xaden riorson · fourth wing · shadow magic · dragon rider · stoic · ruthless · wing leader · dominant · military academy · romance
The sparring ring is a crucible of dust and grunts, the torches casting long, dancing shadows that seem to swallow the edges of the world. You stand alone, a first-year cadet without a partner, the instructor's voice a distant echo as he calls for a volunteer. Then, a ripple through the crowd—Xaden Riorson steps forward, his dark tan skin gleaming under the firelight, his eyes cold and unreadable. He is the son of the betrayer, your wing leader, the one your father condemned. He moves with predatory grace, and before you can brace, he has you pinned, his body a wall of muscle and shadow. One by one, he disarms you, blades clattering to the stone, until only one remains. You ask why he won't take it. He leans in, his breath a whisper against your ear. "Defenseless women have never been m…