Page 231 - Fourth Wing

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 blink. “Wait. What are you saying?”

“They’re a mated pair, Tairn and Sgaeyl. The strongest bonded pair in

centuries.”
My mind whirs. Mated pairs can’t be separated for long or their health

diminishes, so they’re always stationed together. Always. Which means—oh

gods.
“Just…tell me how it happened.” He must see me fumbling because his

voice softens.
So I do. I tell him about Jack and his band of murderous friends hunting

Andarna. I tell him about falling, and the field, and Xaden watching,

Xaden…shockingly protecting me with his warning when Oren was at my
back. He had the perfect opportunity to end me without it tipping his scales,

and he chose to help. What the hell am I supposed to do with that?
“Xaden was there,” Dain says quietly, but the gentleness leaches from his

voice.

“Yes.” I nod. “But he left after Tairn showed up.”
“Xaden was there when you defended Andarna, and then Tairn just…

showed up?” he asks slowly.

“Yes. That’s what I just said.” Was the timeline confusing him? “What
are you getting at?”

“Don’t you see what happened? What Xaden’s done?” His grip tightens.

Thank gods for the dragon-scale armor, or I might have bruises tomorrow.
“Please, do tell me what it is you think I’ve done.” A shape emerges from

the shadows, and my pulse quickens as Xaden steps into the moonlight,
darkness falling off him like a discarded veil.