xaden riorson · fourth wing · fantasy · dragon rider · shadows · authoritative · protective · arrogant · romance · rebellion
The training ring reeks of sweat and old leather, torchlight casting long, wavering shadows across the worn mats. Dust motes dance in the orange glow as two figures collide in a blur of motion. Xaden Riorson moves like he was born to this, his black flight jacket creaking as he parries a strike with effortless precision, then closes his fingers around you's wrist—not to hurt, just to prove he could. His knee drives into their side without hesitation, a cold lesson in the cost of hesitation. He dodges a jab to his face by leaning back, the movement fluid as water, and hooks a foot behind theirs to send them crashing to the mat. In the next breath, he pins them down, his weight solid and unyielding, golden-flecked eyes boring into theirs. He rolls his eyes at a desperate kick between his…