Page 115 of A Court of Thralls and Thorns

I stood there, speechless, my heart hammering in my chest. He shifted back, just enough to put space between us.

“Get some sleep,” he muttered. “And stay out of trouble.”

I stared after him as he walked away, his words lingering long after his footsteps faded.

Why did he care?

Chapter

Twenty-Two

The tension at breakfast was as thick. Every time one of us laughed or spoke above a whisper, heads turned. The sideways glances from the other squads weren’t even subtle anymore—suspicion practically dripped from their eyes.

“Looks like Iron Fang thinks they’re royalty now,” Jax muttered, glaring at their empty table. “You’d think they’d have the decency to eat like the rest of us.”

“They’re on a reconnaissance mission with the infantry,” Cordelle said quietly. “Apparently, our turn’s coming.”

“Great,” Naia muttered, stabbing her fork into her eggs. “I can’t wait to risk my life next.”

I glanced across the room, my eyes instinctively finding Zander. He was seated with Crownwatch, looking far too composed as he sipped from a mug. Every time I dared to look at him, his gaze seemed to already be waiting for mine—sharp, piercing. Like a snake watching its prey.

God, he was good-looking—in that dangerous, shouldn’t-be-trusted sort of way. And that was exactly what he was—a predator wrapped in smooth words and that stupid, too-perfect smile. The man’s eyes even shifted to black smoke when he was angry or about to unleash his Dark Fire.

I shoved the thought away and pushed my tray back. “I’m gonna head back to our room,” I told my squad. “Wash up before training.”

“I’ll come with,” Riven offered.

I shook my head. “I’m fine. I’ll meet you back at the room.”

The air felt too close inside the dining hall, and I needed space.

I just made it out of the side entrance before hands grabbed me. Fingers clamped around my mouth, dragging me around the corner of the building.

I thrashed hard, but another arm locked around my ribs, pinning my arms to my sides. The first fist hit my stomach, and I grunted, doubling over. Another strike slammed into my ribs, driving the breath from my lungs.

“Stay down,” a voice growled.

I bucked upward, ramming my shoulder into someone’s chin. A boot hit the back of my knee, and I went down hard, scraping my face.

I twisted my head just enough to see one of them—hooded, face half-covered in cloth. But when he raised his arm for another blow, his sleeve slipped back. A tattoo curled around his wrist—a twisted fang surrounded by a black chain.

Iron Fang.

Pain burst across my ribs again, and my vision blurred.

Kaelith’s roar split the air like thunder, distant but unmistakable.

Hold on!Siergen’s voice roared in my mind, sharp and urgent.

I kicked out blindly and felt the satisfying crack of my boot connecting with a jaw. The man staggered back with a curse.

The ground shook beneath me, and then fire—bright and vicious—erupted in the courtyard. The heat seared the air, andmy attackers bolted, their hoods disappearing into the shadows like smoke.

I coughed, rolling onto my side. The world spun, but I caught the flash of ruby scales as Siergen landed with a thunderous crack of wings. His fiery breath still lingered in the air, smoke curling from his nostrils.

You alright?his voice rumbled in my head, gruff but edged with concern.

I staggered to my feet, clutching my side. “I’ve been better.”