Page 253 - Fourth Wing

“Violet?” Dain asks.

“Sorry, I’m not used to Tairn butting into my thoughts.”
“It’s a good sign. Means your bond is strengthening. And honestly, I’m

not sure why he’s giving you a hard time with maneuvers. It’s not like

there’s any aerial threat out there besides gryphons, and we all know one
breath of fire means those birds are goners. Tell him to ease up on you.”

“Tell him to mind his own business.”

“I’ll…uh…do that.” I bite back a laugh. “Take it easy on him. He’s my
best friend.”

Tairn snorts.

A sigh rips from Dain’s lips, and he palms my face gently, his gaze
dropping to my lips for a heartbeat before he steps back. “Look. About last

night…”
“The part where you told me Xaden would get me killed if I bonded

Tairn? Or the part where you kissed me?” I fold my arms across my chest,

careful with my right.
“The kiss,” he admits, his voice lowering. “It…it never should have

happened.”
Relief courses through me. “Right?” I crack a smile. Thank gods he feels

the same way. “And it doesn’t mean we’re not friends.”

“The best of friends,” he agrees, but his eyes are heavy with a sadness I
don’t understand. “And it’s not that I don’t want you—”

“What?” My eyebrows rise. “What are you saying?” Are our wires

somehow crossed?
“I’m saying the same thing you are.” Two lines appear between his

brows. “It’s incredibly frowned upon to have a physical relationship with

anyone in our chain of command.”
“Oh.” Yeah, that definitely isn’t what I’m saying.

“And you know how hard I’ve worked to be a squad leader. I’m
determined to be a wingleader next year, and as much as you mean to