I don't think I'll ever understand why you wanted to be a dragon rider so badly. I'm happy I'm one now, but this place... It changes you. Promise me when you come here that you won't change. At least not too much. The person you are now is already so amazing, I don't want you to lose that.
- Recovered correspondence from Cadet Xaden Riorson to Raya Riorson
The next morning we stand in formation, "Elena Sosa, Brayden Blackburn." Captain Fitzgibbons reads from the death roll on the dais. Two scribes stand on either side of him. Yesterday we were given a tour of the college and issued rider black uniforms. I have a single four-pointed star on my shoulder indicating that I'm a first year cadet. Right next to the star sits a Fourth Wing patch. The uniform is a standard summer weight tight-fitted tunics, pants, and accessories. No flight leathers yet since we don't have dragons.
"Jace Sutherland, Dougal Luperco." Fitzgibbons continues. Jace and Dougal were both marked ones. "Simone Casteneda. We commend their souls to Malek." There's no formal conclusion to formation.
Dain turns to face the squad, "Hopefully you all ate breakfast, because you're not going to get another chance before lunch."
"He's good at pretending he doesn't know you." Rhiannon whispers to Violet.
"He is." Violet confirms.
"Second and Third years, I'm assuming you know where to go. First years, at least one of you should have memorized your academic schedule when it was handed out yesterday." Dain's eyes scan over the squad, "Stick together. I expect you all to be alive when we meet this afternoon in the sparring gym."
"And if we're not?" The smart ass first year in the squad asks. His name is Ridoc. He has shaggy brown hair that falls against his brown forehead.
"Then you'll be dead and he's not going to have to worry about you, what the fuck do you think, dumb ass?" I snap.
The blonde girl next to Imogen snorts and Dain's jaw ticks as he nods in agreement, though he chooses not to comment, "Sawyer?" He looks to a tall cadet with freckles lining his face.
"I'll get them there." Sawyer confirms.
"Get going," Dain dismisses us. The second and third years split up, heading back to their rooms to collect their things.
"We have about twenty minutes to get to class," Sawyer calls out to the first years. "Fourth floor, second room on the left in the academic wing. Get your shit and don't be late." Sawyer is a repeat from last year, he didn't bond a dragon during Threshing and instead of leaving for a different quadrant he decided to try again.
"That has to be hard." Rhiannon says as we start to walk with the crowd. "Being set back and having to do this all over again."
"Better than being dead." Ridoc replies.
"That's true." Violet and I say in unison. Violet glances at me but doesn't say anything else, she's been avoiding me as much as possible since she found out that I'm a Riorson.
"I overheard a third year say when a first year survives Threshing unbonded, the quadrant lets them repeat the year and try again if they want," Rhiannon adds.
"It's true, and if they don't want to try again they can join another quadrant or leave the college." I answer. Xaden told me about this in his letter's. As soon as I finish the sentence a bird call is sounded to our left. Violet's head whips to the side to pinpoint the noise. Out of per curiosity, I follow her gaze to see Dain.
"I'll be-" Violet starts.
Rhiannon cuts her off, "I'll grab your stuff and meet you there. It's under your bunk, right?"
"You don't mind?"
"Your bunk is right next to mine, Violet. It's not a hassle. Go!"
"Thank you!" Violet exclaims before heading off towards the squad leader.
Once she's out of ear shot I turn towards Rhiannon, "Well, she want's nothing to do with me."
"She does seem to be avoiding you," Rhiannon confirms.
I sigh, "Yeah, I don't think she knows what to say to me. Xaden was a complete ass to her yesterday and I'm sure she expects me to be just like him because of our families history. But I'm not just acting nice to trick her. I hate her mother, I'd be lying if I said I didn't, but that doesn't mean that I have to take that anger out on Violet. She's not the one who killed my dad."
Rhiannon sighs, "I'm sure she'll come around. We're going to be stuck with each other after all."
*_*_*_*_*_*
The first hour of academic's was spent in History. The class is complete bullshit considering the school is hiding a lot of our real history. There was only three squads of first years in that class, which is very different to the class we sit in now, Battle Brief. The room is full of every cadet, First, Second, and Third years. The Third years stand in the back of the room since there isn't enough seating. I flick my long hair over my shoulder and send a smile to Xaden and Garrick.
I haven't had the chance to actually talk to Garrick yet but it's nice to see him back by my brother's side. They have always been best friends, I remember chasing them around when I was younger, wanting to follow in their footsteps.
The two older guys smile back, Garrick even adding a wave causing Xaden to roll his eyes. My smile widens slightly before I turn back around to face the front of the room. Our First year squad all sits next to each other. The other First years close by. "Welcome to Battle Brief," Professor Devera says.
"In the past, riders have seldom been called into service before graduation," Professor Devera continues. "And if they were, they were always third years who'd spent time shadowing forward wings, but we expect you to graduate with the full knowledge of what we're up against." She takes her time looking at everyone in the room. "It's not just knowing where every wing is stationed either. You need to understand the politics of our enemies, the strategies of defending our outposts from constant attack, and have a thorough knowledge of both recent and current battles. If you cannot grasp these basic topics, then you have no business on the back of a dragon."
"No pressure." Rhiannon mutters.
"We'll be fine," Violet reassures, "Third years have only been sent to midland posts as reinforcements, never the front."
Professor Devera draws my attention back to her, "This is the only class you will have every day, because it's the only class that will matter if you're called into service early." Her gaze sweeps the room again and pauses on Violet. "Because this class is taught every day and relies on the most current information, you will also answer to Professor Markham, who deserves nothing but your utmost respect."
Professor Devera waves the scribe, Professor Markham, forward. She whispers something in his ear and his head whips around, looking at Violet. He sighs and rubs his nose before beginning to speak, "It is the duty of the scribes not only to study and master the past but to relay and record the present. Without accurate depictions of our front lines, reliable information with which to make strategic decisions, and - most importantly - veracious details to document our history for the good of the future generations, we're doomed, not only as a kingdom but as a society."
"First topic of the day," Professor Devera says, moving towards the map. She flicks her hand, bringing a mage light over the eastern border of Poromiel province of Braevick. "The Eastern Wing experienced an attack last night near the village of Chakir by a drift of Braevi gryphons and riders."
I take notes as a murmur sounds through the room. I don't engage in any conversation happening around me, instead I stay focused on the map. "Naturally, some information is redacted for security purposes, but what we can tell you is that the wards faltered along the top of the Esben Mountains."
Professor Devera pulls her hands apart using lesser magic to expand the light to illuminate the mountains that form our border with Braevick. "Allowing the drift not only to enter Navarrian territory but for their riders to channel and wield sometime around midnight." Gryphons can give their fliers powers similar to how dragons give us powers, but gryphons can't power the wards like dragons can. In fact, gryphon fliers power's don't work inside the wards.
"Thirty-seven civilians were killed in the attack in the hour before a squad from the Eastern Wing could arrive, but the riders and dragons managed to repel the drift." Professor Devera finishes. She folds her arms across her chest, "Based on that information, what questions would you ask?" She holds up a finger, "I only want answers from first-years to start."
I study the map as I think of questions, Why did the wards fail? They wouldn't answer that. If they even know why. "Come on, first-years, show me you have more than just good balance. Show me you have the critical-thinking skills needed to be here." Professor Devera prompts. "It's more important than ever that you're ready for what's beyond our borders." Except they won't actually tell us what's out there. We have far more dangerous things to fight than gryphons and their fliers.
A girl in another wing pipes up, "Is this the first time the wards have failed?"
The two Professor's in the front of the room share a look. Then Devera turns back to the girl, "No."
"And how.. often are they faltering?" The girl asks a second question.
Professor Markham's eyes narrow into a glare, "That's above your pay grade, Cadet." He turns to look at other first years, "Next relevant question to the attack we're discussing?"
"How many causalities did the wing suffer?" I ask, sitting up straighter in my seat.
"One injured dragon, one dead rider." Another murmur rises around the room.
"Why would you ask that question?" Professor Devera questions me.
"To know how many reinforcements they'll need," I answers.
Professor Devera nods, she turns towards Pryor, he's a meek first-year in our squad. He's not going to make it in here if he doesn't grow a back bone soon. He has his hand up but lowers it quickly, "Did you want to ask a question?" She asks him.
"Yes." He nods, then changes his mind and shakes his head, "No. Never mind."
"So decisive." Luca, the bitchy one in the squad, mocks him. Cadets around us laugh as a corner of Luca's mouth tilts up into a smirk. Luca is one of the few woman in the quadrant who didn't cut her hair, much like Violet and me. Her attitude is the most annoying thing to have to deal with, I'd rather deal with Pryor's indecisiveness. At least he's nice.
"He's in our squad." Aurelie scolds, her eyes narrowing at Luca. "Show some loyalty."
"Please," Luca scoffs, "No dragon is bonding to a guy who can't even decide if he wants to ask a question. And did you see him at breakfast this morning? He held the entire line up because he couldn't choose between bacon or sausage." Luca rolls her eyes.
"If Fourth Wing is done picking at one another?" Devera asks, lifting a brow in Luca's direction.
"She's such a bitch." I mutter to Sawyer, who's sitting on my left.
He hums in agreement. "Squad loyalty clearly goes far with her." He sarcastically replies.
"What altitude is the village at?" Rhiannon asks.
Professor Devera raises her eyebrows and looks towards Markham who answers, "A little less than ten thousand feet, why?"
Rhiannon clears her throat, "Just seems a little high for a planned attack with gryphons."
"It is a little high for a planned attack," Devera confirms, "Why don't you tell me why that's bothersome, Cadet Sorrengail? And maybe you'd like to ask your own questions from here on out."
Every head in the room turns towards Violet as she squirms in her seat. "Gryphons aren't as strong at that altitude, and neither is their ability to channel. It's an illogical place for them to attack unless they knew the wards would fail, especially since the village looks to be about what... an hour's flight from the nearest outpost?" I glance over the map seeing that she's correct. "That is Chakir right there, isn't it?"
"It is, keep going with that line of thought."
"Didn't you say it took an hour for the squad of riders to arrive?" Violet asks.
"I did." Devera nods in confirmation.
"Then they were already on their way."
"Yeah, because that makes sense." Jack sneers from in front of us, "General Melgren knows the outcome of a battle before it happens, but even he doesn't know when it will happen, dumb ass."
"Shut the fuck up, Barlowe." I say.
"I'm not the one who thinks precognition is a thing." He rolls his eyes, "Gods help us if that one ever gets on the back of a dragon."
Before anyone else can say anything I stand up for Violet again, "All brawn and no brains, Barlowe." I roll my eyes, "Violet is clearly correct. There's no logical way that a squad that is an hour away gets there within an hour of the attack unless they are already on their way." I gesture to the map, "It would take at least half that long to light the beacons in the range and call for help, and no full squad is sitting around just waiting to be needed. And it's not like there has been a distance wielder around recently."
Violet adds on once I'm finished, "Exactly, and more than half those riders would have been asleep, which means they were already on their way."
"And why would they already be on their way?" Devera questions, looking between Violet and I.
I share a look with Violet but nod at her to take it since she started the conversation, "Because they somehow already knew the wards were breaking."
"That's the most-" Jack starts.
"She's right." Devera interrupts, "One of the dragons in the wing sensed the faltering ward, and the wing flew. Had they not, the causalities would have been far higher and the destruction of the village much worse." Another murmur rises in the room. "Second and Third years, take over. Let's see if you can be a little more respectful to your fellow cadets." She arches a brow at Jack.
Behind us, question after question gets fired off. "How many riders were deployed? What killed the lone fatality? How long did it take to clear the village of the gryphons? Were any left alive for questioning?"
I continue to take notes when I hear Xaden ask his own question, "What was the condition of the village?"
"Riorson?" Markham asks, shielding his eyes from the mage lights.
"The village," Xaden asks once more, "Professor Devera said the damage would have been worse, but what was the actual condition? Was it burned? Destroyed? They wouldn't demolish it if they were trying to establish a foothold, so the condition of the village matters when trying to determine a motive for the attack."
Devera smiles in approval, "The buildings they'd already gone through were burned, and the rest were being looted when the wing arrived."
"They were looking for something." I pipe up. I snap my mouth shut and blush when I realize I said it louder than expected.
"And it wasn't riches." Xaden continues. "That's not a mining district. Which begs the question, what do we have that they want so badly?" Weapons, I answer in my head.
"Exactly. That is the question." Professor Devera glances around the room, "And that right there is why Riorson is Wingleader. You need more than strength and courage to be a good rider. And I'm glad to see that you are following in your brother's footsteps." She nods at me, a slight smile on her face. I smile back, I definitely like Professor Devera.
"So what's the answer?" A first year from another squad asks.
"We don't know." Devera answers with a shrug, "It's just another piece in the puzzle of why our constant bids for peace are rejected by the kingdom of Poromiel. What were they looking for? Why that village? Were they responsible for the collapse of the ward, or was it already faltering? Tomorrow, next week, next month, there will be another attack, and maybe we'll get another clue. Go to history if you're looking for answers. Those wars have already been dissected and examined. Battle Brief is for fluid situations. In this class, we want you to learn which questions to ask so all of you have a chance at coming home alive."
*_*_*_*_*_*
Later that day the squad stands by the side of the sparring mat watching Ridoc and Aurelie circle each other. "You seriously knew every answer in history," Rhiannon nods to Violet, "And you both apparently knew every right question to ask in Battle Brief." She shakes her head, "You're not even going to need to study for tests, are you?"
"I'll need to study a little bit. But I have a really good memory so it shouldn't be too difficult for me." I answer.
Violet shrugs, "I was trained to be a scribe."
"Guess that means neither of you are worried about academics," Rhiannon says her brows raising at us.
"Not really, but I try not to worry about anything." I shrug.
"Stop circling each other like you're dance partners and attack!" Professor Emetterio calls out from across the mat. Dain watches the match from beside the Professor along with our squad executive leader, Cianna.
"I'm worried about this," Violet says, gesturing to where Ridoc and Aurelie stand.
"Really?" Rhiannon questions, "I figured as a Sorrengail, you'd be a hand-to-hand threat."
"You're seriously surprised? She just said she was training to join the Scribes. You don't really need to know how to fight someone there." Violet nods along with me.
Ridoc palms a dagger in his hand causing Emetterio to call out to him, "No blades today! We're just assessing!" Ridoc grumbles but puts the blade away just in time to block a punch Aurelie throws at him.
"The brunette packs a punch." Rhiannon states. I start braiding my hair into two separate plaits so I'm ready for when my match starts.
"What about you?" Violet asks.
"Shit!" Ridoc calls out, he backs up a step. "I don't want to hurt you."
Aurelie holds her ribs but lifts her chin, "Who said you hurt me?"
"Pulling your punches does her a disservice," Dain says. "The Cygnis on the northeast border aren't going to give her any quarter because she's a woman if she falls from her dragon behind enemy lines, Ridoc. They'll kill her just the same."
"Let's go!" Aurelie shouts at Ridoc. She beckons him over to her. She slips a jab from Ridoc and twists to land a quick tap to his kidneys.
"I mean... Damn." Rhiannon mutters, "I'm pretty good on the mat. My village is on the Cygnisen border, so we all learned to defend ourselves fairly young. Physics and math aren't problems, either. But history?" She shakes her head, "That class might be the death of me."
"Physics is the one class I'm going to struggle with." I say, "Math I'm pretty decent at, same with history. I'm not worried about this at all. I've practiced with opponents of all sizes and I've won the majority of those fights. And I've only ever improved over the years."
Rhiannon smirks, "You didn't need to tell us that you're good on the mat. Yesterday proved you can hold your own. I don't know if I would had been able to win a fight on the parapet."
I smile back, "Luckily you aren't going to need to test it."
Ridoc charges Aurelie, taking her to the mat. "I'm probably going to die on these mats." Violet says, wincing at the fight.
Aurelie hooks her legs around Ridoc's and leverages him over until she's the one on top, landing punch after punch to the side of his face. Blood splatters the mat. "I could probably offer some tips to survive combat," Sawyer says from my side. "History isn't my strongest subject though."
A tooth goes flying, "Enough!" Emetterio screams, ending the match. Aurelie rolls off Ridoc and extends her hand to help him up. He takes it. "Cianna, take Aurelie to the healers. No reason to lose a tooth during assessment."
"I'll make you a deal," Rhiannon says. "Let's help each other out. We'll help you with hand-to-hand if you help us with history. Sound like a deal, Sawyer and Raya?"
"Absolutely." Sawyer agrees.
"Definitely. Though I may need your guidance in Physics and not history." I say.
"Works for me." Rhiannon smiles.
Violet hesitates, glancing at me. "For fucks sake, Violet." I roll my eyes, "We're in the same squad. I can't kill you even if I wanted too. And if I did want to I wouldn't be offering my help. Trust me or don't, at this point I don't care, but I'm not the one you need to worry about. And I can control my brother, he won't kill you either even if he says he will."
Violet's lips form a frown, but she nods, "Deal. But I think I'm getting the better end of this."
"You haven't seen me try to memorize dates." Rhiannon jokes. A couple of mats over someone shrieks, causing all our heads to turn in the direction. Jack has another first-year in a headlock. He's much bigger than the other guy, Jack yanks his arms, his hands still secure around the other guys head. "That guy is such an ass-"
A crack sounds, the first year goes limp in Jack's hold. My jaw drops and Violet whispers from beside Rhiannon's other side, "Sweet Malek."
"What did I say?" The other instructor screams at Jack. "You broke his damned neck!"
"How was I supposed to know his neck was that weak?" Jack argues.
"Eyes forward." Emetterio calls from across the mat, my eyes snap back to look in his direction. "You don't have to get used to it, but you do have to function through it. You and you." He points to Rhiannon and Tynan, another first year in our squad.
Tynan has a stocky build with blue-black hair, and angular features. Rhiannon is quick on the mat, throwing punch after punch and dodging any retaliation. "Do you yield?" Rhiannon asks, Tynan is on his back and Rhiannon has a hand above his throat.
"No!" Tynan shouts back. He hooks his legs around Rhiannon's and slams her onto her back. She quickly gets the upper hand once more.
"I don't know, Tynan, you might want to yield," Dain calls out with a grin, "She's handing you your ass."
"Fuck off, Aetos!" Tynan snaps. Rhiannon presses her boot to his throat, he starts turning red.
"He yields," Emetterio calls out. Rhiannon steps back, offering Tynan her hand which he takes. "You and you." Emetterio calls for the next match, Imogen and Violet. This isn't going to end well.
"You've got this," Rhiannon reassures.
I don't say anything until Violet is out of ear shot but the moment she is I whisper to Rhiannon and Sawyer, "Violet's fucked."
Sawyer cracks a grin, "Why do you think that?"
"Imogen is a great fighter. If Violet is as bad as she says she is, there's no way she's winning."
"Sorrengail," Imogen starts, "You really should dye your hair if you don't want everyone to know who your mother is. You're the only silver-haired freak in the quadrant."
"I never said I care if everyone knows who my mother is," Violet replies, "I am proud of her service to protect our kingdom - from enemies without and within." Ouch, wonder if she'd think the same if she knew the truth.
"You bitch," Imogen snarls, "Your mother murdered my family." I always liked Imogen's older sister, she was always more than happy being there for me since I didn't have my own older sister to confide in. The day the Tyrrish rebellion ended and our families died, obviously hurt. But we lost more than our relatives, a lot of us grew really close because our families were fighting next to each other. So the only blood relatives I may have lost were my father and aunt, but I also lost a lot of chosen family as well.
Imogen lunges forward but Violet sidesteps. Violet surprisingly lands a few jabs, but I know she's not winning this. Violet dodges the next attack but doesn't recover quick enough, Imogen's foot hits Violet in the chest, knocking her to the ground.
"You can't use your powers in here, Imogen!" Dain scolds.
Imogen manages to get Violet on her stomach, face smashed against the mat and Imogen's knee at Violet's back. "Yield!" She shouts.
"No!" Violet screams.
"Yield, Violet!" Dain calls from the side of the mat.
"Yield!" Imogen also shouts.
Imogen wrenches Violet's arm behind her, bone snaps. "She yields, that's enough." Emetterio calls, ending the match.
"I'll take her to the healers," Dain says, running forward to help Violet, just as Cianna steps back into the room.
As Dain and Violet leave the room, Emetterio points to Sawyer and Quinn for the next round. Sawyer and Quinn seem to be pretty evenly matched but Sawyer has a size advantage. After a few minutes of fighting, each one getting in punches and kicks. Sawyer has Quinn pinned beneath him, "Yield!" He yells. When the pressure gets too much she yields.
"You and you," Emetterio points to Luca and me.
A smirk pulls at my lips, "I can't wait to beat the shit out of her." I whisper to Rhiannon who cracks a smile.
*_*_*_*_*_*
Xaden
I walk into the sparring gym beside Garrick just in time to see Raya walk onto the mat with another first year in her squad. We move to the other side of the mat to stand by Professor Emetterio just as he tells them to begin.
Without any hesitation, Raya moves quickly punching her opponent directly in the nose. The other girl doesn't have time to react, not expecting Raya to move so fast. I'm not worried about Raya during hand-to-hand matches, I know she can hold her own, even against me. She proved her ability to fight yesterday at parapet and she'll prove it again now.
"Fuck!" The first year clutches her nose, blood gushing from between her fingers, "You broke my nose!"
Raya smirks, shrugging, "You need to get better reflexes, Luca." Right, that's the other girls name. I don't have the patience to learn all these names when half of them will end up dead anyways.
Garrick quietly laughs beside me, "You know... You're sister got kinda hot." My eyes snap to my best friend, glaring. "Don't look at me like that, it's just an observation."
On the mat, the two girls circle each other, Luca throws a couple of punches and kicks, but Raya keeps blocking them. "Never observe my sister again. I'm not against violence even if it's towards you."
Garrick cracks another smile, "Don't worry Xaden, I'd never do anything to or with her, I respect both of you too much." He pauses as we both turn to watch the match once more. Raya tackles Luca to the mat, her arm pinning Luca's neck down, cutting off her air supply. "But don't be surprised if she has her fair share of," Garrick coughs, "Sleepovers."
I roll my eyes, "I don't want to talk or think about my sisters sex life or hopefully lack of sex life. She's her own person who can make her own decisions." Luca is trying to move Raya off of her but Raya has a tight hold on the girl.
After a brief struggle, with Luca not being able to move my sister, Emetterio calls out, "She yields, Riorson." Raya pulls back and stands up, putting her hand out to help Luca up. Luca shoves her hand away clearly pissed she lost. "Cianna, bring Luca to the healers so she can get her nose fixed."
Raya finally looks over to see me and Garrick. She smiles brightly before heading our way. "Hello, boys." She gives me a quick hug before giving Garrick one. I tense slightly, usually it wouldn't bother me that she's hugging him, she's always been more touchy, but after the comment he just made, I hate that she's touching him, even if it is innocent.
"Hey, Smiley. You did good out there." Garrick says, keeping an arm around her shoulders. I glare at him but he doesn't seem to care. Figures, he's never been intimidated by me.
"Thank you. Honestly, I think the matches are going to be the easiest thing for me. I've always loved sparring."
"Yeah, hit first ask questions later is basically your motto." I say, rolling my eyes.
"Please, you act like you're not the same way. Who do you think I learned from?"
Garrick laughs, "I missed you too bickering with each other, makes me want a sibling."
"Our fighting makes you want a sibling?" I ask.
Garrick nods. "You're weird," Raya replies, eyes narrowing, she turns her attention to me. "And why do you keep glaring at him?"
"No reason." My glare lands on Garrick again.
He smirks, unfazed. "He's just being his normal broody self."
Raya rolls her eyes at the answer, "Whatever. Did you tell Sgaeyl I think she's a badass?" Raya questions.
"Yes," I reply, my eyes soften as I look back at my younger sister. "She likes you. Just like I said she would."
Raya's smile lights up her face, "Yay." She cheers, lightly clapping her hands together, "I'm going to head back to my squad." She starts to walk away but calls over her shoulder, "Love you, Xade."
Garrick's smirk grows, "Where's my love you, Smiley?"
Raya laughs, "Love you, Garrick." She turns around to wink at him. Garrick turns to look at me, a smile on his face. I glare once more, punching Garrick on the shoulder.
*_*_*_*_*_*
Raya
Later that night, I sit on my bed cross legged, talking to Rhiannon who has the bed next to mine. Rhiannon sees Violet enter the room and calls out, "You're here!" She jumps up to greet her.
"I'm here," Violet assures. "I'm already down one shirt, but I'm here."
"You can get another at central issue tomorrow." Rhiannon sits at the edge of her bed, I move to sit beside her so I can be more in the conversation. Violet sits at the edge of her own bed, facing us. "How bad is it?"
"It's going to hurt for the next few days, but I'll be fine as long as I keep it immobilized. I'll be all healed up before we start on mat challenges."
"I'm sorry about Imogen," I say quietly, "She's actually really nice, rough around the edges but she's a good person. She just hates your mom like most of the marked ones, and since she can't do anything to her..." I trail off. It's not an excuse but Imogen is my friend so I feel the need to say something.
"I get it. I knew this would happen coming here."
"We'll help you get ready," Rhiannon says. "You two are the only real friends I have in here, so I'd rather you didn't die when it gets real."
"I'll try my best not to." Violet grins. "And I'll help you with history."
"And I'll help when needed too. I don't think anyone should die on the mat. Let the dragon's make their own decisions." I say.
"We'll be unstoppable." Rhiannon says. Violet pulls a book from under her pillow. Rhiannon and I exchange a look while Violet reads, "What is it?"
"It's my brother's" Violet whispers. "The book of Brennan." She stops to read once more, "It's just his journal, he died five years ago." Violet glances at me.
"Oh, that's..." Rhiannon trails off. "We don't always burn everything either. Sometimes it's nice to have something, you know?"
"I don't think I'd be able to burn everything if it was Xaden, so I get it. I wish I still had something of my dad's." I cringe, now's not the time to mention my father, not when we're talking about Violet's brother who she thinks is dead at my father's hands. "Sorry, I know what you think of him, but.."
"He's still your dad." Violet says.
I nod, "Yeah." The conversation ends there, Violet looks back at her brother's journal while I move to sit in my bed once more.