Ruthless 🗡️/ Fourth Wing

Chapter 49

Yesterday was eventful. Today? Worse.

I didn't even have a chance to fully wake up before Garrick and Bohid came barging in, hauling me out of my room like I was some kind of prisoner. Well, technically, I am one—one way or another. But that's a different story.

I should've known better than to trust Violet to knock. Every time I think I get a minute of peace, she swings my door open without warning, and in come my "lovely" companions. I couldn't even get dressed properly. My hair's a mess—wild and untamed, no tight braid to keep it in place. I can feel it swaying loosely as I move, and honestly? It's going to be a nightmare in sparring. It's the last thing I need today.

But of course, it doesn't matter. Nothing does. I'm dragged out, and I don't have a choice but to follow their orders, my blood already boiling with frustration.

"Did you have to do that, Garrick?" I seethe, trying to yank my wrist out of his grip, but he's too strong. Always too strong.

He doesn't even glance at me, his jaw set, the lines on his face deeper than usual. "Move, Nora. We're not playing games today," he grunts, pulling me through the hallways, Bohid trailing behind, his smirk all too evident as he watches my struggle.

"I wasn't playing yesterday, either," I snap, but no one responds.

"I haven't even had breakfast yet," I whine, crossing my arms over my chest and giving Bohid my best pleading look.

Bohid laughs, the sound light but mocking. "When you're in the middle of a battle, are you going to ask them to stop so you can grab a snack?"

I raise an eyebrow, deadpan. "I don't know. Is that an option?"

"Nope." A voice, smooth and familiar, cuts through the air as we step into the sparring room.

I groan internally. Of course it's Xaden.

"I thought you were going to forget about this 'spar every day' crap," I snap, throwing him a look that could melt steel.

He lifts an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "Did you? Because I haven't."

I sigh dramatically, shaking my head. "Great. Well, come on, Bohid, let's get this over with."

Bohid gives me a mischievous grin, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "I was gonna get some food," he says, winking as he turns toward the door. "But I'll be back."

"Yeah, yeah," I mutter, already irritated, but the playful glint in his eye makes me smile despite myself.

I turn to face the two of them—Garrick and Xaden, standing side by side. Arms crossed. Chiseled jawlines. Identical height. Their presence is a wall of pure tension, and damn, if I'm not starting to notice things I shouldn't be.

When did they get so...

My thoughts cut off as I look from one to the other, suddenly aware of how close they are, how their stances almost mirror each other.

"Oh, hello," I say, trying to keep my voice even

I roll my eyes, pushing those thoughts aside. I really need to stop overthinking everything, but it's so hard when they're both standing there, looking at me with that same intensity, that unspoken challenge hanging in the air like a storm.

"What?" I huff, crossing my arms and meeting Xaden's piercing gaze.

"Trying to get out of sparring already?" Xaden's voice is low, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. I could almost mistake it for a smile if I weren't so damn used to the cocky bastard.