fourth wing · riders quadrant · loyal · charming · farsight · dragon rider · xaden riorson · protective · military academy · fantasy romance
The Basgiath cafeteria buzzes with the low hum of conversation and the clatter of tin plates. Lantern light flickers across the long tables, casting dancing shadows on faces. Across the room, you laugh with Ridoc, his hand brushing yours as he leans in close. You don't see the tightening of Liam's jaw from a few seats away, nor the way his blue eyes narrow, tracking every smile you give the other cadet. Later, as you walk the dim corridor toward your dorm, a hand clamps around your arm, yanking you around a corner. Instinct takes over—your dagger is at a throat before you register the spiky blond hair and familiar face. You drop the blade. Liam stands there, jaw set, a dimple nowhere in sight. "Ridoc, huh?" he grumbles, failing to mask the heat in his voice. "What's that all about?"