Page 382 - Fourth Wing

my attention back to the action in front of me. Liam holds fast and presses

his advantage.
“Fuck me, that looks like it hurts,” I mutter over the cheering first-years.

“Yeah, he’s not walking for a while,” Ridoc agrees, cringing as the arc of

Mikael’s back looks like a broken spine waiting to happen.
With another cry, Mikael slams his palm into the mat three times, and the

crowd roars.

“Yes! Go, Liam!” Sawyer screams from behind me, and Liam drops
Mikael to the mat, where he sprawls out, exhausted.

“We won!” Liam rushes for us, and I’m swept up into a tangle of arms

and shouting and joyous squadmates.
I’m pretty sure I even see Imogen in this little melee.

But I don’t see Dain. Where the hell is Dain? He would never miss this.
“Your winner!” Professor Emetterio shouts, his voice ringing through the

gym and quieting the zealous energy as Liam steps out of our crushing hug.

“Liam Mairi from Second Squad, Flame Section, Fourth Wing!”
Liam puts up both hands in victory and turns in a small circle, and the

sound of cheering makes my ears ring in the best way.
Commandant Panchek steps onto the mat, and Liam joins the rest of our

squad, sweat pouring off his skin. “I know you were all expecting the last

portion of the Squad Battle to happen tomorrow, but the cadre and I have a
surprise.”

He has every single rider’s attention now.

“Instead of telling you what the final, unknown task will be and giving
you tonight to plan for it, your final task will begin this hour!” He grins,

throwing out his hands and turning just like Liam had.

“Tonight?” Ridoc whispers.
My stomach hits the ground. “Dain isn’t here. Neither is Cianna.”

“Oh shit,” Imogen whispers, looking over the crowd herself.
“As you may have noticed, your squad leaders and their executive