Warning: Smut!
I have a feeling that when you bond, it's going to be to a powerful dragon. If anyone at this gods forsaken college deserves that power it's you.
-Recovered correspondence from Cadet Xaden Riorson to Raya Riorson
I slipped away from the screaming generals a half hour ago, and they still haven't quieted down. I'm leaning against Aether, he may be too small to carry me but he likes being close. When I stepped back in my dragons directions he shuffled close to me until his side was pressed against mine. I couldn't help but smile and scratch under his chin, causing him to say, "See. We're already great together."
"I never doubted you," I nod in the generals direction, "It's them I don't trust."
Now, I stand watching the flight field, scanning to see who bonded which dragons. My dragons have been pretty quiet at the moment, probably letting me get used to the fact I've bonded both of them. They've been quietly chuffing, talking between themselves, Andarna, and Tairn. Violet limps back over, she addresses the four dragons, "You four are causing a ruckus, you know." I stand up straighter as she approaches, making sure to stand closer to Tairn, "They're not going to let us do this."
I turn to look at Nyx, "It's not their decision, Night Orchid." Tairn must answer Violet as well.
A huge black dragon, bigger than Tairn, steps onto the flight field. I tense, "Codagh." I whisper. Codagh is the dragon that killed my father and all the other families of the marked ones. I can't stand him.
Aether nudges me gently, "He can't do anything to you, not here, not right now." I nod, my eyes staying focused on the massive dragon walking towards us. Codagh, Tairn, and Nyx all exchange grumbles. They're talking about me and Violet. "Correct!" Aether cheerfully replies.
"Stay near Violet." Violet? My brows knit together in confusion. "For her not you. I've seen your memories, I know what you're capable of." Nyx says. The dragons empty the field, one after another flying off. Every rider and unbonded cadet are silent as they leave.
When the last dragon flies away, chaos ensues. I move closer to Violet as all the first years pile into the middle of the field, searching for their friends. "Rhi!" Violet calls out, I turn my head, noticing Rhiannon running towards us.
"Violet!" She crashes into her, giving her a tight hug, "Raya!" She turns to me as soon as she lets Violet go, also pulling me in for a hug. "What happened?" She asks, gesturing to Violet's arm.
"Oren's sword," Violet answers.
"Look who rode in on the two baddest motherfuckers around!" Ridoc exclaims, scooping Violet into a hug.
"Put her down!" Rhiannon scolds, "She's bleeding!"
"Oh, sorry." Ridoc replies, placing Violet back on her feet. I shake my head as he scans me, notices I'm uninjured then picks me up in a tight hug. I laugh, hugging him back.
Violet smiles, "Are you guys alright? Who did you bond?"
"The Green Daggertail!" Rhiannon grins, "Feirge. And it was just... easy." She sighs, "I saw her and just knew."
"Huh," I say, "Ours just kinda snuck up on us." I wink at Violet causing her smile to widen.
"Aotrom," Ridoc says, "Brown Swordtail."
"Sliseag!" Sawyer says, slinging his arms around me and Ridoc, "Red Swordtail." We all cheer; we all bonded! Plus we don't have to deal with Tynan anymore, though only Violet and I know that at the moment.
"Trina?" Violet asks.
We watch as each of our friends shake their heads, Sawyer is the one who answers, "I saw her fall from the back of an Orange Clubtail."
"Damn," I mumble. I liked Trina. We weren't close but she was always kind.
"Tynan?" Ridoc asks.
Violet and I exchange a look, "I killed him." I say. Everyone turns to me, but I don't elaborate.
"In her defense," Violet speaks up, "He came after her first and he was trying to-"
She's cut off as Dain approaches, "He tried to what?" Dain pulls Violet into a tight hug. "Damn it, Violet. Just... damn." He pushes her an arms length away, "You're hurt."
"I'm fine," Violet reassures him, "But we're all that's left of our squad's first years."
Dain's eyes glance over the group, stopping for a second on me, "Five out of ten. That's... to be expected. The dragons are currently having a meeting of the Empyrean - their leadership. Stay here until I return," He says to us, then turns to Violet, "You come with me."
I narrow my eyes, watching as they go. Nyx told me to stay with Violet, but I can't exactly tell our squad leader I'm coming with them. Plus he's her best friend, he won't do anything to hurt her. I turn to the rest of my group, "I need to find Liam."
"Dain said to wait here." Sawyer says.
"Since when do I listen to Dain? I'll be back soon." I turn away from my squad, searching the crowd. As I walk through, I keep a hand on one of my daggers, just in case I need it. Blue eyes meet mine, "Liam!" I run forward, throwing my arms around his shoulders. He hugs me back just as tightly.
"I can't believe you bonded the white dragon." He says. He pulls away, looking me over.
"Nyx and I'm okay, are you?" He has a small scratch on his chin, I reach a hand up, running my thumb over it.
"I'm fine." He smiles brightly.
"Who did you bond?"
"Deigh, a Red Daggertail." Liam's hands squeeze my waist, "I knew we'd bond."
I smile, "I was trying not to get my hopes up."
He rolls his eyes, "You're one of the best cadets in our year, and you ended up with one of the strongest dragons. It's fitting."
"Deigh is supposed to be strong, isn't he?" I ask, thinking back on Kaori's lessons.
Liam nods, "He is." He looks at something over my shoulder, "That's not going to be good."
I turn, watching as Xaden and Dain talk, Violet standing beside Dain. I snort, "It's not like they can do anything here. I should get back to my squad though," I turn to give Liam one last hug, "I'll see you later."
"Yeah, be safe." I start to move back towards my squad but catch Garrick's eye instead. I smile, running up towards him.
He wraps me in a tight hug, briefly lifting me off the ground. "Who'd you bond? I just got here."
"Well, I actually bonded two dragons." I respond.
Garrick's eyes widen, "Did you say two?"
I nod, "Violet and I both bonded two dragons. It's why the Empyrean is meeting. She bonded Tairn and the little gold feathertail, Andarna."
"She bonded Tairn? Like huge black morningstartail, Tairn?"
"That's the one." I confirm, Garrick whips his head around, he stops when he sees Xaden with Violet.
Garrick snorts, "Oh, Xaden must be feeling great."
I watch Xaden interact with Violet and Dain, "Why do you say that?"
Garrick turns back to me, a smile on his face, "Sgaeyl and Tairn are mated. He and Sorrengail are going to be bonded for life."
I smile, "Glad I'm not the only one who's noticed the tension between them. Also didn't know Sgaeyl had a mate. I still don't know who my dragon is mated with."
"Your dragon has a mate?"
I nod, "Yeah, she didn't tell me who, said she would later."
"You didn't even tell me who your dragons are yet, maybe I'll know who the mate is."
"I bonded the other feathertail, the silver one. His name is Aether. And my other dragon is Nyx, the white one."
"The white dragon?" Garrick asks, brows raised. I nod, "Shit." He says. He quickly looks back towards Xaden then turns back to me, "Chradh is Nyx's mate."
My eyes widen, "What?"
Garrick nods, "Our dragons are mates. No one knows except for us. Nyx has always been private and they only mated the year before I came here."
"So when you said Chradh was talking about me to the other dragons..." I trail off surprised that Nyx didn't tell me who her mate was considering she knows I'm friends with Garrick.
"He was talking about you to the unbonded dragons, the ones that were already planning on bonding this year, but he was also trying to convince Nyx to bond you. The last he told me, she still wasn't going to bond. I didn't know she ended up choosing you."
"Well, there are worst people to be bonded to for life." I nudge Garrick's shoulder. He cracks a smile, dimple popping. Garrick and I have always been good friends because of Xaden. I trust him with my life, so I'm definitely alright with our dragons being bonded.
He catches my eye, "You need to be careful, the unbonded are going to try and come after you when your bond with Nyx is at its weakest. I don't want anything happening to you."
Garrick's serious, he's almost never serious. "I will be." I nod.
He sighs, "We should tell Xaden about our dragons, it's going to come out now that you've bonded Nyx and he should hear it from us." I nod in agreement, we both start walking towards Xaden, who is now alone with Violet. Xaden catches Garrick's eye, shaking his head. "Never mind. I'll walk you back to your squad, I'll tell Xaden when he's done." He places a hand on my lower back, guiding me back towards the squad.
Dain's eyes meet mine, "I told you to stay together."
I roll my eyes, "I was with the section leader," I gesture towards Garrick on my right, "No need to get your panties in a twist." Dain's jaw clenches but he doesn't reply. Garrick nods at me, smirking, before walking off towards Chradh. I feel a gust of air as Aether and Nyx land behind me. Dain walks off as well, the rest of the squad spreading out to be closer to their dragons.
"Is everything okay?" I ask.
"Everything is fine," Nyx confirms in her silky voice. I nod, turning to look at the dais where General Melgren steps up.
A hush falls over the crowd as General Melgren uses lesser magic to amplify his voice. "Codagh has relayed that the dragons have spoken regarding the Sorrengail and Riorson girls." I roll my eyes, Gods I really can't stand this man.
"While tradition has shown us that there is one rider for every dragon, there has never been a case of two dragons selecting the same rider, and therefore there is no dragon law against it," He states, "While we riders may not feel as though this is...equitable-" The way he says this implies he's one of them, no surprise there, "dragons make their own laws. Both Tairn and..." He looks over his shoulder and his aide rushes over, whispering in his ear. "Andarna have chosen Violet Sorrengail, and so their choice stands."
"Same goes for Nyx and..." Another brief pause as his aide whispers in his ear, "Aether, who have both chosen to bond Raya Riorson." His voice comes out strained when saying my name, good. Let him be scared of me and the fact that two dragons chose me.
General Melgren steps back as the crowd around me murmurs, General Sorrengail takes his place. "Welcome to a family that knows no boundaries, no limits, and no end." Cheers resound through the field, I smile at the sound. "Riders, step forward."
"About five steps." Nyx says.
I take the five steps forward and wait, "Dragons, it is our honor as always," General Sorrengail calls out, "Now we celebrate!"
Heat blasts me and I feel pain on my sternum and right shoulder causing me to gasp. It's the same pain that happened when my relic from the war appeared. The pain stops just as quickly as it came, "You'll like them, Night Orchid."
I smile, knowing I just got my relics that will allow me to channel from my dragons. "I can't wait to see them."
*_*_*_*_*
Xaden
I leave dinner early, heading towards Raya's assigned room. She's still at dinner but I want to ward it for her. Just as I finish warding the door, it opens. Raya's eyes meeting mine, "Xade? What are you doing in here?" She asks, stepping inside and closing the door behind her.
"Garrick told me about your dragons." I reply, sitting on her bed.
She nods, "He also told me about Sgaeyl and Tairn." There's a small smirk on her face, "How do you feel about that?"
My eyes narrow, "I'm more concerned about you and Garrick being bonded for life."
Raya rolls her eyes, "Garrick and I can handle ourselves."
"That's what I'm worried about."
She lightly laughs, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"People already think you and Garrick are fucking plus he said you were hot which-"
Raya interrupts me, "Wait, wait, wait! Luca was the only one who actually said she thought Garrick and I were fucking and if anyone else thinks so we can't do much to change that. And when did Garrick say I was hot?"
I blink. Fuck, I shouldn't have said that.
Sgaeyl chortles, "Too late, best be honest with her."
"It doesn't matter when he said it. The point is, I don't like the idea of the two of you needing to be around each other for the rest of your lives."
Raya rolls her eyes, "Would you rather it be Aetos?"
"I'd rather you're dragon not be mated."
"By all means, take that up with Nyx."
"I suggest you keep that opinion to yourself unless you want to be scorched." Sgaeyl replies.
"Yeah, no shit." I roll my eyes, "I just don't want anything to happen to you."
"You trust Garrick with your life. Why don't you trust him with mine?" Raya asks.
I sigh, "I do. Of course I do. I just-"
Raya interrupts once more, "You can't protect me forever, Xade. Especially with things that are out of everyone's control. Garrick is your best friend. Someone we both grew up with. There are far worse people that I could be bonded with."
"Yeah, you're right. It just sucks having to rely on someone else to watch out for you, even if that person is my best friend. And now I have Sorrengail to worry about..."
Raya laughs, "Don't act like you're not happy to have an excuse to be around her more."
My eyes narrow, "What the fuck does that mean?"
Raya rolls her eyes, "You're good at hiding your feelings to others but I'm your sister. I know you, and I know you're interested in Violet." She holds her hands up, "No shame in that, Violet's hot. I get it. I think you'd be good together."
My jaw clenches, "I'm not interested in her. But now my life is tied to her. Just like Garrick's is to you."
"Raya is very observant. And you, my rider, are in denial." Sgaeyl says.
"Sure, whatever you say." Raya replies, a smirk on her face. Before I can reply, someone knocks on Raya's door.
Raya turns to answer it, Sawyer is on the other side, "Sorry, am I interrupting?" He asks, noticing me. "I can come back later."
"No," I stand up, "I was just leaving." I step past Raya, entering the hallway, I turn back to look at her, "You'll need to pull him through. I warded your door so only we can enter."
She nods, watching as I leave her. "I know you're worried about her, but your sister can handle herself. She's strong, if your memories are anything to go by." Sgaeyl reassures.
"I know. But she's still my sister, so I'm still going to worry."
*_*_*_*_*
Raya
I watch as Xaden leaves, then turn to look at Sawyer once Xaden is further down the hall. "What did you need?" I ask, smiling at him.
Sawyer lifts a hand, rubbing the back of his neck, "I was thinking we could celebrate, if you're up for it."
My smile widens, "Well, I won't say no to that." I grab his hand, pulling him through my door, then close it once he's inside.
I kiss Sawyer gently as his arms wrap around my waist, "Where's your relics?" He asks against my lips.
I pull back slightly, "Shoulder and sternum, I haven't gotten the chance to look at them yet."
He smirks, "Then let's look." He pulls my tunic over my head, tossing it to the floor. There's a small silver dragon on my right shoulder, one of its wings wrap around my back and the other goes over my collarbone, almost like Aether is giving me a hug. "Its beautiful."
I nod, "Yeah, it is." I look down, my bra is obstructing the view of the relic of Nyx. I reach down pulling it off then step in front of the mirror by my armoire. This relic is bigger then the one of Aether. Nyx's head is between my breasts, her wings are out like she's flying. They wrap around my ribs, underneath my boobs. Her tail curls towards my right hip. "Wow."
"I told you you would like them, Night Orchid." Nyx says through our bond.
"I never doubted you."
Sawyer is looking at me through the mirror, "I never thought you could get more beautiful."
I roll my eyes but my smile stretches across my face, "Where's your relic?" He pulls his shirt over his head then turns around, there's a red dragon covering the upper half of his back. I reach a hand up, gently tracing over the relic, "It's beautiful."
There's a moment of quiet before Sawyer replies, "Sliseag agrees." He turns back around to face me, my fingers falling back to my side.
Sawyer and I look in each others eyes, his arms wrapping around me once more. "Just kiss him already." Nyx says. I smirk at her words but do as she says. Our lips move in sync as I gently push him backwards towards my bed.
His knees hit my bed, causing him to sit. I straddle his hips, lips still locked on his. Sawyer flips me around so I'm laying on my back, legs on either side of him. He pulls his lips away from me, gently kissing my jaw and neck. He trails a line of kisses to my chest sucking my right nipple into his mouth. His hand reaches up to knead at my left breast.
One of my hands cradle the back of his head, lightly tugging at his hair. There's a wet popping noise as he pulls off my nipple, moving to the other side. "Sawyer," I whine, wiggling underneath him.
"Relax, beautiful. I got you." Sawyer whispers, kissing further down my body. He reaches my pants, tugging them down my legs along with my underwear. His fingers gently rub at my hips and thighs before he settles between my legs.
I look down, my onyx eyes meeting his brown ones. He smirks at me before he licks a thick strip up my pussy. I gasp, watching as he attaches his lips to my clit. One of his fingers prod at my entrance, slowly pushing into my cunt. He sucks harshly as his finger moves. "More." I gasp.
Sawyer complies, adding another finger. His fingers touch the spongy sensitive spot at my core making me throw my head back, "Gonna cum." I mumble.
I feel him smirk against me, "Cum, beautiful." His words push me over the edge. Sawyer helps me ride out my high before moving back up my body to attach his lips to me. I taste myself on his lips. My hands reach for his pants, tugging them off to release him. "You ready?" He asks. I nod, eager for more.
He grips the base of his cock, lining himself up with my entrance. He slowly pushes in, gasping against my neck at the feeling. "Gods..." I trail off.
"Don't think I can ever get enough of you." He whispers, he licks and sucks at my neck as I adjust to his size.
"Move, please." I gasp, my hips buck up, causing Sawyer to moan. He starts a slow steady pace. My nails scrape at his back as he leaves sloppy kisses over my chest and neck. "Faster."
Sawyer moves quicker and harder, one of his hands trace my body before finding my clit. He rubs the swollen bud in harsh circles, making me come closer to my orgasm. "Come on, beautiful. Let go." My pussy clenches around Sawyer's cock as I cum. A few seconds later Sawyer cums as well. I run my fingers through his hair as we take a moment to catch our breath. He pulls out, laying beside me.
"I would usually be up for another round or two, but I'm exhausted after today." I say, looking at Sawyer.
He chuckles, "That's alright. I am too. We'll just have to continue celebrating before breakfast."
*_*_*_*_*
Early the next morning Sawyer and I did in fact go for another couple of rounds before he slipped out my room, heading back to his own. A few minutes later I stepped out my door, about to go for my morning run. "Did I see Sawyer leave your room?" Dain asks, he's leaning against the wall opposite my door.
"Maybe." I smile at him, "Now are you going to ask about my sex life or are we going to run?"
Dain's jaw clenches, but he doesn't reply. Instead he turns, starting to walk down the hall towards our normal running path. Dain is suspiciously quiet throughout the run, that is until we come towards the end, heading back towards the college. "So... two dragons? How are you feeling?"
I shrug, "Good. Nyx and Aether chose me for a reason. I have faith in them."
"As you should, Night Orchid." Nyx replies.
"We'll never lead you wrong." Aether adds on.
"I know you guys won't. I trust you." I say back. "Violet also bonded two dragons. So I'm not alone in this."
"I know. For her sake, I wish they only allowed one to bond. She could had chosen Andarna." Dain says.
My eyes narrow, "Violet is capable of more than you give her credit for. Tairn wouldn't have chosen her if he thought she was weak."
Dain doesn't reply as we make it back towards the barracks. Breakfast is still going on, so I quickly separate from the squad leader, making my way towards the dining hall. As I approach my squad with my breakfast I hear a first year from first wing say, "Hey Sorrengail." She walks past the table, seeing me then tightly smiles, "Hi Riorson."
I narrow my eyes, nodding in acknowledgment. "She hasn't spoken a word to me since I took one of her daggers in that challenge." Violet says as I sit next to Ridoc.
"It's because you bonded Tairn." Imogen says, blowing her pink hair out of her face and sitting on my other side, across from Violet. "The morning after Threshing is always a clusterfuck. Power balance shifts, and you, little Sorrengail, are now about to be the most powerful rider in the quadrant. Anyone with common sense is going to be scared of you."
I smile at Imogen as she bumps her shoulder on mine. "Which is why you're now sitting with us?" Rhiannon asks, arching an eyebrow. "Because I can count on one hand the number of nice things you've said to any of us, minus Raya of course." She holds up a closed fist.
Quinn joins the group, sitting on Imogen's other side. She brushes her bangs out of her eyes, and smiles at Gen's whispered words. Then Imogen replies to Rhiannon, "You weren't interesting enough to sit with before."
"I'm offended." I mumble, biting into a sausage. Gen smirks at me.
"I usually sit with my girlfriend in Claw Section. Besides, no use getting to know you when most of you die," Quinn adds, she tucks her blonde curls behind her ear again, "No offense."
I snort as Violet replies, "None taken?"
Heaton and Emery, the two third years in the squad, join our table. "I thought Seifert would make it." Heaton says. "Other than losing to Sorrengail, he nailed every challenge."
"He tried to kill Andarna and Aether." Violet says, biting into her apple. "I don't know how he died though, we left him alive."
I shrug, "Maybe another cadet came across him, or he woke up and he tried to approach the wrong dragon."
I hear Nyx chortle, "Lying ti your friend, Night Orchid?"
"She doesn't need to know everything." I argue.
"Barlowe bonded though?" Ridoc questions, "Though from what I hear, his Orange Scorpiantail is on the smaller side."
"She is," Quinn confirms, "Which is why he's struggling this morning."
We turn our heads to see Jack being pushed to the side by other first years, "Don't worry - I'm sure he'll make up for his lack of social standing in other ways," Rhi mutters, eyeing Violet's tray, "You have to have some protein, Vi. You can't survive on fruit."
"It's the only food I can be sure isn't tampered with," Violet replies.
"Oh for fuck's sake," Imogen scrapes three pieces of sausage off her plate and onto Violet's, "She's right. You're going to need all your strength to ride, especially a dragon as big as Tairn."
I nod in agreement, "Mm, exactly. Diet is important when you're flying."
Imogen and Violet stare at each other for a moment, Violet finally looks down at her tray, breaking off a piece of the sausage and eating it. "What's your signet?" Rhi asks Emery.
Air rushes down the center of the table, rattling the glasses. Air manipulation, same as Garrick. "That's epic." Ridoc says, "How much air can you move?"
"None of your business." Emery replies.
"Sorrengail," Imogen calls, grabbing my attention, "After classes let out today, you're mine."
Violet swallows her food, "I'm sorry?"
"Meet me in the sparring gym."
"I'm already working with her on sparring-" Rhiannon starts.
"Good. We can't afford her to lose any challenges," Imogen cuts her off, "But I'm going to help you with weights. We need to strengthen the muscles around your joints before challenges resume. That's the only way you'll survive."
"And since when do you care about my survival?" Violet asks, eyes narrowed. I bite my lip, all the marked ones are worried about her connection with Xaden. If Violet dies, there's a good chance he will too. I know Violet is stronger than a lot of people give her credit for, but she's definitely not indestructible. Far from it.
"Since now," Gen replies. "Squads are about to be condensed at morning formation. We'll be down to two in every section, " She continues, "Aetos kept the highest number of his first years alive - hence the patch - so he'll be allowed to retain his squad, but we'll probably gain a few when they strip the other squads from those who weren't as successful."
*_*_*_*_*
A few hours later, death roll has been read and our squads rearranged. The bonded first years stand on the flight field in our newly issued flight leathers. We each stand in front of our dragons, Nyx stands directly behind me, the other dragons and cadets give a wide berth around her. Aether stands to Nyx's right, under her wing.
I look towards Violet who stands under Tairn, everyone gives them a wide berth as well. "Andarna isn't here?" I ask.
"No need for her to be here when she can't carry Violet." Nyx replies.
I turn to look at Aether, "But Aether is here?"
"I insisted. I like being close to you." Aether answers.
"Stubborn child." Nyx mutters.
I giggle, "I like being close to you too, Aether."
I turn my attention back towards Kaori, "... And at only ninety-two riders, you are our smallest class to date." He pauses, "There are forty-one unbonded riders who would kill to be standing where you are," Kaori continues, "And your dragons know that your bond is at its weakest point right now, so if you fall, if you fail, there's a good chance your dragon might let you if it thinks the unbonded will be a better choice."
I roll my eyes, if one of the other cadets is a better choice, why not choose them first? "Some dragons don't make smart decisions, Night Orchid." Nyx says to me.
"Now we're going to mount, then follow a series of specific maneuvers your dragons already know. Your orders are simple today. Stay in your seat," Kaori finishes. He turns sprinting towards his dragon, climbing it's foreleg to mount.
I smile, turning to sprint up Nyx's leg. Once we're all seated, Kaori's dragon launches into the air. Tairn is off first, following closely behind is Nyx. Aether doesn't launch but instead stays on the ground, watching the class. "Aether isn't going to follow?"
"He won't be able to keep up. It's better for him to stay on the ground." Nyx replies.
"I'm fine down here, Raya. I know my abilities. I just wanted to see you." Aether says. Gods he's the cutest. Nyx huffs. Kaori and his dragon banks right, we follow him into a steep dive. My legs tighten around Nyx, keeping me seated.
A few seconds pass before I see Violet fall off of Tairn. I suck in a breath, "She'll be fine." Nyx says as Tairn flies after her, catching her between his front claws. He tosses her up into the air, catching her on her back.
"She was doing fine?" I ask, confused.
"Tairn was holding her, like this." Nyx uses magic to hold me in place before releasing me again. "Her mind is strong, but physically she isn't capable of holding on."
"Makes sense, though I wish I didn't have to see it."
"No worries. We're in front now, Night Orchid." Violet falling made Tairn and her lose their place, making Nyx fill the gap, flying directly behind Kaori and his dragon.
*_*_*_*_*
Later that night, I meet with Liam. We're in his room, I'm curled up in his bed with a book while he sits at his desk carving a piece of wood. "Where's your relics?" He asks. I sit up, placing my book to the side, then pulling my shirt over my head to show him.
His eyes widen slightly as he watches. "Pretty right?" I ask. The relic of Nyx is slightly hidden behind my bra but he can still see most of it.
"Very." Liam mutters, eyeing me. His gaze snaps to the one of Aether. Trying not too look at me inappropriately.
I smile at his actions, "Ever the gentleman."
Nyx snorts, "I believe there's a saying, 'you have him wrapped around your finger.'"
"Don't I know it." I pull my shirt back over my head, "Where's yours?" I ask. Liam pulls his shirt off, his relic is on his right shoulder blade, one of the wings wrapping around his arm, and the daggertail curving down Liam's side. I tilt my head getting a better look, "It looks awesome."
Liam smiles, "Yeah, pretty badass if I say so myself."
"Oh, absolutely." I smirk. He pulls his shirt back over his head, then picks up the block of wood and his knife once more. "What are you working on this time?"
"Deigh." Liam replies, he pauses briefly, "I want to do Nyx and Aether as well."
"I'd love that!" My smile widens. I turn back to my book, it's a mystery, my favorite genre. I always like trying to guess what's going to happen. There's a sudden rush of energy. I shake my head, trying to get the feeling to stop. After a quick moment it goes away but there's a tingling feeling left behind.
Liam eyes me in concern, noticing my odd behavior, "Did you just start channeling?" I ask Nyx.
"I did, Night Orchid." Nyx replies.
My eyes widen, "This soon?"
"You can handle it. I wouldn't have started channeling if I had any doubts."
"Well I do trust you." I mumble aloud, Liam's brows knit in confusion, "Nyx just started channeling to me." I answer his unasked question.
He nods in understanding, "Seems like she has a lot of faith in you."
"She does. And I put the same amount of faith in her."
He takes a second, working on his carving of Deigh before replying, "I heard Nyx and Chradh are mates."
I nod, "They are. Don't be weird about it. I already had to have a conversation with Xaden."
Liam laughs, "I'm not going to be weird, just curious how you feel."
I shrug, "Like I told Xaden and Garrick, there are far worse people I could be bonded for life too. I trust Garrick with me life. That's good enough for me."
"True. You could be bonded with literally any of the first years or older cadets that hate marked ones."
"And wouldn't that have been lovely." I say sarcastically.
"Just the best." Liam replies, a smirk on his face.
*_*_*_*_*
The next day at lunch, we sit as a squad once more, with the exception of the new cadets added to the squad who sit a table away. Violet joins us a little later, her new archives duty taking up her time. "It was the coolest thing ever!" Ridoc exclaims, continuing the story, "One second he was sparring against that third year with the wicked broadsword skills, and then Sawyer-"
Rhiannon interrupts, "You could let him tell the story."
"No thank you," Sawyer replies, shaking his head. He stares at his fork in fear.
Ridoc grins, continuing where he left off, "And then the sword just twists in Sawyer's hand, curving toward the third year even though Sawyer was way off the mark," He grimaces in Sawyer's direction, "Sorry, man, but you were. If the sword hadn't decided to warp and go straight for that guys arm-"
"You're a metallurgist-" Quinn says, stopping Ridoc from his rambles. "Really?"
Sawyer nods, "That's what Carr says. Aetos dragged me straight to the professor when he saw it happen."
"I'm so jealous!" Ridoc grabs his chest, "I want my signet power to manifest!"
"You wouldn't be so excited if it meant you weren't sure if your fork would stab into the roof of your mouth because you can't control it yet." Sawyer says, shoving his tray away from him.
"Good point." Ridoc replies, looking down at his own tray.
"You'll manifest when your dragon is ready to trust you with all that power," Quinn says, then finishes off her water, "Just hope your dragons trust you before about six months and-" She makes an explosion sound and mimics it with her hands.
I narrow my eyes, as Imogen scolds her best friend, "Stop scaring the children. That hasn't happened in..." She pauses thinking, "decades." We all stare at her, she rolls her eyes, "Look, the relic your dragons transferred onto you at Threshing is the conduit to let all that magic into your body. If you don't manifest a signet and let it out, then after a bunch of months, bad things happen."
"What a way to go." I mumble, taking a sip of my water.
"The magic consumes you," Quinn says, making the explosion sound again.
"Relax," Gen says, "It's not like a hard deadline or something. It's just an average."
"Fuck me," Ridoc shakes his head, "It's always something around here."
"Feeling a little luckier now," Sawyer states, staring at his fork.
"We'll get you some wooden utensils," Violet says, "And you should probably avoid the armory of sparring with... anything."
Sawyer scoffs, "That's the truth. At least I'll be safe during flight this afternoon."
Rhiannon sighs, "I like it better when we have it in the morning. It's way worse after we've eaten breakfast and lunch."
"Agreed." Violet says between mouthfuls.
I shrug, "I don't mind either way. Flying is thrilling."
"Again, you're not human." Rhi says, a small smirk on her face.
"Finish the turkey." Imogen orders, "I'll see you tonight." She and Quinn stand up, clearing their trays.
"Is she any nicer when she's training you?" Rhiannon asks, she turns to look at me, "You don't get an opinion, she's always nice to you."
I laugh, then turn to Violet who answers, "No, but she is efficient." She finishes the turkey, then we begin to clear out the room with everyone else. "What's Professor Carr like?" She asks Sawyer and me.
"Fucking terrifying." Sawyer answers. "I can't wait for the entire year to start wielding lessons so everyone can enjoy his particular brand of instruction."
"He's kind of an asshole. Definitely my least favorite professor." I add.
We walk into the courtyard, the November air chilly. "I knew it would work!" Jack exclaims, he drags a girl from his squad under his arm.
"Isn't that Caroline Ashton?" Rhiannon asks.
"Yeah." Ridoc tenses. "She bonded Gleann this morning."
"His rider died on our first flight lesson." Violet replies.
"So I guess the unbonded still have that shot they're looking for." Rhiannon mutters.
"Yeah," Sawyer nods, "They do."
*_*_*_*_*
After flight lessons, we head back up to the academic building. We move slowly, waiting for Violet to catch up after her talk with Dain. Xaden and Garrick are leaned up against the wall, "Be right back." I say to the squad, then without waiting for a reply I move towards my brother and his best friend. "Boys," I greet, smiling brightly.
"Hi, Smiley." Garrick says pulling me in for a hug.
Xaden glares, pulling me away from Garrick, "Hey," He replies, pulling me into his side. Garrick chuckles, holding his hands out in surrender. I shake my head then see Xaden raise an eyebrow, I turn noticing he's looking at Violet who is currently flipping him off.
I laugh, though it's cut off short as a first year screams in pain, "Make it stop!" He's holding his head, "For gods sake, make it stop!"
Xaden steps forward, placing himself in front of me and moving towards Violet's side. Garrick stays beside me, a hand on my wrist. "Jeremiah!" Someone from his squad calls out.
"You!" Jeremiah spins, pointing at a third year, "You think I've lost it." He tilts his head, "How does he know? He shouldn't know!" His tone shifts, like he's speaking someone else's words.
"Oh gods." I mumble. He's an inntinnsic.
"And you!" He spins again, pointing at a second year, "What the hell is wrong with him? Why is he screaming?" He turns again, focusing on Dain, "Is Violet going to hate me forever? Why can't she see that I just want to her alive? How is he...? He's reading my thoughts!"
If this was any other situation I would had laughed at Dain's thoughts. Ridoc stumbles backwards from Violet's other side. "Make it stop!" Jeremiah calls out again, he draws his sword. "Can't any of you see? The thoughts won't stop!"
"Do something," I hear Violet beg Xaden.
"Start mentally reciting whatever bookish shit you've learned." Xaden orders her.
My mind goes blank, I know bookish shit as well but not like Violet, I can't just pull that shit out of my ass when I'm panicking. But singing always calmed me down. So instead of thinking of academics, I think of songs.
I hum to myself, "Long live the reckless and the brave I... don't think I wanna be saved my... song has not been sung... so long live us."
Jeremiah turns towards Garrick, cutting off my thoughts, "And you! Damn it all to hell. He'll know about-" The shadows around Jeremiah's feet curl over his body, stopping on his mouth and preventing him from saying more.
Professor Carr pushes his way through the growing crowd and someone calls out, "He's an inntinnsic!"
Carr grabs Jeremiah's head with both hands and twists, breaking his neck. He bends down scooping up Jeremiah's body and turns out of the courtyard. Xaden and Garrick walk away, nodding at me before they go. "Maybe I don't want a signet power after all," Ridoc murmurs.
"That death is merciful compared to what will happen if you don't manifest one." Dain says.
"And that," Sawyer says, "Is Professor Carr."
*_*_*_*_*
I'm in a dreamless sleep, that is until I start hearing a voice. "Wake up!" It calls, loud in my head. "Wake up!" What is Aether doing? It can't be time to get up yet.
"Now, Night Orchid! Wake up!" Nyx adds.
Then together they both yell, "WAKE UP!"
I jolt awake, springing out of my bed, "What's wrong?" I question, looking around my room for a threat.
"It's Violet, she's under attack! Go to her!" Nyx instructs.
I'm in a night dress but when I hear Violet is in danger that thought leaves my mind. I grab a dagger and a sword and rush to Violet's room, two doors down. I burst through her door, there are six unbonded cadets in the room.
"Attacking a cadet in their sleep is against the codex!" I scold, lunging for the cadet closest to me. I kick her away, she lands on Violet's bed. I block a strike from another first year as Violet fights against the others.
The first girl I attacked is back up, I aim my sword for her throat, she's too slow to block the strike. She crumples to the ground, reaching for her neck. I take a brief glance at Violet to see she's pinned under one of the cadet's arms. I aim my dagger...