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A dragon without its rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead.
“My name is Tairneanach, son of Murtcuideam and Fiaclanfuil, descended from the cunning Dubhmadinn line.”
“But I’m not going to assume that you’ll be able to remember that once we reach the field, so Tairn will do until I inevitably have to remind you.”
“I know exactly who and what you are, Violet Sorrengail.”
“You are the smartest of your year. The most cunning.” I gulp at the compliment, brushing it off. I was trained as a scribe, not a rider. “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.”
Her eyes fly wide. “Both dragons?” she squawks. I nod. And all hell breaks loose.
“They’re a mated pair, Tairn and Sgaeyl. The strongest bonded pair in centuries.”
“Dragons don’t make mistakes.”
“You haven’t begun to see overstepping,”
“I am annoyingly aware of everything you do.”
It doesn’t matter how the vote comes down. I’ve already won.
There is no stronger bond than that between two mated dragons. It goes beyond the depth of human love or adoration to a primal, undeniable requirement for proximity. One cannot survive without the other.
“I’m just wondering how long they can be separated.” “Turns out, about three days is their max.” Xaden steps out of the shadows.
“Don’t be a dick,” I whisper. “You haven’t even seen me start to be a dick.” My head turns so fast that it swims, and my mouth drops open as I stare at the side of Xaden’s face. That was his voice…in my fucking head.
“It has nothing to do with him,” I interrupt, setting my dragon down with a little more force than necessary. “That’s up to Tairn and Sgaeyl.” “You never considered that it was you I couldn’t stay away from?”
“Do you boys just want to whip it out and measure? It would be faster.”
“I. Am. Here. Tairn didn’t drag her back to Basgiath. He didn’t break through her shields and pour his emotions into her. He didn’t demand she fly across the fucking kingdom. Your sister is still right here. I’m the one who left my post, my position, and my executive officer in charge of my wing. She’s not missing out on shit.”
“What changed?” Frustration tightens my grip on the mug. “When exactly did you decide not to ruin me?” “Maybe it was when I saw Oren holding a knife to your throat,” he says. “Or maybe it was when I realized the bruises on your neck were fingerprints and wanted to kill them all over again just so I could do it slowly. Maybe it was the first time I recklessly kissed you or when I realized I’m fucked because I can’t stop thinking about doing more than just kissing you.”
“He cares for you. That’s already hard enough for him.” I scoff. “He cares about keeping me alive. There’s a difference.” “Not for him there isn’t.”
“Fuck, that stubborn, feisty look always makes me want to kiss you.” Xaden’s expression remains bland, bored even, but his eyes heat as his gaze drops to my mouth. “And you say this now, where people will see if you actually do.” My breath catches. “When did I ever give you the impression that I give a fuck what people think about me?” A corner of his mouth rises, and now it’s all I can concentrate on, damn him. “I only care what they think about you.”
“I’m proud you’re mine.” Andarna’s voice wavers, the blinks of her eyes becoming slower. “Even if I need a bath.”
“Are you suggesting someone else?” My heart races as I chance calling his bluff. “Fuck no.”
“Because I only want you, Xaden.”
There’s nowhere in existence you could go that I wouldn’t find you, Violence.”
“You want me.” I put my hand on his chest and feel his heart pounding. “And I know that scares you even though I want you just as badly.”
“You’re going to be the death of me.”
I’m in love with Xaden.
“I’ve been yours for longer than you could ever imagine.”
“One generation to change the text. One generation chooses to teach that text. The next grows, and the lie becomes history.”
“And I know you feel betrayed, but Xaden needs you. And I don’t just mean alive, Violet. He needs you. Please hear him out.”
Because right now, standing near the dead body of my friend and his dragon—all I want is to show these assholes exactly how violent I can be.
She can’t die, and not just because there’s a chance I won’t survive. She can’t die because I know I can’t live without her even if I do.
