Page 173 - Fourth Wing

I glance up over Trina’s slim shoulders as the breeze whips at the braid

I’ve woven like a crown. It’s working a few of Trina’s ringlet curls loose,
too. “He wants something I can’t give him.”

Her eyebrows rise.

I roll my eyes. “Not like…that.”
“I wouldn’t care if it was like that,” she replies under her breath. “He’s

hot. He has that whole boy-next-door-who-can-still-kick-your-ass vibe

going for him.”
I fight a smile because she’s right. He so does.

“We’re the biggest squad,” Ridoc notes behind us as the squads farthest

left—from First Wing—file out through the western gate in the courtyard.
“What are we down to?” Tynan asks. “Hundred and eighty?”

“Hundred and seventy-one,” Dain answers. Squads from Second Wing
begin to move, led by their wingleader, which means Xaden is somewhere

ahead of us.

My nerves are reserved for the obstacle course, but I can’t help but
wonder which way his scales will tip today.

“For a hundred dragons? But what will we…” Trina asks, nerves cutting
off her words.

“Stop letting fear leach into your voice,” Luca snaps from behind

Rhiannon. “If the dragons think you’re a coward, you’ll be nothing but a
name tomorrow.”

“She says,” Ridoc narrates, “inducing more fear.”

“Shut up,” Luca fires back. “You know it’s true.”
“Just portray confidence, and I’m sure you’ll be fine.” I lean forward so

our squadmates behind us can’t hear me as Third Wing begins to march for

the gate.
“Thanks,” Trina whispers in reply.

Dain’s narrowed gaze finally locks on mine, but at least he doesn’t call
me a liar. There’s enough accusation in his eyes that I might as well be tried