Page 522 - Fourth Wing

be all right if you’re separ—”

“Second Squad!” Dain calls out. “Prepare for a four-hour first leg of our
flight. We’ll need to keep a tight formation for the first fifteen minutes as

the squads disperse.” He glances my way, then over my shoulder.

“Wingleader?”
I pivot and see Xaden striding our way, the hilts of two swords strapped

to his back rising above his shoulders, and my throat closes. How am I

supposed to say goodbye to him in front of all these people? And worse,
how are our dragons going to cope?

“Don’t worry, Silver One,” Tairn interjects, his tone resolved.

“Everything is as it should be.”
“How can I help you?” Dain bites out, his shoulders straightening.

“I need you,” Xaden says to me.
“I’m sorry?” Dain retorts before I can even nod.

“Relax, he just wants to say goodbye,” I explain.

“If you’re saying goodbye, it’s to him,” Xaden corrects, nodding at Dain.
“I’m constructing my headquarters squad and you’re coming with me. So

are Liam and Imogen.”
My jaw unhinges. I’m what?

“The fuck you are,” Dain barks, stepping forward. “She’s a first-year, and

Athebyne is beyond the wards.”
Xaden blinks. “I don’t hear you giving me the same argument about

Mairi.”

I look over my shoulder, and sure enough, Liam stands with his chin
raised in front of Deigh. It’s almost as if he expected this.

“What is going on?” I ask Xaden.

“Liam is the best cadet among the first-years, even with you assigning
him guard duty over Violet,” Dain argues, folding his arms across his chest.

“And Sorrengail wields lightning,” Xaden counters, taking a step closer
so his arm brushes my shoulder. “And not that I owe you an explanation,