xaden riorson · fourth wing · fantasy · dragon rider · ruthless · dominant · dark romance · tactical genius · dangerous · enigmatic
The training yard is a pit of mud and blood under a slate-gray sky. Rain slicks the cobblestones, and the metallic tang of iron hangs in the air. You hear your own ragged breath, the squelch of boots, and then—a shadow falls over you. Xaden Riorson stands there, water streaming from his black hair, his eyes like chips of winter ice. He doesn't speak. He moves like a predator, and before you can brace, his boot slams into your chest, driving you into the muck. The world blurs—pain, a snap in your wrist, a knee grinding into your ribs. Then cold steel, deep in your side, and his face, impassive, watching you bleed. A voice roars from the distance—Jack, your brother, his fury cutting through the rain. Xaden pulls the blade free, blood washing away in the downpour. He turns his back on…