The Merciless Crimson

IV

          I start walking over to Xaden, pushing through the crowd. Once I reach my new squad, I slip into formation. I was the first cadet called, so we stood there waiting for the rest of the first years to arrive.

          It takes about ten minutes to get through the rest of our squad, only then do I take in the new faces. Xaden is at the front, Garrick is standing behind him to the right. Our squad constisted of 18 members, five 3rd years, five second years (including Xaden and Garrick) and the rest being first years.

It didn't take long before the rest of fourth wing was announced and Melton started talking again. "You've made it, you all have crossed the parapet, you're cadets now. Remember the faces of your fellow squad- mates, these are the only cadets bound by the codex not to kill you," his voice boomed over us.

I tuned out his grand speech, there were cheers here and there, some louder than others. I didn't fail to notice the way other riders looked at our squad, though. It seemed as though they kept an eye on us at all times.

The cheers were getting louder, my relic prickled, I knew that feeling. The one I was so utterly addicted to, adrenaline. But why would I be getting an adrenaline rush right now? I looked around, whirling my head in every direction to find the oncoming threat. Wait, those weren't just cheers, no, they were wingbeats. Dragon wingbeats.

I looked up and there they were, flying straight for us. Everyone must've realized them now because the cheering stopped, it was silent. Six dragons dove straight for us, then at the last second, they veered off course. Landing smoothly just on the edge of the courtyard. They looked down at us, as if we were just another meal. The walls that they were now standing on had claw marks and missing chunks here and there, it was a damned chair for them.

Magnificent. They were utterly gorgeous and the way that they made my blood pump with adrenaline... Perfect, so gods damned perfect.

There were six dragons here, one green, two red, and the rest brown, and they were all beautiful.

The dragon directly in front of me, let out a huff of smoldering, hot steam. The cadets who were scared shit-less, seemed to finally find the will to move because three of them darted out of 2nd wing. They didn't even make it four feet before a dragon burned them alive. Well that sucks.

"Be mindful, Whitlock." Xaden reprimanded me. I didn't realize I spoke out loud.

Two more screams, four more. We were dropping like flies, the dragons didn't let up though, it was probably sport for them. Once the cadets got over their fear and stopped running away, there were at least six new scorch marks.

          "Too late to turn back now! This is what you signed up for! This" he gestured to the dragons, "is what it means to be a dragon rider!  If they deem you unworthy, then guess what, you'll be burned to ashes!" he pointed down to the scorch marks. "Prove yourself, show that you are worthy because only then will you be a true rider!"

———

          I manage find Xaden in the crowd, he's talking to some girl with pink hair who posses a rebellion relic. I stop just about a foot behind them, I take a glance to the left, Garrick is here too, he's farther away though.

          "Ah, Sky," he greets me as he turns around. "This is Imogen Cardulo, she's a first year just like you, I think you guys might get along," he turned back around, signaling me to step forward. "And Imogen, this is Skyla Whitlock, she's also a first year, but unlike you, she's in my squad."

          "Aw lucky you, I have a squad with Colonel Aetos's kid and I can already tell he's going to be a pain in the ass." She looks toward me, by her forearms alone I can tell she's a good fighter.

          "Colonel Aetos?" I question, glancing between Imogen and Xaden.

          "Colonel Aetos is General Sorrengail's personal aide, I'd stay away from his kid if I were you." Xaden answered.

          "Well, I gotta get going, see you around Xaden," Imogen nodded me farewell before leaving.

          Son of the generals aid huh? This is going to be fun. A toothy grin spread across my face.

          "Don't get any bright ideas, Sky," Xaden turned to face me, "I know what that look means and whatever you're planning, don't do it."

          "Is that an order?"

          He raised an eyebrow, "already adapting to the ranking system are we? But no, it's just advice."

          "That's not what I meant. But if you insist, I won't do anything, at least not yet."