Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1)

by Rebecca Yarros

Commandant Panchek steps onto the mat, and Liam joins the rest of our squad, sweat pouring off his skin. “I know you were all expecting the last portion of the Squad Battle to happen tomorrow, but the cadre and I have a surprise.” He has every single rider’s attention now. “Instead of telling you what the final, unknown task will be and giving you tonight to plan for it, your final task will begin this hour!” He grins, throwing out his hands and turning just like Liam had. “Tonight?” Ridoc whispers. My stomach hits the ground. “Dain isn’t here. Neither is Cianna.” “Oh shit,” Imogen whispers, looking over the crowd herself. “As you may have noticed, your squad leaders and their executive officers have been…shall we say, sequestered with your section leaders and wingleaders, and no, before someone asks, your task is not to find them.” He continues to walk in a small circle, addressing each side of the mat. “You are to break into your squads and accomplish a unique mission this evening without the leadership and instruction of your squad leaders.”