Page 376 - Fourth Wing

A corner of his mouth lifts, and that inhuman facade of his cracks. “When

I was a first-year, I thought winning was the pinnacle, too. But once you’re
in your third year, and you see the things that we do…” His jaw flexes.

“Let’s just say that the games are a lot more lethal.”

We head toward the staircase that leads to the flight field, but there’s
already a group coming down, so I move back to let them descend first.

My heart launches into my throat as they come closer, and I snap my

frame to an attention stance, my spine stiffening. It’s Commandant Panchek
and Colonel Aetos.

Reaching the ground first, Dain’s dad offers me a smile. “At ease. You’re

looking well, Violet. Nice flight lines,” he says, gesturing to the ones on his
own cheekbones that come from flight goggles. “You must be getting a lot

of airtime.”
“Thank you, sir, I am.” I relax my posture and can’t help but return the

favor, but my lips are tight. “Dain is doing well, too. He’s my squad leader

this year.”
“He’s told me.” He grins, his brown eyes just as warm as Dain’s. “Mira

asked about you while we were touring the Southern Wing last month.
Don’t worry, you’ll get your letter privileges in second year, and then you

can keep in touch more often. I’m sure you miss her.”

“Every day.” I nod, pushing past the swell of emotion the admission
brings. It’s so much easier to pretend there’s nothing outside the walls than

to wallow in how much I miss my sister.

Xaden stiffens at my side as Mom steps out of the stairwell. Oh shit.
“Mom,” I blurt, and her head turns, her eyes meeting mine. It’s been more

than five months since I’ve seen her, and even though I want to be as

composed as she is, as compartmentalized, I just can’t. I’m not built like she
is, like Mira is. I’m my father’s daughter.

Her assessing gaze sweeps over me with all the familiarity of a
commanding general and a Basgiath cadet, and there’s no warmth in her