Page 377 - Fourth Wing

expression as she finishes her perusal. “I hear you’re having trouble

wielding.”
I blink and step backward, as though physical distance is going to shelter

me from the icy rebuke. “I have the best shields in my year.” For the first

time, I’m actually glad I haven’t manifested a signet, haven’t given her
something to brag about.

“With a dragon like Tairn, I would certainly hope so.” She cocks an

eyebrow. “If not, all of that incredible, enviable power will have been…”
Her sigh is a puff of steam in the air. “Squandered.”

I try my best to swallow the growing knot in my throat. “Yes, General.”

“You have been the topic of some conversation, though.” Her gaze skims
the top of my head, and I know she’s looking at the silver-tipped braid she

thinks marks me as cursed, the hair she told me I was better off cutting.
“Oh?” She actually talks about me?

“We’re all wondering what powers—if any—you’re wielding from the

golden dragon?” Her lips form a smile I’m sure she thinks is soft, but I
know her too well to fall for it.

“No.” The single word from Tairn rumbles through my entire body. “Do
not speak of it.”

“Nothing yet.” I drag my tongue over my chapped lower lip. Winter is

hell on the skin during flight. “Andarna told me that feathertails are known
for being unable to channel power to their rider.” Only their direct gifts, but

I’m not about to say that. “It’s why they don’t bond often.”

“Or ever,” Dain’s dad chimes in. “We were actually hoping that you
might ask your dragon to allow us to study her. For purely academic

purposes, of course.”

My stomach sours. The group of them would poke and prod Andarna for
gods know how long to appease their academic curiosity, and they might

stumble onto the untapped power of young dragons. No thank you.
“Unfortunately, I don’t see her being comfortable with that. She’s pretty