Page 144 of A Court of Thralls and Thorns

“Lastly,” he continued, “I would like to recognize our new squad leader within Iron Fang.” His lips twitched in what almost looked like satisfaction. “Perin Cochine.”

What?

My stomach turned, cold and sharp. Of all people,Perin? The bastard who had tried to kill me. The one who had smiled while promising I’d die. He outranked me now—worse, he had power within his squad.

I barely heard the polite applause that followed. But my focus was on the king. He swayed slightly where he stood, and for a moment, I thought I imagined it. But no—his balance wavered again, and I recognized the signs. The slight glassiness to his eyes. The flush creeping up his neck.

He’s been drinking.

Fantastic.He was probably nipping into the royal ale before the King’s Address.

My gaze moved to Perin, who winked at me while standing smug among his squadmates.

The king turned without another word and strode back toward the castle. His guards moved in close, escorting him inside. But it was Zander’s face that caught my attention—his gaze locked on his father’s retreating form, his brow creased in worry.

He’s concerned.

That wasn’t like Zander. He never showed emotion like that unless something was deeply wrong. His hand drifted to the hilt of his sword as if instinct had kicked in.

“Congratulations to those who have achieved a higher rank,” Major Ledor’s voice broke through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. “May you continue to serve Warriath with honor.”

Then his tone shifted, hardening. “However, there’s more to address. This morning, we received word of another attack in the outer kingdoms—a village along the eastern coast was decimated.”

A murmur rippled through the squads.

My gaze flicked back to Zander—his eyes were still on the castle doors, his face set in grim lines.

Major Ledor’s voice rang sharp and clear across the courtyard. “A squad from Warborn will fly to Caston to assess the damage and lend aid. Lieutenant Saulter will head the squad.”

I swallowed hard, my gaze flicking to Remy. His face was cold—not the stoic calm of a soldier, but a mask of granite. The kind he wore when he didn’t want anyone to know what he was really thinking.

“Yes, sir,” he said flatly, as though he didn’t care.

The major listed off four other Warborn riders, all seasoned, all loyal, and they broke away from their squad, calling to their dragons. I barely noticed them, too busy watching Remy. His gaze swept the courtyard before landing on me. His fingers moved, subtle and quick.

Stay alive. There’s more going on here...

I resisted the urge to smile bitterly.I know,I signed back.Despite what you think, I’m not a complete idiot.

He paused just for a second, long enough that I thought he wouldn’t answer, then his fingers twitched again.

I never thought you were.

Katama’s massive, venomous-green form landed in the open clearing, his pale eyes flashing like gems as his claws scraped the stone. Remy didn’t hesitate—he swung himself onto his back in one fluid motion and gave me one last unreadable look before Katama’s wings unfurled, stirring up dust as he launched into the sky. The other dragons followed in formation, shadows rippling across the courtyard as they disappeared into the horizon.

I stood there a moment longer, trying to shake the strange tightness in my chest. Despite everything—the betrayal, the lies—I still couldn’t bring myself to hate him the way I wanted to. And if Remy thought something dangerous was brewing... I believed him.

The sun hung low in the sky, stretching long shadows across the Ascension Grounds as we stood in formation, listening to Major Ledor drone on about the Unification Treaty. His words washed over me like a distant tide. He’d been talking for so long it felt like he was stalling or wasting time.

I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, my muscles still aching from the morning’s drills. Cordelle stood beside me, absently rolling his dragon pendant between his fingers. Even Jax, who usually found ways to amuse himself, looked like he might fall asleep standing up.

“And that,” Major Ledor said finally, “is why the treaty remains paramount to the alliance between dragons and riders. Any breach is a violation punishable by exile... or death.”

Finally.I wasn’t sure if anyone else felt the same relief, but Jax shot me a grateful look when Major Ledor clapped his hands together.

“You have thirty minutes,” the major announced. “Be back here for ring challenges and weapons training.”

Our squad shifted as one, breaking formation and shuffling toward the dining hall. Riven groaned dramatically. “I don’t even care about the bread. I just want to sit down.”