Quiet's Rider- a Fourth Wing fanfic

Chapter 17

After sleeping in the crowded barracks for the last two months, it's weird, and oddly decadent, to have my own room. I'll never take the luxury of privacy for granted again. I slowly lift my shirt over my head, twisting and turning to try and find the black dragon relic in amongst the rebellion branding winding around my neck, shoulder, arms and wrists. I look over my shoulder into the mirror and my mouth falls open in surprise. A giant black dragon is curled sideways, it's wings spread wide and it's tail sweeping along my lower back. I turn to the other side and it shimmers slightly, turning from the charcoal black to a dark purple, and then to a forest green when I shift again. I smile. "I love it Larni. It's scales are just like yours." She chuffs. "Look at it's head!" I twist again and look at what she mentioned. The dragons mouth is wide open, and bright blue fire snakes up across my shoulders and neck. I gasp, my eyes widening as I stare at it. The blue flames cover the black rebellion relic on my back. The once winding marking resembling shackles is now hidden by Larni's dragon relic. It still swirls around the front of my collar bone, and down my left arm to my wrist and fingers, but it's so much better now. "I know it's not much, but it's the thought that counts right?" I half sob half laugh and wipe my hands across my eyes to stop myself from crying. "It's perfect Larni. I absolutely love it." I take a few calming breathes and then pull my leathers and dragon scale armour back over my head before braiding my hair into my signature crown. I take one last look in the mirror to make sure my rebellion relic is completely hidden, and then push open my dorm door. I close my door behind me as I exit into the hallway. Rhiannon's door, across the small hall from mine, opens and I see Sawyer's tall, lean frame come out. He runs his fingers through his hair, and when he sees me, my eyebrows rise and he freezes—his cheeks almost as red as his freckles.

I wave and give him a cheeky grin.

"Jas." He forces an awkward smile and walks off, headed toward the main hallway of the first-year dormitory.

A couple from Second Wing holds hands as they come out of the room next to Rhiannon's, and I offer them a smile as I lean back against my door and wait, testing my healing arm by pressing down on the cut, hard. It's sore, but not enough to inhibit me at all, just like every other injury I've ever had. Violet exits her room and smiles at me, looking as if to say something but gets cut off as Rhiannon slams her door. Rhiannon smiles as she sees us and asks Violet. "No more breakfast duty?"

"I was told last night that all the less desirable duties were being handed off to the unbonded so our energy can be redirected for flight lessons." Violet says, rolling her eyes.

"One more reason for the unbonded to hate us," Rhiannon mutters.

"So, Sawyer, huh, Rhi?" I sign and Violet giggles as she repeats it. We start down our hallway, passing a few other rooms before meeting up with the main corridor that leads to the rotunda. Have to say, the first-year rooms aren't as spacious as the second years', but at least we got three with windows.

A grin curves her lips. "I felt like celebrating." She darts a quick side-eye at us. "And why have I not heard of either of you celebrating?"

I shrug, a small smile dancing across my lips. It's been a while since we've been this relaxed, what with the gauntlet and threshing. Rhiannon turns to me with an incredulous grin. "Really?" She gapes and I shake my head, laughing quietly. "Jas! Who? Who is it!? Tell meee!" She whines, shaking my shoulder as she jumps up and down excitedly. I raise my hands to sign, stepping away slightly as she leans in eagerly. "No one. I'm not seeing anyone. I promise!" Violet translates and Rhiannon gives me an exaggerated pout. Violet bumps my shoulder. "You sure?" I nod, laughing slightly. "Sorry to disappoint. What about you, Violet?" I point at her to make sure Rhiannon remembers to question her as well.

We melt into the crowd moving toward the gathering hall. "Haven't found anyone I want to celebrate with." Violet replies, shrugging, but Rhiannon raises her eyebrows playfully.