Page 324 - Fourth Wing

any favors by holding back.”

“She’s not wrong,” a deep voice says from behind me.
In my peripherals, I see Liam stand, and I mutter a curse under my breath.

“Well aware,” I say over my shoulder as Xaden passes by our mat,

accompanied by Garrick as usual. It’s impossible to rip my eyes away until
he passes, though. Gods, I have it bad. “Go away unless you have

something useful to say.”

“Move faster. You’ll be less likely to die. How’s that for useful?” he calls
back, taking up a position on a mat closer to the center of the sparring gym.

Rhiannon’s eyes flare, and Liam shakes his head.

“What?”
“The way you talk to him,” Rhiannon murmurs.

“What’s he going to do? Kill me?” I charge forward, swinging my staff at
her legs.

She jumps over the attack and spins, bringing the staff against mine with

a crack.
“You’re likely to kill each other,” Liam chimes in, taking his seat again.

“Can’t wait to see how you two function after graduation.”
After graduation.

“Haven’t let myself think past this week, let alone all the way to

graduation.” Not when there are some very difficult questions I’m not ready
to ask.

“Look, I know you’re…aggravated by how long it’s taking Tairn to

channel,” Rhiannon says, circling me on the mat again. “I’m just saying on
this mat with me is a way safer place for you to take out that anger than the

giant, shadow-wielding wingleader.”

“I don’t want to take any of my anger out on you. You’re my friend.” I
gesture loosely toward Xaden. “He’s the one who stuck me with a shadow I

can’t shake because he thinks I’m his weakness. But does he help me?” I
lash out with the staff, and she counters. “No. Does he train me?” Another