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)
“Easy to say when you’re not facing Sorrengail,” Caroline Ashton calls out.
Fair point. I have no business wielding on a challenge mat.
“We aren’t going to throw you to the wolves,” Devera tells her. “The third class you’ll be adding will be a hands-on approach to prepare you for signet-against-signet combat. You’ll have a rotating roster of professors to benefit from all signet types, and the Eastern Wing has temporarily loaned us their most powerful rider to start your instruction.”
My throat tightens, and my heart starts to pound.
“And on that note.” Devera gestures to the door at the back of the room, and I turn so fast my vision swims. “Look who just arrived.”
Xaden stands next to Professor Kaori in the doorway, casually leaning against the frame with his arms crossed, with a tiny, yet undeniable tilt to his mouth as our eyes lock.
I smile instantly. Thank you, gods, he found a way to stay within the wards by teaching—
Teaching.
Oh shit. Article Eight, Section One of the Basgiath Code of Conduct.
My face falls, and Xaden tilts his head as shadows brush against my shields.
“What’s wrong?” he asks when I let him in.
“Everyone, welcome our newest member of your leadership team. Professor Riorson,” Devera announces.
My ribs strain, as if they can hold my heart together if they just squeeze tight enough. “I think our relationship just ended.”
Though fliers only wield lesser magics, in my vast experience with the Northern Wing, they are formidable opponents in both mindwork and hand-to-hand. Take heed, younger riders: do not unseat against them unless forced to do so.
—Tactics part II, A Personal Memoir by Lieutenant Lyron Panchek
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“Absolutely not,” Xaden responds before Kaori leads him away, but there’s a slight roaring in my ears as Devera goes over the changes to our academic schedule and how we’ll be paired for Xaden’s new class, which she labels Signet Sparring.
We’re dismissed a few minutes later.
I’m fine. This is fine. I’ll think about it later. For now I stay focused on the goal directly in front of me, who happens to be halfway down the hall by the time I file out of Battle Brief with the rest of my squad.
“You don’t look happy,” Rhi notices, shooting me a sideways glance. “Why? You two will get to see each other all the time now.”
“Sure.” My nod is a little forced. “Every time we have class.” I bounce up on my toes, but I’m still too short to see past the crowd of cadets. “I need to catch up to Dain.”
“Dain? Xaden shows up and you’re talking to Dain?” Rhi puts the back of her hand to my forehead. “Just making sure you’re not running a fever.”
“After that announcement, I’m not really sure I can handle seeing Xaden right now, to be honest,” I tell her quietly so Cat doesn’t hear. Gods, she’s going to gloat over this. “And I haven’t seen Dain in days. I need to ask him…” I lift my brows.
“Right.” She nods as we pass two third-year classrooms, then peers ahead. “He’s in Professor Kaori’s office doorway, talking to Bodhi. You going to tell me what’s going on with Riorson?”
“Thanks. Article Eight, Section One, Code of Conduct.” I speed ahead, weaving through the river of cadets.
“Ouch. Don’t be late to flight tactics!” she calls after me.
To my relief, Dain hasn’t moved by the time I reach the deep arch of Kaori’s doorway and step out of the current so I don’t hold anyone up or get trampled.
Dain glances my way, then gives me his full attention, leaning up against the closed door and making room for me. “Vi?”
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but you’ve been at midland posts for days and I need to talk to you.” I adjust the straps of my pack on my sore shoulders. Imogen has been relentless with the workouts this week, and my solo wielding sessions are taking a toll on my arms, too.
“You’re not interrupting,” Dain assures me. “We’re just figuring out the flight field scheduling issue.”
Bodhi glances between us. “Need some privacy?”
“Not from you.” I shake my head.
“Ah.” He gestures to his spot, and I swap places with him as he puts his back to the crowd. “That should be a little quieter for you.”
“What’s going on?” Dain asks, lowering his voice.
I push aside any lingering apprehension. This might be my only shot. “I need your help, and I know it’s asking a lot, so I’m just going to lay it out there and then give you some time to decide.” The hall empties gradually behind Bodhi.
“That sounds ominous.” Dain searches my eyes. “Are you in trouble?”
“No.” I shake my head. “I need something my father left in my parents’ quarters before he died. It’s nothing that needed to be burned or anything like that.”
“Research?” Dain guesses, his expression softening.
I nod. “It’s…hidden, and the quarters of Basgiath’s commanding general are warded so only their line, by blood or marriage, can pass through, and now that bloodline is no longer mine.”