Page 602 - Fourth Wing

I haven’t left this room since we got here.” Our gazes collide, and it’s all I

can do not to reach for her, but I know I’m the last place she’ll seek
comfort. “I haven’t left you.”

“Well, you do have a vested interest in my survival,” she quips with a

watery, sarcastic smile. “Give me a second to get dressed, and then we’ll
talk.”

“Kicking me out of my own room.” I reach for that sarcastic, teasing tone

that used to be so easy when it came to her and back away. “New one.”
“Now, Riorson.”

I can’t keep from wincing. She never uses my last name. Maybe it’s

because she doesn’t like to remember that I’m Fen Riorson’s son, and all
my father cost her, but I’ve always been Xaden to her. The loss feels like a

bottomless abyss, like a death blow. “Bathing chamber is through there.” I
point to the far wall and stride for the exit, swinging my sword over my

back on the way out.

My cousin is leaned up against the wall, talking to Garrick, who’s
boasting a new six-inch scar from temple to jaw, but they both fall silent as

I shut my door behind me. They tense and Garrick stands to his full height.
“She’s awake.”

“Thank Amari,” Bodhi says, his shoulders sagging. His arm is still in a

sling, recovering from the four places a venin fractured it.
“She’s going to have to choose.” I look at Garrick, noting the worry in his

eyes. He’s already told me he thinks she’ll keep our secret. That worry is

for my mental state if she doesn’t forgive me for not telling her sooner.
“She’ll either keep our secret or she won’t.”

“That’s something you’ll have to figure out,” he replies. “And then teach

her how to hide it from Aetos if she chooses.”
“Any word from the fliers?”

“Syrena is alive, if that’s what you’re asking,” Bodhi answers. “So is her
sister. But the rest…” He shakes his head.