Page 180 of A Court of Thralls and Thorns

Riven’s hand shook my shoulder, her voice light with amusement. “Time to get up, sleepyhead.”

My eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, I wasn’t sure where I was. The room was dim, only the faint morning light seeping through the window. I blinked rapidly, glancing around and realizing I was back in my bunk.

Zander.He must’ve dressed me and brought me back here. My flight armor was folded neatly on the small side table next to my bed—another clear sign of his handiwork.

“What is it?” I muttered, pushing myself upright.

“Get dressed,” Riven grinned, already heading back toward the door. “You’ve had your beauty sleep. Let’s go.”

I dragged my flight armor on faster than I probably should have, fingers fumbling with the buckles as memories from last night surged back. Zander had helped me—more than helped me. And I’d felt it, too. That same pull he claimed to feel.

But what stuck with me more than anything was what he’d said just before I drifted off.I hope you forgive me.

Forgive him? For what? He hadn’t taken advantage of me—if anything, I had thrown myself at him. And yet, I knew what hemeant. He thought I’d regret it. Thought I’d see him as someone who had manipulated me in a vulnerable moment. But if anyone had a reason to be angry, it was him.I brought my mess to his door, and now he’s tangled in it too.

I followed my squad to the breakfast hall, still turning the thoughts over in my mind. Zander wasn’t there. I tried not to feel disappointed, but my gaze kept drifting toward the Crownwatch table, hoping to see those lavender eyes watching me.

Breakfast passed in a blur—warm bread, eggs, and spiced cider—but I barely tasted any of it.

“You’re quieter than usual,” Riven said, nudging my arm.

“Just tired,” I lied, forcing a smile.

But I knew the truth. Tired wasn’t the problem. The ache in my chest, the gnawing uncertainty, and the pull I still felt toward Zander—thatwas the problem.

By the time we reached the Ascension Grounds, the morning sun was well above the horizon, and I pushed my thoughts aside, forcing myself to focus.

Zander stood beside Major Kaler, his face like a statue. His shoulders were tense, and there was a sharpness to his gaze that put me on edge. Whatever conversation they’d just had, it hadn’t gone well.

The major gestured toward Thrall Squad, and Zander’s lips thinned before he gave a curt nod and strode in our direction. His eyes flicked across us, hard and assessing.

“We’ve been ordered to check an outpost that was raided,” he said tightly.

Jax crossed his arms. “Which one?”

“Near Amdar,” Zander replied, his gaze sliding to me. “We’ve received a report that says the Order is working with the enemy.”

The words landed like a slap, and my breath hitched. Was that an accusation? The way he was looking at me, like I was suddenly a liability, made my stomach churn.

I hardly noticed the way my squad shifted closer, their bodies closing ranks around me like a protective wall. Jax stood on my left, while Riven took my right. Naia stepped closer too, her hand lingering by her dagger as if she’d cut down anyone who dared try something.

Zander’s expression flickered—not with regret, but something close to frustration—before he turned his gaze toward the isle.

“Call your dragons,” he ordered.

Kaelith’s presence pressed into my mind before I even reached for her.We are flying again?Her voice was calm, but there was a guarded edge beneath it.

We’re checking out an outpost that was raided. It sounds like the Order may have been involved.

A low growl rumbled in my skull.Your father?

I don’t know.

Kaelith’s answer was instant.Then we will find out.

I touched my pendant, feeling the growing pulse of power beneath my fingers, and turned to Zander. His eyes met mine, still cold but somehow softer than before.

It took everything in me to look away and focus on Kaelith’s large form flying toward me.