Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2)

by Rebecca Yarros

“Captain Sorrengail.” Mom looks up at Mira. “You’ll be with Second Squad, Flame Section, Fourth Wing.” Our entire squad looks over at Mira, and my eyes widen at the fear that flares in her eyes. Anger simmers along my bond with Xaden. “Fuck that.” “With all due respect, General Sorrengail,” Mira replies, rolling her shoulders back, “if we’re to truly use our signets to their best advantage, then I should be paired with you as a last line of defense, since I can now shield without the wards.” Mom’s eyebrows rise in surprise, and my gaze jumps between them like I’m watching a sporting match. Mira swallows, then locks eyes with me. “And Lieutenant Riorson should be placed into Second Squad, as his signet has previously proven in battle to complement Cadet Sorrengail’s.” She looks at me like we’re sitting across the dining room table from each other and not in the midst of a pre-battle briefing. “As much as I would love to be her shield, he gives us the highest probability of keeping our most effective weapon alive.” A tense second passes as I look to our mother. “So be it.” Mom nods, then finishes the unit changes. The heat along the bond recedes, and my posture sags in relief. At least we’ll be together. “We get both of you?” Ridoc offers a quick smile. “Maybe we have a shot of lasting an hour.” “My money’s on two,” Sawyer chimes in with a nod. “Both of you shut up before I knock your heads together,” Imogen warns from a seat behind us. “Anything less than four hours is unac...