Page 178 - Fourth Wing

And so I charge, using my speed to my advantage.

There’s a drumlike sound as my feet beat against the ramp and the incline
sharpens. Just because I haven’t personally conquered this obstacle doesn’t

mean I haven’t watched my squadmates take it over and over again. I throw

my body forward and momentum carries me upward, running up the side of
the ramp.

I wait until I feel the precious shift, the moment gravity reclaims my body

almost two feet from the top, and I swing my arm up and slam my dagger
into the slick, soft wood of the ramp—and use it to fling myself the last foot

upward.

A primal scream rips from my throat as my shoulder cries in protest just
as my fingers graze the lip of the edge. I throw my elbow over the top to

gain more leverage and pull myself up and over, using the handle of my
dagger as a final step before lurching onto the top of the cliff.

Not done yet.

On my stomach, I turn to face the ramp, then reach over the side and yank
my dagger free, sheathing it at my ribs before I stagger to my feet. I made

it. Relief sucks the adrenaline straight out of my body.
Rhiannon’s arms sweep around me, taking my weight as I gasp for air.

Ridoc hugs my back, squeezing me like I’m the filling of a sandwich as he

hollers in happiness. I’d protest, but right now they’re all that’s keeping me
upright.

“She can’t do that!” someone shouts.

“Yeah, well, she just did!” Ridoc tosses over his shoulder, loosening his
grip on me.

My knees shake, but they hold as I suck in breath after breath.

“You made it!” Rhiannon takes my face in her hands, tears filling her
brown eyes. “You made it!”

“Luck.” I draw in another breath and beg my galloping heart to slow.
“And. Adrenaline.”