Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 54811 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54811 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
“Only the ones who like to push the boundaries of the rules.” Aura glances sideways at me. “I bet you’re glad you didn’t get put into Xaden Riorson’s squad. Rumor is that guy’s got it out for you.”
“Just because Dain’s dad is General Sorrengail’s aide,” Cianna says, like that somehow makes it better. “And…you know. He helped her hunt down Fen Riorson for execution.”
“Bet he’d love to challenge you.” Aura cocks her head to the side and studies me.
“Yeah, well, his dad killed my best friend’s older brother during that pointless rebellion, so trust me, the feeling’s mutual.” I’ve been checking around dark corners for Xaden Riorson from the moment I crossed the parapet. First, because the arrogant asshole wields shadows of all things, and second, because his desire for my death isn’t exactly a secret, though he hasn’t come after me. Thank gods Violet is headed into the Scribe Quadrant next year, because Riorson would probably break every rule in the Codex to kill her.
I just need to hope Riorson isn’t going to use Threshing as an excuse to kill me.
“Cadet Aetos!” Dad’s voice booms from behind us, and I lock my jaw to keep from visibly cringing.
I love my father. He’s the epitome of what a rider should be: loyal, steadfast, and regimented. He’s everything I want to be in a few years, and making him proud is my first and foremost objective in the quadrant. But how the hell am I supposed to stand on my own if he doesn’t stop hovering?
“Daddy’s calling.” Aura smirks and my face heats. “Maybe his dragon could bond you, too, and then you’d always be together!” Her shrill laugh grates on my last nerve as she walks off toward the trees.
“Good luck.” Cianna smacks me on the shoulder and smiles reassuringly. “See you on the flight field.”
“You too.” I take a deep breath, prepare myself for the list of how I’ve undoubtably disappointed him recently, then turn to face my fate.
Dad waits with his arms folded about fifteen feet away at the base of the hill, which means there’s a good chance he’s heard everything we just said. He has an uncanny ability to hear everything I don’t want him to and nothing I need him to. Then again, he hasn’t listened to anything I’ve had to say since Mom took off while we were stationed in Luceras. Considering Dad swears it was because Mom inferred he wasn’t capable of protecting her with the Tyrs rebelling, I give him a little grace for smothering me.
But he has to stop. The other cadets are noticing, and not only does it embarrass the shit out of me, it might hurt my chances at entering leadership.
“Dad.” I lift my hand in greeting, then head his way.
“Dad?” He quirks an eyebrow.
“Sir,” I quickly correct.
Already disappointing him and the conversation hasn’t even started yet.
“I’d think you’d be happier to see me, Dain,” he lectures once I close the distance between us.
“I saw you last week. When you sat in on Battle Brief. Exactly five chairs down from me.” I cross my arms in front of my chest, more than aware of our resemblance. We have the same brown eyes, same build, same brown hair, and even the same mannerisms. Maybe that’s why Mom left me behind, because I’m a reminder of him. That doesn’t explain why she stopped writing to me last year, though. I have a feeling that has to do with my decision to volunteer for the Riders Quadrant, but I might never know what really happened, and that kills me.
“I was evaluating Devera’s teaching methods.” He waves his hand as if he can brush off every instance that he’s butted in over the last few months.
“Right.” I scratch the scruff growing on my jawline and lift my brows at him. “And you needed to see Kaori right after my class the week before that, and you had to ask Emetterio a question during one of my challenges—”
“Most cadets are completely cut off from their family. I’d hoped you’d be grateful I’ve found ways to be present in your life during your first year.” He bristles and color rises along his collar, a sure sign that I’ve struck a nerve. “All within the rules, of course.”
“Of course.” Shit. Guilt settles in my stomach like lead, and I immediately regret saying anything. Naturally he’s overprotective. We’re the only family each other has. I couldn’t imagine sending my only child into the quadrant, knowing there’s an overwhelming chance I’d never see them again.
“I just…” His eyes soften. “I just wanted to lay eyes on you.”
My shoulders dip. “I’m glad to see you—”
“Second Wing,” he interrupts with a wistful tone, eyeing the patch on my shoulder. “You’ll be a great wingleader for Second Wing, just like I was in my day.”