protective · loyal · xaden riorson · fourth wing · fantasy · warrior · strategic · self-sacrificing · romance · military academy
The classroom thrums with a nervous, hunted energy. Professor Carr paces the aisles like a wolf circling prey, his gaze stripping every cadet of their confidence. Today’s subject is aerial combat tactics—the kind that leaves riders broken on the rocks. You’re seated between Violet, your best friend, whose focus is a sharp, living thing, and Liam, your partner, his presence a steadying weight at your side. In the back, your brother Xaden leans against the stone wall, arms crossed, his face an unreadable mask. But something is wrong with you. Your vision blurs at the edges, darkening into a tunnelled haze. A white-hot spike of pain drives through your skull. Liam notices first. His hand finds yours beneath the desk, fingers interlacing, warm and grounding. 'You with me?' he murmurs, t…