Page 378 - Fourth Wing

private, even with me.”

“Pity,” Colonel Aetos says. “We’ve had the scribes on it since Threshing,
and the only reference they can find in the Archives about the power of

feathertails is hundreds of years old, which is funny because I remember

your father doing a bit of research about the second Krovlan uprising, and
he mentioned something about feathertails, but we can’t seem to find that

tome.” He scratches his forehead.

Mom looks at me with expectation, as though to ask me without actually
asking.

“I don’t believe he finished his research on that particular historical event

before he died, Colonel Aetos. I couldn’t even tell you where his notes are.”
The words are as true as I can make them. I know exactly where his notes

are—in the one location he spent the majority of his after-hours time. But
there’s something about Tairn’s warning that makes me simply unable to

tell them.

“Too bad.” Mom forces another smile. “Glad to see you’re alive, Cadet
Sorrengail.” Her gaze flashes sideways and instantly hardens to steel. “Even

if the company you’re forced to keep is more than questionable.”
Shit. Shit. Shit.

I can’t step in front of Xaden and make him look weak. I can’t even

glance his way without telling my mother where my allegiance lies…
without telling myself.

“I always felt that we resolved any of those questions years ago,” Xaden

says, his voice low, but he’s gone taut as a bowstring next to me.
“Hmm.” Mom turns toward the citadel in clear dismissal. “Do see if you

can master some kind of signet, Cadet Sorrengail. You have a legacy to live

up to.”
“Yes, General.” The informal words cost more than I’m prepared to

admit, ripping into the confidence it’s taken me nearly eight months to build
with talon-sharp precision.