Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1)

by Rebecca Yarros

I stand back next to Imogen and search the leadership for a certain pair of onyx eyes. There he is. Xaden is leaning against the wall near the other wingleaders, watching me with a pulse-quickening mix of curiosity and expectation. “It was your idea,” Imogen whispers, nudging me forward. “Present.” Markham’s eyes flare wide as saucers as he forces himself to stand, followed quickly by Devera, whose mouth hangs so wide, it’s almost comical. I clear my throat and gesture to the map. “We have brought the ultimate weapon for our enemies. An up-to-date map of all current outposts of Navarrian wings, to include troop strength of infantry battlements.” I point to the forts along the Cygnisen border. “As well as the locations of all current skirmishes in the last thirty days. Including last night.” A murmur rips through the quadrant. “And how do we know this map is, in fact, current?” Kaori asks, holding his reclaimed journal under one arm. There’s no stopping the smile that spreads across my face. “Because we stole it from General Sorrengail’s office.” Absolute mayhem breaks out, some of the riders rushing the stage as professors battle their way toward us, but I ignore it all as Xaden tilts one corner of that beautiful mouth and tips an imaginary hat to me, bowing his head for a heartbeat before bringing his gaze back to hold mine.