Page 44 - Fourth Wing

But he doesn’t take another step.

“It is unlawful for a rider to cause another harm. While in a quadrant
formation or in the supervisory. Presence of a superior-ranking cadet,” I

recite from the Codex, my heartbeat still in my throat. “As it will diminish

the efficacy of the wing. And given the crowd behind us, I think it’s clear to
argue that it’s a formation. Article Three, Section—”

“I don’t give a shit!” He moves, but I hold my ground, and my dagger

slices through the first layer of his breeches.
“I suggest you reconsider.” I adjust my stance just in case he doesn’t. “I

might slip.”

“Name?” the rider next to me drawls, as if we’re the least interesting
thing she’s seen today. I glance in her direction for a millisecond. She

pushes the chin-length, fire-red strands of her hair behind her ear with one
hand and holds the roll with the other, watching the scene play out. The

three silver four-point stars embroidered on the shoulder of her cloak tell

me she’s a third-year. “You’re pretty small for a rider, but it looks like you
made it.”

“Violet Sorrengail,” I answer, but a hundred percent of my focus is on
Jack again. The rain drips off the lowered ridge of his brow. “And before

you ask, yes, I’m that Sorrengail.”

“Not surprised, with that maneuver,” the woman says, holding a pen like
Mom uses over the roll.

It might be the nicest compliment I’ve ever been given.

“And what’s your name?” she asks again. Pretty sure she’s asking Jack,
but I’m too busy studying my opponent to glance her way.

“Jack. Barlowe.” There’s no sinister little smile on his lips or playful

taunts about how he’ll enjoy killing me now. There’s nothing but pure
malice in his features, promising retribution.

A chill of apprehension lifts the hairs on my neck.
“Well, Jack,” the male rider on my right says slowly, scratching the trim