𝗪𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗦 ──── fourth wing

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗥

As we stand in formation, an unmistakable sense of foreboding washes over me. Something monumental is about to unfold—an event that will alter the trajectory of my life forever.

"You're all cadets now!" Xaden's authoritative voice booms across the courtyard, drowning out the murmurs of anticipation. "Take a good look at your squad. These are the only people the Codex guarantees won't kill you. But remember, just because they can't end your life doesn't mean others won't. You want a dragon? Earn one!"

Enthusiastic cheers erupt from most of my fellow cadets, but I remain silent, my thoughts consumed by the gravity of the challenge that lies ahead.

Xaden's gaze momentarily locks with mine, sending a wave of anxiety rippling through me. Abruptly, he looks away, his attention refocusing on the cadets. "And I bet you feel pretty badass right now, don't you, first-years?"

The crowd roars in affirmation, and my heartbeat quickens.

"You feel invincible after the parapet, don't you?" Xaden bellows. "You think you're untouchable! You're on the way to becoming the elite! The few! The chosen!"

With each proclamation, the cheers grow increasingly deafening, swelling to an overwhelming crescendo.

But amidst the cacophony, a different sound becomes discernible—one that eclipses the chorus of voices. It's the thunderous beating of powerful wings as they slice through the air.

Rhiannon gasps beside me, her voice filled with awe. "Oh gods, they're beautiful."

My eyes widen in disbelief as a kaleidoscope of dragons soars into view, their majesty undeniable and utterly breathtaking.

Although I've spent my life keeping a safe distance from dragons, never daring to venture too close, these creatures hold an undeniable allure. The untamed beasts are known to be intolerant of humans they haven't chosen, their fierce natures a force to be both admired and feared.

Yet, in a breathtaking display of power and agility, these eight dragons defy all expectations, surging toward us at an incredible speed. As they near our position, I brace myself for their thunderous passage overhead.

But in a dizzying burst of movement, the dragons suddenly shift, their immense, iridescent wings beating the air into submission as they pitch upward. The deafening whoosh of wings fills my ears, and I'm nearly knocked off balance as the ground trembles beneath their collective might.

They land gracefully along the outer semicircular wall, talons as sharp as razors digging into the stone with unyielding strength. In this moment, the true purpose of the wall's ten-foot thickness becomes abundantly clear: it's not merely a barrier, but a perch, meticulously designed for the very creatures that stand before us.

My jaw hangs slack in astonishment. In my five long years of residing within this fortress, I've never witnessed such a spectacle, but then again, the events of Conscription Day have always been kept hidden from my curious gaze.

I glance to my side, catching Violet's gaze, her eyes mirroring the mixture of surprise and awe that must be evident on my own face. Wordlessly, we turn our attention back to the magnificent beasts.

The navy-blue dragon before me releases a burst of steam from its wide nostrils, enveloping me in a momentary haze. Its gleaming horns, rising majestically from its head, capture my attention—elegant, yet undeniably lethal. With a brief flare of its wings, the creature tucks them close to its body, revealing a single, menacing talon crowning the tip of each wing's top joint. Though the dragons' tails remain hidden from view at this angle, I know all too well that every part of these creatures is as deadly as it is awe-inspiring.

The variety of breeds represented by these eight dragons only serves to heighten my fascination. Each possesses unique characteristics, and I yearn to unravel their mysteries. But one truth remains abundantly clear: every dragon assembled here is a formidable force to be reckoned with.

Time seems to halt as the blue dragon's golden eyes lock with mine, its piercing gaze freezing me in place. It narrows its eyes momentarily, then glances up towards the platform where the Wingleaders stand before returning its focus to me. A scaly brow rises in curiosity, and I exhale a soft breath.

The dragon chuffs, as if amused by my response, then cocks its head thoughtfully. "I knew my rider would choose a good woman," a sweet, powerful voice resonates within my mind. It takes a moment for me to comprehend that the dragoness is speaking to me telepathically, and I'm left both astonished and humbled by the unexpected communication.

"I am indeed speaking to you, dear one," the voice in my head repeats, a hint of warmth seeping into its melodic tone. As the dragoness speaks, I notice a spark of warmth ignite in her golden eyes, accompanied by a playful quirk of her lips.

"My name is Sgaeyl. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Emberlyn Nightshade," she introduces herself, her voice rich and enchanting.

I'm taken aback by the honor of being addressed by this magnificent creature, as well as the familiarity with which she speaks. The connection between us feels instant and potent, and I can't help but wonder if this encounter is merely a coincidence or if there's something deeper at play.

Xaden's voice cuts through the air, commanding our attention. Leaning forward, he appears to share a confidential secret as our eyes meet. "Anyone else feeling like changing their mind?" he inquires, his words weighted with implication.

In the same moment, I catch sight of two charred, ashen heaps behind me, reminders of the dragons' lethal power. A shiver runs down my spine—dragons kill those they deem unworthy. Sgaeyl, ever perceptive, offers a smirk of agreement. "Indeed, we do. You will do that too," she says cryptically, but refuses to elaborate further.

Xaden's voice rings out once more. "Because to them, you're not untouchable or special. You're just the prey."