Flaming Hearts - Fourth Wing

Chapter 5

Ace is outside, watching the Sun set behind the mountain in the distance, enjoying the last rays of the sun hitting her skin. She was sitting on the Wall, her legs dangling. Her long raven hair cascading down her back, swaying in the light wind. She took it out of the braid immediately after leaving the gym, where her and Rhiannon were teaching Violet how to fight. She used to hate having to tie her hair up, but Rhiannon threatened to cut off all her hair if she doesn't braid it, saying it is a hazard when fighting. Ace was quite amused by that, considering that she survived twenty years of her life fighting without her hair being tied, and it has never been an issue. But things are different here, it seems. And she'd rather avoid Rhiannon's wrath, if possible.

The sun has long since set, when Ace makes her way back towards the dormitory. She made a quick detour towards the kitchen, to grab something small to eat. After grabbing an apple, quietly munching on it with a satisfied smile, she walked into a hallway close to the sleeping quarters. Just when she turns around the corner, she hears a door open. Quickly masking her aura, just to be sure, she waits a second. Her Observation Haki tells her, that Violet is sneaking away from. Ace smirks.

Where are you going, missy? A nightly rendezvous with the squad leader, perhaps?

But Violet wasn't going in the direction of the second- and third-year sleeping quarters. So, Ace decided to follow her.

Just to make sure she's safe.

Silently tracking after the silver-haired girl, Ace realizes that Violet is going outside. Ace watches with her head tilted to the side as Violet starts climbing a tree, looking around.

Interesting nightly activities for sure.

Just when Violet climb's back down, Ace sneaks up to her, letting out a quiet "Boo."

Violet shrieks, bumping into the tree behind her, her hand placed above her heart. Ace chuckles quietly, pleased with herself.

"What the fuck Ace, don't scare me like that!" Ace lifts her hands in surrender. "Sorry, sorry. I couldn't help myself."

"How did you find me?" "I saw you leaving and thought I should follow you, just to be sure you're safe." Ace smiles at Vi, who looks at her for a moment, then shrugging. "Thanks, I guess."

Ace loops her arm with Violets and starts tugging her towards the building. That's when she senses two people walking their way, maybe two hallways over. And she knows exactly who's coming. Shit.

"Vi, I need you to leave, as quickly and quietly as possible. Someone's coming. Go that way." Ace points towards the opposite direction. "What about you?" Vi asks quietly. "I'll be fine, I can take care of myself. If you go by yourself now, you're less likely to get caught. I'll distract them if I have too."

"Okay, but be quick, I'll wait up for you." Ace nods and gives Vi a small push in the right direction. Ace went back towards the clearing, climbing a tree, crouching quietly on a branch.

If this is a nightly rendezvous, I'm bolting as soon as they are distracted enough.

She's definitely not interested in seeing her wingleader having his way with the girl who hurt her friend. OR any girl, for that matter. But she quickly threw that thought, when she sensed more people coming.

Xaden and Imogen stopped right below the tree she was sitting in, waiting for the others for arrive. All of them wearing a black cloak. But they have removed their hoods. Apparently, that was tonight's outfit of choice, Violet was wearing one as well. Ace glanced down at herself, wearing the same thing she wore on the sparring mat, while training. Black pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. She missed the bird with the dress code as it seems.