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Vaylen

I stare into the mirror, a stupid smile plastered on my face. Last night keeps playing inside my head on repeat, Rhealyn’s naked body writhing under me as my cock slipped into her wet warmth. I can still taste her on my lips, feel the ghost of her fingers raking down my back. Goddess , she’s everything I imagined she would be and more.

I run my fingers through my tousled hair. Her scent lingers on my skin, and I’m loathed to wash it off, but I have to. After that, I’ll need to enter the mess hall and pretend my world didn’t just change forever because my mind, trained for strategy and order, now finds itself consumed by thoughts of her. The Sky Order’s mandates war with my need to be with her. I already want a repeat of our too-brief moment, but I don’t know when we’ll have another chance.

With a reluctant sigh, I step into the shower, letting the hot water cascade over me. As I lather up, my mind inevitably drifts back to Rhealyn—the softness of her skin, the little gasps and moans she made. I have to force myself to think of something else as my cock begins to harden.

Dressed and somewhat composed, I make my way to breakfast. The usual chatter and clatter of utensils greets me as I enter. I take my place on the Prime table, finally scanning the room. She sits with her mates, laughing at something one of them said. Our eyes meet for a brief moment. The hint of a secret smile plays across her lips before she looks away.

Prime Emberstone is staring at me.

I blink. “Did you say something?”

“I asked if you read the Commander’s new message yet,” she says with a frown.

“I haven’t had the opportunity yet.”

Her frown deepens.

It’s unlike me to be distracted, and even more not to be abreast of everything that goes on in the Sky Order. I need to be more careful. One slip could jeopardize everything—not just my position, but Rhealyn’s and my Clutch’s safety as well.

I clear my throat, forcing myself to focus. “Anything of concern?”

“She wants us to leave tomorrow and indicates the special team will travel to Hearthdale the day after.”

“Tomorrow?” We had three more days. “Why the urgency? We haven’t even had time to practice combined maneuvers.”

“I know.” She takes a sip of her tea, shaking her head. “Her message didn’t go into detail. I thought you might be able to coax more information from her.”

Since I’m High Prime, Commander Voltguard often provides me with more detailed reports, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I can discuss them with the others. I nod, however, and say, “I’ll see what I can do.”

As I mechanically shovel food into my mouth, I ponder the situation I’ve created. My distraction is both unexpected and unacceptable. Since I woke up, my every thought has been of Rhealyn. Can I really keep this secret? The thrill of this forbidden liaison is intoxicating, but the danger of being discovered is real. If anyone were to find out... I risk another glance at Rhaelyn. She’s engaged in animated conversation, but I notice the slight tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers fidget with her ring. She feels it too—this electric current between us, crackling with both desire and trepidation.

I have the urge to wrap her in my arms and soothe her. I want to protect her, make sure she’s safe. The honor I’ve so fiercely guarded for so long feels… different now. Protecting her eclipses even the most sacred of the Sky Order’s laws. Yet, I’m the one who dragged her into this situation.

Dragon’s breath! What am I doing?!

Every glance at her is a rebellion against everything I swore to uphold. The stalwart High Prime falters at the sight of her. My thoughts and emotions are in chaos. I wonder if this is what the beginning of falling in love feels like.

I force my gaze away from Rhealyn and back to my plate. I need to get a grip. There’s no room for distractions, not with the mission looming. And thoughts of love are ludicrous.

I quickly finish my meal, excusing myself from the table with a nod to Prime Emberstone. I need to read my messages. As I stride out of the mess hall, my mind races. The change in our departure timeline is concerning. What could have happened to prompt further urgency? And how will this affect my fledgling relationship with Rhealyn? I shake my head. That should be the least of my concerns.

The Screechclaws are up to something, and the safety of Embernia and my entire Clutch take priority.

* * *

The Primes and Skysingers stand in front of me in the briefing room, their tension filling the space. I called for a meeting after reading my messages and discovering no additional information besides our new departure timeline.

I clear my throat. “I regret to inform you that our training timeline has been accelerated once more. We leave for Cinderhold tomorrow at dawn.”

Murmurs of surprise ripple through the group. I catch Rhealyn’s eye for a brief moment before continuing.

“I know this is unexpected, and I’m sorry I can’t offer any specific details as they are unclear. Regardless, these are our orders.”

Prime Emberstone steps forward. “Have there been troop movements? Another attack?”

“At the moment, I have the same information you do, Prime Emberstone. I assume we’ll learn more tomorrow.”

The room erupts in a flurry of questions and concerns. I raise my hand for silence.

“Here are your immediate orders, pack according to procedure, and come back here in two hours to receive your wings.”

The Skyriders go quiet and look at me in surprise. We’re not done with our training and yet… today, they’ll become full Skyriders.

The tension in the room immediately shifts to excitement. Their eyes light up, their postures straightening with pride. Even Rhealyn, despite the worry lurking behind her hazel eyes, can’t suppress a smile.

“Congratulations,” I say, allowing a hint of warmth to creep into my voice. “You’ve all worked hard for your wings. Now, go prepare. We’ll reconvene here in two hours for the ceremony.”

As the group disperses, I catch Rhealyn’s gaze one last time. There’s so much I want to say to her, so much we need to discuss, but we can’t. I give her a subtle nod, hoping she understands the unspoken message: we’ll find a way to talk later.

The next two hours pass in a blur of activity. I oversee the preparations, ensuring everything is in order for departure. Sky’s Edge personnel need to take care of packing supplies required on the front lines: weapons, uniforms, rations, and all sorts of equipment. It’s a large shipment that was delayed due to a shortage of materials. It’s much needed by our troops, and it only makes sense to take advantage of our journey west.

Later, as the Skyriders file back into the briefing room, their excitement is palpable. They stand tall, eyes shining with anticipation. Many of them have dreamed of this moment ever since they can remember, and they’ve all worked hard for the honor of defending Embernia.

The ceremony is brief but poignant. Each Skyrider steps forward to receive their wings—an intricate metal pin depicting open dragon wings and crafted by skillful Forges. As I affix the pins to their uniforms, I sense the weight of responsibility settle on their shoulders.

When Rhealyn steps forward, our eyes lock. Her fingers brush mine as I pin the wings to her chest, and a jolt of electricity passes between us. For a moment, the rest of the room fades away, and it’s just us. I want to pull her close, to whisper words of encouragement and longing. Instead, I simply nod and move on to the next Skyrider.

Later that night, I stay up late, inspecting each crate and its contents with help from the other Primes. When we’re satisfied, I order a Boltgram to be delivered to Commander Voltguard, letting her know everything is ready, and we will be there tomorrow.

An unexpected feeling of foreboding sets heavily on my heart. It’s something I’ve never felt before, not even in the beginning. It takes me aback. This isn’t my first mission, or the first time something fortuitous happens. So what is this about?

There’s only one thing that’s different, Vaylen.

To my utter surprise, a realization hits me: I’m terrified something will happen to Rhealyn.

* * *

“And Rhea looks just like a Screechclaw in heat.”

I look up at Nate. “What did you say?”

“Ah, you are still part of this world,” he laughs, and Phoebe and Adelaide follow suit. We sit in the mess hall, a bit early for dinner since there’s nothing else to do. The Primes are too busy to deal with us.

Clearing my throat, I sit straight. I was distracted looking at my wings, and remembering the moment Vaylen pinned them to my chest, the moment my hand brushed his and our energies locked.

All day long, I’ve caught him looking at me, which I guess also means he’s caught me looking at him. I sense a growing tension from him, one that matches mine. Does he have regrets about last night? Do I? We’re taking a major risk, which could destroy our careers in the Sky Order. I could lose my wings before I have a chance to fight for Embernia.

Yet… the thought of his touch, his eyes, his voice... it’s intoxicating.

“Rhea,” Nate says, waving a hand in front of my face. “You’re doing it again.”

I blink, focusing on my friends. “Sorry, I’m just... tired.”

Adelaide raises an eyebrow. “Tired? Or distracted by a certain brooding High Prime?”

“What?!” I struggle to keep my expression neutral. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, come on,” Adelaide says. “I’ve noticed the way you two look at each other. It’s like watching a volcanic eruption every time you two connect.”

Nate and Phoebe frown, taken aback.

I open my mouth to protest, but before I can speak, the mess hall doors swing open. Vaylen strides in, his presence immediately commanding the room. The other Primes follow and march toward their table. Shortly after, dinner commences, saving me from my friends’ questions. This isn’t good. If they’ve already noticed the way Vaylen and I look at each other, it won’t be long before others catch on. Throughout dinner, I force myself to look down at my food, pushing the vegetables around my plate.

“Adelaide, you shouldn’t joke like that,” Nate says quietly. “You could get Rhea in a lot of trouble.”

My stomach drops. I’d hoped they would forget the conversation.

Adelaide rolls her eyes. “It wasn’t a joke. You just don’t pay attention. Sparks fly when they look at each other.”

“Keep your voice down,” I hiss, glancing around nervously. “You’re imagining things!”

Adelaide snorts. “Right.”

“Either way, Adelaide,” Phoebe intervenes, “I’d hate to end up being questioned about such a delicate matter. The Sky Order takes these things very seriously. Wouldn’t you hate to be discharged by spreading rumors you can’t substantiate?”

Adelaide’s expression tightens. It seems she hadn’t considered the potential consequences of her observations. She opens her mouth, likely to argue further, but Nate cuts her off.

“Enough,” he says firmly. “Let’s change the subject.”

I shoot Phoebe and Nate a grateful look, relieved for the intervention. As the conversation shifts to more mundane topics, I allow myself a quick glance toward Vaylen’s table. To my surprise, I find his eyes already on me. There’s an intensity in his gaze that makes my breath catch. I quickly look away, my heart racing.

The rest of dinner passes in a blur. I’m hyper-aware of Vaylen’s presence, even as I try to focus on my friends’ chatter. When we’re finally dismissed, I bolt from the mess hall, needing some air and space to think. I wander the halls for a while before going to my room, determined to sleep all my anxiety off.

I’m about to get into bed when there’s a knock at my door. I’ve never had any visitors, and I wonder who it could be. I answer and find Phoebe on the other side.

“Hey.” She waves. “Can I come in?”

“Sure.”

Phoebe walks in, and I close the door. Her eyes rove over the furniture, the wall, and even the ceiling.

“What is it, Phoebe?” I press, growing inpatient.

“Um, I wanted to tell you to be careful.”

My body tenses. “Careful about what?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

Phoebe sighs, her eyes finally meeting mine. “Look, I know Adelaide can be... blunt. But she’s not wrong. I’ve noticed it, too. The way you and Vaylen look at each other.”

My heart races. Am I really that obvious? “Phoebe, I?—”

She holds up a hand, cutting me off. “I’m here as your friend, Rhea. Just to warn you to be cautious. He’s an attractive man. I don’t blame you. And I don’t blame him for liking you. I’ve noticed he tries to hide it by being more formal with you. You two would make an amazing couple. But it’s forbidden, and if you allow anything to happen, it could ruin both of your careers. Maybe even worse.”

All right. Calm down, Rhea. They don’t know that something has already happened. All you have to do is pluck your traitorous eyes out, so you never glance in his direction again.

“And you don’t think I know that?” I ask, feeling terrible about the sharp edge in my words.

“I know you do.”

I try a different approach and deliver it in a softer tone. “Sure, I think he’s attractive, and maybe I like looking at him, but I’m not stupid.” I’m such a liar.

“I know that, too. I just…” She shrugs. “Well… I wanted to tell you that… you can trust me. I’ll always have your back no matter what.” She walks to the door and opens it.

“Phoebe.”

She looks back over her shoulder.

“Thank you. I’ll always have your back, too.”

We smile, and as she leaves, I know everything is good between us.