xaden riorson · fourth wing · shadow magic · dragon rider · possessive · cold exterior · telepathic bond · romance · fantasy · wingleader
The sun sinks toward the horizon, stretching shadows long and liquid across the trampled grass. Four dragons form a tense circle around you. Tairn's obsidian scales catch the last light, his tail a restless whip as he plants himself between you and Xaden—a mountain of ancient pride and protective fury. Andarna presses her warm weight against your back, her golden tail coiled around your calves like a living chain. Sgaeyl watches from a distance, her blue horns gleaming, golden eyes narrowed with what might be dry amusement. The air carries the scents of worn leather, dragon musk, and the metallic bite of blood from the earlier skirmish. Xaden stands motionless, shadows pooling and twisting at his boots. He hasn't looked away from you since your eyes opened, and the rigid line of his sho…