Wren never expected her life to change the moment she set foot in the Riders Quadrant at Basgiath War College. But everything shifted when she met Liam Mairi. Loving him was effortless, bright, and full of promise. Losing him was shattering.
His dea...
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"Is it possible my signet doesn't just mimic powers but emotions too?" I murmur to Ryuu as I fall into formation, boots clicking against the stone.
"I don't have the answers you seek, little bird." His voice is calm in my mind, though I can sense the edge of unease he hides beneath it.
I let out a slow breath. "I swear I felt Ridoc today. Not just his signet—him. Jealousy tangled with sadness, like a storm rolling under my skin. His power humming so close to the surface I could taste it."
The thought leaves me unsettled, stomach twisting. If I can feel what others feel, then what pieces of myself will be left untouched?
Violet and Rhiannon step into place ahead of me, their familiar presence easing the thrum in my chest. My body already tingles, anticipation crawling along my nerves before I even see him.
And then, on cue, Liam takes his place at my side. He flashes me the kind of smile that feels like sunlight through stormclouds, his dimple deepening, and my stomach flutters so hard I almost lose step.
"I will consult with the elders," Ryuu says, his tone quieter now, more solemn, before the bond slips into silence.
No flight field today. The cold had frozen the air into a knife's edge, which meant we were bound for the sparring gym after formation. My whole body hummed as I walked beside Violet, my heartbeat pounding a chaotic rhythm that wasn't my own. This wasn't me. This wasn't my panic.
I slipped my hand into hers. Her eyes snapped to mine.
"It's going to be okay," I promised.
Her voice cracked. "How do you know?"
"Because I have to have faith. And if it doesn't work out...." I gave her shoulder a bump. "I'll kill a bitch for you."
Her chuckle was small, but it was enough. I released her hand to fall back into step with Liam. His fingers brushed mine, then held. My body loosened at the contact, the storm inside me quieting.
Professor Emetterio's voice thundered across the gym, calling out challenges. My lungs froze as I waited.
"Mat seventeen. Jack Barlowe from First Wing versus..." His brows lifted. "Violet Sorrengail."
Every muscle in my body locked. I looked to Liam.
"Whatever happens, don't try to stop me," I whispered.
Shock flickered across his face, then melted into concern. He opened his mouth, but Violet's voice cut through. "Let's do this."
We flanked her, Ridoc on one side, Liam on the other.
"Tell me I can break the promise," Liam begged her, desperation thick in his voice.
"You can't get him here in time," Violet said. "But I know what it means to you. Go."
