[Xaden x Y/n] Love on the Parapet

Chapter 35

Author's note: platonic Violet x Y/n arc

Violet's pov

'I worry for Mira. She's out there, fighting the battles and I could get any notice about her anytime.' I say as the three of us walk to the flight field, the sunlight shining down on the summer uniforms.

'You at least have a family.' I flinch, looking over at Y/n walking with her arms crossed, cherry lips shut firmly together.

'You worry about your own family, too.' I argue, Y/n giving me a glare before she turns back to face forward.

'I don't know, I find it funny how you care so much about your own family who kills people who've done nothing wrong.'

'Y/n-' Xaden tucks Y/n into his arm as if to comfort her, although I already feel my temper rise. I was literally just talking about Mira without any malicious intent and she really had to turn everything about the War.

'Your families tried to turn this world into chaos. And killed countless people on our side too.' I argue, my anger finding the courage to face her. I wasn't proud of what my mother did, or would ever stand by it, but I hated Y/n disgracing us either. Y/n's lips part, her eyes narrowing as she watches my furious face.

'Sure. But you never know losing your city, your entire country overnight. We lost everything. Because of your mother and your precious brother.' She spits out, knuckles white as I feel my throat burn. Her eyes turn glassy before she turns, storming towards the dragons landing on the field. 

'Y/n.' Xaden calls after her, sprinting to catch up to her waving him off. I watch him say something to her, his arm around her back. 

I had heard about what it was like for them from Liam. That they had fled their city, all in ruins and burnt debris, forced into foster homes with never enough supplies. How Y/n had to stay stuck inside from her frail bones, unable to run or even shoot arrows for years during her times in foster care until she entered Basgiath. It was known how the marked ones were treated after the War, but hearing from my best friend...was difficult. If just hearing about it was this terrifying, living through it must have been hell. 

Losing Brennan was a living nightmare too. But I somehow feel the burning shame at my ignorance as I find Tairn. 

Y/n's pov

The Reunification Day was fast approaching Basgiath after the incident of the Challenges as the spring turned into summer. You could feel Juan Ritas eyeing you every time you passed him despite him being in the second year, First Wing, and you in first, Fourth Wing. Xaden had been insisting he walk you to and back from classes until you were in the safe of your or his room, even letting Violet tag along when he decided to push their training back to walk you between corridors. 

You and Violet both had outbursts at each other a few weeks ago, and Violet seemed to have ruminated over what you'd said to her. Although you'd never admit it, somehow what she had said remained in your haunted brain too. You still thought she was a pathetic, privileged, out-of-touch brat, but you held your tongue for Imogen. And for yourself, as Imogen had said it. 

'You know I took him down and sent him to the infirmary bed for two weeks, right?' You ask as Xaden tucks you under his arm, Violet following you both to Battle Brief. 

'I know. I just hate seeing him look at you like that.' Xaden replies as his gaze flies over to Ritas in the dark corner of the hallway, googly-eyed even while Xaden's onyx ones almost kill him with a look. 

'I don't know what his deal is.' You say, entering the battle brief hall. You turn to see Xaden giving one last look at Ritas. 

'He seems to have a death wish. Going after you two.' Violet says in a high-pitched voice, and you somehow feel afraid of her terrified face watching you, swallowing as she waits for your response. She was trying to be "your friend" as she called it, but you were starting to be scared of Violet yourself as she seemed terrified to be around you yet talking as if you were genuinely friends.