Page 379 - Fourth Wing

“Good to see you, Violet.” Dain’s dad offers me a sympathetic smile, and

Panchek outright ignores us, running to catch up with Mom.
I don’t say a word to Xaden before I climb the stairs, each step making

me only angrier until I’m a ball of rage by the time I reach the top of the

cliffside.
“You didn’t tell her about how you got out of the attack in your

bedroom,” he says. It’s a statement, not a question. “And I’m not talking

about me showing up.”
I know exactly what he’s talking about.

“I don’t ever see her. And you told me not to tell anyone.”

“Didn’t realize it was quite like that between you,” Xaden says, his tone
surprisingly soft as we start down the box canyon toward the flight field.

“Oh, that’s nothing,” I toss out, intentionally making my tone as flippant
as possible. “She spent almost an entire year ignoring me when Dad died.”

A self-deprecating laugh slips past my lips. “Which was almost as

wholesome as the years she spent barely tolerating my existence because I
wasn’t perfect like Brennan or a warrior like Mira.” I shouldn’t be saying

these things. These are the thoughts families keep behind their doors so they
can wear their polished, perfect reputations like armor when in public.

“She doesn’t know you very well, then,” Xaden remarks, keeping pace

with my furious strides.
I scoff. “Or she sees right through me. Problem is, I’m never quite sure

which it is. I’m too busy trying to live up to whatever impossible standard

she sets to ask myself if they’re even standards I give a shit about.” My
narrowed gaze swings to him. “And what was that about anyway? Saying

that you resolved questions years ago?”

“Just reminding her that I paid the price for my loyalty.” His brow
furrows, but he stares ahead of us.

“Paid what price?” The question slips out before I can stop my foolish
tongue. I can’t help but remember what Dain said, that Xaden has reasons