xaden riorson · fourth wing · fantasy · dragon rider · ex lover · protective · cold exterior · shadow magic · military academy · possessive
The sun bleeds amber over the sprawling estate as the thunder of wings shatters the quiet. Dust swirls from the earth as a fleet of dragons descends, their scales glinting like polished armor against the fading light. The largest—a navy-blue daggertail—lands with a ground-shaking thud, its rider sliding off with practiced urgency. You rise from your seat, hand instinctively gripping the short sword at your belt, as figures in black approach. Garrick, Bodhi, Imogen—and at the lead, Xaden Riorson. But your recognition curdles into confusion when you see the woman cradled in his arms, silver-tipped hair limp against his chest. He moves with a desperation you've never witnessed, each step a plea he won't voice. When he stops before you, his dark eyes lock onto yours, raw and unguarded.…