Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1)

by Rebecca Yarros

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

A scream rips from my throat just as lightning splits the sky with a terrifying crack of thunder.

“Lightning wielder.”

“I’m proud you’re mine.” Andarna’s voice wavers, the

He lifts one hand to stroke loose tendrils of hair behind my ear, his touch surprisingly gentle.

And what the hell am I, Xaden? I’m a fucking weapon.”

“You’re most definitely in a relationship,” Rhiannon continues, tugging me off the field. “I just can’t figure out if it’s the opposites-attract partnership that has you two baring claws or the slow, lethal burn of scalding sexual tension.” She glances sideways at me. “Now tell me how the hell you two moved that fast out there.”

“Fuck, that’s hotter than it should be.” He pulls in a deep breath. “I think that’s something you’ll have to figure out.” His gaze drops to my mouth and his arms tense.

You get to feel however you want within these walls.”

“Come on,” he whispers. “Show me what you’ve got.” I surge up on my toes and kiss him.

Mine. In this moment, Xaden Riorson is mine.

Or maybe I’m his. Who fucking cares as long as he keeps kissing me?

“Fuck me, this hair,” he says, then hovers his mouth over mine. “And this mouth. All I ever want to do is kiss you, even when you piss me off.”

“Stop being so fucking honorable and fuck me, Xaden.”

“Look at you. You’re fucking beautiful, Violet. Let go for me.”

Lightning strikes outside my window, flashing light through the room again and again as he strokes me with an expertise that kicks the first climax into a second.

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

“Shut up and fuck me, Riorson.”

I sniff at the smoke in the air. “Did I…” “Set the curtains on fire?” He lifts a brow. “Yes.”

“And we…” “Yep.” He lifts his brows. “And I’m pretty sure you need a new chair, too.”

“A hundred and seven.”

“That’s how many kids under the age of majority carry the rebellion relic.” “Yeah.” I shift so I can see his face. “What happened, Xaden?”

“I chose the chance of death over the certainty.”

“So if any of them betray Navarre…” I lift my brows. “Then my life is forfeit. The scars are a reminder.”

“I thought you did it the first night Tairn channeled power to you, but I wasn’t sure, so I didn’t say anything.”

“The first time you kissed me.”

Finding a jar on my nightstand with a handful of spring violets? My heart swells. I’m in so much fucking trouble.

“Should I get the wingleader?”

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

July first, the anniversary of the Battle of Aretia, is hereby proclaimed Reunification Day

You’re not responsible for my choices.”

“Brennan would hate all of this.” I gesture to the crowd. “He was more about getting the work done than celebrating its completion.” “Yeah, sounds like—”

But I told him I would keep you safe, and that’s what I’m doing, keeping you safe.” He flashes a crooked smile.

“You are a good friend, Liam Mairi.” I rest my head on his arm.

His touch is gentle when he cups my cheek.

“I’m just…his.”

As for the 107 innocents, the children of the executed officers, they now carry what shall be known as the rebellion relic, transferred by the dragon who carried out the king’s justice.

He had the lives of all one hundred and seven marked ones carved into his back, taking responsibility for them. But who takes responsibility—takes care—of him?

I’m in love with Xaden.

“Only if you do. I want to be wherever you are.”

“You want me,” I say, looking him in the eyes. “And no, I’m not just talking about in bed. You. Want. Me, Xaden Riorson. You might not say it, but you do one better and show it. You show it every time you choose to trust me, every time your eyes linger on mine. You show it with every sparring lesson you don’t have time for and every flight lesson that pulls you away from your own studies. You show it when you refuse to touch me because you’re worried I don’t really want you, then show it again when you take the time to hunt down violets before a leadership meeting so I don’t wake up feeling alone. You show it in a million different ways.

“I told you that I was the one who would decide when I’m ready to risk my heart, and I’m saying it.”

That mind of yours is sexy as hell.

“Gods help me, I’m only looking at you.”

“There’s only you, Violence. Is that what you needed to hear?”

“Even when I’m not with you, there’s only you. Next time, just ask. You’ve never had a problem being bluntly honest with me.” Wind blows around us, but he’s as immovable as the parapet itself. “As I remember, you’ve even thrown daggers at my head, which I greatly prefer over watching you get tangled up in your thoughts. If we’re going to do this, then we have to trust each other.”

“I can’t make you any promises, Violence. But I’m tired of fighting it.”

“I saw Aetos kiss you after Threshing and nearly lost my shit.”

“I’ve wanted you from the first second I saw you, Violence,”

“Now get your ass back on solid ground.”