Page 375 - Fourth Wing

there won’t be any more doors held on my account today.

We walk out across the emptying courtyard as cadets scurry off to
classes. “You didn’t answer me.”

“About what?” He keeps his eyes on the gate to the flight field path and I

have to damn near scurry to keep up with his strides.
“About it being cold for flight.”

“Third-years have flight field this afternoon. Kaori and the other

professors are just taking it easy on you guys, since the Squad Battle is
coming up and they know you need the practice in wielding.” He pushes

open the gate, and I hurry after him.

“But I don’t need the practice?” My voice echoes in the tunnel.
“Winning the Squad Battle is nothing in the scheme of keeping you alive.

You’ll be on the front lines before the rest of them come next year.” The
mage lights play off the harsh angles of his face, casting sinister shadows as

we pass each one.

“Is that what’s going to happen next year?” I ask as we come out the
other side, the snow whiting out my vision momentarily. It’s piled high on

each side of the path, the result of this heavy winter. “I’m going to the front
lines?”

“Inevitably. There’s no telling how long Sgaeyl and Tairn will tolerate

being separated. My best guess is that we’ll both have to sacrifice to keep
them happy.” He’s clearly not so happy about it himself, but I can’t blame

him. After three years in the quadrant, I’d want to get the hell out, too. My

stomach sinks as I realize I’ll be in his shoes when I graduate as well, with
no real control on how our dragons’ bond dictates my future posts.

I nod, not knowing what else to say, and we walk to the Gauntlet in

companionable silence.
“Second Wing,” I note, watching the squad from Tail Section slip and

slide their way across the Gauntlet. “You sure you don’t want your own
squads out here practicing?”