

“I’m sorry?” Violet asked.

“When all that shit went down with Amber, I asked you to show me what happened, and you refused.” She watched me cautiously and I continued. “I didn’t believe you, and that part is on me. I should have believed you, but I couldn’t reconcile the woman I know with what you were saying, and you didn’t come to find me after the attack, either.” 

My hand was over my heart, telling her I was speaking from it. “I had to hear about it in formation, Vi. Regardless of the fight we had on the flight field, you’re still... you to me. And my best friend had been viciously attacked, nearly killed, and you didn’t say a single word about it.”

Word vomiting to Violet made me realize that everything that bothered me stemmed from this. No matter how many times I thought it over and over, she was keeping things from me. She always came to me before Riorson, but now, we could even pass as strangers. She was not only slipping between my fingers, but she was growing closer to Riorson. The last person she needed to get closer to. 

“You didn’t ask,” she said softly. “You reached for my head like you were entitled to my memory after blatantly telling me you didn’t believe me, and you demanded I show you,”

“I didn’t ask?” I was taken aback. Did I not ask her?

“You didn’t ask.” Violet shook her head. She continued, telling me that she knew I wouldn’t believe her. She didn’t want to tell Riorson who it was either, because she was sure he wouldn’t believe her. But, he did. Riorson believed her without proof, but I didn’t. 

“You trust him more than you trust me,” I flinched at the realization. The signs were all there. I was blind clearly. 

“That’s not it.” Those were the words that came out of Violet's lips, but the words didn't match her expression. She didn't want to hurt me. “I just… have to trust him, Dain. Not with everything, of course.” I hated everything about the situation we were in, but it was hard to escape the fact that Tairn and Sgaeyl were mated dragons. I didn’t encounter much research on mated dragons, but I assumed at the very least you shared thoughts and feelings. It was a new normal I had to get accustomed to. 

“Fuck.” And I didn’t want to.

“I know you just want to keep me safe, Dain.” Violet whispered. “But keeping me safe is keeping me from growing, too.”

I didn’t realize my overbearing need to protect was stopping her from growing. This place challenged her in every way possible and my only answer was to take away the challenge or take her away from the challenge. How else was I supposed to protect her? Despite the argument, for the first time in a while... I felt close to her.

“You’ve never been weak to me, Vi-” I started and Vi shook her head.

“Don’t you get it?” Vi interrupted. “It doesn’t matter what you think - it only matters what I think. And you were right. But the Riders Quadrant stripped away the fear and even the anger about being thrown into this quadrant, and it revealed who I really am. At my core, Dain, I’m a rider. Train knew it. Andarna knew it. It’s why they chose me. And until you can stop looking for ways to keep me in a glass cage, we aren’t going to get past this, no matter how many years of friendship we have between us.”

She threw me a friend ultimatum. Why did it bother her that I was doing the same thing Riorson was doing? I prodded her about Riorson’s control issues and she made a good point about how her death would result in his death because mated dragon things. 

“Look, you don’t know everything there is to know about Xaden, Vi. I have a higher clearance due to my signet, and you need to be careful. Xaden has secrets, reasons to never forgive your mother, and I don’t want him to use you to get his revenge.” I warned Violet and the change in her facial expression confirmed that she knew this deep down as well.

I didn’t know if she knew about the 107 scars General Sorrengail had the pleasure of marking all over his back, but I decided that was best to keep to myself right now. Violet had more than enough on her plate.

Violet narrowed her gaze at me. “Wait, did you keep begging me to leave Basigath because you didn’t think I could survive here - or because you were trying to get me away from Xaden?”

Well, I mean if she wanted to open a can of worms-

Before I could begin to speak, she quickly shook her head. “You know what? It’s irrelevant. You only want to keep me safe. I appreciate that. But it stops now, Dain. Xaden is tied to me because of Sgaeyl. Nothing more. I do not need protection, and if I do- I’ve got two badass dragons who have my back. Can you respect that?”

The way that she referred to her dragons as a source of her strength... maybe she was destined to be a rider after all. Rider black suited her better than the beige robes anyway. I reached my hand up and cupped her cheek. Her eyes brought me the same comfort and warmth from all those years in the past. I needed to do better as a friend. 

“All right, Vi.” I gave her a soft smile. “How can I argue with someone who has two badass dragons ?”

She grinned and I felt like I could breathe again. I sucked in the fresh air and savored it. I was taking all of this for granted. 

“Exactly.” She beamed. 

“I’m sorry for not asking for the memory,” I apologized as my hand fell to her shoulder. That was on me, I should have asked. “You better get to class.” I squeezed her shoulder softly before walking away. My body felt like a feather after that conversation.

I think I can finally get some sleep tonight. 

❈ ❈ ❈

- Several Days Later -

“Come in,” a familiar voice from behind the dark, polished wooden door called. 

I waved my hand over the door knob and after a quick flick motion with my hands, the door unlocked. Father, I mean- Colonel Aetos, was sitting in his chair with his hands together, tucked under his chin reviewing a document. His thick, dark eyebrows furrowed as he scanned the document in front of him. 

“You called for me?” I asked, standing across his desk. There was a chair next to me, but I knew better than to sit down. He wasn’t the kind to have friendly chats. Not even with his son. 

“How are things with you and Violet?” He asked in his usual monotone, his eyes still pressed to the document. 

“Fine,” I replied. Now, I realized why Violet said that word so often. It was just easier this way. 

“I hear she’s spending a lot of time with that Riorson kid,” he continued. “You of all people should know how dangerous that is.” 

I pressed my lips. “Their dragons are mated. It is not my place to-”

Father pulled away from the document and shifted his weight against the chair. His warm brown eyes stared back at me. “So, when General Sorrengail loses another child to a Riorson, are you going to tell her it wasn’t your place?”

I flinched at the thought of Violet…dead. “No, sir.” 

“I have intel that Riorson and a few rebellion relic kids are involved in questionable activities that may threaten the safety of the civilians,” he continued. “Most importantly, he could be using Violet to finish what his father started. You already know what General Sorrengail did to him. That heartless woman. Now, little Violet is a target.” 

I swallowed hard, trying to absorb the information he shared with me. Violet was always a target since she joined and not just with Riorson, so that wasn't news to me. But... Violet helping Riorson and putting civilians' lives at risk? Were we talking about the same Violet? Yes, she was spending a lot of time with Riorson, but how does that endanger civilians? 

“Sir,” I started. “I am the Squad Leader supervising Violet Sorrengail and she has not exhibited any behavior that supports this intel.”

He gave me a half smile. “Has it occurred to you that she could be keeping secrets from you? You’ve always been too gullible, Squad Leader Aetos.” 

I clenched my jaw. What else did he know that I didn’t know? Could she be keeping a secret like that from me? Harming civilians? Violet wanted to be a scribe growing up for fuck sake and that was hardly a rebellion-seeking thrill. Unless it was Riorson's doing.

“This is an order, Squad Leader Aetos. I order you to read her memory,” Father stated. “You will need to do it secretly of course. She might shield you from the ones that matter.” 

“Touch me without permission, and you’ll spend the rest of your life regretting it.”

Violet’s words echoed in my head as a warning. It was wrong to steal her memories. I didn’t want to do it. “Sir, I don’t think-”

He narrowed his eyes at me as he frowned at my objection. “Since when did you question an order? I’m not asking for your opinion.”

I clenched my jaws and looked down. “Yes, sir.”

“Report your findings directly to me. You’re dismissed.” He said and went back to reviewing the document as if I had never entered his office in the first place. I stood there staring at the top of his head for a second and then turned to leave.

"Shit," I muttered to myself, reaching my hand over the back of my neck when I heard the door close behind me.

❈ ❈ ❈

Montserrat

Fucking Riorson.

I clenched and unclenched my jaw uncontrollably any time he was in my field of vision. Montserrat was never supposed to be on the wingleader’s agenda but surprise, here he was. Mated dragon problems clearly. Besides my shit attitude, Violet had a 180-degree personality change from when she first arrived here. Her body was always with Mira and her eyes were busy chasing Riorson. She was happy.

I, on the other hand, wanted to take Riorson’s unwelcome ass outside and ask Cath to give him a little welcome toast. 

"I could go for an afternoon human toast snack," Cath replied playing along. 

Fuck, I wanted that bad. 

We ran through Battle Brief exercises with Mira leading the squad and I didn’t care much for it. All I could think about was how Riorson needed to keep tabs on every little thing Violet was involved in. I still needed to provide Colonel Aetos an update on Violet and he wasn’t helping my case at all. Maybe they could be involved in something. Maybe he was right and I was too gullible to see anything. 

Mira stands back and looks around the room. “Who is in command?” She glanced at Quinn and added. “And let’s pretend that I don’t have three years of seniority on even the highest-ranked of you.”

I sat up straight, looking at Mira. “Then I’m in command.”

“Our wingleader is here,” Liam pointed at Riorson. “I would say that puts him in command.”

Gods, can Liam go suck Riorson’s dick anywhere else?

“We can pretend I’m not here, just for the sake of the exercise.” Xaden lounged back, moving his arm across the back of Violet’s arm. I gritted my teeth as I glared back. “Give Aetos here the position we all know he craves.” 

My sight catches Violet swinging her head over at Riorson’s face like he said something to her, but no one else was speaking. It was dead silent around the table. Riorson looked to meet Violet’s eyes, winked at her, and turned back to the table. He fucking winked at her? I was going to fucking puke all over this table. Violet’s eyes held on to his face like she was asking herself the same thing.

“You’re. The. Wingleader.” I spat out through my clenched teeth.

“I’m not even supposed to be here.” Xaden shrugged. “But if it makes you feel better, for the purpose of War Games, you’d be getting your orders from your section leader, Garrick Tavis, which he’d get from me. You’ll be carrying out your maneuvers as a squad for the good of the wing. Just pretend I’m another member of your squad and use me as you wish, Aetos.” 

I had enough of his shit. “Why are you even here?” I asked. “No offense, sir, but we weren’t exactly expecting senior leadership on this trip.”

Xaden looked at me with his arms crossed. “You’re more than aware that Sgaeyl and Tairn are mated.” 

So mated dragons couldn't stay away for three fucking days? “Three days?” I fired back, leaning over the table closer to him. “You couldn’t make it three days?” That has to be bullshit. 

“It has nothing to do with him,” Violet added, trying to break the tension. “That’s up to Tairn and Sgaeyl.” Silence filled the space around us, but not for Violet and Riorson. Violet jabbed Xaden as if he said something. Something was up between them. 

“Of course, you rush to defend him.” I looked at Violet with hurt and frustration. “Though how you can forget that this guy wanted to kill you six months ago is beyond me.” 

“I cannot believe you went there,” Violet blurted out.

“Good job remaining professional, Aetos," Xaden added. “Really shows those leadership qualities to their best advantage.” 

I feel my entire body overheating as I try to contain my anger. Was I fucking crazy or did we all miss how Riorson was actively trying to kill Violet?

From across the table, one of the riders whistles low. “Do you boys just want to whip it out and measure?” It would be faster.” 

“Enough!” A loud thud echoed as Mira slammed her hands on the table. I broke my stare from Riorson and looked at Mira. I needed to clear my head. After Mira’s interruption, we were able to start a semi-productive conversation with a side of Violet’s snide remarks at me from my comment earlier. Unable to discuss my signet and ignoring Riorson and his signet in the planning process left me with no other ideas. 

“Any ideas?” I asked around the table with a sigh.

“Sure.” Violet picked up Xaden’s dragon and moved it towards the keep. “You stop ignoring that you have an incredibly powerful shadow wielder at your disposal and ask him to black out the area so no one sees you land.” 

“She’s not wrong,” Mira agreed. I clench my jaw because I know she’s not wrong too. 

“You can do that?” I looked over at Riorson.

“Are you seriously asking?” 

And… he’s back to pissing me off. “Just wasn’t sure you could cover an area that-”

When Xaden lifted his hand a few inches from the table, the shadows started to pour out from underneath our seats, filling the room and turning it dark as midnight. I saw nothing else in my sight. Not even a speck of light. The table, dragon figures, Riorson, and Violet… I was suspended in darkness. 

“I have intel that Riorson and a few rebellion relic kids are involved in questionable activities that may threaten the safety of the civilians.” 

I heard my Father’s voice in my head. Fear stroked me in the darkness as I realized how strong he was.

“I can surround this entire outpost, but I think that might freak some people out,” Xaden spoke plainly and his shadows retreated under the table. The entire outpost? Did I hear that correctly? I glanced over at Mira first and I read the expression from her face. We both stared at Xaden for what he always was... a threat. 

The hypothetical operation came to a close and Mira stood at the head of the table and cleared her throat. “Good job,” she said. 

Get me the fuck out of here. I was about to stand up from the seat when I heard my name.

“Aetos, Riorson, and Sorrengail, I want to see you in the hallway. The rest of you are dismissed.”

Chapter Text

We followed Mira and her unreadable expression out to the spiral staircase. It wasn’t like we could run away or jump out the window. Well, with the trick Riorson pulled before maybe we could blind her and run, but that would assume I was working with him. I would rather die instead. 

Mira shuts the door behind us and throws up a line of blue energy that covers the entrance. The way she moved with so much ease was impressive. 

“Sound shield,” I said with a smile. “Nice.”

“Shut up,” Mira spun on the top step, pointing her finger at me. Okay … She was pissed. 

“I don’t know what bug has crawled up your ass, Dain Aetos, but have you forgotten that you’re a squad leader? That you have a very real chance of becoming a wingleader next year?” 

Yeah, she was pissed off as fuck. I knew that I was in line to be a wingleader next year and it had always been a dream of mine since I heard about the position. But after Amber’s situation, I didn’t know anymore. One thing I did know was that If I missed the opportunity, Colonel Aetos would have words to say. I would be the biggest disappointment to the family name. 

“Mira-” I started.

“You’re blowing it, Dain. I know how badly you want his job next year.” Mira cut me off, pointing at Riorson. “Don’t forget that we’ve grown up about ten feet apart. And you are blowing it, because what? You’re pissed that Violet bonded his dragon’s mate?” 

“He is the worst possible thing for her!” I countered back. 

“Oh, I’m not arguing that.” Mira shifted closer to me. Her eyes were filled with frustration, but I knew that she meant well. And everything she said was the truth. I was a Squad Leader and I was losing my shit in front of my own squad. If we were getting ready for battle, I would be responsible for them and right now I had no confidence that they would trust me. I didn’t trust myself. One mistake and I would have their blood on my hands.

“You two have been best friends since you were five years old. Figure your shit out.” Mira reminded us. I looked over at Violet, who looked as tense as I was, and nodded. She nodded back. 

“Good, now get back in there.” Mira motioned to the door with her head.

I nod at Mira and walk towards the door, leaving the shield barrier. Thoughts jumbled in my head and I needed to organize my priorities. First things first, I needed to step up as a Squad Leader. Second, I needed to figure my shit out with Violet. And somewhere in between, I needed to brief up to Colonel Aetos about the situation. I was sitting with my squad when all side conversation stopped and every rider in the room stiffened. 

“Gryphons are headed this way,” Cath interrupted. “You need to get out of there now.”

“Riders to the turret!” I shouted and everyone got up on their feet. I immediately opened the door to Violet and Mira and the rest of the squad rushed down the stairs. “Let’s Go! Now!” 

Everyone scattered to retrieve their belongings. Riorson dragged Violet to meet up with the rest of the squad. Escape was the safest through the turrets where the dragons could meet us up at the roof once we ran up. Fortress walls were not an option. As the squad climbed up, Violet’s voice echoed in the corridor. 

“This is bullshit! Tairn could help them!” 

Violet was doing shit for squad morale. “Your sister is right. You have to make it out, so we’re leaving. Now fucking climb .” I said it out loud for Violet and others to hear.

“Dain,” she started to argue. 

I turned around and grabbed Rhiannon’s pack from her, throwing it over my shoulder. “For once, Riorson and I agree. It’s not just you we have to get out, Violet. Think of every other first-year.” I didn’t think Riorson and agree would be used in one sentence so soon, but we had bigger problems. Problems that I had to prioritize as the Squad Leader. 

“Are you going to sentence an entire untrained squad to death? Because I’ll make it. Cianna, Emery, Heaton will, too. And we all fucking know Riorson will. But what about Rhiannon? Ridoc? Sawyer? You want their deaths on your hands?” 

Violet doesn’t say anything back to me as we run up the last flight of stairs. When we reached the roof, Emery was mounting his dragon. I saw Cath hovering above us with the familiar Red Daggertail, Liam’s dragon. 

“About time,” Cath stated.

Yeah, yeah. I know. 

Liam went after and it was just Riorson, Violet, and I left on the roof. “You next, Aetos,” Riorson shouted over to me. There was no way I was leaving without Violet.

“Vi-” I started to say and Riorson pressed his lips together. 

“That’s an order,” Riorson stated. I glanced over to where Cath lands, replacing where Liam’s Red Daggertail landed before. “I’ve got her. Go.” 

“Go,” Violet urges me and I see worry for me in her eyes. I fight all the urge in my body to walk over and pick her up in my arms because this was my chance to prove to her that I’ll trust her. I needed to take this leap of faith for myself. 

I look over to Riorson. “I’m trusting you to get her out.” 

“There’s a lot of that going around today,” Xaden retorted. Gods, I couldn’t be on amicable terms with this guy for more than ten seconds. “Now get on your dragon so I can get her on hers.” 

I look over at Violet and hold her intensely in my eyes. My mind works fast to memorize her face and her presence… just in case. 

“We need to go now,” Cath reminded me.

I tore my eyes from Violet and ran down the narrow walkway. Each step landed with stability on the narrow edge and I raced up Cath’s foreleg. Once I jumped on Cath’s back, he pushed off the wall, his wings carrying us up into the sky. Gripping on to Cath’s hard ridges on his back, I fought the urge to look behind me for the sign of Violet. 

“She has two badass dragons,” I whispered, reassuring myself. I remembered the grin across her face. 

“She’ll be okay,” Cath replied with a certain certainty I didn’t have. “Tairn will never let a rider die on his watch, again.” 

❈ ❈ ❈

Getting up in the morning after a full day of flight from Montserrat was the worst. I went for a jog around the campus to help loosen my muscles and took a quick shower afterward. Once I got dressed in uniform, I headed for Professor Markham’s office. Violet was probably worrying about Mira after our abrupt leave and she would be looking for some answers. 

When I finished climbing up the stairs to his office, I saw two familiar silhouettes. One I wanted to see and the second one I didn’t give a shit about. But, he kept his promise. He got her out safely. She was here in one piece. I made a mental note to keep things bureaucratic as I stepped towards them. 

“Guess you two had the same idea,” I said as I got closer to Violet and Riorson. I reached Violet’s side and leaned against the wall. “How long have you been waiting?”

Xaden looks at me and I catch him glancing me up and down. “Not long,” he answered. 

“Hours.” Violet said at the same time.

Running my hand through my still damp hair, I looked at Violet. “Damn, Violet. Are you hungry? Do you want to get breakfast?” I asked. 

I watched her expression flash to a frown in a blink. I glanced over at Riorson’s mouth turning upward. So, I wasn’t going crazy at Montserrat. They were definitely talking somehow. 

“No, thank you,” she replied. 

Another set of footsteps echo up the staircase and I look over to see Professor Markham. He paused for a second when he saw us and continued towards us.

“To what do I own the pleasure?” He asked, nonchalantly. I mentally rolled my eyes. He knew exactly why we were here. 

“Just tell me if she’s dead.” Violet said, blatantly. She couldn’t wait for a full beat. Markham looked at her with a disapproving look and I wanted to punch the expression off his face. It was her fucking sister. 

“You know I can’t give our classified information. If there’s anything to be discussed, we’ll do it in Battle Brief.” 

Violet was upset. “We were there. If it’s classified, then we already know about it,” she countered. 

“It’s hardly appropriate for me to-”

He was such a hard ass for no fucking reason. “She’s my sister,” she begged. “I deserve to know if she’s alive, and I deserve not to hear about it in a room full of riders.” I considered knocking him out so I could read his memory. Riorson would gladly be an accomplice for Violet. 

“There was considerable damage to the outpost, but we lost no riders at Montserrat.” 

As Violet’s legs gave out, I pushed myself off the wall and reached my arms out to catch her body in my arms. As she fell, I pulled her in for a long embrace in my arms. I held her close to me. Inhaling her familiar scent, I bury my face in her hair. 

“She’s fine, Vi,” I whispered, calming her down. “Mira’s fine.” She nodded against my chest. We hold each other like that for a bit and I let her go as she steps back. When we both looked up, Riorson was nowhere to be found. Professor Markham entered his office and I walked with her. 

“Go get something to eat,” I said to her. “You need to take care of yourself.” She nodded as she walked in the opposite direction from the cafeteria. 

I don't stop her. 

❈ ❈ ❈

Lightning Wielder

I walked over to Violet. We all saw the lightning and the crack of thunder. There was no way it could be anyone else. It had to be her. “Violet,” I asked cautiously. “That was you with the lightning strike? The one that took down the tower?” 

She nodded.

Chills went down my spine as I stared at her. “I’ve never seen anything like it. I don’t think there’s been a lightning wielder in more than a century-” I watched as the adrenaline rush was fading out from her system. “Violet?”

“I killed him,” she whispered. No, she looked like she was going to be sick. I started to reach for her and she turned over and retched. 

“Shit.” I rubbed my hand over her back. “It’s all right, Vi.”

After she stopped, I pulled her into my arms. I rocked her gently in my arms like how I used to when she got hurt a long time ago. My hand moved up and down her spine, making soothing motions.  

“I killed him.” She replied in her monotone again. You always remembered your first kill. No matter how many more there are, you will always remember your first. 

“I know. I know.” I kissed the top of my head. “And if you don’t want to use that kind of power again, you don’t have to-”

“Get the fuck away from her with that nonsense.” Riorson spat out as he pushed against me and pulled Violet out of my arms. I stood in place as I watched Riorson turn Violet to face him. My body burned with pure annoyance of him, but I knew this was not my place to interrupt. Whether I liked it or not, they had mated dragons. And whether I liked it or not, they were closer to each other than anyone else at Basgiath.

I swallowed, tasting the bitter realization. If there was anyone who could snap her out of self-hatred, it was him. 

Riorson stroked Violet’s cheek and my hands clenched into fists. I softly exhaled as my heart clenched. The way she looked at him was more than just a fleeting physical attraction. She wanted him too. They looked at each other like they were the only two on the flight field. 

“I don’t want this,” Violet said. “Rhiannon can move objects through space and Dain has retrocognition -” 

“Hey,” I snapped at Violet, reminding her that it wasn’t just the two of them here.

“You think I didn’t know that already?” Riorson barked towards me, still keeping his eyes on Violet.

Wait, he knew? How? There was no way he would have the clearance for that. 

“I’m a fucking weapon,” I heard Violet say pulling me out of my thoughts. 

“You don’t have to use your power, Vi.” I replied to her gently. And I meant it. Yes, she had the power to change the outcome of battles and wars, but she was still my Violet. If she wanted to sit out an entire fucking war because she didn’t want to kill anyone else, that was her decision to make. 

“Stop. Fucking. Coddling. Her.” Riorson finally turned towards me. “She is not a child. She’s a full-grown woman. A rider. Start treating her like one and at least have the decency to give her the truth. You think Melgren or any other general - to include her own mother - is going to let her sit on a power like this? It’s not like she can hide it, not the way she just demolished one of the practice forts.”

He spoke with so much emotion and intensity. He was just like a male version of her. I shifted my eyes to Riorson with a blank expression. “You just want her to be like you, a cold-blooded killer. Soon you’ll be telling her that it’s all right, you get used to the killing.” I wanted to push him over the edge.

Riorson’s eyes darkened as he glared back. “The blood in my veins is as warm as yours, Aetos, and if it’s my job you want next year, then you’d better start understanding that you never get used to killing, but you do understand that it’s necessary.” He turned back to Violet. “This isn’t primary school. This is war - and you heard me say it once before, but the ugly truth those not on the front lines choose to forget is there are always body bags in war.”  

I released my fists. Maybe this was my first time actually seeing their interaction. Riorson cared for her in a way that was different from mine, but there was no right or wrong way. Violet taught me that.

I scoffed as I walked towards the other squad leaders. 

❈ ❈ ❈

Reunification Day

It was Reunification Day. I swallowed hard remembering the note on my desk from earlier this week. 

Need an update soon.

- Col. Aetos.

I had to take care of this today. I scanned around the space, but I didn’t see any sign of Violet. Maybe there was nothing to report. King Tauri and General Sorrengail made their way over to me. I greeted King Tauri with the perfect manners that had been drilled into me since I was little.

“Ah, young Aetos,” King Tauri said with a gentle smile. “I hear you are in line to be a wingleader next year. You kids grow up so fast.” 

I smiled. “It would be an honor to serve as a wingleader, King Tauri.” I replied.

“Your father must be very proud to have such a bright and loyal son,” he replied, his smile still on his lips. “Please enjoy the night.”

I bowed with the same fake pleasant smile as he and General Sorrengail took their leave. I looked over my shoulders and saw Violet and Liam. Violet looked stunning in her black dress uniform. I was surprised to see Liam there. I didn’t think Riorson would make him tag along to this kind of event. As I walked over to her, it occurred to me how strange everything was. We were doing what we always did as kids, being dragged to formal events, but this year we were in rider black. 

When I got to her, I steadied my hands and cupped her cheeks like I did many times before. My mind reached the outer layer of her unsuspecting mental shield. The first time I reached in Violet’s mind it was by accident, but this time was different. I gently touched the translucent barrier and her memories opened their doors to me. As searched through her memories quickly, keeping my composure steady in front of Violet and Liam. 

“Athebyne. You can’t know why or ask anything else, but that’s where we were.” It was Riorson.

That was enough. I already saw more than I wanted. 

“You look beautiful tonight, Vi.” I said with a grin.

“Thank you,” she smiled. “You look fabulous yourself.” 

I quickly dropped my hands and turned to Liam, trying to keep the conversation going. “Has this one tried to escape yet? She’s always hated these things.” 

“Not yet, but the evening is young,” Liam replied.

Liam looked uneasy. I looked over to Violet. “The staircase is about five feet to our right. I’ll distract you while you slip away.” 

“Thank you,” Violet nodded with a smile. She took the lead, taking Liam with her. “Let’s get out of here.”

I turned to the crowd and started making my rounds again. My heart multiplied in weight with each step I took. I felt the guilt weighing on my consciousness. I didn’t feel well. 

What was going at Athebyne? From the memory it didn’t look like Violet was directly involved. Was it really all Riorson's doing? I looked over to the stairway planning my escape next when I saw father making his way to me.

Shit. 

I stood still as he approached me with a fake smile. “Did you see King Tauri?” 

I nodded, “I saw him and General Sorrengail when I got here.”

He quickly glanced around us before leaning in closer. “Do you have anything to report?” 

I pressed my lips together and swallowed. I didn’t have to tell him anything. I could just pretend like I saw nothing in her memories. But truthfully, I was scared. I was scared that Violet was getting involved in something because she liked Riorson without weighing the consequences. If Riorson hurt her, that was all on me.

It didn’t help that I didn’t know anything about the Athebyne outpost to think logically about the situation. It was just a regular outpost, right? What harm could come from an outpost out there? It was beyond the wards. 

“Riorson was at Athebyne,” I answered, feeling defeated.

“Hm, Athebyne…” 

In a matter of seconds, I watched as his frown smoothed over his face into a half smile. His hand touched my left shoulder and squeezed. I knew that was all for show. “Thank you for the report, Squad Leader Aetos.” He dropped his hand. 

“Oh, and make sure you keep your squad together for War Games. Especially if you want to keep Violet safe.” 

What? “Sir, what do you-” 

“Good luck,” he said, cutting me off. He took off to greet someone I didn’t recognize. My stomach stirred and he leaned in to whisper something to the older gentleman. It was like my body knew something was wrong. They both nodded and started to walk towards the exit. 

In long strides, I headed for the staircase that Violet and Liam used as an escape from earlier. Ignoring familiar faces and hand gestures towards me, my strides turned into a full-on sprint as I took off. 

Fuck, I needed to find Violet.

Chapter Text

My heart pounded against my chest.

Come on. Violet, where are you?

I checked her room first, but she wasn’t in her room. My breathing was heavy and rough as I stopped in the middle of Riders Quadrant courtyard. I’ve looked down every hallway and room. Every single place I could think of. Fuck, she was nowhere to be found. I knew I had to warn her. I didn’t know if I had the stomach to confess about reading her memories, but maybe I had to face that too.

I hunched over as I coughed, trying to catch my breath. Each forced exhale burned my chest. I took a long inhale as I continued my jog around when I heard the thunder boom outside. Hiding under a small roof structure facing the dormitory, I looked up at the darkening skies.

Well, this came from nowhere. 

The lightning in the sky was unnatural as the sky flashed and boomed like it was building up to something. A loud crackling sound echoed through the courtyard as I looked up at the dormitory building. A bright lightning struck the building with a loud shattering sound. That was a broken window for sure.

Huh, that was one unlucky rider’s window. What are the chances that-

I blinked and stared at the space where the lightning struck moments ago. The lightning hit somewhere on the third-year floor. My stomach twisted as I tried to think about anything else, but my mind was already pushing me to a place I didn’t want to go.

I clenched my jaws as my hands curled into tight fists. I tasted nothing but bitterness in my mouth as I tore my gaze from the window that was there just seconds ago. I needed to get back to my room. My legs pushed against the soft mud as I forced myself to walk into the same dormitory building filled with disgust. 

I found her, but I don’t think I have the guts to tell her tonight. Maybe someday, but not tonight.

And fuck, I’m petty. 

❈ ❈ ❈

There was a loud obnoxious sound that rang in my ears. 

Thud.

I roll over in bed and look towards the door. Did I just hear my door or-

“Squad Leader Aetos!” The unfamiliar voice outside commanded. My body stiffened, I wasn’t hearing things. “Get to formation now!”

My body was up the moment my mind comprehended the words. I quickly got dressed in my leather uniform and opened the door. The hallway was busy with riders running everywhere. It just turned four in the morning when I strapped my weapons in and headed for the door. My mind stirred as I looked for Cath’s presence, but I didn’t sense anything. 

I navigate around the panicking group of riders and the hallways pumped full of adrenaline when I make it out of the dormitory. I reached the leadership gathered near the dais in the courtyard. I huddled with the squad leaders and leadership and unlike the sighs of relief everyone let out when they heard about war games, my entire body tensed. When I looked up my father was staring at me and these last words played in my head like a broken record player.

“Make sure you keep your squad together for War Games if you want to keep Violet safe.” 

My eyes quickly scanned the dais for Riorson. If he was here, she would be here too. My eyes caught Riorson’s grimacing expression staring as he huddled with the wingleaders. I naturally turned to scan the field for her. Violet’s sliver hair caught my attention as she stood around with her squad. When the squad leader huddle ends, I walk over to my squad. 

“Hey, Aetos,” Rhiannon smiled at me. “Good morning, huh?”

The way Rhiannon’s hands draped perfectly over the collarbone. I didn’t even need to see the insignia and rank to know whose flight jacket Violet was wearing. 

“Not really, no.” I looked at the rest of my squad. I was not in the mood to address them at this moment, but I had to remember this was my role in the fight. I am a squad leader.  “I know it’s early… or late, depending on your night” I started, unable to control the bitterness that simmered in my head all night. “But we’ve spent all year training for this, so wake the hell up.” I turned to the dias to face Commander Panchek. 

Panchek kicked off the War Games introduction and passed it off to my father who read out the scenario. It was similar to the scenario from the previous year. Either these scenarios were getting more frequent or leadership stopped giving a shit. We all knew that this was just another game to get rid of more unqualified riders. I tensed my jaw as father’s eyes scanned over mine and locked with Riorson. 

The fake smile my father wore slipped for a second as he looked at Riorson. “Riorson, you’ll establish your headquarters for Fourth Wing at Athebyne.”

Athebyne.

My heart felt heavy like it was being held suspended in my chest with a thin string. That was not a coincidence. I glanced at Violet from the corner of my eyes who glanced over at Riorson with a confused, worried expression. Did she know I read her memories? I swallowed as I turned around to give commands to the squad.

“We’re going to claim the outpost at Eltuval, the northernmost one in our assigned region. I’m not getting stuck at some coastal outpost when we know that’s not how Poromiel would choose to attack. Anyone have a problem with that?”

I take a good look at Violet as she shakes her head at me. She looked tense, but everyone else looked tense. 

“Good, then you heard the commandant. You have thirty minutes to change, pack what you can carry for five days, and get your asses to the flight field.”

The formation broke as everyone rushed to their dormitory rooms. I turned over to the dais as I followed behind my squad. Father’s brown eyes looked back at me and his wicked smile told me more than I needed to know.

Good job, son.

The last compliment and the sincerity in his voice I committed to memory replayed in my head. It was the few times he called me son and didn't expect anything out of it.

Once I get back to my dorm, my body runs on auto as I grab all my essentials. I pack up my things with ease, taking less than 10 minutes to grab everything. As I make my way over to the flight field, I grab the rations from the kitchen staff near the commons.

I sense a low grumble from Cath.

“Happy War Games to you,” I responded. "What's with mood? You had a great time last year.”

“Tairn is an old pain in the ass.”

“So is his rider,” I added, still feeling a wave of guilt wash over me. “What’s wrong?”

Cath didn’t reply, but the unpleasant feeling still lingered. 

Dragons of all colors, shapes, and sizes filled the flight field. It was moments like this when I realized how much pride I had as a dragon rider. Straightening my posture, I walked by different cadets and managed to skillfully dodge one who was projectile vomiting. You get used to that too. When I got to the dragons lined up by my squad designation area, I couldn’t help but let out a small smile.

“Don’t you dare,” Cath sighed. He let out a low grumble and Tairn turned his head towards him. Cath snapped at Tairn and Tairn stared out to the distance, indifferent. Tairn was standing at the head where the squad leader’s dragon was supposed to be. An area where the dragon could reinforce hierarchy and show who was in charge. 

“I can ask Vio-“

Cath cut in. “Don’t waste your breath. This old fart will never move.”

I do a quick headcount of all the dragons and look over at my squad seeing Violet running over. With Violet arriving, my squad was all present with their bag packed in under 30 minutes. “Second Squad!” I called out and my squad turned towards me. “Prepare for a four-hour first leg of our flight. We’ll need to keep a tight formation for the first fifteen minutes as the squads disperse.” 

The lines on Violet’s eyebrows let me know she was concerned. This was a five-day exercise. She had to be worried about the bonded dragons. 

And speak of the devil. 

My eyes focused on Riorson headed towards my squad. I tightened my jaw and pressed my lips together. “Wingleader?” I asked as he approached. “How can I help you?”

Riorson turned to Violet. “I need you.”

What? “I’m sorry?” I blurted, sensing the hostility in my tone. 

“Relax, he just wants to say goodbye,” Violet explained.

Well, he better make it fast. 

“If you’re saying goodbye, it's to him,” Riorson nodded in my direction and my heart stopped. “I’m constructing my headquarters squad and you’re coming with me. So are Liam and Imogen.”

All I see is red as I stepped forward closer to him. “The fuck you are,” I spat out. “She’s a first-year, and Athebyne is beyond the wards.” I didn’t have any other argument I could use. It wasn’t like I was going to explain to him that I knew the real reason why he was assigned to Athebyne. 

“I don’t hear you giving me the same argument about Mairi,” Xaden replied. Oh, I didn’t realize he wanted to argue about the technicality. Well, two can play that game. 

“Liam is the best cadet among the first-years, even with you assigning him guard duty over Violet,” I folded my arms across my chest and stared. 

“And Sorrengail wields lightning,” Riorson countered back. The lightning strike from last night burned into my mind. “And not that I owe you an explanation, second-year , because I don’t, but Sgaeyl and Tairn can’t be separated for longer than a few days-” 

Fucking, typical Riorson. I shook my head. I was done buying all this bullshit about mated dragon separation anxiety. 

“That you know of!” I shouted back. “Or can you honestly tell me Sgaeyl was at her wit’s end when you showed up at Montserrat? You’ve never fully tested how long they can be apart.” 

“Feel like asking her yourself?” Xaden arched his brow and as they practiced before, Sgaeyl walked forward with blood-chilling menace in her eyes. I swallowed. 

“She will have to go through me first,” Cath reassured. “Stand strong.”

I found comfort in Cath’s unexpected kindness as I straightened my posture and looked at Riorson. “Don’t do this. Riders are known to die during War Games, and she’s safer with me. Anything could happen once we’re away from Basgiath, let alone you taking her beyond the wards.”

“Make sure you keep your squad together for War Games if you want to keep Violet safe.” Father’s voice echoed in my mind. Bonded dragon or not, Violet was going to be safest with me. 

“I’m not dignifying that with a response. This is an order.” 

I looked over at Violet. I needed to do something… anything or else I was going to lose her, forever. “Or has this been your plan all along? To separate her from her squad so you can use her to get your need for revenge on her mother?”

Violet shakes her head at me. “Dain! You know that’s not going to happen.”

“Do I?” I shouted back at Violet. “He’s made a big deal out of the whole if-she-dies-I-die-thing, but do you know it for a fact? Do you know Tairn won’t survive your death? Or has it all been a ploy to earn your trust, Violet?” 

Violet’s expression hardened at me. “You need to stop right now.”

“Please, do quit while you’re behind, Aetos.” Riorson added. “You want the truth? She’s a fuck of a lot safer with me beyond the wards than she is with you within them. We both know it.” 

The pang of guilt stunned me. Did Riorson somehow know I read Violet’s mind? Is this what he meant by-

Violet’s arm reached for Riorson. “Stop. Xaden, stop. If you want me to go with you, I’ll go. It’s that simple.”

“No fucking way,” I whispered, my world crumbling down as I blinked. Violet made her decision. Years of memories I had with Violet flashed before my eyes as she stood beside Riorson. I lost her already and I was going to lose her for good to Malek the moment she left my squad. 

“Dain…” 

“Him?” I asked. “You and… him?” I shook my head in disbelief. “People talk, and I thought that’s all it was, but you…” I had nothing else to say. I didn’t want to have this discussion here. “Don’t go, Violet. Please. He’s going to get you killed.” I stared into Violet’s eyes with conviction. 

“I know you think Xaden has ulterior motives, but I trust him. He’s had every opportunity and has never hurt me.” Violet moves closer to me. “At some point, you have to let this go.”

As her eyes looked into mine her decision was already made. She trusted him with everything she had. “If he’s what you choose… then I guess that has to be enough for me, doesn’t it?” I asked, softly. 

“Yes,” she nodded. 

I swallowed hard and leaned into Violet. “I’ll miss you, Violet.” Her expression was gentle and I memorized her face. My eyes traced around her features, stopping at the tiny flecks of blue and ambers in her light hazel eyes. Maybe, just maybe Riorson could actually do it. Maybe he could keep her alive better than I can. Maybe Riorson wouldn’t betray her trust as I did. I wanted to reach for her face, but I stopped myself. My hand trembled beside me as I pivoted on my heel and headed for Cath.

“You did your best,” Cath reminded me. Cath was doing a whole lot of that today. "She will decide her fate."

For a split second, I consider chasing after Violet. I imagined myself running over to her and explaining to Riorson that my squad would join him. It would be for my own selfish gain because my squad would be deadweight as I focus all my strategy on keeping an eye out for Violet. 

As my hand reaches for Cath, I use my logic to keep me grounded. Cianna. Rhiannon. Ridoc. Heaton. Emery. Sawyer. Quinn. Nadine. I recite the names of my squad in my head as Cath and I start our first leg of the flight. A reminder to myself to prioritize the lives of everyone, not just Violet’s. The skies were clear and the breeze was gentle. 

“Stay alive, Violet. Please just stay alive.” I whispered to myself, breaking into a quiet sob. 

❈ ❈ ❈

Six Days After

♫  In the Stars - Benson Boone

I swung my legs over the edge of the bed. My entire fucking body had never felt this heavy before. Not even after an entire day of physical drills and flying. Every single muscle fiber ached from any sort of movement, breathing included. This weight was becoming too much to carry.

After my squad arrived at Basgiath after the War Games, I desperately looked for Violet first. I asked everyone for any news of Violet or Riorson. I ran into Rhiannon yesterday and she cut me off before I could ask about Violet like she knew I was going to ask. She continued the entire conversation without bringing her up. I got the same response talking to Sawyer and Ridoc too. The first stage of grief was denial.

Even Cath gave me the space. I don't think I heard from him for two days now. No, I wasn't sure if it was two days... the days were bleeding without sleep. The reality was that it’s been six days and her name along with the rest of Riorson’s squad will be reported at death roll today.

Violet Sorrengail.

I clutched my chest as I felt the familiar anxiousness stir. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, letting out an equally heavy exhale. The anxiety started to grow on me the moment we landed in Eltuval. Each day that passed by, the darkness started to eat away parts of me. The second truth was that I had no one else to blame but myself. 

The sadness faded and anger rushed through my veins as I clutched my head in my hands. Riorson. I knew my anger was misdirected at him. Violet chose to follow him, but it gave me a little peace to blame him for it all. If Violet was here, she would throw me an upset expression telling me to drop it. The keyword being... if.

If she had come with me, I could have guaranteed a future for her. Yes, she would be at my throat every day for betraying her and reading her memories, but at least she would be here. I would do anything if I could have her back. If I had to face an eternal fate of Violet’s wrath and anger, so be it. I gasped for air, releasing my head. Anything to escape this soul-devouring feeling of loss.

When I finally opened my eyes, I dragged my body and started getting ready for formation. “Malek,” I begged, knowing fully aware that one, I was losing my sense of reality, and two, I was begging a god who probably didn’t give two flying shits about me. But what can I say, desperate times called for desperate measures. And I was so fucking desperate. 

“Please Malek, not today. I’m not ready to offer you her soul yet.”

Chapter Text

“Violet?!”

My heart dropped when I heard Rhiannon’s voice mutter behind me. My head turned towards the dias where leadership was staring at Violet and the rest of Riorson’s squad like they came back from the dead. My mouth dropped as I stared at Violet, alive in the flesh. 

“Please tell me I’m not the only one seeing this,” I asked, reaching for Cath in my mind.

“Your friend lives,” Cath responded. Maybe it was hearing Cath’s voice again, but I found so much comfort in his words at this moment. “Maybe you can finally get that rest you desperately need.”

I watched as the heated discussion took place between Riorson and the leadership. General Sorrengail turned to my father with a crumpled piece of paper and I saw his eyes shift downwards. The paper had to contain orders for the War Games. He rarely put down his prideful face that easily. After a few more words, the General stepped off the dais. I watched as my father glared at Violet and whispered something that made her visibly flinch. Riorson steps in front of her addressing my father with a commanding presence. Father looked visibly upset as Riorson and Violet turned from him and started to walk towards the squad. 

But, Violet was alive. 

The expanding joy filled my heart as I broke formation and ran towards Violet. As I got closer, the hard lines on her face didn’t fade. She looked like she lost weight in the few days I didn’t see her. When I finally reached her, she looked at me with so much… hatred. 

“You’re alive!” I still exclaimed at her. 

Violet is alive. I let the words sink in and root into the ground.

“We’d heard-” I started to say, reaching for her and she recoiled with the same disgust still glued to her face. 

“Touch me and I swear to the gods, I’ll cut your fucking hands off and let the quadrant sort you out in the next round of challenges, Dain Aetos.” 

My hands fell to my sides as I stared at Violet. I couldn't comprehend what was happening. Why was she acting this way? Wasn’t she excited to see me?

“What? You don’t mean that, Vi.”

Before she could answer, I heard a dark voice. My own voice from the darkest shadows in my mind.

“She knows,” my own voice whispered. “She knows you went digging through her mind. You betrayed her trust.”

Violet’s hands fell to her sides, her fingers resting on the sheaths at her thighs. “I do.”

Riorson looked at me. “You should take her at her word. In fact if you don’t, I’ll take personal offense. She made her choice, and it wasn’t you. It will never be you. I know it. She knows it. The whole quadrant knows it.” 

His words burned through me, my skin hissing in anger. I glanced from Violet to Riorson as they both stared back at me. I managed to gather a glimpse of the background to know that we also managed to gather the attention of everyone else around us. I felt my face growing hotter as my eyes stopped at Riorson. “What else? You going to threaten to kill me, Riorson?”

“No,” Riorson shook his head. “Why should I, when Sorrengail is perfectly capable of doing that herself? She doesn’t want you to touch her. Pretty sure everyone in the quadrant heard her. That should be enough for you to keep your hands to yourself.” I watched as he leaned in closer, whispering just so only we could hear what he was about to say.

“But in case it’s not, every time you think of reaching for her face, I want you to remember one word.”

“And what is that?” I pushed the words through my clenched jaws.

“Athebyne.” Riorson pulled back and stared. My eyes widened as the darkness that tickled me before started to stir inside me, growing bigger. My body stiffened as I heard Colonel Panchek called the formation to attention. 

“No response? Interesting,” Riorson mocked. “Get back in formation, squad leader , before I lose all pretense of civility on behalf of Liam and Soleil.” 

Liam and Soleil? Liam was Violet’s guard and followed her wherever she went. But Violet was in front of me and Liam was… My body went limp as I felt the color drain from my face. Liam wasn’t here. Clenching my hands into a fist, I turned and headed to my position at the head of the squad, following the wingleader’s orders. 

Captain Fitzgibbons stepped forward on the dais and started to read the names of the death roll. I silently listened and then I heard it. “Soleil Terry. Liam Mairi.” Captain Fitzgibbons called out. No.

I thought of Liam when I saw him last at Reunification Day and before he left to join Riorson’s squad for War Games. He was good. It was a devastating loss, he was one the strongest out of the first years. I also knew what he meant to Violet. I quietly listened to my squad, and no one cried. The heavy silence weighed down every cadet’s shoulders when we commended their souls. I looked up to the sky.

“Thank you, Liam Mairi.” I whispered in my head. “Thank you for protecting Violet with your life.”

❈ ❈ ❈

The gathering hall was full of life with riders celebrating. Despite the invite from other squad leaders to drink with them, I wasn’t in the mood. Violet was avoiding me like the plague despite my attempts to reach out to her. Maybe she needed time. 

“Give her space,” Cath echoed. “Just be happy she’s alive.” 

“You’re right,” I admitted to Cath.

Cath was right. Violet was alive. She might want to chop off my hands and kill me right now, but she was alive. My best friend was alive. I was content with that. 

I glanced over at my squad’s table and caught sight of Violet reaching for another glass of lavender lemonade, flashing her smile at her squadmates. I would be a fool if I said that I was okay with where we were. I wanted to hug her and congratulate her for surviving the first year. But, at least she was smiling again. I reminisced the joy and happiness that buzzed inside me exactly one year ago.

I walked over to the announcements board when I heard my name from a group of cadets. I kept my head down, keeping a nonchalant look on my face as I slowed down and perked up my ears. 

“Gods, there’s Aetos. Did you hear the little exchange with Sorrengail this morning?”

“Everyone did.” An unfamiliar female voice responded. “Add Aetos to the list of names that you do not trust around here.” 

There was a collective sound agreement. I clenched my jaws. 

“But guys,” Another voice interrupted. “Riorson and Sorrengail are definitely fucking right?”

“Duh.” The same female voice replied. “It looked like it was more than just fucking though. Lucky Sorrengail… Riorson is such a catch.”

I could taste my dinner in my mouth as I reached the group of cadets huddled around the announcement board. I didn’t give a fuck about the rude comments from other cadets as I pushed through the crowd until I reached the front. My fists were itching. I wanted some drunk ass to pick a fight with me. 

To my disappointment, no one did. I glanced to the side when the crowd split in the middle as a faculty member with a paper in his hand walked up to the announcement board. He quickly pinned up the piece of paper on the announcement board and walked off. My eyes quickly scanned the announcement.

Dain Aetos

Wingleader, Fourth Wing 

I did it. Even Cath who rarely likes to show any emotion, celebrated the new position through our bond. It was firm and gentle, like a proud father. Did my father know already? Blinking, I read the announcement again, soaking it in.

I was a wingleader. Warmth swelled in my heart. I thought about Violet sitting with her squadmates as I pushed through the larger crowd that was gathering by the announcement board. I really wanted to run over to her and congratulate her first year and my wingleader announcement together, but that was probably the last thing she wanted. I was the last person she wanted to talk to. 

I stopped by the stands with the alcohol bottles. Most of it was already gone, but there were a few stragglers. I grabbed a bottle by the long neck without looking back at Violet. I headed for the exit, reaching out to Cath. 

“It looks like it’s just you and me, Cath,” I said, awakening our bond. 

“Bring me a sheep. It’s only fair we both celebrate,” Cath replied.

I smiled. “You know I can’t do that.”

“I know this one field-”

“Cath,” I started and Cath sighed.

“Fine, but I’m not going easy on our flight. Wingleader or not, you are still the same human I picked during Threshing.”

I popped the tight cork plugged in the bottle with one strong twist when I reached the flight field. The sweet alcohol flooded my mouth when I took a long swig.

“I expect nothing less. Give me your worst.”

In seconds, I heard the familiar wing beating above me. The thumping above me matched the beat of my heart bringing a welcomed feeling of comfort. 

❈ ❈ ❈

Conscription Day

“Aaric. Graycastle.” A familiar voice repeated. 

What the actual fuck. I stared at Cam’s new height that surpassed mine by a little from his new found puberty growth spurt. We were so fucked. No, it was my responsibility as a wingleader… I was so fucked. 

“You sure about this?” I asked. From my quick glance, I could see that he was wearing determination across his face like a mask. I’ve never seen this look on him before. “You cross that parapet, and there’s no going back.” The irony of this conversation was enough to make me laugh. I had the same conversation with Violet when she was here last year. 

Cam Tauri nodded. The third son of King fucking Tauri. 

“Does your father know?” I murmured to Cam and he looked ahead, narrowing his eyes.

“It’s none of his business.” He stepped up to the parapet and rolled his shoulders. “I’m twenty.” Gods, that felt like a forever ago. I glanced at the familiar look in his eyes. I saw it on Violet last year and I had them once when I stepped up a year before that. 

“Right, because that’s going to make a difference when he realizes what you’re doing.” I naturally tugged at my hair at the thought of Cam not making it across the parapet. “He’ll kill us all.”

“Are you going to tell him?” Cam asked. 

I shook my head. Cam was going to do this whether I stopped him or not. I glanced over to Violet and she averted her gaze. And I had already learned my lesson with Violet.

“Good, then do me a favor and ignore me,” Cam replied. 

“We’re Second Squad, Flame Section, Fourth Wing,” Violet said to Cam- Aaric. Maybe today she would hear me out. I opened my mouth to let Violet know how proud I was, but she quickly cut me off as if she could read what I was going to say.

“Not today,” Violet replied, shaking her head. I tore my eyes from her and fixed them on Aaric as he adjusted his pack and started across the parapet. Aaric’s steps were firm and stable as he quickly made progress down the narrow parapet. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous, but he was going to make it. I kept my eyes glued ahead as the next first year stepped up. 

“Sloane Mairi.” 

Mairi? I let out a heavy exhale as my heart let out a heavy thump against my chest. My head swung to the first year standing in front of Violet and Rhiannon. She had the same blond hair and the same blue eyes as Liam. Violet pushed off the wall and quickly sprung into action, walking up to Sloane who stared back at her with a confused expression. 

She was going to interfere. “Vi-” I called out.

Violet glared over her shoulder at me. “Don’t you dare say another word, or I’ll blast you off this turret, Aetos.” I hesitated as lightning flashed across the sky like a warning. 

She was still calling me Aetos and that was a clear sign to not challenge her. I clenched my jaw, sitting back down. Cam and now this. “I’m losing every damn fight today,” I whispered to myself. 

I watched as Violet talked to Sloane, preparing her for the parapet. I should have stopped her, all of this was against the rules. But, I didn’t move. Instead, I drowned out Violet’s voice… pretending like I couldn’t hear the clear words coming from her mouth.

“You got my brother killed. He died for you.” The new voice said to Violet.

My head slowly turned back. Violet turned pale as I could see that her memories were pulling her into a horrible place. I watched quietly as her eyes pooled up with tears and she quickly blinked it away before it fell down her face. Sloane stared at Violet with pure hatred, the same kind Violet looked at me with. 

“Just do me a favor and put your fucking arms out so you don’t see Liam before I do. Do it for him. Not me.”

My heart tugged as I watched Violet keep her eyes glued to Sloane. It was not just Violet’s fault. It was mine too. I glanced at Sloane who begrudgingly extended her arms like Violet advised. Violet let out a sigh of relief when Sloane reached the other side. On the other hand, I took a big inhale. I didn’t realize that I was holding my breath.

❈ ❈ ❈

“Sloane Mairi. Second Wing.” 

Here we fucking go. I walked up to the dais and made my way over to Aura Beinhaven. She eyed me cautiously as the mix of silence and hushed whispered continued below.

“What’s wrong, Aetos.”

I moved closer to her, keeping my voice low in case anyone could hear. “I’m requesting Mairi to be moved to the Fourth Wing.”

“Why?”

I clenched my jaw reactively because I knew the words that will come out of my mouth next were lies. “I’m calling in a favor. I was personally asked by Colonel Aetos to keep watch for rebel activity and Mairi is one of them.” I was surprised how easily the lies came out. Well, it was too late to take it back anyways. “You know how we have to keep them in check.” 

Aura eyed me for a split second before nodding her head. “Let me make the change,” she muttered as she made her way over to the roll-keeper. I glanced over to Violet, she held our gaze for a second longer than usual.

I’ll take it.

The roll-keeper shouted over the crowd. “Correction! Sloane Mairi to Second Squad, Flame Section, Fourth Wing.” I nod over at Aura who responded with a firm nod. Ignoring the stares from faculty, I made my way back to my position. My eyes tugged to Violet and in that moment I wanted to scream at her and tell her that I did this for her. Shout and tell her that I can win her trust back, but for Dunne's sake... she has to give me a fucking chance.

Violet’s eyes stared back at me.

I knew she wasn't convinced yet. 

Adjusting my composure, I blinked at Violet. If my expression could speak, I would've told her that she couldn't stop me from at least trying.

Chapter Text

One Week Ago

“How are things going with Varrish?” Father asked. The scene was always familiar. No eye contact. No greetings. Just his eyes glued to a missive, one after another. 

“Fine,” I replied, keeping the answers short. Truthfully, after one session with the guy I quickly understood the reason he carried the reputation he did. He loved his interrogation sessions and he loved pushing me even more. Thank fucking gods I had my wingleader duties that kept me away from him most of the time. I remembered the last session and how he smiled when he found out I had looked through Violet’s memories. The reminder of my actions made me want to wash my invisible filth under running water for hours.

Now, Varrish wanted to start teaching me how to find specific memories. The process felt like I was a surgeon splitting a body open and combing through each organ. Maybe surgeon was not the right word. 

“I hear good things about you from him. Lead into him and his expertise to hone your signet,” he reminded me. 

Not a surgeon, a coroner. No living person would want anyone digging through their memories like that. 

"He found you interesting, especially when I told him about Athebyne," father added.

Fuck. I didn’t want to talk about this with him. I didn’t want to talk about Athebyne to anyone except Violet. When I didn’t reply, he glanced up at me and I fixed my eyes on his. 

“I’m guessing Violet is still not talking to you then,” his eyes shifted back to the paper. He paused waiting for me to answer and when I didn’t, he reached for the next document in the stack.

“Stubborn like her mother,” he sighed as he proceeded to write down something I had no intention of looking over. “I told you before, but Athebyne is located beyond the wards. Maybe a third year like Riorson would be called there, but not his second year cousin. You were a second year before. You know second years don’t get leave for that kind of flight. You did the right thing.” 

“She was attacked,” I muttered back. Silence filled the room as my hands rolled into tight fists. Violet was hurt and she won’t fucking speak to me anymore. I lost Liam from my squad. How could the right thing result in so much pain? 

“And I didn’t tell you things for a reason,” he finally replied. “You can’t let your feelings cloud your intuition.” 

“Violet got hurt. We lost others. If General Sorrengail knew-”

“Don’t you have class that you need to be at?” His voice cut in like a hot knife. His face looked up to meet mine and I felt the familiar fear I always experienced in his presence when I was younger. “You should get moving.” 

Releasing my fists, I turned and headed for the door. As I waved my hands over the knob, I heard his voice again.

“You have a great future ahead of Dain Aetos. But no matter how high you climb, don’t ever think you can question my actions.”

❈ ❈ ❈

Despite my numerous attempts to get a chance to talk to her, Violet did a solid job staying far the fuck away from me. The gym buzzed with excitement once we heard that today was the last day for challenges as we prepared for Gauntlet, Presentation, and Threshing. I quietly watched Violet tugging on her sling. She’s was not same Violet that came here a year ago, but she still couldn’t get her fucking landing down.

“You’re angry at her for trying?” Cath asked, genuinely curious.

I rolled my eyes. “Whose side are you on?” I replied back, annoyed.

“You’re upset at her for not getting it right away,” Cath continued. “It doesn’t come naturally to everyone like it does to you.” 

“I’m angry because she doesn’t reach out to me for help. I can help her.” 

“You humans are so confusing,” Cath stated.  

“Tell me something I don’t know,” I quipped back. 

I replayed the scene of Violet raising the middle finger at me just moments ago when she saw me earlier.

“We’re no longer friends, and I’ll be ready to talk when the sight of you doesn’t make me want to bury my knife in your chest all the way to the fucking hilt.” 

I walked over to Emetterio. He slowly looked up at me after recording the results of the last match. “Dain-”

“I’m next and I challenge Sorrengail,” I muttered and he stared at me intently. He glanced over at Violet and back at me, clearing his throat. “You’re sure?”

“It’s within my rights as wingleader,” I replied as I started to disarm myself. If there was anything I learned from wingleader Riorson, it was that I could and should pull rank whenever I can. I glanced up at the confusion in Violet’s eyes as she watched me drop my sheaths on the edge of the mat. I didn’t want to, but Violet gave me no other choice. 

“Not denying that,” Emetterio responded. “Next match is Dain Aetos against Violet Sorrengail.” I heard some gasps from the crowd as I straightened my back. 

“This is bullshit,” Violet spat out, her eyes locked into mine. I folded my arms across my chest and raised my brow at her, stepping on to the mat. 

“You shouldn’t do this!” Bodhi Durran shouted as he came running until he reached Violet’s side. Imogen followed right behind him. She probably went to look for the second in line since Riorson wasn’t around. Too bad he wasn’t a wingleader.  “She’s in a fucking sling, Aetos.”

“Last time I checked, you’re a section leader.” I glared at Durran feeling the power that my title held. “And your cousin isn’t her wingleader anymore. I am.” A part of me did feel like a dick because Riorson pulled this on me all last year. But, Violet was on my nerves, stopping around it like a child throwing a tantrum. She didn’t want to talk to me like a friend would so I had to resort to this. 

I saw him whisper something to Violet. She replied back to him, reaching for her first dagger. “Just remember who trained me,” Violet spoke to me.

Oh, I will never forget that. “Keep the daggers if that makes you feel better, Cadet Sorrengail,” I replied, walking to the center of the mat. It was only fair since she was down an arm. But also, Riorson’s training or not, this was going to be easy.

“You know she’s good enough to kill you from here with those,” Durran reminded me. 

I cocked my head at Violet, not bothering to look at anyone else. “She won’t. I’m her oldest friend. Remember ?” I questioned Violet, but it was more of a statement. We are friends, Violet.

When Emetterio signaled the beginning of the match, Violet and I started our combat dance, slowing circling each other. I eyed the dagger that Violet held in her hand. 

“Reach for my face, and I’ll cut you open,” she warned, words coated in venom. 

“Deal,” I replied, at the same time I lounged for Violet. I was done reading Violet’s memories after the last time. Violet spun out of my reach dodging my first attempt. She did get faster. I stared at her as she got back in her battle stance, realizing she changed. We all changed here.

“You’re faster this year.” I don’t try to fight the smile that tugged my lips. We started to circle each other again and I felt a glimmer of hope stir in my heart. 

“Xaden taught me a few things last year,” Violet replied, holding head held high. Okay, she was trying to taunt me with that fucking name. I went on the offense and swung for Violet’s torso a second time. She easily ducked under my arm and punched upward, her closed fist making contact with my jaw. The pain stung underneath as I rotated my jaw. 

“Damn.” Okay, Violet was fast, but that only gave me the green light to pick up the difficulty. No opponent was going to go easy on her. I picked up my speed a notch faster as I swung at her. The first swing she managed to avoid, but she wasn’t focusing on anything else. I swiped my leg underneath her and she went down easy, her back slamming against the mat. I clenched my fist tighter when I heard her cry out.

Fucking Riorson didn’t train for shit.

I easily pinned her down pressing my forearm against her collarbone. Violet’s eyes burned with rage with a flicker of worry as she stared at me. 

“I just want to talk to you,” I whispered, my face only inches from hers. 

I felt the blade of Violet’s dagger against my skin. She pressed down as a warning, but not hard enough to break skin. “And I just want you to leave me the fuck alone. It’s not an idle threat, Dain. You will bleed out on this mat if you even think of taking a single one of my memories.” 

My heart stopped at the confirmation. She knew I stole her memories and Riorson knew it too. “That’s what Riorson meant when he said Athebyne, isn’t it?” I asked cautiously. I felt like shit. 

“You know damn well what he meant,” Violet replied quietly. 

Maybe someone could hear us, maybe not. It didn’t matter to me. I needed to explain what happened. “I told my father what I saw when I touched you-”

“When you stole my memory,” she reminded me. She wasn’t wrong. 

“But it was a flash of a memory. Riorson told you he’d gone to Athebyne with his cousin,” the words flowed from my lips. I didn’t know how much more time we would get. “Second-years don’t get leave for that kind of flight, so I told my father. I know you were attacked on the way there, but I had no way of knowing-”

“You said I’ll miss you,” Violet was angry. “And then you sent me to die, sent Liam and Soleil to their deaths. Did you know what was waiting for us?”

“No.” I shook my head, answering with honesty. Guilt raged against my chest. “I said I’ll miss you because you chose him. I told you I knew things about him, that he had reasons you don’t know about to hate you, and you still chose him. I know I was saying goodbye to any chance of us on that field. I had no clue gryphons were waiting to ambush you.”

“If you expect me to believe that, then you sorely misjudged me, and I know every reason Xaden has to hate me, and none of them matter.”

She knew? There was no way Riorson would have told her that about her own mother. “You know about the scars on his back?” 

“The hundred and seven for the marked ones he’s responsible for? Yes. You’re going to have to do better than-”

She read that fact off like she was reading a book. “Do you know who carved those wounds into his skin?”

She blinked at me and I fucking knew she didn’t know, but maybe it was time she knew. It was my wishful thinking, a hope that this truth could make up for what I stole from her.

“Tap out!” Someone called from the edge of the mat. It sounded like Sawyer. 

“My hand is a little busy at the moment,” Violet answered, her eyes glued to mine. 

“Violet-” I started and she stopped me.

“You may have been my oldest friend, my best friend, but that all died that day you violated my privacy, stole my memory, and got Liam and Soleil killed. I will never forgive you for that.” Violet dug her blade against my upper throat, but there was no blood. Just more warnings. But this time, it was different. Something in my head clicked. Violet wasn’t going to change her mind.

She was never going to forgive me. Never.

I let the word sink in. Never. 

“Your mother did it,” I whispered the truth to Violet and I saw her eyes widen. Never.  

I slowly got up, peeling my body from hers. Never.

After I stood up straight, I looked over at Emetterio. Never. 

“She wins,” I said to him as I dragged my body off the mat. “I tap out.” Violet was never going to forgive me. We were never going to be friends again.

Never.

❈ ❈ ❈

Varrish didn’t want to meet at our usual spot for lessons today. I was worried the news would make it up to my father if I canceled so I followed the steps into the antechamber. There was a guard standing outside the hallway who nodded at me as I walked by. At least I was going in the right direction.

After a few steps in the dark hallway, I saw another guard standing by a door. As I approached, he motioned me to stop and wait. I slowed my breathing as I stood in front of the door. There was a dull sound of the metal from the guard’s armor brushing against the stone wall as he motioned the door to open. 

“I believe you all know Wingleader Aetos?” Varrish’s voice came from the room inside. Without a second thought, I naturally walked into the room and stopped. My heart stopped as my eyes scanned the pained faces and bodies of my squad from last year. 

Where was-

“Violet.” My eyes stopped at Violet’s bruised and swollen face. I felt my heart racing against my chest as the flames of my anger towards Varrish spread like wildfire. I glanced at Varrish with a calm smile plastered on his face. Did he not have eyes? Did he not see how fucked everyone was? The anger simmered as I realized this is what he loved. 

“I don’t understand,” Sawyer finally said. “Why is our wingleader here?”

“He’s advocating for her like Riorson said a wingleader should,” Ridoc replied. “Aren’t you?”

Was that what I was doing here? This was the interrogation portion of the second year training. The only reason I would be here was if Varrish wanted to use me.

“He’s not,” Violet added. Fuck, Violet didn't look good. Surviving interrogation was an important part of the training, but not like this. The rules never pushed it this far.

“Regulations state that riders should be healthy before beginning interrogation assessment,” I said to Varrish, knowing very well that I sounded pissed. “Cadet Sorrengail is clearly not healthy.” 

“Such a rule follower,” Varrish replied with disappointment. “Regulations say they should, not that they have to me. It’s more realistic that a rider would be wounded when captured.” 

Should? More realistic? What kind of game was he trying to play here?

“What am I doing here?” I demanded. 

“Testing a theory.” His lips twisted up into a smile. “But while we’re waiting for our guest to arrive, you should practice on her.” My eyes followed Varrish’s finger pointed at Violet. 

“You want me to…” I turned my head towards Varrish. 

“Yes. Use your signet on her. Only to draw out the secret phase, of course.” 

“My signet is classified .” 

Varrish rolled his eyes. “And she already knows what it is. Doesn’t she? That’s why she’s so angry with you. She blames you for what happened to her friend.” He stepped closer to me and I clenched my jaws. “It’s amazing what you can learn by simply observing.”

I blinked back at him, unamused by this game he was trying to play. “I’m not doing this.” 

“Then who are you going to practice on to extend your ability past recent events? We’re running out of civilians around here for Nolon to mend, and if you think she hasn’t told the rest of her squad your little secret, you’re giving her far too much credit.” 

I turned to Violet searching for something for me to work with. I knew she didn’t want me reading her memories. 

“That is what your signet is made for. You’re the first line of defense, Aetos. She could be a Poromish spy or a gryphon rider. You could save the entire kingdom by just plucking her secrets from her memory. You can see what really happened that day when the two marked ones were killed by gryphons, wasn’t it, Cadet Sorrengail? The truth is waiting, Wingleader Aetoes, and you’re the only one who can see it.” 

“Holy shit,” Ridoc gasped. “He can what?” So much for classified. 

I looked at Violet. At this moment, we were the only two in this room. I know she didn’t want anything to do with me, but that didn’t mean I had to do the same. I remembered the countless times she came running to me when anything was wrong. I thought about how round and clear her eyes were when she asked me to reach for her books located on shelves that she couldn’t reach. The way I pressed her tiny finger against my lips to clean her wound after she got a paper cut. Things were simpler then. 

“You could learn what it is she sees in him,” Varrish’s cold voice brought me back to reality. “Why she chose him over you. Don’t you want to know? All the answers are right there. You just have to know where to reach.” 

I walked up to Violet. Varrish was one convincing piece of shit. Yes, I wanted to know. I wanted to know all of it. But, I didn’t want to steal from her anymore. When I reached my hands towards her face, she arched her neck. 

“No,” she said.

“No,” I repeated back, confirming her answer. That was all I needed. I dropped my hands to my sides and looked at Varrish over my shoulder. “I will not participate in an interrogation assessment of a cadet with a prior injury.” After a quick glance at everyone, I walked out. They will make it out. Everyone single person in there was just as strong of a cadet as Violet was. Just as the door closed behind me, I heard Varrish.

“Well, that was disappointing and anticlimactic. Fucking rule follower. Back to typical tactics, I guess.” 

I started my way back down the hallway with a sinking feeling in my gut when the realization hit me. If I was a rule follower, I would have listened to Varrish’s orders. He was the vice commandant and my mentor after all. The fresh air welcomed me as I paced out of the chambers. I tossed my hair between my fingers through my hair at the thought of dealing with Varrish again. 

"I'll burn him if you want me to," Cath replied and I forced a laughter. 

At that moment, I didn't know. But, I was changing.