Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1)

by Rebecca Yarros

“Is Professor Carr going to kill me, too?” Every gaze whips toward me, and Xaden’s grip tightens on my shoulders, his thumbs stroking in a soothing motion. “Why would you think that?”

for someone who supposedly hate Violet, he's sure quick to comfort her...

Even the most effective poisons come in pretty packages, and Xaden’s exactly that—as beautiful as he is lethal. He looks deceptively calm as he approaches, but I can feel his tension as if it’s my own, like a panther prowling toward his prey. The wind ruffles his hair, and I sigh at the completely unfair advantage he has over every man in this courtyard. He doesn’t even have to try to look sexy…he just is. Oh shit. This feeling right here—the way my breath catches and my entire body draws tight when he’s near—is why I haven’t taken anyone to bed or celebrated like the rest of my perfectly normal friends. This feeling is why I haven’t wanted anyone…else. Because I want him. There aren’t enough curse words in the world for this.

woooooo! we startling to connect the dots now? 😂

His gaze locks with mine just long enough to quicken my pulse

second read: lol did he just hear all that flattery accidentally throug the bond or something? 😂 🤣 not wonder he's so cocky!

“Aetos, Vaughn Penley will be leaving your command, and you’ll be gaining Liam Mairi from Tail Section.”

second read: ...here we go....i want to be happy....🥺

“I do not need a bodyguard,” I snap at Xaden. Am I out of line speaking to a wingleader that way? Absolutely. Do I care? Not one bit.

ahahahahahahaha!!!!!!

“You do, though, as we both learned last night. And I can’t be everywhere you are. But Liam here”—he points back to the blond Tyr—“he’s a first-year, so he can be in every class, at every challenge, and I even had him assigned to library duty, so I hope you get used to him, Sorrengail.” “You’re overstepping.” My nails bite into my palms. “You haven’t begun to see overstepping,” he warns,

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! XADDY YOU CRAY CRAY IN THE BEST WAY!!!

“He is not sleeping in my room.” “Of course not.” He freaking smirks, and my traitorous stomach dips. “I had him moved into the one next to yours. Wouldn’t want to overstep.” He turns on his heel and walks away,

OH MY GOOOOOOOD!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! This poor Liam guy is probably hating this just as much too 😅

He does a double-take, his eyes flaring wide as he catches sight of my neck. “Vi?” He hasn’t spoken to me since our fight yesterday. Gods, how has it been less than twenty-four hours when I feel like a completely different person?

oh NOW he notices haha

Panchek begins to speak at the podium, telling us that there’s another matter to handle this morning, but Dain won’t look away. “Dain!” He blinks, jerking his gaze to mine, and the apology in those soft brown eyes clogs my throat.

oh no. is he about to get crazy again?

“Think Ridoc finally got caught in Tyvon Varen’s bed?” “That’s hardly against the Codex,” Ridoc murmurs from behind us. “He’s the executive officer for Second Wing.” I send a pointed look over my shoulder.

I knew I got non-hetero vibes from Ridoc 😜🥰

“If you’re looking for a little fun, I’m happy to oblige—” Ridoc starts, shoving his floppy brown hair off his forehead with a wink. “I miss good sex,” I counter,

oh snap! hahahahaha

“I call you to answer for your crime against Cadet Sorrengail.” Xaden’s focus shifts to the center of the formation. “Wingleader Amber Mavis.”

I KNEW IT!!!!!!

“Amber would never.” Dain shakes his head. “A wingleader would never.” He turns completely to face me. “Get up there and tell everyone that he’s lying, Vi.” “But he’s not,” I say as gently as I can. “It’s impossible.” His cheeks flush a mottled shade of red. “I was there, Dain.” The reality of his disbelief hurts so much more than I expected, like a blow to my already battered ribs. “Wingleaders are beyond reproach—” “Then why are you so quick to call our own wingleader a liar?” My brows rise in challenge, daring him to say what he’s so careful to keep quiet.

oh Dain....You're such an idiot... stop talking with that Dainty little dick of yours.

“That’s impossible.” He lifts his hands, as though ready to cup my face. “Let me see.” The shock of what he intends to do has me stumbling backward. How have I forgotten that his signet allows him to see others’ memories? But if I let him see my memory of Amber’s participation, it will also show him that I stopped time, and I can’t let that happen. I shake my head and take another step back. “Give me the memory,” he orders. Indignation lifts my chin. “Touch me without permission, and you’ll spend the rest of your life regretting it.” Surprise ripples over his features.

BACK THE FUCK UP DAINTY DICK!!!!

“Can you see my memories?” I ask Tairn. “Share them?” “Yes.” His head snakes left and right ever so slightly. “A memory has never been shared outside of a mating bond. It’s considered a violation.” “Xaden’s up there fighting because I told him it was her. Help him.” And gods, I admire him for it. I take a deep breath. “Only what they need to see.”

smart! providing the proof to the dragons so they can relay the information to the wingleaders, without giving away Andarna. they'd never risk the secret of feathertails!

“That spineless wretch,” Rhiannon seethes, her hand squeezing mine even tighter. Dain pales. “Believe me now?” I hurl it like the accusation it is.

OOOOOOOOH! He shared it to ALL the dragons?! not just the wingleaders?!!

“You’re supposed to be my oldest friend, Dain. My best friend. There’s a reason I didn’t tell you.” He staggers backward.

BAM! TRUTH BOMB!

“I let someone live once, and he almost killed you last night, Silver One,” Tairn says. Then, as if this is all that really matters in the end, “Justice is not always merciful.”

daaaaaaaamn.... he's right though...

A gruesome scream rends the air, shattering a window in the academic wing, and every rider slams their hands over their ears as Claidh mourns.

Claidh stood by Amber...she's just as guilty...

“You actually know him, don’t you?” I crane my neck to look up at him. “He didn’t just pick you to shadow me because you’re the best in our year.” “Just now catching on, huh?” A grin flashes across his face. “I would have told you that on the first day if you hadn’t been so busy huffing and puffing about the pleasure of my company.”

lol OK, so Liam and Xaden are tight. Xaden actually trusts Liam with her, which makes sense alot of the marked ones would hate her enough to have thier own agenda

her mouth curving in a shy smile as her gaze darts up to Liam. “Good morning.” He signs with a wink, clearly flirting.

oooooooo🤭

“Stop what?” He watches her until she turns the corner at the first set of shelves. “Flirting with Jesinia. She’s a long-term-relationship woman, so unless that’s what you’re looking for…just…don’t.”

awww

“I’ve seen you practicing this week with those blades of yours, Sorrengail. Riorson was right. You would have been wasted as a scribe.”

wow! a compliment of her fighting?! Violet, are you turning into a badass?! a physical one?

“He was executed at our family’s house.” His features tighten. “Before it was given to another noble, of course. And yes, I watched as they did it that time, too. I already had the rebellion relic by then, but the pain was the same.”

well that's ficking fishy...

“She could always choose another quadrant,” I say softly, hoping it will soothe him. He blinks at me. “We’re all riders.” “What?” “We’re all riders. It was part of the deal. We’re allowed to live, allowed a chance to prove our loyalty, but only if we make it through the Riders Quadrant.” He stares at me in bewilderment. “You don’t know?” “I mean…” I shake my head. “I know that the children of the leaders, the officers, were all forced into conscription, but that’s all. A lot of those treaty addenda are classified.”

oh shit.

I think I’m going to be sick. “Is she marked?” “She was born with it.” I understand it was done by dragon, but what the fucking hell?

how does that work...🤔

“So Tairn hasn’t channeled to you, either, right?” Liam asks, a look of uncertainty, vulnerability on his face. I shake my head. “I think he has commitment issues,” I whisper. “I heard that.” “Then stay out of my head.”

hahaha the mated and bonded dragon with commitment issues? 😂😂😂

My scalp prickles, but I fight the urge to turn around. “Riorson just got here,” Liam says

second read: lol first thing he does when he walks in the room is poor around her head...talk about an invasion of privacy 😂

“Figured.” I hold up my middle finger and keep my eyes forward. Not that I don’t like Liam, but I’m still pissed at Xaden for assigning him. Liam snorts and grins, flashing his dimple. “And now he’s glaring. Tell me, is it fun pissing off the most powerful rider in the quadrant?” “You could try it yourself and find out,” I suggest,

ahahahahahaahahahahahaha!!!!!!

“They’re just threats. The only time I’ve actually been targeted was at night, and it’s not like Liam here is sleeping in my bedroom.” “I mean, I’m not opposed—” he begins, his knife hovering over the piece of wood. “Don’t even start.” I whip my head to face him and can’t help but laugh. “You are a shameless flirt.” “Thank you.” He grins and goes back to carving. “It wasn’t a compliment.” “Don’t mind her, she’s just sexually frustrated. Makes a girl crabby.” Rhiannon

ahahahahahahahahaha!!! bang one out girl! Liam sounds FINE!!!

“I’m sorry I don’t make the cut,” Liam teases. “But I’m sure Riorson would be fine with my reviewing a couple candidates, especially if it means you’ll stop flipping him off in front of his entire wing.”

ahahahahaha!!!! he'd probably kill all the candidates 😂😂😂

I manage a straight face for all of two seconds before laughing at how horrified he suddenly looks. “Thanks for the offer, though. I’ll make sure to run any potential liaisons by you.” “I mean, you could watch,” Rhiannon continues, blinking innocently at him. “Just to be sure she’s fully covered. You know, so no one…sticks it to her.”

LOL oh no! what have you started Liam?!

“Oh, are we telling dick jokes now?” Ridoc asks from Liam’s side. “Because my entire life has led up to this very moment.” Even Sawyer laughs.

LMAO IM FUCKING CACKLING!!!!😂😂😂

“He warded your door,” Liam says, quieter this time. “So only you can open it.” Shit. I don’t know how to feel about that. It’s more than slightly controlling, and way out of line, but also…sweet. “But if he’s the one who warded it, then he can get in, too, right?” “Well, yeah.” Liam shrugs as Professors Markham and Devera walk down the stairs, heading for the front of the room. “But it’s not like Riorson is going to kill you.”

Lol how...convenient 😏

I fumble my quill and it falls to the ground, but before I can lean over, the shadows beneath the arm of my desk lift the instrument like an offering. I pluck it out of the shadows and look back at Xaden. He’s locked in conversation with Garrick, not paying me a speck of attention. Except, apparently, he is.

awwwww that's sweet 😊

Tairn chuffs. One day I might be able to translate that sound, but it’s not today.

I'm picturing a heavy exhale through the nose, like a cocky half chuckle.

“Is he serious?” I whisper to Liam. “Yeah.” Liam’s grip bends his quill. “I think he is.”

I guess they're being selective of what they tell cadets..

“Was that scroll marked classified?” Liam asks under his breath. “No,” I respond just as quietly. “But maybe I missed it?” The battle map doesn’t even show activity near that mountain range. “Yeah.” He nods, scratching his quill against the parchment as he begins to take notes. “That has to be it. You missed it.” I blink, forcing my hand through the motions of writing about a battle I’ve analyzed dozens of times with my father. Liam’s right. That’s the only possible explanation. Our clearance isn’t high enough, or maybe they haven’t finished gathering all the information needed to form an accurate report. Or it had to have been marked classified. I just missed it.

the plot thickens!!!!

Sweat drips down my back, dampening the tight-fitted tunic I chose while my dragon-scale vest dries on the bench next to Liam.

ooo don't like that your vest is off... basically garuntees someone is gonna try to kill you...

It’s not like he needs extra practice. He’s already taken everyone but Dain down to the mat, and part of me thinks that’s only because Dain refuses to be bested by a younger rider.

ahahaha!!! Come ooooooon!!! It would be so fun though!!!

Rhiannon’s eyes flare, and Liam shakes his head. “What?” “The way you talk to him,” Rhiannon murmurs. “What’s he going to do? Kill me?” I charge forward, swinging my staff at her legs.

hehehehehe. I mean he COULD pull rank and give you a bunch of shit jobs and such...but he liiiikes it.😏

“He’s the one who stuck me with a shadow I can’t shake because he thinks I’m his weakness. But does he help me?” I lash out with the staff, and she counters. “No. Does he train me?” Another lunge, another clash of our staffs. “No. He’s remarkably good at showing up when I’m about to die and eliminating threats, but that’s it.” He sure as hell doesn’t have a problem keeping his eyes off me the way I do him. “So there’s definitely some anger there,” Rhiannon drawls as she spins away easily.

lol Xaden isn't that far away... You're goating him! I mean I don't blame you. last time he taught you a lesson, it was hot as fuck...🤷‍♀️

Holy. Fucking. Hot. Xaden and Garrick have stripped off their shirts and are sparring like their lives depend on it, a blur of kicks, punches, and rippling muscle.

mmmmmmmmmm.🤤

“That is…” Rhiannon murmurs beside me. “It sure is,” I agree. “Stop objectifying our wingleader,” Liam teases. “Is that what we’re doing?” Rhiannon asks, not bothering to look away. My mouth waters at the muscled expanse of his back and that sculpted ass. “Yeah, I think that’s what we’re doing.” Liam snorts. “We could just be watching for technique.” “Yeah. We absolutely could be.” But I’m not. I’m shamelessly wondering how his skin would feel under my fingertips, how my body would react to having every ounce of that intense focus on me. Heat races through my veins and stings my cheeks.

ahahahahahahaahahahaha!!!!!!! AS 👏 YOU 👏SHOULD👏

His friend from First Wing offers him something—a slice of the orange he’s eating—and Jack shoves his hand away at the wrist. “Get that noxious shit away from me. Do you want me to end up in the infirmary?”

the infirmary you say? an allergy to organes I assume?...that feels like important information...

Garrick’s hulking frame appears to the left, and I begrudgingly add him to my list of protectors. Hell, even Imogen has inched closer, but not on my behalf. It’s only on his.

hey, protection is protection. think of how you would have killed for this in the begging 😂

“That’s what I thought,” Jack says, blowing me a kiss.

second read: oh noooo...he's blowing kisses?!!!

“That day in the field, you fucking ran when it was three on one, and we both know when it comes down to it, you’ll run again. That’s what cowards do.” Jack flushes, his eyes nearly bugging out of his face.

that's right ya pussy ass bitch!

“Oh, for fuck’s sake, Violet,” Dain mutters.

oh fuck off Dainty Dick.

“She’s not wrong,” Xaden drawls. Garrick laughs, and Liam muscles Jack off the mat when he leaps at me. Jack’s boots squeak against the hardwood floor as he unsuccessfully fights to hold his ground, and Liam forces him from the gym. With a flick of his hand, Xaden shuts the huge doors with his power, locking Jack out.

HA!