Page 219 - Fourth Wing

Tairn tucks his wings up and looks over his shoulder at me with an

expression that’s the closest thing to a dragon rolling his eyes that I’ve ever
seen. “You need to dismount before I rethink my selection, then tell the roll-

keeper—”

“I know what to do.” I pull in a shaky breath. “I just didn’t think I’d be
alive to do it.” Surveying both options for dismount, I move right to shelter

my ankle as long as possible. There are no healers allowed in the flight

field, only riders, but hopefully someone thought to pack a medical kit,
because I’m going to need stitches and a splint.

I scoot over the scales of Tairn’s shoulder and, before I can lament the

distance I’m about to have to jump on the wreckage of my ankle, Tairn
shifts slightly, angling his front leg.

There’s a sound from the slopes that reminds me of muttering…if
dragons mutter.

“They do and they are. Ignore it.” Again, there’s no room for argument in

his tone.
“Thanks,” I whisper, then slide down on my butt like he’s a bumpy piece

of lethal playground equipment, taking the brunt of the impact with my left
leg when I hit the ground.

“That’s one way to do it.”

I can’t stop the smile on my face or the joy that stings my eyes at the
sight of other first-years standing in front of their dragons. I’m alive, and

I’m no longer a cadet. I’m a rider.

The first step hurts like hell, but I pivot toward the golden one, who is
tucked in tight next to Tairn, surveying me with bright eyes as she flicks her

feathertail.

“I’m glad you made it.” “Glad” isn’t even the right word. Thrilled,
relieved, grateful. “But maybe you should fly off the next time someone

suggests you save yourself, eh?”
She blinks. “Maybe I was saving you.” Her voice is higher, sweeter in