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)
Are we even allowed to bring water? Or is the general misery of our dehydration mixing with the adrenaline brought by potential death part of the charm of Threshing? I was too busy hurling up my breakfast in front of my squadmates to ask, but water would have been wasted between the second and third bouts of vomiting anyway. At least I was alone for those two shining examples of my excellence under pressure.
Gods, what I wouldn’t give to wash the taste of my own vomit out of my mouth. Pretty sure the smell is right up there with fear when it comes to deterring a potential dragon.
Because that’s what I want, right? A fucking dragon. That’s why I left my continuously arguing parents, put on a black uniform, and now wake up every morning wondering if it’s the last time I’ll see my bed—or whoever happens to be in it with me. All for a dragon.
A dragon who might be just as keen to char me as to bond me. Excellent plan.
What the fuck was I thinking? I don’t want to die today.
Nausea clenches my stomach, and my mouth waters again as I pass some coniferous tree I’m sure only Sorrengail knows the name of and move deeper into the forest. What could possibly be left in my stomach at this point?
Focus. I’m better than this.
Scratch that. The dragons in this forest would be lucky to have me as their rider. I’m funny. I’m smart. I keep things interesting, and I’m scrappy as hell when it comes to the mat. I can be positive about this whole thing.
I breathe through the worst of the nausea, and my shoulders drop with relief when I spot the small stream ahead. Thank you, Zihnal. Lucky indeed.
The trees to my right move.
My stomach abandons threatening to eject its innards and flat-out attempts to flee the premises, dropping to the forest floor as my head swivels toward the motion.
All movement ceases.
Huh.
Well. Fuck. I can’t decide if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.
I begin walking again, and the trees stay where they’re supposed to as I approach the shaded creek, but I keep one eye on the branches as I crouch beside the little brook. Once I’m sure nothing’s following—or stalking—me, I cup my hand and dip it into the cool running water. Then I pull the time-tested swish-and-spit before actually drinking. The water is crisp and—
Movement catches my eye a second before water splashes all over me, smacking into the side of my face and dousing my hair before dripping down my cheek.
What the fuck? I wipe the water off my face as I spring to my feet to confront whatever asshole-shaped cadet decided to douse me.
A giant brown claw flexes in the stream, forming an instant pool as water gushes around curved talons.
Don’t puke. Don’t puke. Don’t puke.
Wait. Is this…it? I always thought I would bond a green, or maybe a red to force me to take things more seriously, but a brown would be a great fit, too. I look up at its ankle and then keep going, my gaze running past the thicker chest scales and up the thinner, more vulnerable spots on its neck until I find a pair of amused golden eyes studying me.
It’s the Brown Swordtail that stood next to the small golden dragon at Presentation, and it’s looking at me as if it wants to see what I’m going to do next, like it’s…testing me.
Oh, shit. There aren’t enough swear words in the common tongue, because I know exactly which dragon this is.
“Oh, no.” I shake my head and take a giant step back from the edge of the creek, water sliding beneath the collar of my uniform. “Not you. Nope.” Any dragon but this one.
“Yes, me.” The brown narrows his eyes. “I surely misunderstand you.”
“You surely do not.” I throw my hands up. “And whatever you do, don’t keep talking to me. That’s the stuff you save for your chosen rider.”
He lifts his claw and flicks it forward, sending a wave of water in my direction.
It hits my boots, instantly soaking the leather.
“Nice.” I lift one sodden boot and grimace. Now I’m going to have wet feet all day. Fucking fantastic. “See? That right there is why you and I wouldn’t be a good match.”
“I decide what’s good.” He peels his lips up, baring his teeth.
My stomach asks if I’d like to see what meager contents it still holds.
“Don’t do that.” I sigh and bring my gaze to meet his in a complete breach of protocol, but I can’t really tell if he’s snarling or smiling. “It’s nothing against you personally—”
“As if there could be any deficiency found in me.” He stalks forward.
“—but I read over the cards Kaori gave us,” I try to explain, my palms out. “And you’re only twenty.”