Page 519 - Fourth Wing

He turns to each wingleader, giving out orders, but glances in our

direction—no doubt looking for Dain—before he turns toward Xaden.
Something about the way his smile slips for a heartbeat makes the hair rise

on the back of my neck.

“Riorson, you’ll establish your headquarters for Fourth Wing at
Athebyne. Wingleaders, assemble your headquarters squads at your own

discretion, pulling from any and all riders within your wings. Consider this

a test of leadership, as there are no limitations in a real-world scenario. You
will receive the updated orders once you reach your selected outposts for

this five-day exercise.” He steps back.

Athebyne? That’s beyond the wards…that’s where Xaden flew his
secretive mission. My gaze seeks out his, but he’s focused on the colonel.

“Five whole days? This is going to be so much fun,” Heaton exclaims
with terrifying glee, running their hand over the purple flames dyed into

their hair. “We’re going to pretend war.”

“Yeah,” Imogen adds quietly. “I think we are.”
“Just like real life, you squad leaders need to make your choices quickly,

then report to the flight field within thirty minutes,” Panchek decrees.
“You’re dismissed.”

“Tairn.”

“Already moving.”
“We’re going to claim the outpost at Eltuval, the northernmost one in our

assigned region,” Dain says, turning around to face us as Rhiannon leans

over my shoulder again, blocking Xaden’s insignia. “I’m not getting stuck
at some coastal outpost when we know that’s not how Poromiel would

choose to attack. Anyone have a problem with that?”

We all shake our heads.
“Good, then you heard the commandant. You have thirty minutes to

change, pack what you can carry for five days, and get your asses to the
flight field.”