Always Theirs (fourth wing)

o n e

Toralei

"Next," A man calls out from behind the table. Shit, this is happening, isn't it? Today's Conscription Day, it's the day where you choose what you're going to be for the rest of your life.

Except I don't get a choice. Since my father was in the "rebellion" I'm forced to go to this death sentence of a college. At least I have a chance, a real chance, of a dragon choosing me. Xaden made it possible for all of us.

"Toralei Salora," I said to the man. He quickly wrote down my name and nodded at me. I took that as my cue to start walking. I took in a deep breath as I looked up the big staircase. There were hundreds of stairs, but I was prepared. As a marked one I knew my fate, so I started training early. My foster parents were of no help so I did it all on my own. I learned how to fight on my own.

It didn't take too long for me to get to the top. As I waited in line for the opening I could feel peoples' eyes on me. I felt uncomfortable but I'm not going to let it show. I'm not going to give these people the time of day, they can judge all they want, but I'm not going anywhere.

As I walked through the turret into the entrance I looked behind me and saw two girls switching boots. I rolled my eyes. Stupid, they're going to slip. I looked at the girl who was the one who offered the boot in the first place. I would be lying if I said she wasn't the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. Even her silver hair was beautiful.

I shook those thoughts out of my head. I can't focus on that right now. It was pouring rain, and I needed to make sure I didn't slip. Two men were standing there taking names and I locked eyes with Xaden Riorson. Xaden was godly, from his dark hair to his onyx eyes, and I owed him my life. He looked towards my relic and gave me a nod.

As I was about to give the men my name someone tapped my shoulder and I turned around with a dagger in hand. "Hey, do you mind if I go in front of you? My friend is up there and I want to catch up to him." I looked at the blonde man in confusion. Is he serious?

He gave me a sheepish smile and I rolled my eyes but nodded nevertheless. The man, Dylan, said his name to Xaden and the other man before stepping onto the parapet.

"See you guys on the other side!" Dylan says over his shoulder with a grin, his arms out wide.

"Ready for the next one, Riorson?" The rider next to Xaden says.

Behind me, the woman with long braids says, "You ready for this, Sorrengail?" Both mine and Xadens heads snapped back. Sorrengail? As in General Sorrengail's daughter? The most beautiful woman I've ever seen was a Sorrengail? You've got to be kidding me.

"Name?" The rider that was with Xaden says with a bored tone.

"Toralei Salora," I said, and just before I stepped onto the parapet I looked up to a scream. Dylan slips off of the parapet. He catches himself, hooking his arms over the stone bridge as his feet kick beneath him.

"Pull yourself up, Dylan!" The girl with braids shouts. But he loses his grip and falls, disappearing from view. I willed myself not to react so I didn't slip, and kept walking onto the parapet.

I can do this. I can do this. I can do this. I chanted in my head. I can do this.

The thunder cracks but I keep steady. Of course of all days, today was to be the day that it was a thunderstorm. It's August for fuck sake.

It's like the world is against me.

I keep my arms out in a T-position, trying my best not to slip on the stone. This wind isn't helping at all. I pass the halfway mark, but I don't let myself celebrate, I need to keep calm and focus. I can do this.