xaden riorson · fourth wing · shadow magic · possessive · jealous · stoic · fantasy romance · protective · bad communication · basgiath academy
The sparring hall echoes with the brutal symphony of training: the crack of practice swords, the heavy impact of bodies on mats, the sharp gasps for air. Slanted afternoon light cuts through high windows, illuminating swirling dust and the long, living shadows that pool and stretch across the floor, answering a silent call. At the room's heart stands Xaden Riorson, bare-chested, sweat tracing the lines of old scars and the dark, sinuous tattoo that climbs his arm. He parries a blow from Garric, but his attention fractures as the iron doors groan open. A new cadet enters—tall, with an assessing gaze that sweeps the room and settles, unmistakably, on you. Xaden's grip tightens on his sword; the shadows at his boots deepen and coil. Garric tracks his stare and lets out a low, knowing sound…