𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐓𝐇 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐆 || X.R.

𝟎𝟎𝟔 ⸺ presentation day

XADEN RIORSON

"It is your life," I say softly. "If he makes you happy then you should be content." My anger has faded into sadness. I have no right to snarl or glare at Garrick, just because I didn't dare to do what Garrick did dare to do.
"I don't know if he does," she mutters softly. She places her elbows on the table and lets her head rest on her hands. "I just don't know lately." My eyes were fixed on her, watching her fall asleep. I take a sigh before stowing our books away. I then questioned what I was to do with Aelin. I sure as hell wasn't gonna bring her to Garrick.
Fuck no.
     I scoop her in my arms and start to walk to the barracks. I am left without a choice and she will kill me the next morning. My bed is big enough to fit both of us, so I lie her down and lie next to her. I hadn't expected her to snuggle up to me. It warms my heart for a moment before I realize she might think that I am Garrick. Instead of warming my heart, my blood runs cold.
"Don't kill me, Aelin," I whisper, closing my eyes.

I open my eyes, stirring awake. My muscles tense the moment I detect a warm presence next to me. I look down to see familiar silver hairs, causing my body to relax. Last night's memories invaded my mind about carrying her to bed. I close my eyes while a warm feeling spreads across my body.
I lost track of time before I felt Aelin stirring awake. She tries to stretch but soon after probably realizes that she is not alone. I keep my eyes shut, pretending to be asleep. However, I feel her eyes on me.
"Hasn't anyone told you that it is rude to stare?" I question, opening my eyes. My eyes meet hers and I try my best to suppress a smile. She is caught red-handed and averted her gaze for only a brief moment.
     "What am I doing here, Riorson?" she questions. A heat creeps up my neck.
     "You fell asleep during our study sessions and as a male, I cannot enter the women's barrack without any warning or something. I hold high respect for female species, you know that and I didn't know which bed was yours. So ... I brought you to my bed. I can guarantee you that nothing happened," I explain. I notice her eyes soften, which I interpret as she will not kill me, today.
     "I know you meant to do good," she says which brings me relief. "You thought I'd kill you, didn't you," she adds, chuckling. A chuckle ripples from my throat, admitting to it.
     "You are certainly capable of it."

⸻

"We commend their souls to Malek," Captain Fitzgibbons speaks from the dais. Formation breaks after his final words. It is Presentation Day, and in order to reach the flight field, we will need to climb the Gauntlet first.
     "Second- and third-years, head to class. Unless you are on Gauntlet duty," Eloise, our section leader, calls. "First-years now has the time come to show us what you've got." Several second- and third-years wish us luck. My gaze locks with Garrick, who happens to be on Gauntlet duty ... Of course.
     "Fourth Wing!" Mira calls. Her voice booms over the crowd, meaning she is somewhere in the distance. "Move out!" We start moving, Flame Section, then Claw, and then Tail. I silently walk with Dorian and Chaol while Aelin is walking in front of me.
We walk through a tunnel in order to reach the Gauntlet. The view is breathtaking, to say the least. I imagine a sunrise from this point of view. My imagination takes it a step further by adding Aelin by my side. I try and shake off that thought by turning to the Gauntlet carved into the face of the cliff. My eyes follow every obstacle, reaching higher and higher until it leads into a boy canyon. The flight field.
"Riorson!" I avert my gaze from the Gauntlet to Nymeria Sheffield. I nod, silently questioning what she needs. My eyes flicker to Aelin, who is desperately trying her friend to stop.
"Aelin wants to talk to you," she giggles. I watch Aelin hit Nymeria on her shoulder.
"Nymeria, shut up!" I hear her hiss. Before I can react, Nymeria pulls me by my arm and pushes me toward Aelin. I am confused. I silently walk next to Aelin, who doesn't dare to look at me. I look down at her, seeing a blush gracing her cheeks.
"You wished to speak with me?" I question. She finally shifts her eyes to me.
"Nymeria told you that, huh?" she questions awkwardly. "I just wanted to ask how you are doing." She wants to know how I'm doing. I flash a small smile.
"If you are worrying about the Gauntlet, you don't need to be," I ease. "You and I are both well prepared for this." I feel bold and wrap an arm around her shoulder. I pull her closer and press a kiss on her hair.
     "You shouldn't doubt yourself," I continue. It will be best for her if she enters the Gauntlet.
"Are you guys ready?" Garrick appears from thin air, causing me to drop my arm from her shoulder.
     "You would say that we are ready," Aelin answers. "However, I speak for myself but I feel nervous." She turns her head towards me as I simply look her in the eyes. I remain silent as she averts her gaze to Garrick.
     "Your first time on the Gauntlet was impressive," Garrick mentions and to that, I agree. "And during these nine practice sessions, you only improved to be better. Trust your instincts." I flinch at his words because those are my words.
"You sound just like Riorson," she chuckles, casting me a swift look. I arch an eyebrow at her.
"Is it not true then?" I question. She giggles, pushing me away from her. I stumble over my feet as I fail to suppress a chuckle.
     "It is and I repeat it in my head, believe me," she says. My chuckle fades into a smile as we reach the Gauntlet.