Page 252 - Fourth Wing

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Later that evening, after dinner, I make my way to the sparring gym.

Everything hurts from how many times I slid off Tairn’s back, and I’m
pretty sure there are bruises under my arms from him catching me.

I’m through the rotunda and crossing into the academic wing when I hear

Dain calling my name, jogging to catch up with me.
I wait for that familiar swell of happiness that we might have a minute

alone, but it doesn’t come. Instead, there’s a sea of awkwardness that I don’t
know how to navigate.

What the hell is wrong with me? Dain is gorgeous and kind and a really,

really good man. He’s honorable and my very best friend. So why don’t we
have any chemistry?

“Rhiannon said you were headed this way,” he says once he reaches my

side, concern knitting his brow.
“I’m going to work out.” I force a smile as we turn the corner where the

gym is just ahead of us, the large arched doors open.

“You didn’t get enough during flight today?” He touches my shoulder and
stops, so I do, too, pivoting to face him in the empty hallway.

“I definitely fell enough today.” I check the bandage on my arm. At least
I didn’t tear open my stitches.

His jaw works. “I honestly thought you’d be all right once Tairn chose

you.”
“And I will be,” I assure him, my voice rising. “I just need to strengthen

my muscles to stay seated through maneuvers, and Tairn insists on making
everything harder than what Kaori is doing.”

“For your own good.”

“Are you always around?” I snap back mentally.
“Yes. Get used to it.”

I fight the urge to growl at the intrusive, overbearing—

“Still here.”