Page 286 - Fourth Wing

“We’re going to ask Tairn what the hell just happened.” Xaden’s jaw

flexes. “And I’m not talking about the attack. How the hell did they get past
your locks?”

I shrug but don’t bother to explain. There’s no way he’ll believe me. I

barely believe it myself.
“We’d better figure it out so it doesn’t happen again. I refuse to sleep on

your fucking floor like some kind of guard dog.”

“Wait. This is another way to the flight field?” I do my best to mentally
wall off the pain in my throat and ribs. “He’s bringing me to you,” I tell

Tairn.

“I know.”
“Are you going to tell me what that was in there?”

“I would if I knew.”
“Yes,” Xaden says, and the path curves again. “It’s not exactly common

knowledge. And I’m going to ask you to tuck this little tunnel into the file

of secrets you keep on my behalf.”
“Let me guess, and you’ll know if I tell?”

“Yes.” Another smirk appears, and I look away before he can catch me
staring.

“Are you going to promise me another favor?” The path begins to climb,

and the ascent is anything but gentle. Every breath reminds me of what
happened less than an hour ago.

“Having one of my favors is more than enough, and we’ve already

reached mutually assured destruction status, Sorrengail. Now, can you push
through it, or do you need me to carry you?”

“That sounds like an insult, not an offer.”

“You’re catching on.” But his pace slows to match mine.
The ground shifts beneath my feet as though it’s rocking, but I know

better. It’s my head, the result of the pain and stress. My steps wobble.
Xaden’s arm wraps around my waist, steadying me. I hate how his touch