[Xaden x Y/n] Love on the Parapet

Chapter 6

Y/n's pov

You inhale, pulling the strap of the leather quiver higher on your shoulder. It had been a gift from Xaden back when you both were in Aretia, for no particular reason. And however annoyed you were for him lecturing you about your actions, which was certainly un-Xaden like, you appreciated his gift now more than ever. When you trained with him, he was the one to push you until you reached your best, unafraid of a little bit of risk. You guessed that whatever horror of Basgiath had changed him. Not for either the good or bad, but just a lot more careful.

'Cadet L/n.' Professor Emetterio calls, Violet getting ready behind you. You step forward, flinging yourself onto the first pillar before you can feel the nausea.

The first ascent is fairly easy given the practice you've been at for weeks. Before you can think twice, you run over the wheel, moving up to the second ascent towards the boulders. Your arms scream as you swing the huge boulder with momentum, praying that your sweaty palms don't betray you.

You are your worst enemy. You are more than capable of it. And even if you fall, I'm here to catch you.

You remember Xaden's words, almost scoffing at the "old" Xaden pushing your training to the max to prepare you for this place that he seems adamant to protect you from now.

Before you can think more, your stomach lurches when your hand slips, the cadets before having left a sweaty surface on the boulder. You hear people scream, the world tilting around as you slide down the stone. Forcing your leg back up, you lodge it between the pole and the boulder, dragging yourself up. The muscles in your legs strain, your lungs feeling hot as you clench your teeth trying to pull your weight onto the boulder with only your leg and arm secured on the stone.  You feel the nausea as the boulder swings, the droplets of sweat falling to the abyss below. Pushing the anxiety aside, you jump to the next one despite the screaming muscles.

Violet's pov

I follow Y/n up the fourth ascent, finally reaching the fifth. She glances back at me as I undo the ropes tucked under my armor, tossing the end to her. She grabs two arrows with practiced grace from her back, tying them together with the rope. She works silently, ignoring the others watching us from the top in confusion.

'You think it'll work?' I ask, just to dissipate my anxiety.

'Shut up.'

Thanks for doubling my anxiety.

Y/n undoes her bow from herself, supporting the connected arrows with her fingers grabbing the body of the bow. I inhale sharply as she stretches the bowstring with a surprising speed, eyes sharp at the target. I feel the Gauntlet go silent, the only sound being the arrows and the rope slashing the air, sending chills down my spine. It cleanly passes through the small hole, Y/n eyeing the place as she puts the bow back on herself.

'Now?' I say breathlessly, Y/n quickly reaching over to grab the other end of the rope and tug. I hear the two arrows behind the hole hit the stone wall, securing the rope against it.

'Climb.' She replies without looking at me, stepping backwards to make her running space. I watch her sprint, using the speed and force to run up the wall gripping the rope. I watch her arms shake, her wincing as she nears the top.

Gods, just watching her struggle makes my stomach sick.

Y/n swings her arm forward, almost jumping upwards and dragging herself onto the top. I gulp, half expecting her to cut the rope off now that she's in safe grounds. Instead, I see her face pop out from the top down at me.

'You'd better return my arrows after you're done.' She says, her face disappearing again until she appears at the last ascent. I watch her, agape as she makes to the finish line in one graceful run, and focus back at the rope in front of me.