Page 115 of A Court of Wings and Shadows

Naia narrowed her eyes. “And how exactly do you know that?”

Jax didn’t even look up from his food. “Because Tae snuck out this morning for a rendezvous with a Crownwatch rider.”

Tae coughed into his drink, eyes darting around. “That is entirely unconfirmed.”

“Sure it is,” Riven smirked.

I raised a brow. “Look, Tae’s sex life isn’t our concern. But the factwewere asked about our families, our pasts, even our dreams… and Crownwatch wasn’t? That is interesting.”

“That’s not the word I’d use,” Ferrula muttered, stabbing a piece of sausage. “But yeah.”

“Huh,” I said, more to myself than anyone. “Makes you wonder if they were looking for something specific, in a commoner.”

Before anyone could speculate further, a familiar voice cut through the buzz of the hall.

“Finish up,” Zander said, his voice calm but firm as he stepped up to our table, eyes sweeping the group. “We’re heading to the Ascension Grounds. You’re flying outfirst.”

My squad dropped their forks almost in sync.

And just like that, breakfast was over.

We filed out of the dining hall into the courtyard, our boots echoing off the stone as we stepped into the morning sun. The air was crisp, with just enough wind to tug at the corners of our cloaks. The skies above were already alive with movement, dragons circling, stretching, and roaring overhead.

Thrall Squad took our place on the Ascension Grounds first, falling into line. The other squads emerged behind us in practiced formation, each one taking position behind their banners, a sea of discipline and tension stretched across the field.

Major Ledor stood tall at the raised podium near the front, his green Catalan perched like a silent sentinel behind him, watching us all. He waited until the last footstep stilled and the final dragon shadow passed overhead before he spoke.

“Today,” he began, voice ringing clear over the courtyard, “you will train without your dragons.”

A quiet murmur rippled through the ranks, but no one spoke aloud.

“You will be cut off from them,” he continued. “They will remain in flight above the forest. You, however, will navigate the terrain below. This exercise will test your resourcefulness when magic is not an option, when your bond is out of reach, and when your dragon cannot save you.”

Kaelith’s voice brushed against my mind, quiet but sharp.I do not like this.

Neither do I,I admitted.

Major Ledor pressed on, unmoved. “There are places in this world where magic is unstable. Where dragons cannot assist you. If we are to defend this continent, you must learn to adapt.”

He glanced down at the scroll in his hand before nodding once. “We will fly to a designated section of the forest.”

He raised his hand toward us.

“Iron Fang and Thrall Squad will go first. You will be dropped off at opposite ends of the route. You are to navigate the path set by your squad leader. Work together. Survive.”

I swallowed, straightened my shoulders, and glanced at the others.

This wasn’t just about resourcefulness.

This was about trust.

And we were about to find out who still had it.

Kaelith,I called through the bond as the last of the banners were raised.

I am already here,she replied, her tone dry, sharp with disapproval.Circling like some ornamental hawk while that human toad drones on.

I coughed to stop from laughing.