Page 497 - Fourth Wing

makes me tumble harder and faster.

Oh gods. I know this feeling. Denying it doesn’t make it any less true.
My feelings are what they are. I haven’t run from a challenge since I

crossed this parapet a year ago, and I’m not about to start now.

The last time I stood here, I was terrified, but the distance to the ground
isn’t what has my pulse pounding now. There’s more than one way to fall.

Shit. That ache in my chest burns brighter than the power coursing through

my veins.
I’m in love with Xaden.

It doesn’t matter that he’s leaving soon or that he probably doesn’t feel

the same for me. It doesn’t even matter that he warned me not to fall for
him. It’s not an infatuation, our physical chemistry, or even the bond

between our dragons that keeps me reaching in every way possible for this
man. It’s my reckless heart.

I’ve kept out of his bed—out of his arms—because he’s adamant I can’t

fall for him, but that ship has long sailed, so what’s the point in holding
back? Shouldn’t I grab hold of every moment we can have while he’s still

here?
I take the first step onto the narrow stone bridge and put my arms out for

balance. It’s just like walking along Tairn’s spine, which I’ve done hundreds

of times.
Except I’m in a dress.

And Tairn isn’t going to catch me if I fall.

He’s going to be so pissed when he hears that I did this—
“Already am.”

Xaden’s head snaps in my direction. “Violence?”

I take a step and then another, holding my frame upright with muscle
memory I didn’t have last year, and begin to cross.

Xaden swings his legs up and then fucking jumps to his feet. “Turn
around right now!” he shouts.