Page 27 - Fourth Wing

from Xaden Riorson.”

The air rushes from my lungs. That name…
“That Xaden Riorson,” she confirms, fear lacing her gaze. “He’s a third-

year, and he will kill you the second he finds out who you are.”

“His father was the Great Betrayer. He led the rebellion,” I say quietly.
“What is Xaden doing here?”

“All the children of the leaders were conscripted as punishment for their

parents’ crimes,” Mira whispers as we shuffle sideways, moving with the
line. “Mom told me they never expected Riorson to make it past the

parapet. Then they figured a cadet would kill him, but once his dragon

chose him…” She shakes her head. “Well, there’s nothing much that can be
done then. He’s risen to the rank of wingleader.”

“That’s bullshit,” I seethe.
“He’s sworn allegiance to Navarre, but I don’t think that will stop him

where you’re concerned. Once you get across the parapet—because you

will make it across—find Dain. He’ll put you in his squad, and we’ll just
hope it’s far from Riorson.” She grips my straps tighter. “Stay. Away. From.

Him.”
“Noted.” I nod.

“Next,” a voice calls from behind the wooden table that bears the rolls of

the Riders Quadrant. The marked rider I don’t know is seated next to a
scribe I do, and Captain Fitzgibbons’s silver eyebrows rise over his

weathered face. “Violet Sorrengail?”

I nod, picking up the quill and signing my name on the next empty line
on the roll.

“But I thought you were meant for the Scribe Quadrant,” Captain

Fitzgibbons says softly.
I envy his cream-colored tunic, unable to find the words.

“General Sorrengail chose otherwise,” Mira supplies.
Sadness fills the older man’s eyes. “Pity. You had so much promise.”