Wild and Out of Control

|chapter thirty one|

|danica|

Chaos ensued everywhere we went. Riders are rushing from their rooms to get to their dragons before the gryphons breach the wards.

     I am cloaked in shadows as Xaden and Liam bring me back to my room so I can change and pack my things. My Squad is supposed to fly back to Basgiath as soon as possible, and away from the fighting. Imogen's just exiting the bunk when we reach the room. She nods to Xaden and Liam, then her gaze lands on me. She looks me up and down, noting the fact that I'm wearing Xaden's shirt thanks to him ripping mine.

     She turns back to Xaden. "I'm assuming you're here to escort her back?"

     "No," Xaden says, making me look at him in confusion. "Liam will escort her back. I'll stay behind and help." A look is passed between the two and I'm not too fond of it.

     There is no way in hell I'm leaving while he's staying, but I don't say that, knowing that he will not back down and will force me to go. So I just step into my room without another word and turn to close the door, but before I do I glance at Xaden. He looks at me for a second more, his eyes swirling with unsaid emotions before he turns and strides down the hallway. Imogen follows after him—not asking why she's following him—and Liam lingers by my door. I give him a weak smile before closing the door.

     It doesn't take me long to change, ignoring the soreness between my legs. I can barely walk straight, but I have to push through this if I want to do this. What takes me so long is packing. I take considerable time looking for the dagger with the strange runes on the hilt that I nicked from Xaden a while back. It should be with the rest of my weapons in their holsters, but the one that held it is empty—fuck, I forgot Xaden took it back when I asked about it. Can't believe he stole it. Well, I stole it first, but still.

     A knock sounds at the door and I'm reminded of the situation happening outside. I sling my pack over my shoulder as I yank the door open. Liam stands on the other side with a worried look on his face. "You took longer than you should. Is everything alright? Should I get..." He trails off when he notices I'm dressed in my flight leathers and ready for combat. Before he can say anything, I push past him and head for the courtyard. "Where do you think you're going?"

     Gods, he sounded so much like Xaden there. "I'm going to my dragon," I answer over my shoulder. "Are you ready?" I ask down the bond that's been suspiciously quiet.

     "Yes. It'll be a long flight," he answers right away.

     "We won't go. Not yet, at least."

     "Don't do whatever it is you're thinking," Azare warns in my head. "You are a first-year cadet. You haven't even seen battle."

     "I'm not fleeing like a coward." I stand my ground. I'm not going to let anyone, even my dragon, tell me to run away. I did once, and it cost me everything. "We're helping. In whatever way we can."

     "No."

     "You're the biggest and most powerful dragon here. I'm not going to take you away from the fight just to protect me. If you don't want me with you, then fine. I'll stay in the fort." It's a lie. I won't stay in the fort, but I hope he believes it.

     "No. And that's final."

     "I'm. Not. A. Coward."

     "I know you're not, Fiery One. That's why I chose you. But sometimes, you need to know when to avoid a battle you know you can't win."

     Liam grabs my arm to stop me. "What do you think you're doing?"

     "I'm doing what I do best." I pull my arm free from his grasp and continue to the courtyard.