Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1)

by Rebecca Yarros

Decide, Violet. Are you going to die a scribe? Or live as a rider?”

Your brain is your best weapon.

“Violet Sorrengail,” I answer as thunder cracks above me, the sound oddly comforting. I’ve always loved the nights where storms beat against the fortress window, both illuminating and throwing shadows over the books I curled up with, though this downpour might just cost me my life.

She's always loved storms. Foreshadowing to her signet.

you’re really a violent little thing, aren’t you?”

Dain asks, lifting a hand to cradle my face.

And again

he burned out and died next to that rider.”

But if Brennan didn't die, what actually hppened to him?

“They choose for reasons they don’t see fit to share with us.” He pushes off his desk. “And not all strength is physical, Violet.”

his elbow brushing mine.

And again

“Going for blood today, are we, Violence?”

“My name is Violet,” I seethe. “I think my version fits you better.”

Beautiful. Fucking. Asshole.

“Oh, Violence, you’re good, but I’ve known better poison masters. The trick is to not make it quite so obvious.”

Is it possible Brennan took something to make it appear that he was dead?

Defenseless women have never been my type.

“She could use a little less protection and a little more instruction.” Xaden stares Dain down until he nods.

Dain says later that night in his room as his thumbs

And again

“You what?” I twist, breaking my hold, and back away from my best friend. “I saw a way to get you out of danger, and I took it.” He stands. “You went behind my back because you think I’m not cutting it.”

Dain underestimates her every. single. time.

a hand rising to cradle my cheek.

And again

He lifts his other hand so he’s holding my face between both palms, tipping it up toward his.

And again

“I can’t lose you, Violet,” he whispers, resting his forehead against mine.

And again

“Stop.” I elbow Ridoc in the side. He’s not quite as lean now. The last seven weeks have put some muscle on him. “Just because he’s a dick doesn’t mean you have to be.” “But he’s giving me so much material to work with,” Ridoc replies, a corner of his mouth lifting into a smirk as he backs away, heading toward the starting position.

“You’re sure about this?” Dain asks the next night, two worried lines between his brows as he clasps my shoulders.

And again

“You’re supposed to focus on the things that can kill you so you find ways to not die.” He shakes his head. “I can barely count the number of people in this quadrant who want you dead, either as revenge against your mother or because you’re just really good at pissing people off, but you’re still here, defying the odds.” Shadows wrap around me, and I swear I feel a caress along the side of my wounded cheek. “It’s been rather surprising to watch, actually.”

You want to know why you’re still alive? Because you’re the scale I currently judge myself against every night. Every day I let you live, I get to convince myself that there’s still a part of me that’s a decent person.

“The right way isn’t the only way. Figure it out.”

But most importantly, if I go, if I hide…I’ll never know if I’m good enough to make it here. And while I might not survive if I stay, I’m not sure I can live with myself if I leave.

His hand finds mine, concealed by our tight formation as we descend through the passage. “Please.”

And again

“Well, maybe I am, too,” I whisper as light appears ahead. I didn’t believe it before, not when I couldn’t leave because my mother wouldn’t let me, but now I have a choice. And I choose to stay.

There’s no rope here. There’s only one way I’m getting over this. Sheer fucking will.

His eyes flare, and I don’t miss the hint of a smirk on that infuriatingly decadent mouth of his. It should be against the Codex to look that good and be so ruthless.

“Though I think Dain was probably a little more rule-abiding than most kids. He likes order and pretty much detests anything that doesn’t fit neatly into his plan.

I will not die today.

Stomach pitching, I have that Parapet feeling again—whatever I do next has overwhelming odds of ending my life.

And yet, I’m still going to do it because this is wrong.

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

“You will not fall. I will not allow it.” The bands around my legs extend to my hands, and I feel the pulse of invisible energy. “You will trust me

“But…” I shake my head. “Dragons value strength and cunning and…ferocity in their

riders.” None of which defines me.

“Please, do tell me more about what I ...

“You are the smartest of your year. The most cunning.”

“You defended the smallest with ferocity. And

strength of courage is more important than physical strength. Since you apparently need to know before we land.”

I’m alive, and I’m no longer a cadet. I’m a rider.

He squeezes me tight,

And again

When Dain takes my hand and tugs,

And again

He grips my shoulders and leans in,

And again

My heart hits the ground. I’ve always known deep down that Dain valued rule and order more than relationships, more than me, but to have it so cruelly displayed cuts deeper than Tynan’s sword.

Dain reaches me, his smile wide as he cups my face.

Again

then are on my face,

Again

Xaden Riorson is now in the business of keeping his mortal enemy alive.

“Dragons pay no heed to your puny gods.”