Page 53 of A Court of Wings and Shadows

He stopped in front of us, arms clasped behind his back.

“We’ve been asked to assist Luthias and his team,” he said, voice sharp but even. “There’s been another raid. This one’s in Vrangoth.”

Riven shifted beside me, her shoulders going stiff. Ferrula muttered a curse under her breath.

“They requested reinforcements,” Zander continued. “And the major is sending us.”

Jax crossed his arms, the look in his eyes not angry, just tired. Tired of being the sword they threw first. “Because Thrall Squad is expendable.”

Zander’s gaze met his. “You’re not.”

He didn’t raise his voice. Didn’t offer an apology. Just turned toward the racks where our saddles were stored and gestured firmly.

“Pack your gear. This could be an extended trip. Then call your dragons. We leave within the hour.”

No one argued.

We turned as one and headed back toward the barracks. The tension followed us like a shadow, but we moved with purpose, grabbing extra rations, sharpening blades, double-checking armor straps. Every one of us knew what a raid in Vrangoth meant.

The attacks were becoming more widespread.

And whatever was happening in Warriath was now bleeding beyond its borders.

We returned to the long iron rails that held our saddles, the racks glinting dully in the morning light. The air smelled of leather and oil, and the tension of the upcoming mission pressed hard against my shoulders as we moved wordlessly, the rhythm of routine taking over.

I laid out Kaelith’s gear with precision, checking every strap and loop, sliding my extra rations and supplies into the side compartments. Water, rope, flints, dried meat, a pair of daggers tucked beside my bedroll. We didn’t know how long we’d be in Vrangoth, only that it wouldn’t be short.

Once everything was in place, I stepped back and drew in a breath.

Kaelith,I called silently.

Her presence ignited in my mind almost instantly, a slow burn of violet fire and iron will.I hear you.

I could feel her wings before I saw them, the thrum of her approach like a pulse beneath my skin.

But before she crested the rise, my attention snagged on a shadow leaning against the far rail.

Perin.

Smug as ever, arms crossed casually over his chest, he tilted his head and sent me a lazy smirk. Then, just before turning away, he winked.

Asshole.

I gritted my teeth and turned just as Kaelith descended with her usual elegance, wings slicing through the air in smooth, silent arcs. Her scales shimmered like stormlight, her presence commanding the space the second she landed.

One by one, the rest of our dragons followed. They landed in a loose half circle, eyes bright, wings folding close as they waited.

We moved fast, slipping into practiced motion, strapping our saddles on and securing gear in silence. Even Ferrula, usually quick with a quip, was focused.

Across the yard, Teren, Luthias, and Kaila mounted their dragons with equal efficiency. The three of them radiated calm, confident energy, hardened by missions we hadn’t yet faced.

Zander climbed up Hein gracefully with his dark cloak snapping in the wind. His voice rang out like thunder.

“Mount up!”

Without hesitation, we settled into our saddles.

Kaelith shifted beneath me, her power humming in my veins as my hands gripped the reins.