Page 466 - Fourth Wing

Conflict rages in his eyes, but then he sighs. “The kind where I take

personal responsibility for the loyalty of the hundred and seven kids the
rebellion’s leaders left behind, and in return, we’re allowed to fight for our

lives in the Riders Quadrant instead of being put to death like our parents.”

He averts his gaze. “I chose the chance of death over the certainty.”
The cruelty of the offer and the sacrifice he made to save the others hits

like a physical blow. I cradle his cheek and guide his face back to mine. “So

if any of them betray Navarre…” I lift my brows.
“Then my life is forfeit. The scars are a reminder.”

It’s why Liam says he owes him everything. “I’m so sorry that happened

to you.” Especially when he wasn’t the one who led the rebellion.
He looks at me like he sees into the very depths of who I am. “You have

nothing to apologize for.”
I grab his hand as he moves to stand. “Stay.”

“I shouldn’t.” Two lines appear between his brows as he searches my

eyes. “People will talk.”
“When did I ever give you the impression that I give a fuck what people

think?” I use his earlier words against him and sit up, curling my hand
around the section of his neck that bears his relic. “Stay with me, Xaden.

Don’t make me beg.”

“We both know this is a bad idea.”
“Then it’s our bad idea.”

His shoulders dip, and I know I’ve won. He’s mine for the night. We take

turns sneaking out long enough to clean up, and then he slides into bed
behind me. “Only within these walls,” he says quietly, and I understand

what he means.

“Only within these walls,” I agree. It’s not like we’re in a relationship or
anything. That would be…disastrous given the chain of command. “We’re

riders, after all.”
“I just don’t trust my temper if anyone says—”