Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1)

by Rebecca Yarros

“I know exactly who and what you are, Violet Sorrengail.”

“Do not dare to try and read me, human, or you’ll regret it.” Tairn’s mouth opens, his tongue curling in a motion I know all too well.

Rare abilities, when kept secret, are the most valuable form of currency we possess.”

“Oh, are we telling dick jokes now?” Ridoc asks from Liam’s side. “Because my entire life has led up to this very moment.”

Ridoc can wield ice,

Sawyer’s metallurgy powers grow every day.

Liam can see a single tree miles away.

“The leather is a hazard on my chest if we take a fire attack, since your saddle would slide right off. But if you take a direct blast up there, sitting on a piece of metal isn’t going to save you.”

I don’t bother pointing out that the only fire we’d be taking is from other dragons, which is a problem that doesn’t exist, since gryphons are all beak and claw.

I am the sky and the power of every storm that has ever been.

Tairn roars with the unmistakable sound of pride. “Lightning wielder.”

“You’re going to be the death of me, Violet.”

There’s nowhere in existence you could go that I wouldn’t find you, Violence.”

“I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if General Melgren ripped a mask off one day and revealed he was a terrifying venin. That man has always given me the creeps.” Xaden chuckles. “Well, let’s hope not that.

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

“Oh gods.” “Which one are you calling out for?” he asks against my flesh. “Because it’s just you and me in this room, Vi, and I don’t share.”

I’m not going to survive this. I’m going to die right here in this bed. “Then I’m going to die with you,” he promises, kissing me. I’m so far gone, I didn’t even realize I said the words out loud, and then I remember that I don’t have to.

“I fucking love your hair. If you ever want to bring me to my knees or win an argument, just let it down. I’ll get the point.”

“I know what you’re thinking,” Xaden says in that deceptively soft voice of his, and there’s a flicker of fear in those onyx depths. “You have no idea what I’m thinking.” Fucking. Traitor. “You’re thinking I’ve betrayed our kingdom.” “Logical guess. Good for you.”

Liam flies for the gryphons above us, wielding spears of ice into the injured wyvern’s throat. Blood streams as the wyvern falls from the sky with an ear-piercing cry.

heart. “I thought I was going to lose you.” The

“Violet?” I keep my shields up, trying to respect her privacy as I walk to her side, but gods, I need to know what she’s thinking.