Page 29 of A Court of Wings and Shadows

You won’t be far,I reminded her.Just meet me at the finish line.

We landed at the northern edge of the basin, the soil damp and dark beneath our boots as we dismounted.

Our dragons peeled off silently, one by one, wings folding as they retreated toward the final ridge, where they’d wait.

Watching.

Unable to lift a single claw to help us.

And the moment their shadows vanished into the mist, I felt the burden of the course press down.

This was Blackbind.

All the squads stood in formation at the edge of the Blackbind course, the earth beneath our boots soft with mist and the scent of pine heavy in the air. The forest surrounding the basin was quiet, like it too was holding its breath.

We waited, weapons at our sides, armor fastened tight, the nerves beneath our skin humming with anticipation.

I scanned the gathered teams, my eyes catching on familiar faces. Riven’s easy confidence, Cordelle’s focused frown, Naia shifting on her feet like she was ready to sprint. But it was the cluster of Crownwatch riders that made me freeze.

Zander stood with them.

Not in front of us. Not giving orders.

With them.

And that was when I realized, he wasn’t leading anyone today.

He was competing.

Part of the game, not above it.

Before I could linger on the sting of that truth, my gaze drifted to the Warborn line… and foundhim.

Remy stood near the front, talking low to Major Ledor. I couldn’t hear the words, but the subtle stiffening of Ledor’s shoulders, the curt nod, whatever Remy said had weight.

I didn’t like the way his eyes flicked toward me right after.

Major Ledor stepped forward, his voice carrying over the crowd. “There is no leadership in the Blackbind Run. You act as squads.No dragons. No commands from above. Coordination is your only lifeline.”

He glanced toward Thrall Squad, and my heart sank as his next words landed.

“Thrall Squad is the smallest. You will pair with Warborn for this run.”

I felt the energy shift beside me. Jax stiffened. Riven cursed under her breath. Cordelle let out a long, slow exhale.

“Iron Fang,” Ledor continued, “you have the most members. You will oppose one another. Crownwatch will compete against Stormforge.”

There was a short pause, and then?—

“The winning teams will be granted leave this evening to visit the village.”

That earned cheers. Claps. Smirks from Iron Fang, wild grins from Stormforge.

But not from me.

Because my squad had just been paired with the last people I wanted watching my back.

We were directed toward the Warborn camp boundary, where riders were already lining up. As we approached, Remy stepped away from his group, matching my stride until he was walking right beside me.