Wren never expected her life to change the moment she set foot in the Riders Quadrant at Basgiath War College. But everything shifted when she met Liam Mairi. Loving him was effortless, bright, and full of promise. Losing him was shattering.
His dea...
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Over a year ago, Wrens Conscription Day.
I'm standing in the courtyard watching, waiting. This day has always left a bitter taste in my mouth. The senseless deaths, the memories of walking across that very parapet still fresh in my mind.
Still I pay attention to every cadet that makes it off, different versions of relief crossing their face the moment their foot steps onto the courtyard. I tried to pass some of my time joking with Masen when untamable curls came into view.
Stunning. Was all I could think. My words dying on my lips as I observed the way she slips through the crowd looking for a quiet place to stand and wait. Her eyes glancing around the courtyard examining everyone. I take a few steps towards her, my body begging me to be near her.
Those honey eyes shifted taking notice of me. What is it about her that has me losing my senses? I know nothing about her and yet my heart feels as if it's screaming to make her mine.
"Careful..." Nuri warns, "She is a first year. Getting attached to her would be foolish."
"I understand but...."
"No. You know what must be done. There are bigger issues at hand, a girl is just a girl. There are plenty like her."
But she isn't just any girl. I wish I could explain it, wish I could understand this strange feeling growing inside my chest. She was different.
Each hour that passes the bells sing waiting endlessly for the last potential cadets to cross or fall. My gaze focused on the girl who has stolen my attention from everyone who has tried to stir up conversation with me.
The last of the cadets walk the parapet Xaden among them. Commandant Panchek begins his speech, that politician smile easily forcing an eye roll from me. Duty calls when Nyra orders section leaders and squad leaders to take their positions.
I wait next to my own section leader for the only name I'm interested in knowing is called. Hoping she makes it to my wing, my section. First wing has come and went, her arms crossed over her chest waiting in anticipation with the rest of the cadets. Second wing begins when a familiar name catches my attention, Violet Sorrengail. I glance at Xaden who watches her with a predatory stare. This year is going to be a shit show.
"Wren Blackwell." My focus snaps to attention when she slips through the crowd, her wild curls pulled back in an unruly bun. She was in Second Squad, Flame Section, Second Wing. She goes to stand behind the Sorrengail girl. A flirty smile tugged on the lips of one of the male cadets checking her out. An overwhelming feeling to punch that smirk off his face creeps up my chest.
Wren. Her name is Wren.
"Careful." Nuri warns again.
We've finished, waiting for the closing speeches when I notice my cousin getting into a heated discussion with all the Wingleaders. What is he doing?
