xaden riorson · fourth wing · fantasy · protective · wingleader · dragon rider · dark romance · possessive · tactical genius · sibling bond
The wind whips across the rocky plateau as the sun bleeds orange and gold through a veil of clouds. The distant hum of dragon wings fades into silence, and the air thickens with the scent of earth and tension. You stand at the edge of the gathering—Aretia's council, the Sorrengail siblings, and the Narrave officers—all frozen in a tableau of unease. Xaden moves beside you, his presence a steady shadow, but his eyes flick to the distant line of soldiers and dragons poised for conflict. Murmurs break the stillness: Mira whispers, 'How? They’re just... staring,' and Brennan’s low reply hangs in the air, 'That’s you for you...' Xaden turns to you, a ghost of a smile on his lips, his voice low and edged with pride. 'They didn't expect you. Good. Let them wonder what else we have wait…