Authors note:

Remember that if something is in italics, it's her thoughts.

If it's in italics and underlined, It's someone else speaking in her mind.

Chapter 4
(In book)

    A soft snore sounds behind me as I stare out the open window, watching our dragons fly around the open sky. Vita's white forms tears through the dark clouds as Moros playfully snips at her tail. Sgaeyl flies in between them with their other mate, Tairn. His large black form is almost the size of Vita, who is tiny compared to Moros but still very large. I can almost feel the wind whipping through my hair as I watch Vita zoom through the clouds again with Sgaeyl. Xaden is sleeping soundly beside me, the heat from his body keeping me from not absolutely freezing like I normally do. I gently spin around, careful not to wake him up and begin lightly tracing his face. The morning sun peaks its way over the dreary clouds, directly hitting Xaden and I let out a small gasp. His deep honey-chestnut skin almost sparkles with the sun and his jet black hair turns a shade of blue. The white scars along his face glitter an iridescent color as he still snores lightly and I can't help but admire his form. He looks like an absolute god. I can show you how much of a god I can be if you want?

   My cheeks turn a scarlet red at Xaden's tease and I gently smack his bare chest as a deep chuckle rumbles through him. He cracks open his dark eyes and smirks at me. Before I can react, he's spun us around with my back on the bed and him hovering over me. A mischievous smirk slides on his face as his eyes rake over my form. I squirm in my pink and black silky pajama set, slightly biting my lower lip. His left hand slowly drags along my lace top, leaving goosebumps in his wake. A small sigh escapes me and Xaden's eyes turn pitch black. And quickly, his lips consume mine. His lips are soft, sweet and taste like home. I wrap my arms around his neck and slowly tangle my legs with his, savoring every touch. Until a knock sounds on my door "Commander Cardulo and Wingleader Riorson."

(Her pajamas)

  I let out an annoyed sigh as Xaden falls back into the bed and I grab my silk black robe. I quickly kiss his cheek before whispering "we can finish this later." He lets out a low growl that has me second guessing answering the door at all and I sigh in annoyance. I pad over to the door, my feet hitting the cold stone floor that I heat with my powers. I gently open the heavy wood door to reveal Dain Aetos. He has a smile on his face and a large bouquet of wild flowers with a wrapped black box. I lift a brow and slightly turn my head to the side, "Squad Leader Aetos, what can I help you with?" His smile widens as he takes in my half dressed form and he shoves the flowers in my face. "I just got you some flowers Commander. I know you enjoy daffodils the most but they're not quite in season yet and I got Wing Leader Riorson a new dagger as his favorite one got lost" he rambles. Both of my eyebrows shoot up in surprise before settling back down as a wicked grin replaces it. Xaden, having read my mind, comes up behind me and rests his hands on my waist.

   His cold eyes pin Dain in his spot and I can practically feel the testosterone between the two. Xaden kisses my neck and slowly trails up my cheek, all with keeping eye contact with Dain. I let out a small moan and Dain's face turns red. "Flowers huh? Well love, would you like to put these in a vase?" Xaden asks, gently grabbing the flowers that were now causing a rash on my hands. I look down at my arms and shake my head no, pushing the flowers and box back towards Dain "you should give these to your little girlfriend, Amber." Xaden cuts me off "speak for yourself, I want that dagger!" He snags the box out of my hand and pockets it.

   I roll my eyes at him and turn back to a smiling Dain. "No. Stop that! I am not only in an obvious soulmate relationship with Xaden, as he is with me but I don't even like you Dain. Neither does Xaden. I mean half the time yall are trying to kill each other. And if you keep pressuring me, I will feed you and your father to my dragons. Don't think I don't know this is all his idea. More powers right?" Dain turns red and his jaw tightens so hard that he might break a tooth. "Soulmate bonds can be wrong.. or muted until we fully bond to our dragons. I mean look at your parents or mine for that matter."

   I recoil instantly and burning sensation engulfs my chest. A hot searing anger boils deep in my bones just screaming to be released. I feel the flames lick the inside of my throat, begging to be let free. To burn. Mistress please do behave. I hate cleaning up your messes. Vita speaks through the bond, slightly calming me. Moros doesn't dare chime in as he, Sgaeyl, and Tairn are all more in tune with rage than pleasantries. So they would only fuel my fire. My eyes turn a dark shade of red and I can practically feel the heat coming off of me. As I become one with the fire.

   Dain steps back, his hands in the air as if he's surrendering but I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of that. "Squad leader Aetos, I would advise you to never speak of my family again. Because if you so much as think of them again, I'll rip you apart and set you on fire. Then revive you only to repeat the process, do I make myself clear?" I seethe. A burning pain sweeps across my back and I know it's my rebel tattoo itching to get revenge. Moros and Tairn roar in the distance as Vita and Sgaeyl both circle the windows. I take a deep breath, while Xaden just smirks beside me; his arms still casually slung around my waist but now drawing soothing circles to calm me. His dark shadows intertwine with my flames, creating a barrier around us and I sigh, finally feeling relaxed.

(Her rebel tattoo along her spine)

(Her other tattoos that go with her rebel tattoo)

These will be explained later :)

I take another step towards Dain, this time leaving the safety of my room and Xaden. I feel the wards as I pass through the door and my magic crackles in response. Xaden's shadows wrap around my waist like a set of hands, caressing my fire and I smile. I drop my voice low enough that the other cadets can't hear me as they pass by "and Dain? Stay away from Violet. Thats your last warning." I then walk backwards into the safety of Xaden, slamming the door in his face. My hands tightly wind into fists and rage eats my chest. Xaden's shadows wrap gently rubs my shoulders, then my arms.

   He slowly uncurls my fists and places soft kisses on each palm. And with each sweet affectionate touch, my fire quells. His kisses trail up to my neck and cheek, making me giggle. A familiar warmth spreads in my chest and you can almost feel the love warming my heart. Or magic. He smiles a genuine smile, showing his perfect teeth and I swear his eyes almost sparkle. I take my hand and gently caress his soft face, taking in every feature as if it's my last. "I love you Xaden, so very much" I whisper before his lips are on mine. "I love you too Kali, now let's make use of your personal shower before we're late."

Don't worry guys, there will be smut in future chapters. Just didn't want to start it off with smut 😅

     After a quick shower Xaden grabs some clothes for the both of us and then helps me braid my long hair. His hands gently pull through my hair and delicately twist it down my back. I admire his soft features and concentration as his hands weave back and forth. And again I'm hit with just how much I truly love him. "I love you Xade" I whisper, savoring the wide smile he gives me. "I love you till my last breath Kali" he whispers in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. I kiss his cheek and thank him before getting up and grab my gear from our dresser. We wear similar gear, both impenetrable and black. Also both from Mira, the best Sorrengail.

I'm in my midnight black commander outfit, the one I wear the most regularly as it's the most comfortable. And looks the most badass. And hot. Don't forget hot. I let out a small chuckle and shake my head at Xaden, his eyes raking up my form. I roll my eyes, turning towards the mirror and struggle to meet my own eyes. I take in my tall form, skinny but also very muscular from the years of training. My pale skin, littered with more scars than skin at this point. And my tattoos, all dark black except the deep red one that trails up my left arm. The mark of shame, of a rebel child. (Let's pretend that all rebel marks are red!) it looks grotesque against my skin, like a sickness. As if my veins carried some sort of disease or fire rather than magic. I sigh, meeting my dull eyes that are no longer bright and happy. Deep circles sit below both of my dead greenish-blue eyes. My cheeks are a bit sunken in and I look just like they whisper, like death itself.

Her rebel tattoo:

My black leather pants and shirt, infused with dragon scales courtesy of Mira Sorrengail, fits snug against body. I swear all those Sorrengail kids are genius's. I tear my eyes away from my disgusted face and slowly start putting on my metal gear that has white lines tracing the inky leather. I attach my various magic infused daggers, placing my favorite by my heart. It's a longer knife made of pure magic and alloy metal. It has deep red rubies along the hilt with gold incasing them. And in a way, it looks as if fire is burning down the steel. Xaden had it made for our 2nd anniversary not too long ago. He spoils you Mistress, as he should. That he does Moros. As he should. Sgaeyl adds in my head. Xaden snorts behind us, listening to our conversation.

Her outfit:

If you don't like it, imagine something else

Her dagger from Xaden:

Her various other daggers:

     Xaden's eyes rake down my form and a smirk makes its way onto my face. "Like what you see Wingleader?" I ask as his lips find mine once again. The kiss is soft and slow, filled with passion and love. But we are cut off again as someone barges in through the door. I sigh as Imogen walks through with Garrick and Bohdi, her mates. Garrick is a massive third year and Xaden's closest friend. He has short black hair and steely green eyes. His arms are massive and littered with tattoos, including a red one. Bodhi is Xaden's cousin and a second year with Imogen. He has tan skin and curly hair, just like Xaden. He even has the Riorson eyes, deep black with flecks of gold.

   Xaden steps in front of me slightly with a growl "Ever heard of knocking? We could have been naked!" Imogen rolls her eyes and grabs my hand, dragging me from our room. "As much as y'all have been caught in public? Please. At this point it's safer to walk in here than approach you on dragon back" Imogen mumbles, still dragging me with her. My cheeks turn dark red and I clear my throat. They aren't wrong. Yes thank you Moros. Sgaeyl and Tairn both roar with laughter in the distance. I shove my sister out the door as the others laugh and follow us down the corridor, my door clicking shut behind us with a lock. "Where are we going?" I ask trying to keep up with my head strong little sister. "Because I need to get to my office. I already missed roll call and I like scaring the new cadets" I whine.

   She stops in her tracks, causing us all to slam into her and I almost fall off the side of the stairway; but Xaden catches my waist and steadies me. I'm about to yell at my sister but I hear a sweet laugh that catches my attention. Violet is practically in Dain's arms as they talk quietly. My eyes narrow at the two and a fire ignites in my chest again. Xaden finally notices and leans against the railing with a smirk. Dain's eyes widen as he whispers to Violet and they both turn our way. Xaden meets my eyes and I nod, grabbing his hand and making our way down the steps. We approach the two slowly, leaving the others at the doorway towards my office. Xaden entangles his hand with mine and places a small kiss on the back of my it. "I already knew your parents were close but do you two have to be so fucking obvious? I mean at least wait until after she gets a dragon to take her back to your bed Aetos" Xaden taunts.

   Dain's fists tighten but he shows nothing on his face. "I was just helping a cadet that's all. She is in my squad" he mocks with a smirk. Violet tries to run but I bark out "going somewhere Sorrengail?" She stops in her tracks and slowly turns back toward us with a scowl. I cock an eyebrow at them both before stepping forward. Violet shrinks back while Dain turns pale. "And she is at my command. So watch your fucking mouth before I have you shoveling dragon shit. You and your little girlfriend here. And we both know not even General Sorrengail would help you if you continue to get on my bad side" I enunciate each word with so much malice that you can practically taste it. Dain just subtly nods his head but Violet stares at me with pure hatred. "How do you know my mother?" She demands. I narrow my eyes at her and step forward, so close I could smell the sweet scent of vanilla and smoke wafting off her. I shrug as her response, not wanting to let on how well I knew her evil mother.

   She shows no fear, head held high and a frown on her face. "Cadet Sorrengail. Nice to see you again. How are you doing? Well I'd assume" I joke, my eyes sliding over to Dain. Her cheeks turn pink and she shakes her head no "I don't want to be here anymore than you want me here." Her face shows no emotion now but her pale blue eyes scream for help. They swirl with emotion so great that I almost drown in them and I have to take a step back. Xaden shoots me a worried glance and tightens his hold on my waist. "Pity. Then you should move to the scribes. We only need soldiers, not liabilities" I respond. She visibly cringes back but a fire catches in her eyes, a fire so familiar that it calls out to me and I find myself entranced. She shakes her head no adamantly "there's a reason I'm here. I made it across the parapet. I am Violet Sorrengail and I will be a dragon rider, Commander Cardulo." A broad smirk slips on my face and Violet looks up at me with bewilderment.

"Well Violet Sorrengail, the future dragon rider, I do believe you're late for class."

Authors note: So what do we think of this chapter? It's more of a filler as I try to build up their relationship and the plot line at the same time.

12/19/24 Update: so I didn't add much here but a few likes front the book. Though I did change Dain around a bit more. I have something planned now 👀

• Do you think Violet will warm up to Kali soon?

• Why does Dain like Kali so much?

• What do we think of Kali and Xaden?

• Why do you think Kali feels so strange around Violet?

• Do y'all want more backstories and possibly flashbacks of Kali and Imogene past?

• And finally, what would y'all like to see in future chapters?

Thanks my dears. 🖤 Please check out my other books:

- Abomination a 100 book

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(You can request a future story in this book)

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- Aviothic a Fourth Wing book

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My favorite quote from Tairn 😂

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