Page 197 - Fourth Wing

“Yes. I just don’t feel connected to any of them.” Which is better than

feeling connected to a dragon another rider has their eye on. I have no
desire to fight to the death today. “Dain tried talking me into a brown.”

“Dain lost his vote when he tried talking you into leaving,” she counters.

There’s a lot of truth to that. I’ve only talked to him once in the past two
days since Presentation, and he tried to get me to run within the first five

minutes. We’ve only seen professors this morning, but I know the second-

and third-year riders are scattered throughout this valley in order to observe.
“What about you?”

She grins. “I’m thinking about that green. The one closest to me when

they got all up close and personal with you.”
“Well, it didn’t eat you, so that’s a promising start.” I smile despite the

fear racing through my veins.
“I think so, too.” She links her arm with mine, and I focus back on what

Professor Kaori is telling us.

“If you go in groups, you’re more likely to be incinerated than bonded,”
Professor Kaori argues with someone near the center of the valley. “The

scribes have run the statistics. You’re better off on your own.”
“And what if we aren’t chosen by dinner?” a man with a short beard to

my left asks.

Looking past him, I catch Jack Barlowe running a finger across his neck
at me. So original. Then Oren and Tynan flank his sides.

So much for squad loyalty. It’s everyone for themselves today.

“If you’re not chosen by nightfall, there’s a problem,” Professor Kaori
responds, his thick mustache turned down at the ends. “You’ll be brought

out by a professor or senior leadership, so don’t give up and think we’ve

forgotten about you.” He checks his pocket watch. “Remember to spread
out and use every foot of this valley to your advantage. It’s nine, which

means they should be flying in any minute now. The only other words I
have for you are ‘good luck.’” He nods, sweeping his gaze over the crowd