Page 303 - Fourth Wing

under his grip, and his narrowed, angry eyes focus on Amber.

Sgaeyl is perched to the right, taking her position behind Xaden. She’s
just as terrifying as she was that first day, but back then I’d never imagined

I’d bond a dragon even more frightening…to everyone but me. Nyra’s Red

Scorpiontail looms behind her as well, and Septon’s Brown Daggertail
mirrors the stance to the left. On the ends, puffing blasts of steam, are

Commandant Panchek’s Green Clubtail and Amber’s Orange Daggertail.

“Shit’s about to get real,” Sawyer says, breaking formation to stand at my
side, and I feel Ridoc at my back.

“You can stop this all right now, Violet. You have to,” Dain implores. “I

don’t know what you saw last night, but it wasn’t Amber. She cares too
much about the rules to break them.”

And she thinks I broke them by using my dagger on the last ascent of the
Gauntlet.

“You’re using this to get your revenge on my family!” Amber shouts at

Xaden. “For not supporting your father’s rebellion!”
That’s a low fucking blow.

Xaden doesn’t even acknowledge it as he turns to the other wingleaders.
He isn’t demanding proof like Dain. He believes me, and he’s ready to

execute a wingleader on nothing more than my word. As surely as if they’re

a physical structure, I feel my defenses crack on Xaden’s behalf.
“Can you see my memories?” I ask Tairn. “Share them?”

“Yes.” His head snakes left and right ever so slightly. “A memory has

never been shared outside of a mating bond. It’s considered a violation.”
“Xaden’s up there fighting because I told him it was her. Help him.” And

gods, I admire him for it. I take a deep breath. “Only what they need to

see.”
Wanting and admiring? I’m so screwed.

Tairn chuffs and every dragon besides Sgaeyl stiffens on the wall, even
Amber’s. The riders are quick to follow, silence filling the courtyard, and I