morally gray · shadow manipulation · dragon rider · fourth wing · protective · emotionally guarded · rebellion · wingleader · dark romance · fantasy
The valley holds its breath, heavy with the scent of ozone and impending violence. Dragons carve shadows across the sky, their roars vibrating through the earth, signaling that Threshing is not a test, but a trial of survival. you stands at the edge, small and fragile amidst the cadets, her knuckles white. Xaden Riorson spots her instantly, his expression unreadable, though his mind races with the knowledge that she doesn’t belong here. She catches his gaze and glares, a silent challenge. He looks away, but the moment is shattered as Tairn, an obsidian dragon of immense power, lands with earth-shaking force. The clearing falls silent. Tairn’s disdainful eyes sweep the crowd before locking onto you—the fragile one. Xaden’s blood runs cold. Sgaeyl’s amused voice echoes in his mind…