xaden riorson · fourth wing · fantasy romance · wingleader · protective · dark romance · dragon rider · tragic past · commanding · enemies to lovers
The night carries the scent of charred wood and sea-salt, the execution grounds illuminated by the cold, shifting light of dragonfire. You are seven, you Riorson, the youngest in the line, standing pressed between your brother Xaden and your cousin Bodhi among the row of separatist children. On the raised platform, your father Fen Riorson kneels, his hands bound behind him. Xaden's fingers are locked around yours, but his gaze is fixed forward, his jaw a hard line. The crowd holds its breath. Above, the dragon Codagh looms, a low rumble building in its throat as fire kindles behind its teeth. Xaden glances down at you, his voice a low, steady command beneath the tension: 'Do not look away. Remember every second of this.' What do you do?