Page 493 - Fourth Wing

“I’m going to kill him for making you come to this,” I mutter under my

breath as Dain greets the king with perfect manners.
“Xaden didn’t make me come.”

“What?” My gaze jumps to his.

“He’d never ask this of me. Never ask it of anyone. But I told him I
would keep you safe, and that’s what I’m doing, keeping you safe.” He

flashes a crooked smile.

“You are a good friend, Liam Mairi.” I rest my head on his arm.
“You saved my life, Violet. The least I can do is grin and bear it through a

fucking party.”

“I’m not sure I can grin and bear it.” Not with the way people constantly
glance at his wrist, like he’s the one who personally led the army to the

border.
Dain smiles as the king takes his leave, then glances over his shoulder,

meeting my gaze and heading our way.

He grins, and it’s all too easy to remember how many events just like this
we’ve attended together over the years. His touch is gentle when he cups

my cheek. “You look beautiful tonight, Vi.”
“Thank you.” I smile. “You look fabulous yourself.”

His hand falls away as he turns to Liam. “Has this one tried to escape

yet? She’s always hated these things.”
“Not yet, but the evening is young,” Liam replies.

Dain must read the tense lines of Liam’s face, because his smile slips

when he looks back at me. “The staircase is about five feet to our right. I’ll
distract while you slip away.”

“Thank you.” I nod in thanks, offering him a soft smile. “Let’s get out of

here,” I say to Liam.
Once we’re out of the party and back in the Riders Quadrant, I walk

straight into the courtyard and ground, letting power swirl around and
through me. I sense the golden energy from Andarna, the blazing power