Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 235897 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1179(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 786(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 235897 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1179(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 786(@300wpm)
“I didn’t—” she starts, and I squeeze her arm with mine. “He did it himself, but we’re proud of him. Thank you, section leader.”
Bodhi nods with a smile that looks so close to Xaden’s my whole rib cage draws tight. Neither Bodhi nor Dain had a chance to take the rune course because of their duty schedules and our failed mission, so we get them both on our rotation.
“Look at him!” Ridoc races our way and smooshes us in a hug. “All is right with the world!” His arms slacken and he draws back, his gaze soaked in apology. “I mean, other than what’s going on with Riorson.”
“I know what you meant.” I shift my pack and force a smile. “And hopefully, I’ll see him there.”
Hope stows away like a little windproof passenger as we launch for Aretia, and somehow lives through the night when we make camp just inside the Tyrrish border. Have to admit, it’s freeing to fly without worry that we’re about to be spotted by a wyvern patrol or found by Theophanie. Only once we’re sure the gryphons can still handle the altitude after being gone for months do we start the final leg of the trip, entering the lone protection of the Aretian wards.
Landing in the valley above Aretia that evening feels like coming home, but Xaden isn’t here. Or Sgaeyl isn’t, which means the same thing.
“This sucks,” I tell Tairn with a heavy sigh.
He growls in agreement.
Andarna snaps at Kaori when he walks a little too close over Panchek’s blustering protest, then takes off after a herd of sheep as I dismount from Tairn.
“I’m sorry,” the professor says, knitting his dark, slashing brows. “I didn’t mean—”
“You did,” I interrupt. “And I sympathize with why you’ve come, but she’s not going to let you study her. Not even here.”
“I understand.” Kaori nods, then looks around the high hanging valley with its lush green foliage and snow-tipped peaks. “Selfishly, I also wanted to see how this Empyrean functions. I suspect it’s why Panchek has tagged along as well.”
A smile tugs at my mouth. “Good luck asking them.”
“You ready?” Rhiannon asks as she approaches with footsteps that border on bouncing.
“Yeah.” I flat-out grin at my friend’s happiness. “Let’s get down there so you can see your family.”
“I’d prefer we hold formation—” Dain starts as he comes up on my right.
Rhiannon and I both level a look on him.
“—tomorrow morning,” he quickly corrects course. “Family first, and all.”
“Family first,” Rhiannon agrees with a quick smile, and he passes by, heading toward the rocky path down to the house. “I get that he has to come for rune training, too, but why our squad?” Rhi whispers.
“Same reason I’m here.” Bodhi pops up on our left and lifts his face to the sun like he’s greeting an old friend. “This is the best squad.”
“I forgot how fucking hot this place is,” Ridoc says, unbuttoning his flight jacket.
“It’s a hatching ground,” Rhiannon reminds him with a wide grin. “I bet it’s almost the same temperature as the Vale with how many dragons are here now.”
“We beat the storm, but I bet it lowers the temperature tomorrow.” I flick the buttons open on my jacket, well aware I’ll be freezing the second we cross the magical barrier that defines this territory as the hatching grounds.
Sure enough, it’s glacial by the time we make it down to Riorson House.
Gods, just the sight of it makes me miss him.
The squad files past the guards and through the front doors, into the massive entryway that looks up five full stories set into the mountain like giant steps. It’s quiet for this time of day. Or maybe it just seems empty because the halls are no longer bustling with cadets.
Kaori turns around with a stunned look of disbelief.
Felix pats him on the back, then says something to Rhiannon before leading Kaori away.
“Eyes on me!” Rhiannon’s voice echoes, earning everyone’s attention. “Find your bunks as previously assigned. The night is yours to do what you want, but formation is at seven tomorrow, so I’d think twice about finding a tavern.”
We break and climb the first flight of stairs.
“Let’s get out of here as quickly as possible,” Rhi tells Maren just ahead of me.
“I can’t wait to see my brothers.” Maren claps excitedly, light catching on the long silver scar on the back of her hand. Pretty sure there’s not a single one of us who has come through the last few years unmarked in some way. “Cat, are you coming?”
“I wouldn’t mind seeing the little terrors,” she says with a nod as we reach the landing.
“Vi?” Rhi asks over her shoulder.
“Sure,” I answer with a quick nod. “I love your family.”
“Sawyer and I are going, too.” Ridoc heads up to the third floor.
“All right,” Rhi calls up the stairs as she climbs. “Whoever wants to go to my house, we meet in the foyer in forty minutes, which should give you a chance to bathe and change. My mother will boot you out of her house if you walk in smelling like sulfur, and I’m not even kidding.”