Chapter 12, 13, 14, & 15
(In book)

Kali POV

    The cadets trail behind me, all lined up according to their sections. Each wing has their squad leader watching dutifully behind them, catching them up on how to act around dragons. But we will inevitably lose a handful of cadets. Dragons like to weed out the weak and I can only do so much. Moros growls softly beside me, hearing my inner turmoil and I pat his closest warm snout as we approach the gate. The first one through will be Fourth Wing as they had the best times. Particularly Liam, who got the Guantlet Patch. Past the gates is a stunning canyon full of lush greens, bright flowers, thick foliage, and a massive waterfall that flows into a large lake. Colors dot the lush grass, moving towards the narrow dirt pathway that runs through the canyon, the dragons. I turn to the cadets behind me, all having varying degrees of excitement as their eyes take in the view around them.

The Presentation Canyon
Not my artwork! Found on Pinterest

    I hear my dragons begin to move to the pathway, ready to pass their judgement on the new cadets, even Tairn. "Let's go Fourth Wing, you're up next" I snap. Garrick takes position in front of the group "into formation!" Rhiannon stands before Violet, then Danika, Laci, Ridoc, and Sawyer. Liam stands at the front with a large grin, sending a wink my way that has Garrick shoving him to the side. "You better watch it Mairi, Xaden really will beat your ass if you keep flirting with Kali" Garrick warns. Laci snarks her nose up at her brother and Garrick "he doesn't even like her." Garrick sends me a sly smile and I get the urge to strangle him with my powers.

   I let out a chuckle, waving them both off "yeah right. We all know he listens to me and I don't plan on having Liam gone anytime soon." The group snickers at me as Garrick shouts for the group to spread apart "remember, seven feet apart" Ridoc butts in "in case one of us gets torched right?" Garrick cocks an eyebrow but nods "yes. Cluster if you want but just know that if a dragon finds disfavor with one of you, it's likely to burn the whole lot of you, just to get one bad egg." He pauses briefly to glare at the cadets "and for the love of Malek don't approach any dragons. This is not threshing, they're merely here to see if you're worthy."

One kid with dark hair raises his hand and Garrick waves at him to speak "I have a question, um Fourth wing tail section already went and they said something about a feathertail." I look at Garrick and his face turns into a frown "is that a question?" I snicker and walk over to stand beside Garrick "I would say they're wrong as we've never seen a feathertail outside of the Vale. But if you do see one, do let us know." Garrick side eyes me and shakes his head. I jab my elbow into his side and he lets out a grunt. He sends me a glare and I wink at him "alright cadets, ready?" They begin to file in as Garrick yells "so there's one hundred and one now."

  The group looks nervous as whispers erupt about the feathertail. Garrick rolls his eyes and shouts "relax guys. Feathertails don't bond. And like our commander said, there hasn't been one out of the Vale in years. It's probably just curious. Now start up the pathway. You walk up, wait for the squad, then you walk back down to us. We can't make it any easier for you, so if you can't follow those simple instructions then you deserve what you get in there." He pauses to huff a breath at the scared cadets. "Just try not to become ashes, okay?" I add, opening the gate to the cadets.

   I clap my hands together as they being to pass through the gates "remember single file! And talk. The dragons like to get a sense of your character and how you carry yourself. There's a big correlation with bonded cadets and level of chatter!" Garrick snorts beside me and I send him another side eye "should I have you join Amber and Dain?" His eyes widen and he rapidly shakes his head no. Moros lets out a laugh that sounds more like a hiss, making Garrick jump. Dain and Amber are currently cleaning dragon shit from the castle walls, then they're on laundry duty for the next month. And that's after I tore them a new asshole. Yes that was very satisfying, though I still say we eat them. Moros thunders through my head and I have to hold back a chuckle.

  I shake my head no to my temperamental dragon and add to the remaining cadets, specifically Violet's group "feel free to look at the dragons if they're showing off their tails but do NOT make eye contact. Which brings me to the next warning, if you see scorch marks be aware and watch out for the fire. I will see you ALL later." I watch as Violet, Laci, and Danika's body disappears through the gates that close shut with a creak. Please be safe. Please Makek, don't take any of mine. Please. I send off a prayer or more of a plea then turn to Moros. He sticks out his large leg, allowing me to climb atop him and settle into my warm leather seat. His shiny black scales almost look iridescent in the setting sun as he beats his massive wings and takes us into the air.

   The cadets around me, past the gate and in front of it, all watch in varying emotions as Moros flies over the valley. His large wings pushing enough air around that some cadets even fall. We easily spot our place to land near the end of the pathway, where a blue, a white, two black, and a gold dragon sits. The golden dragon is smaller than the others and has a soft feathertail that bounces as she jumps around. We circle the group then land with a large crack as the earth splits open from Moros' claws. "What is she doing out here? Adarna! You shouldn't be here, you're not safe" I plead but the small golden dragon just curls around me with a purr.

I send Moros and Vita glares but they stand their ground. She has free will and can do as she wishes. And you try telling that face no, Moros states. Vita rolls her eyes but agrees with her mate it is hard to reign in an adolescent. I shake my head at them big tough dragons that can't say no to their own daughter. The other dragons all huff a breath at me, done with our banter,  before Sgaeyl nudges me with her snout and I giggle, giving her a kiss. "Yes I know, I brought snacks. Give me just a second.. oh here!" I grab the dried meat from my satchel and throw a large chunk in the air for Sgaeyl. She snaps her teeth and devours the meat quickly. I do the same with Moros and Vita. Then toss one to Tairn, who gives his to the little golden dragon while the last piece goes to Ciarren, the daughter of Sgaeyl and Tairn. "So how are they doing?" I ask nervously.

   Sgaeyl snorts before answering, you mean how is the silver one, blondie, and the angry Liam? I send her a deadpan expression but nod yes. Vita nudges Sgaeyl with a hot breath, leave my human alone. Shes been alone far too long and so has yours. They deserve what we have. Sgaeyl sticks her large forked tongue out, licking the side of Vita's face gently and turns to me. I am sorry little ignis, I am simply teasing you. Moros stiffens beside me and nods his head towards the group approaching us. I don't hide behind the dragons that all snarl around me, even little Adarna the golden feathertail. She stands directly in front of me, her scales almost standing up like the hackles on a cat. Ha they're like giant kitties! Oh a cat would be nice, maybe a little orange cutie to complete our rainbow of animals. I will eat it, Moros states lazily and I look at him in horror. No cats it is then. Smart choice ignis, Sgaeyl adds as Tairn just chuckles.

   The cadets stare openly at Adarna and I, in awe of the feathertail. "What is the commander doing out here? I thought only dragons were allowed past the gate unless its presentation day?" Violet whispers to Danika but my enhanced hearing picks it up. Danika smiles my way and waves, prompting Adarna to try and saunter over to her. ADARNA! Stay over here, I don't need you getting hurt by the few idiot cadets we have in fourth wing. She huffs a breath at me before her sweet voice chimes fine, but I just want to check out the riders. I nod my head at her, softly petting her shiny scales and she lets out a soft purr. I get it, you don't want a cat because y'all are basically cats yourselves. I get more than a few puffs of hot air blown in my direction and I almost fall over. I smile up at the dragon sheepishly "does it help that you are all the cutest and most badass dragons I've ever seen?"

   Tairn puffs out his chest yes. Sgaeyl and Vita both roll their eyes while Moros just gives me a deadpan expression. The cadets behind me begin talking about Adarna and I listen closely. "It's full grown, there's no way Vita and Moros would allow a baby here! No human alive has even been seen one" Rhiannon says. Tynan, the dick that was spreading rumors about Violet and Dain, sneers "it's a mistake all right." I thought you let him die, Vita snarks in my head. I did or at least he almost died. Nolan was able to mend his bones thanks to General Melgren and Aetos. I'm very close to turning them both into ashes. Please do, Tairn adds. Tynan turn to Violet with a glare "you should totally bond to it. You're both freakishly weak, it's like a match made in Heaven." Moros growls behind me, his eyes narrowing on the bully. He has one more chance to call Violet weak before I turn him to ash. I nod my head in agreement if you don't, I will. Power snakes its way up my back and fills me with the familiar heat of fire.

   Violet bites back "looks powerful enough to burn you to death, not to mention its friends. The King and Queen of dragons." Tynan gulps as his eyes find mine and a sinister smile lights up my face. He backs into Sawyer who yanks him by the collar and tosses him into the dirt. "Don't you ever fucking say that again, especially not in front of unbonded dragons" he threatens and I smirk. Moros growls again behind me, blowing hot air towards Tynan and I swear he pisses himself. Another cadet pushes Sawyer off Tynan and sneers "leave him alone, he's just saying what we're all thinking." The girl looks to Violet like she's trash "you're both weirdly colored and small." Violet's mouth drops open and power build along my arms, encasing them in fire. "Someone should kill you both before you bond. You'd both be a liability to the squad and it's not like we get to choose our dragons" Tynan states.

   At that point I can't control my rage or Moros'. So when the ground shakes with his large steps, even I jump. The cadets stand still, their eyes wide as they watch in horror and a little awe. Moros growls directly at Tynan and the girl that called Violet small. He moves the other cadets away with his tail before fire consumes them both. "Hey! I wanted to do that" I yell at the large black dragon. One of his five heads leans down to me with a 'really?' look and I cross my arms to pout. Moros rolls his eyes next ones you can have Mistress. The cadets stand still, Violet looks green and Danika looks ready to bolt. I yell at them to go back and they reluctantly walk past the ashes of their old squad mates.

  They disappear over the hill and I feel my magic course through my veins. It gathers around my eyes as I use it to see through the eyes of Moros. He stomps off, walking along the cadets like an escort. The other dragons bow to him, taking interest in any cadet near him and also staying a safe distance away. Violet laughs at Rhiannon "we could be going through a pack of Wyvern." I stiffen as Moros' head and every dragon there, turns towards her. What does she know about Wyvern? "Oh please, those aren't even real" Ridoc teases and I let out a sigh of relief. "My mom used to tell me Venin riding Wyvern's would come snatch me up if I kept talking back to her and dad" Rhiannon laughs out. I feel Moros prickle again and I calmly say they're talking about children's stories. They have no clue what's going on.

  Violet giggles "my dad used to read me those fables every night. Well until I accused my mother of being a Venin.. still think she may be one." I stiffen again could she be? Her eyes have never been red. Only one way to find out, Moros responds. You can't kill the general, Vita huffs. "Maybe we should slow down? Take our time? Or-or not! Whatever you all want to do" one of the cadets stutters out just as a red dragon appears. Oh fuck I tense as the red opens his mouth and fire erupts. Moros uses his tail to shield Rhiannon, Ridoc, Violet, Danika, Laci, and Liam; who all ended up grouped together at the back of the line. MOROS! Are they-they're okay Mistress. I will take care of the red one, he snarls, ending my connection with him.

   Vita nudges me with her snout to climb up her leg to my saddle before she takes off. She beats her massive wings, circling the cadets as they finally make it back through the gates. I sigh in relief as I see Violet, Laci, and Danika enter safely. All that's left is to get them through threshing. Moros roars nearby, shaking the cliffs and ground around him as he sinks his teeth into the red dragons neck. I turn away, not wanting to see him kill another dragon. Let's go umbra, we have much to prepare for.

Threshing. The day I've dreaded the most. My eyes trail along the cadets as they line up before the forest, at the end of the dirt pathway in the valley. "Remember to listen to your gut, if a dragon has selected you, you will know. Pay attention to not only your surroundings but also your feelings and if those feelings tell you to go in another direction, listen to that" I command. The cadets all listen carefully, excited but also terrified of getting a dragon.. and their soulmates. My eyes go to Xaden as his tense body stands beside me. It'll be okay, right? Xaden's shadows fill my head and caress my mind before his rough voice whispers don't worry my love. His presence centers me and calms my nerves all at once. I love you. And I love you.

My eyes catch his, no matter what happens today with our soulmates. Xaden nods in agreement and sends me a wink. A cadet yells at me, breaking our unspoken conversation "and what if we aren't chosen by dinner?" My face falls a bit before my mask goes back on "then you weren't chosen by a dragon. That doesn't mean you're unworthy, it just means your dragon isn't here yet. We will find you if you aren't back by nightfall. Now go, good luck cadets." My eyes follow our mates as Xaden grips my hand in his. Violet and Danika disappear together, then Laci and Liam. Rhiannon and Ridoc go in the same direction while Sawyer and Tara go in another. Though my eyes stay glued to Jack Barlowe and Oren. If those mother fuckers touch a hair on any of their heads, I'll turn them to ashes. Moros and Vita roar in agreement and I smile.

Moros and Vita fly by me, causing almost all of leadership to fall except Xaden. Sgaeyl lands near them and we both share a look before running down to our dragons. Where are we going? To the silver one and the tiny one, Moros growls. Xaden cocks his head at me we are going to Adarna. Meet us there? I nod my head as we both take off into the sky, with me on the back of Moros. We fly around for a few hours before we spot Violet beating Adarna, so we land beside the golden dragon. Moros and Vita walk back to Sgaeyl who hides in the trees with Tairn. Well tries to hide, they're all massive and look like cats that are trying to stalk a prey in short grass. I detest being compared to a feline, Tairn huffs and I can't help the giggle I let out. Adarna perks up at me, winding her small tail around me.

Xaden hides with the other dragons, no doubt discussing our next movement. My ears perk at the sound of footsteps. One set that's running directly towards us and another set that sounds like a group. Violet's shiny hair catches the sun as she sprints our way with wide eyes and a limp. Danika holds her hand, a large cut along her face and blood covering her. "You have to get out of here! Oh! Commander, please get her out of here" Violet pleads at Adarna then me. Her heavy breathing and torn outfit has me on edge, along with Danika's state. Blood covers coats them both and I feel my magic churning, ready to ignite.

Fire erupts from my hands and surrounds us in a circle. Violet's eyes widen and she steps back, away from the fire while Danika runs straight to my arms, tears in her eyes. "It won't hurt you, I just want to heal you" I whisper to Violet as my magic flares. Molten lava burns through my veins and fire kicks up my throat, begging to turn something or someone to ash. My fingers tingle as I softly touch Danika's face and her skin heals, leaving a dirty face. A trial of red and orange then wraps up Violet's ankle, encasing it. She lets out a breath as my magic caresses her skin, healing her. She moves her ankle gently and sighs in relief with wide eyes. "Thank you" she mumbles and I nod, aching to touch her.

Jack Barlowe and Oren approach the ring of fire sneering at Violet, not seeing me or Danika tucked behind Adarna. "We'll make it painless.. for the dragon" Jack hisses. "You can't do this!" Violet growls at the boys. Adarna bares her teeth and the dragons in the woods all stand, waiting to see what happens. "I've been waiting a long time to do this Sorrengail" Jack barks out. Violet throws a dagger at him, directly hitting him in the shoulder. He screams in pain, throwing his sword straight at Violet. My fire flashes out as I walk out from behind Adarna, catching the sword and embedding it into the ground.

Both Jack and Oren freeze in their tracks, turning pale for a moment. Before Jack puffs out his chest and yanks the sword from the ground behind my fire. What the fuck? That should have burned him to ashes. "Commander, are you here to end the weakest links too?" Jack smirks, approaching the ring of fire again. My eyes flame a dark red and Moros rises in the tree line. "Oh Jack, you've really messed up this time" I snarl. His eyes widen as both Vita and Moros fly towards us, mouths full of fire. Oren runs left as Jack runs right but only seconds pass before the smell of sulfur engulfs the air and ashes blow in the wind. They're both ashes, Moros snarks. My powers die out as the threat is gone. But Violet's eyes are wide, staring past me. Both Tairn and Ciarren stand behind us, looking at the girls.

  A large grins overtakes my face and I back up towards Vita. "Enjoy your dragons my loves, I will see you soon" I send them a wink as Vita takes off into the sky once again. Moros and Sgaeyl follow closely behind me as we approach the training grounds. Hundreds of dragons freeze below us, each craning their necks down in submission. Vita lands in front of the dais with Moros and Sgaeyl. General Sorrengail and Melgren send me glares as their dragons bow before me. "Hello generals, what's the outlook so far?" I ask. Melgren snarls his nose but answers "very good. We've only lost three cadets so far.. but I'm sure you already know that." I lift a brow at him as General Sorrengail tenses "are you referring to my powers and my dragons? Or are you implying something?" Melgren just huffs a breath as Moros growls at him "I was merely commenting on your powers, Commander and the fact that you seem to have the highest graduates to date. You must be very good at your job."

I roll my eyes at him as General Sorrengail watches me. "Is that a bad thing? Shouldn't you want more riders protecting Navarre?" I challenge the general. Melgren turns red but doesn't answer as Moros chuckles in my head. I connect my mind with General Sorrengail for a moment, startling her. Calm down, just me. She is safe and I healed her. Though you're not going to like who chose her. She narrows her eyes at me as a roar rings out around us. I end the tether to my mind with her and watch as two massive black dragons coast through the air with a small golden one and land near the front of the grounds.

Ciarren, daughter of Sgaeyl and Tairn lands with Danika on her back. Shes black with a touch of blue in the sun and stands taller than her mother but not quite as tall as her father. While Tairn towers over every dragon there, minus Vita and Moros. Both dragons are Morningstar tails, the most deadly. General Sorrengail sucks in a breath her eyes widening at her daughter then narrowing on Xaden and I. We're in trouble I joke to Xaden and he suppresses a chuckle. His arm wraps around my waist and I lean into him. This really isn't going to go well is it? Xaden shakes his head no, I don't think it will love. I frown but agree, we just may die today at the hands of General Sorrengail. My thoughts are broken by a sigh of relief as both Liam and Laci land, both having red swordtails. Are they twins too? Moros chuckles and responds yes. Very fitting for the two.

Time passes by quickly as nightfall finally reaches us, meaning threshing is over. Rhiannon stands with a green dagger tail named Feirge, Ridoc with a brown swordtail named Aotrom, Liam has a red dagger tail named Deigh, Laci has a red swordtail named Soren, and Sawyer has a red swordtail named Sliseag. Violet is the last to check in, having been in a heated discussion with Tairn and Adarna. My eyes widen as Moros whispers in my mind at their conversation and my eyes nervously trail Violet.

She approaches the Generals with a smirk but I can see her hands shaking. "Dragons name?" General Sorrengail asks, not giving Violet a second look. Violet clears her throat "Tairneanach.. and Andarnaurram." Both generals heads snap to her "excuse me?" Melgren asks. "Both dragons?" General Sorrengail asks. Violet nods her head yes. "And soulmates?" General Sorrengail barks but Violet stays silent, her eyes drifting to me then Xaden. General Sorrengail leans over the table, almost knocking it over and snatches Violet's wrist. Violet grits her teeth in pain and Moros and Tairn growl loudly. General Sorrengail releases her wrist with a gasp and narrows her eyes accusingly at me. "Cadet Sorrengail, your soulmates" Melgren snaps.

"Danika Aetos, Laci Mairi, Aaric Greyscale, Xaden Riorson, and..

Khalessi Cardulo."

And that's when all hell breaks loose

Authors note: oh did I love writing this chapter, though I do hate that I had to cut out Violet and Tairn's scenes. But i want Jack dead, permanently 🤣 Also, I feel like this chapter sucks compared to my other ones. There wasn't nearly as much fighting as I wanted with the threshing scene but there's no way Kali wouldn't kill them both after threatening a dragon and her soulmates.

• What did yall think of this chapter?

• How do you like the changes? Do you think I should have added anything?

• How do you think Dain will react to Danika's dragon?

• What do we think of mama Sorrengail? Is she a bad guy or the good guy?

• And finally, what would y'all like to see in future chapters? Anything added specifically form the books?

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