Page 323 - Fourth Wing

“Then stay on next time.”

“Start channeling and maybe I’ll be able to,” I counter.
“You’re distracted tonight.” Rhiannon backs off as I regain my balance,

showing me mercy no opponent would during a challenge. Her gaze flicks

across the mat to where Liam sits on a bench, carving yet another dragon,
and returns to mine, giving me a look that says she’ll follow up later once

I’ve been released from my constant shadow for the night. “But you’re

faster than you used to be. Whatever Imogen has you doing is working.”
“You’re not ready to channel yet, Silver One.”

“As if there was ever any doubt,” Imogen calls from the next mat over,

where she casually holds Ridoc in a headlock, waiting for him to tap out.
To my left, Sawyer and Quinn circle each other, preparing for yet another

round, and behind Rhiannon, Emery and Heaton are doing their best to
coach the other first-years we gained after Threshing while Dain looks on,

studiously avoiding anything that has to do with me.

Per his recent orders, Tuesday nights are for squad hand-to-hand practice,
because the full academic load we’re carrying, coupled with flight lessons

and now wielding instruction for some of us isn’t leaving much time for the
mat. A few of the farther mats are taken up by other riders with the same

idea, one of which includes Jack Barlowe.

Hence why Liam refused when Ridoc asked to spar with him.
“You’re taking it easy on me,” I tell Rhiannon. Sweat drips down my

back, dampening the tight-fitted tunic I chose while my dragon-scale vest

dries on the bench next to Liam.
It’s not like he needs extra practice. He’s already taken everyone but Dain

down to the mat, and part of me thinks that’s only because Dain refuses to

be bested by a younger rider.
“We’ve been at this for an hour.” Rhiannon swishes her staff through the

air. “You’re tired, and the last thing I want is to hurt you.”
“Challenges resume after solstice,” I remind her. “You’re not doing me