Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1)

by Rebecca Yarros

“The longer you wait on those steps”—she motions toward the tower—“the greater your fear has a chance to grow.

Your mind already knows the answer, so just calm down and let it remember.

“Why, Dain Aetos.” I grin and walk toward him, then grasp the door handle at his side. “You’ve seen me in swimwear, tunics, and even ballgowns. Are you telling me it’s the leather that does it for you?”

I can’t help but wonder for the smallest of seconds if maybe I do, too. Maybe I can do more than just survive.

I wouldn’t be standing here if I’d quit every time something seemed impossible to overcome.

Brennan wrote this for me the summer before I entered the quadrant. It saved me, and it can save you, too. I added my own bits of hard-earned wisdom here and there, but mostly it’s his, and I know he’d want you to have it. He’d want you to live.

“I’m more dangerous than you think,” I flat-out bluster. “So I see. I’m quaking in my boots.” The corner of his mouth rises into a mocking smirk.