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iaminfourthwing · 4 hours

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The Generals Daughter

Bonus Chapter

*Liams POV*

“Say that one more time and I shall have you beheaded.”

From her tone I know that she is not lying. She will kill him if he ever says something or anything to her. Anger and fury are radiating from her figure, filling the classroom with uncomfortable tension.

I can’t believe he would say such things, especially to her considering who her father is and that he could punish him with just a snap of his finger. He is one of the most powerful men on the continent after all.

Thinking that Jack would have more braincells proved to be wrong.

I watch Arya storm out of the room when the bells ring and Professor Kaori follows her figure with his eyes, still looking pale and worried. He pivots and faces Barlowe, fury taking over his face.

“How dare you insult another cadet like that? And a Melgren after all! You have no idea what you have done. You should be careful with your words and actions, Cadet, before she’ll take revenge. Her threat wasn’t just a threat … she is capable of things you can’t even imagine. She is just as powerful without her father breathing down her neck. This threat was a promise” he finishes his lecture.

If this whole situation wouldn’t be so serious and fucked up, I would laugh out loud about Jacks fearful expression.

I gather my things and walk out in the hallway, coming face to face with Xaden, Garrick, Bodhi and Imogen, all of them looking confused down the hallway. Xaden notices me first, his brows hitting his hairline, curiosity in his eyes.

“What happened that Melgren was literally sprinting down the corridors with nothing but rage radiating from her?” my wingleader asks.

“Barlowe” I say, noticing said cadet steps out of the classroom, finding my glaring eyes watching him. He flinches slightly and scrambles down the hallway. “What did he say?” Imogen asks with a furrow of her brows.

“That no dragon would choose her on their own because she is ‘pathetic’ and General Melgren would manipulate Threshing or his dragon will threaten some of the other dragons to choose her as their rider” I whisper so other cadets doesn’t hear what happened.

Even though the most horrible man on this continent is her father, she is nothing like him. She is … nice and funny. She cares about her squad (minus Luca but she is just annoying), helping them with academics and challenges because if we’re being honest … she is incredibly tough.

My friend’s heads snap into my direction, disbelief in their eyes. “Amari, and in front of Kaori too?” Garrick asks wide eyed. I nod.

“What was her answer? Because we all know that she will never ignore such an insult” Bodhi says, crossing his arms in front of him. I chuckle nervously, rubbing my neck with one hand while trying to form the words that left the red-haired women a few minutes ago. To be honest, she impressed me with her threat and Kaori’s reaction confirmed that she meant what she said. The next time she’ll kill him.

“Uhm, you know … she said “please, say that one more time and I shall have you beheaded.””

Garrick breaks out in loud laughter, Xaden looks unbothered but I can see his mouth twitching, trying to hide his smirk. Imogen and Bodhi both chuckles. “Yeah, I can totally see her doing that” Garrick still laughs while shaking his head.

“Well, Kaori confirmed that the threat was actually a promise and that none of us has any idea what she is capable of.” My words seem to get them to think.

“I mean” Xaden begins “she carries herself with a lot of confidence.”

“Yeah, we saw in assessment what she can do and that it doesn’t matter how tall or buff her opponent is. She is a beast on the mat, and I am pretty sure she even could take us down or at least hold the fight for as long as possible.” the section leader says, looking at my older foster brother.

“I still can’t believe she took that guy out with only two punches” Imogen mutters, reliving the memory in her head.

I still remember how we all stared dumbfound and in disbelief at her when she took down her opponent in assessment. Two punches- one on the nose, one in the upper cheek/jaw, and then he went down. Unconscious.

“We need to be careful with her being around. I best believe that the general has something to do with her being assigned to Fourth Wing. She has to observe us, I am sure about that. What we are doing. I will not risk anything so be careful and take care. She is dangerous!” Xaden orders while we make our way to today’s challenges.

And while Xaden will punch me for this in foreseeable future, I actually want to get to know her more, what her history is.

Looking over my friends I notice Bodhi is lost in his thoughts, a closed off look adorning his face. I know he finds her as interesting as I do, maybe even more because she is gorgeous and his type after all. But he would risk everything they build up over these past months and years by getting involved with her like that.

All I want is to find out what’s the deal with her and then I’ll call it a day. Hopefully.

#fourth wing #iron flame #bodhi durran #fourth wing x reader #xaden riorson #bodhi durran x oc #bodhi durran x reader #violet sorrengail #booktok #fourth wing by rebecca yarros

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iaminfourthwing · 4 hours

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The Generals Daughter

Chapter VI

“He said he’ll handle you?” I laugh out loud while Violet is a blushing mess between Rhiannon and me. We are taking our seats for Battle Brief that’ll start in a few minutes.

“That is the kinkiest shit I’ve heard so far” Rhiannon adds with a smirk.

“Nah, I think the way our girl here described the way his shadows felt around her is her admitting how she want to be handled in bed- ““OKAY! Stop that now please!” And now she is beet red. Rhi and I burst out laughing while the others around us find their seats, Sawyer and Ridoc taking their usual spots next to me while looking confused by our laughter.

“Can you people be any louder?” a feminine voice sneers in front of us. When I look forward, I meet Luca’s eyes who looks as annoyed as I feel by her presence. “Some of us are trying to study” she continues with a roll of her eyes.

Studying? Her? The past lessons, no matter the class, she asked the most unimportant and actually dumbest questions.

“What color was the dragon that was attacked?” “Do you think gryphons could be trained to spit fire?”

Like- what the actual fuck?

Ridoc snickers to himself while thinking the same. The second and third years are walking by and Imogen is giving the girl in front of us the nastiest side eye I have ever seen.

I make eye contact with the boy behind her. Bodhi Durran, Xaden’s cousin and probably the most beautiful man on the continent. He is incredibly handsome with dazzling brown eyes and tawny brown skin. I would pay a good money to get a chance to stroke my hand through his thick black curls adorning his head just once. Violet said his features reminds her of Xadens, and while I see what she means, I think Bodhi is divine in his own way. His smile is lovely, and he holds himself with so much confidence and grace, I am jealous of everyone that can call themselves his friend. My father would kill me if he could hear me right now.

Before I can start to blush, I cast my eyes forward to Luca.

“You know Luca, if stupid could fly, you definitely wouldn’t need a dragon, and everyone could live a bit more peaceful here without your annoying ass.” My smirk is downright devilish, but it serves its purpose – she is offended. Sawyer loses it and Ridoc starts laughing too. Violet and Rhiannon giggle to themselves.

Luca rolls her eyes again and opens her mouth to say something, but I am faster. “Keep rolling your eyes. Maybe you’ll find a brain back there.” I need to get my sassy side under control before it backfires in the form of my father.

Laughter fills the hall and the boys next to me gasping for air while trying to get their hollering under control. I can even see Dain trying to fight of a smile, as he walks past us. He finds her just as annoying as everyone else does.

Lucas cheeks redden with embarrassment and she finally turns back around.

The boys are still laughing but it’s a raspy chuckle behind me that gains my attention. Turning my head slightly to the left I make eye contact with the blue ones of cadet Liam Mairi, Tail Section in Fourth Wing, Second Squad. He surprises me by giving me an amused smile and wink to which I just chuckle lightly and turn back after Violet jabs her elbow in my ribs because Devera entered the hall.

After Battle Brief our next lesson is with Professor Kaori, one the only Professor after Devera and Emetterio I kind of like and respect. As an illusionist his signet allows him to project whatever he sees in his mind.

“Red Scorpiontails, like Ghrian here, are the quickest to temper. Keep that in mind, when you approach one at Threshing and better decide fast if you need to run.” The projection of a massive red dragon in the middle of the room shows just a fraction of its actual size. The reds can be vicious, I’ve already met one when I was with the General at the Samara Outpost.

“So if you offend him, you are-“ “Lunch” Ridoc interrupts him from next to Violet. I chuckle but it’s true. You better do your best to avoid them.

“So, what is the best way to approach them?” Professor Kaori asks the class. “They like it more when you approach them from the left and front, if possible” I answer.

“That’s right. This year there are three Red Scorpiontails willing to bond of they find their match.” He switches the image to another dragon.

“How many dragons are there in total?” Rhiannon asks. We are all looking forward to Kaori with excitement, nervous about what the answer will be.

“A hundred for this year.” My brows hit my hair line. That’s thirty-seven fewer than last year!? Shit, that will get bloody when Threshing arrives. There could be a lot less after Presentation, two days before Threshing, and the dragons will change their minds after seeing the cadets for this year. I mean … I would understand them, some of these cadets are pathetic, physically and mentally.

“…but I am not about to lie to you and say that we’re not seeing increased breaches when you know from Battle Brief that we are.” I catch the rest of Kaori’s answer. It’s frightening how fast the wards are faltering and I tense every time when Devera starts the daily Battle Brief.

A massive navy-blue dragon appears in the middle. Sgaeyl, Xaden’s dragon.

“No blue dragon is willing to bond this year, so you don’t have to worry about how to approach one, but you need to recognize Sgaeyl if you see her” Kaori says.

“So, you can fucking run” Ridoc drawls. The others laugh, but it’s true too. No one with any common sense and brain would even dare to look at her direction or approach her with or without her rider by her side. Xaden is ruthless but Sgaeyl … you better find somewhere else to be because she is downright malicious, as my father would describe her. She is a beast through and through.

“There are other blues in active service and all of them are intimidating, but Sgaeyl is the most powerful of them all” he adds in a serious tone. No wonder she bonded Xaden. They are the most powerful dragon rider duo of our generation.

“What about the black dragon?” a first year from First Wing asks. “I want that one” Jack says with excitement shining in his eyes.

“Oh, hell no!” I say out loud, turning some heads in my direction, Jacks included. He is glaring with a mix of hatred and amusement in my direction.

“Not that it is going to matter” Professor Kaori interrupts our glaring contest with a flick of his wrist and then there is … Codagh. I avert my eyes immediately to the side and turn my head, which doesn’t go unnoticed by Violet, her concerned eyes finding mine. Besides my father, she is the only other person who knows my history with the black beast. I catch Liams gaze over her head and while he looks confused by my reaction, I can also see … concern? I give him a reassuring smile, or more like a grimace since I am confused myself. Why is a marked one, especially a Mairi, concerned about my wellbeing?

“But just to appease your curiosity, since it is a bit rare to see him, this is Codagh, General Melgren’s dragon.” I can feel his eyes on me, and sense some heads turning in my direction again. “Ignore them Arya” I repeat to myself mentally.

“And this one” Kaori changes the image to another black dragon “you’ll never get to face again, not in the wild at least. He has a massive Morningstartail with unbendable power.”

“He looks like a killing machine” Jack calls out, still excited.

I notice Violet shifting uncomfortable in her seat. And while I try to blend out the image of this massive dragon that reminds me way too much of my father’s beast, Kaori answers some questions about him.

“… he is one of the deadliest dragons in Navarre.” No one saw him for the past five years since his previous rider, Naolin, died trying to resurrect Brennan Sorrengail in the Battle of Aretia. Father told me about them, how they died for the kingdom, next to each other. How Brennan was killed by Fen Riorson, Xadens father.

“How do you approach him?” Jack demands to know. That’s where I draw the line.

“You especially don’t because the continent doesn’t need a fucking psychopath with a dragon like him. Besides if he would be willing to bond, I am pretty sure that he would be smart enough to choose someone that is not you or even related to you!” I snarl in his direction. There is anger building up in his eyes as he tenses. The cadet next to him sits still, not moving a muscle.

“And what about you, Melgren? Do you really think you’ll be chosen without daddy manipulating Threshing to help you? Or his dragon? I bet Codagh will bully some of the dragons to approach you, because none of them would want a rider as pathetic as you!” he laughs maliciously, expecting the others to join him.

Some of the cadets around us gasp in shock, even Kaori looks greenish. How dare he say something like this?! Violet tenses and whips her head around to face me, worried what I’ll do.

“Please” my glare is as cold as my voice, my eyes practically black right now, like always when I am mad. I can see the effect it has on him, even his squad mates shrink in their seats, avoiding my eyes.

“Say that one more time and I shall have you beheaded.”

My voice dropped a few octaves due to me being enraged, more than that. To insult a cadet like this in this quadrant can cost you your life, even though the world would be a better place without him. He accuses my father of manipulation, which is a capital offense, but accusing Codagh?! If they will ever find this out, Jack is dead. Not because father is protective of me, but because it's a stab at his reputation and position.

Kaori’s still shocked grimace finds his way into my line of sight, eyes wide, mouth agape. He knows the best what I am capable of and that my threat isn’t just a threat, it’s a promise.

Barlowe snaps his mouth shut and his little friend seated next to him looks like he is about to piss himself.

The bells ring, signaling that the hour is up. I take my stuff and storm out of the room, almost running into Xaden and his entourage, who steps away in the last moment. Ignoring them all, I make my way into the wing’s gym, to work out my anger and frustration. I’ll miss challenges today, but it’s not my turn anyways so I don’t care. And I will kill Jack if he breathes my way.

#fourth wing #iron flame #bodhi durran #fourth wing x reader #xaden riorson #bodhi durran x oc #bodhi durran x reader #violet sorrengail #booktok #fourth wing by rebecca yarros

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iaminfourthwing · 1 day

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The Generals Daughter

Chapter V

Making my way through the corridors to the Healers Quadrant, I can still hear Violets bones breaking and her scream ringing in my ears. Imogen really did a number on her but given the history it was to be expected.

*Earlier*

Imogen sits above Violet and, I don`t know if I am hallucinating, but I see a fucking dagger in her hand! That is against the rules for fucks sake. Thanks to Mira and the armor Violet is gladly unharmed. For now. This is assessment, no power or weapons!

She uses the moment of confusion from Imogen and throws a punch into her cheek. It`s a back and forth between them but Violet again takes a wrong turn and Imogen doesn`t hesitate and is over her again.

“Shit,” Rhiannon curses, “That won’t end well.”

“It was destined to end bad from the beginning. Violet tried, but it was clear that Imogen would not hesitate. Now all that Violet has to do is yield before it ends way more horrible.” I say.

The pink haired girl has way too much anger and pain in her to fight fair. Violet had no chance from the beginning, not when Imogen fights like this.

But I understand her feelings, the pain and anger that still lingers from all those years ago. They all have a reason to hate Violet, or Dain, or me. We are the children of the leadership that is responsible for the death of their loved ones. I would react like this as well, if I had family that loved me and I them.

Violet cries out in pain and with a pop, her shoulder is dislocated. Shit.

“Yield, Violet” Dain yells furiously. And while I absolutely dislike him, I agree now. Vi has to yield.

“Yield” Imogen demands.

But Violet is way too stubborn and it`s Emetterio who orders “She yields. That`s enough!”

It’s to late and the next sound that echoes through the hall is her bone snapping and her pained scream that makes us flinch where we stand.

*Present*

When I step into the infirmary, I can hear Dain and Winifred argue.

“You can’t ask him to mend her” Dain protests. I guess they are talking about Nolon since he is the only mender at Basgiath but … why can’t he be asked to mend Violet?

Winifred answers something I can’t focus on because said mender just walked in next to me.

Surprise takes over his features when he sees me lingering a few steps away from the curtain that shields the three from us.

“Arya, it’s great to see you. It’s been a long time” he greets me with a gentle smile. The dark-skinned older man always was my favorite around here alongside his wife.

“Hi Nolon, yeah it’s been over a year since we met last” I softly smile back.

“What brings you here?” he asks me and whips the curtain back, revealing a slightly drugged Violet, a frowning Dain and an annoyed Winifred.

“Her” I say while fixing my glare on Dain, trying to figure what his problem is.

“She’s with you, Dain?” Nolon sends an accusing look his way to which the squad leader flinches but holds his ground. “I am her squad leader” he tries to defend himself.

“Hm, doing an excellent job, are you?” Nolon replies, sarcasm dripping in his tone.

While Dain explains, how Imogen destroyed Violets shoulder during assessment, I find my way next to said girl and take the hand of her uninjured arm in mine. She gives me a crooked smile, which makes me chuckle. She is way too cute like this, even if she has no idea what’s going on.

“… This is our chance to get her out of the Riders Quadrant while she is still breathing.” Dain says while gesturing furiously.

My head snaps to him, mouth agape. So that’s what he is trying to do? Get her out of here to the scribes? He finds my wide glaring eyes and his hold so much emotion in it, mostly fear. I understand him, but there is nothing I can do.

“Please, Arya. You have to help me on this one. We need her away from the Riders Quadrant to the scribes before it kills her!” he begs me. And while I am still partly with him on this, I can’t help him.

“You know how stubborn she is and besides, it doesn’t matter what we want or try. We have no chance in that matter. General Sorrengail gave her orders and General Melgren is behind her decision. If we try to bring her out of there, she’ll get hauled back in in no time and we will have enough trouble and punishment on us that’ll last us to our third year. We can safe this energy and use it to train her, so she’ll have a real chance!” I finish.

Dain looks incredibly disappointed of my answer and I almost feel sorry for him. I know that he has feelings for her and fears for her safety, hell I do that too, but like I said … nothing we can do.

Violet gifts me a sweet beaming smile because I defend and accept her wishes.

“Thhhanksss” she slurs. Chuckling, I gently stroke her head.

“Please Vi” Dain tries it one last time. “For me- because I didn’t step in fast enough.”

It`s really heartbreaking, the way he looks into her eyes with so much pain and fear.

“I made m-my choice” she murmurs. His shoulders slump down, and with one last glance Nolon sends him back to the quadrant and finds my eyes.

“I am staying by her side.” I’ll go nowhere. He nods in understanding and takes position.

Winifred holds a strap of leather in front of Violets mouth, which she takes between her teeth. It’s going to be incredibly painful. Nolon twists his hand once and Violet screams in pure agony; a second time and she is out cold. I stay by her side till she wakes back up a few hours later.

When we arrive at the barracks most of the cadets are in their sleeping garments and loud chatter fills the hall. Violet and I make our way to our bunks where Rhiannon is already waiting for us.

“You are here” she smiles with relief crossing her face.

“Yeah, we are” Violet assures her, tired even though she slept for a few hours already. Still exhausted from the fight.

“How bad is it?” Rhi asks and while the both of them catch up and are talking about the following weeks including challenges, I change into my pyjama, turning around and help Violet with hers. The serum must have worn off because her face turns into a painful grimace. Taking my place behind her on her bed, curiosity takes over and I look over her shoulder when she pulls a book from under her pillow. “The Book of Brennan” It reads on the first page.

“Oh” I breathe softly, laying my hand gently on her uninjured shoulder as I feel her tense next to me. I rub her shoulder in a soothing manner to calm her down. While Rhiannon studies her history book both Violet and I fall into Brennan’s history at Basgiath so many years go.

“(…) Here’s the secret – if you know where to look and can get out without being seen, you’ll know who you’re fighting so you can prepare.”

I draw in a sharp breath as Violet does the same. If we know where to look … no one knows the grounds of Basgiath better than her, more than I do. Our eyes meet and we both have excited grins on our faces. We know how she’ll survive.

#fourth wing #iron flame #bodhi durran #fourth wing x reader #xaden riorson #bodhi durran x oc #bodhi durran x reader #violet sorrengail #fourth wing by rebecca yarros #booktok

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iaminfourthwing · 4 days

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Ahhhh I can’t wait for Arya and Bodhi to interact 🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭

Hiiii yes I can‘t wait too. 🤭🤭🤭 I was a bit busy, that’s why I wasn’t uploading much but I promise I’ll try to do it more 🥰🫶🏻

#fourth wing #iron flame #bodhi durran #bodhi x arya

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iaminfourthwing · 15 days

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The Generals Daughter

Chapter IV

Xaden had the same thoughts in Battle Brief because his question was kind of based on mine. The fact that we were thinking the same way gives me a boost of confidence. Not that I would rely on his opinion but since he is the wingleader (and that for a reason) it kinda makes me happy.

“You two are seriously something else. You knew everything in history and in Battle Brief you were badass, especially you Arya.” Rhiannon says with an exciting glint in her brown eyes.

Clad in our sparring clothes (a short sleeved black shirt with tight trousers) we’re currently standing next to the sparring mat where Aurelie and Ridoc are fighting each other. Today is just assessment, that means we figure out where everyone’s skills lay, or if some even have skills.

Sawyer found his way next to me, Violet and Rhiannon on my other side. I quietly observe the match but it`s obvious that both of them already had their fair share of training in the past.

Violet and Rhiannon talk about helping each other out, Vi with academics, Rhiannon with sparring. Sawyer joins the conversation. “I could give tips to survive combat training.” Right, he already has some experience.

A tooth goes flying. Ew. “Enough!” Professor Emetterio shouts.

“What about you, Arya?” Rhiannon asks curious, her eyes not leaving the match in front of us but it's Violet who answers her. “She is good in everything. No, not just good. Magnificent.” I scoff as Emetterio calls out the next match. “Hardly. I may have some training, but there are always fighters who are more dangerous than I am” I say to Violet. A certain cadet from First Wing for example.

A tall, bulky guy from our wing, but second year from another squad stands on the mat. Since we have an uneven number of cadets in the squads someone will have to step into that match with him.

A sickening crack echoes through the hall as Jack Barlowe snaps the neck of his squad mate. Sweet “-Malek” Violet whispers horrified. He seriously is crazy, more than that. I don’t even want to know what goes on in that head, but what I know is, that he is dangerous. We really have to watch out, especially if he’s after Violet.

Emetterio scolds him but Barlowe obviously doesn`t give a flying fuck about what the professor has to say.

Emetterio turns back around and his eyes find mine. Shit. “Melgren, your turn.”

“That will be good. Don`t hurt him too much, Arya” Violet says with a exiciting grin while the others wish me good luck.

I walk over and step onto the mat. “Must be my lucky day to be the first one here to have a chance beating you up, Melgren. Are we allowed to break bones beside the neck?”

Is he- is he dumb?! Even though it's just assessment and Emetterio wants to see what we can do, it is not forbidden to break some bones. We just shouldn`t overdo it, that`s what the challenges are for. Best example of what we shouldn’t do is Barlowes match, if you can even call it a match. Was pretty one sided if you ask me.

Emetterio must think the same because he scoffs and but looks unimpressed at him. He explained the rules of assessment two times before.

I decide to rile him up a bit. “Why? You want to make an appointment with Nolon beforehand for you? You know, just in case.” The right corner of my mouth lifts up. A murmur goes through the crowd and a few laughter can be heard.

Pissed, he turns my way and takes his position and god help me – that must be the worst starting stance I have ever seen. “Don’t worry. I`ll make it short” I tease him further.

That gives him the rest and he storms towards me like an angry bull. I dodge a few of his punches which he clearly doesn`t like and only makes him madder. He may be tall and muscular, but he lacks agility. His movements are uncoordinated, he moves with pure strength, not with logic.

Okay, enough of that. Time to show what I can do.

He takes a step forward; I dodge his fist and punch him square in the face onto his nose. A sickening crunch can be heard, and with the way his nose is deformed, it is definitely broken, but I don`t care. I smack my fist into his jaw, hard, and he falls over, unconscious. HUH?!

Well fuck, that was not the plan. Did I really punch that hard? I stand over his unconscious figure, eyes wide open, mouth dropped in disbelief.

My stunned face finds Emetterios with a similar expression and notice how most of the other cadets stopped what they were doing. Violet looks proud (she saw me sparring more than just once), Rhiannon, Sawyer and the rest of our squad are wide eyed, speechless. “What the fuck?” Someone shouts.

“Well … I think he yields.” I say with a confused smirk on my face.

Emetterio scoffs but I can see the proud glint in his eyes. “Damn Melgren, that was certainly a new record but next time, please let them stay awake.” he says.

I step down from the mat and walk over to my squad. Aetos is the first one to greet me. “That was really good, Arya. I have to give you that, you seem to be an excellent fighter.” A compliment, from Dain Aetos? My face must show the confusion and amusement because he just rolls his eyes but doesn`t say anything else.

Ridoc gives me a fist bump. “That was incredible” Sawyer says, still in awe. “The way you were assessing him and kept your focus on the way he moved. You studied him during the fight and never lost control,” he adds. It was something my father taught me personally when he had the time (which wasn`t often) to fight with me.

“And the way it only took you two punches to knock him unconscious” Rhiannon grins. “Yeah, that was certainly not the plan. But you just have to know where you have to punch” I explain. “I can teach you, if you want.” All four of them nod their head furiously at my offer. Laughing I turn around and find Emetterios gaze fixed on Violet, Imogen Cardulo, a pink haired second year with the relic adorning her arm, next to him. Uh oh.

“Sorrengail, your turn.” Shit.

#fourth wing #iron flame #fourth wing x reader #bodhi durran #xaden riorson #bodhi durran x oc #bodhi durran x reader #violet sorrengail #fourth wing by rebecca yarros #rebecca yarros #booktok

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iaminfourthwing · 15 days

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The Generals Daughter

Chapter III

The sun is up when we stand in formation the next day while Captain Fitzgibbons reads from the death roll. The courtyard is hollowed in almost deadly silence.

We’re all in our assigned uniforms for first years with our patches added and while some of us look like they got a decent amount of sleep last night, I didn`t and I feel like I am ready to be send to Malek. But my mind was running on high speed and I was way too paranoid to sleep, ready for the (mostly im)possible scenario someone might try to pull some shit at night, even though it would be against the Codex. Violet next to me looks like she struggles but is keeping her head high. She is strong which makes me proud.

“We command their souls to Malek.” Oh, we were at the end already.

“Hopefully you all ate breakfast, because you`re not going to get another chance before lunch” Dain says, “and I hope at least one of you first years has the academic schedule remembered.”

“And if we’re not?” someone behind us says. Is he dumb?

“Then I don`t have to be concerned with forgetting your name” Aetos shrugs. Well.

“Sawyer” he looks to the left at a first year. Ah, Sawyer Henrick, the freckled guy that repeats the first year because he didn`t bond during Threshing last year. It takes some balls to do this shit again, he has my full respect.

“I`ll get them there” he answers and turns to the nine of us first years. “Fourth floor, second room on the left in the academic wing. Get your shit and don`t be fucking late” he shouts and heads off to the dormitory.

“This must be shit, doing this again” Rhiannon states.

“Better than being dead” the guy from before claims as he walks on my right side. I think his name is Ridoc but I am not sure. I look around, not saying anything and make my way to the dorms, not noticing that Violet isn't by my side anymore. In her place walks Rhiannon. “Where-“ “Dain” she says before I can ask. Damn Aetos, so much for being subtle.

We`re off to grab our (and Violets) stuff and head over to the academic wing for history, which is going to be boring for both Violet and myself. Violet was trained to be a scribe, so she knows it all, and I had to study everything anyways, order from my father.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

“Welcome to your first Battle Brief” Professor Devera greets us. This will be the only class we`ll have every day.

She takes her time to scan the rows of first years, looking at every cadet she sees, while the second and third years are scattered behind us.

At first, she makes eye contact with Violet next to me and gives her a small smile and nod but when her eyes find mine, she tenses and stops. For around three second it`s quiet, then she nods and continues. Rolling my eyes, I look to the left at Violet, seeing a concerned frown adorning her face. I send her a reassuring smile and turn back to the front where Professor Markham stands. He looks at Violet with disappointment, not because of her personally but the lost chances with that great brain of hers. She would have been an excellent scribe.

His gaze sways over to my side and just like with Panchek, his face pales instantly and fear strikes his facial features, not because of me but the one I share my last name with. Letting out a frustrated sigh I switch my focus on my quill, distracting myself before I start to scream out of annoyance. For fucks sake, I am NOT my father. Why is everyone acting like he rules the fucking continent?

“First topic of the day,” Devera moves to the map “the Eastern Wing experienced an attack last night near the village of Chakir by a drift of Braevi gryphons and their riders.” Oh damn. I sit straighter and focus on the map. Good thing when you have an excellent working memory – you can focus more on the front, less on your notes.

She gives further information and I take it all in. It’s bad enough that dragons aren`t the only animals capable of channeling powers to their riders. But the dragons are the only ones of powering the wards that makes other power impossible within these wards. They make sure we aren`t fucked up by the gryphons and their riders.

“…What questions would you ask? Only answers from first years for the start.”

Okay first of all, why the fuck are the wards faltering and more importantly what caused them to falter in such an unlikely place? They would never answer that question because none of us is authorized in that matter.

The second question would be, why they would choose this place for an attack? The Esben Mountain Range is the highest on the eastern border and the gryphons don`t go really well with altitudes like this. Furrowing my eyebrows, I try to find a pattern in the latest attacks. It doesn`t make any sense. But maybe … maybe they were searching for something.

“Did you want to ask a question?” Devera asks Pryor, a first year in our squad, who doesn`t really knows if he should raise his hand or not.

“Yes” he nods. Then – “No. Never mind.”

“So decisive” Luca, another first year from our squad, mocks him. Aurelie tries to ease the tension but Luca is not done with her teasing.

“No dragon is bonding to a guy who can`t even decide if he wants to ask a question. And have you seen –“ I scoff loudly, rolling my eyes at her demeanor to finally bring an end to this shit, which makes her turn around in her seat a row in front of me. If some of them are already kind of terrified with my face here, why not use it?

Her eyes meet mine and she realizes who interrupted her. She quickly turns back to the map without saying anything anymore.

I hear Violet and Rhiannon whisper to each other but don`t understand anything.

“What altitude is the village at?” Rhiannon finally asks. Oh, that`s a good question, matches with mine I had in my head. It`s Professor Markham who answers, surprised by it. “A little less than ten thousand feet, why?”

“It seems a little high for an attack with gryphons.” Good safe, because now I just realized that the question came from Violet. Smartass.

“… to ask your own questions, Cadet Sorrengail.” Shit, I need to start listening and try not to zone out all the time. Seems like the girl next to me has now all the attention on her. Great job, Vi.

Violet goes on about how this altitude is way too high for gryphons and their ability to channel. Looks like a thought crosses her genius brain as her next question is based on Devera’s information that the squad of riders took an hour to arrive.

“Then they were already on their way” she says. And while I can see what she is talking about – the rest of the first years decide to judge instead of thinking, some of them start to laugh.

“Yeah, because that makes sense” a blonde guy turns around in his seat to laugh directly in her face. Jack fucking Barlowe, the asshole that threw a candidate down the Parapet tried to kill Violet and still has it out for her.

“General Melgren knows the outcome of a battle before it happens, but even he doesn`t know when it will happen, dumbass. Am I right, Melgren Junior?” His eyes find mine when an evil smirk finds its way onto his face. Don`t fucking tempt me, asshole. I am not interested in a conversation with you.

My lack of response seems to annoy him because he tries it again. “I said, am I righ-“

“There is no need to repeat yourself. I ignored you just fine the first time.”

Stunned silence from Barlowe, startled gasps from other cadets, choked laughter from Ridoc. “Oh shit, that was good, Arya!” he laughs next to me and clasps his hand on my shoulder. Yeah no, I don`t think so Ridoc. I should try to keep my mouth shut with that one before I'll regret it.

Violet ignores my remark and continues with her theory and it seems like she is right, because Devera and Markham both look proud and with a knowing smile on their face. “Because they somehow knew the wards were breaking” she finishes.

“That`s the most-“Jack argues. Does he ever know when to stop?! “She`s right.” HA! I have a proud grin on my face, I love her brain!

“Cadet Melgren” I am called by Devera. Startled I raise my head, brow hitting my hairline.

“What would you ask in aspect of the attack?” she asks me. For a moment I study the map again, trying to sort my thoughts.

“What were they looking for and most importantly, did they find it?”

A slow smile spreads over Deveras face and even Markham looks intrigued by my question. “What makes you think they were out looking for something?”

“Well, it just makes sense they searched for something. Like Cadet Sorrengail said, the attack took action at the most illogical place for a drift of gryphons.” I pause, bringing my thoughts into formation. “The wards failing was not a coincidence and even though it seems like they were just passing by, they weren`t. They somehow knew the wards would falter in that specific moment. But whatever they were looking for, it must have been really important if they risk their drift to attack this high up in the mountains.” I finish.

I can hear Ridoc next to me cheering quietly in his seat. And while the first and some of the second years don’t think that far yet, I am pretty sure some of the third years had a similar question in mind, because I hear approving whispers behind me. Years of learning and studying are finally paying off.

“Just like your father. Always thinking ahead and seeing the important aspects. Good job, Melgren.” Everyone else would see it as a compliment but …

I hate it, with all my heart, because I desperately want to be everything but like my father. Violet takes my hand, knowing how much I hate to be compared to the General.

#fourth wing #fourth wing x reader #iron flame #bodhi durran #xaden riorson #bodhi durran x oc #bodhi durran x reader #fourth wing by rebecca yarros #rebecca yarros #booktok #violet sorrengail

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iaminfourthwing · 22 days

Text

The Generals Daughter

Chapter II

Silence takes over the courtyard as Commandant Panchek stands stunned on the dais in the front. “Come again, rider? How dare you interrupt-“

The boy steps to the side, revealing my lingering figure behind him and the mans face pales instantly when his eyes find my glaring ones. Fear strikes his face.

Damn, I know that my father is scary, and his reputation is ahead of him but that the higher ups still shit their pants when they see me will never not surprise me. That makes me think … how many people around here, besides the Commandant, did father informed that I'll join Basgiath this year?

“A-ah Cadet! I-it’s great to see you’ve made it safely across the Parapet.” Did he- did he just stutter?! My face surely must show amusement because he tries to hide his nervousness and fear with a shit eating grin. If one word describes this man, then it’s pathetic.

He turns to another third year I know all too well – Fen Riorsons son, Xaden. The bane of my father’s existence. He already warned me about my future wingleader and the other “marked ones”.

Xaden looks good though, even with the confused frown on his face that almost everyone up there wears since I arrived with the rider next to- oh well. Not next to me anymore. He must have went off to find his squad.

I can feel the stares on me and hear the whispers of the other cadets on me, while my glare is still fixated on the persons up the dais. My bet is, Panchek tells them who I am and that they discuss which wing I’ll join, even though General Melgren and Sorrengail made it crystal clear where I'll be going.

Suddenly Xaden tenses and throws a quick glance over his shoulder with fury in his eyes to which I only lift an eyebrow in question when our eyes meet. Then he turns back to the others and nods.

The crowd is waiting patiently for them to finish up and it’s Panchek who steps forward again.

“As I was saying, three hundred and two of you have survived the Parapet to become cadets today,” he wears that political slimy smile again. “Good job. Sixty-seven did not.”

Well, that’s unfortunate. My guess is that the weather had a big impact on those numbers, but it could have been that asshole that threw other candidates from the Parapet down like he owns the place. A shiver runs down my spine while thinking he lingers around somewhere, possibly making friends that are as crazy as him. Shits about to get real when my name is revealed, and I don`t know what I should hope for, but I fear the worst.

He talks about the Codex and what we should expect during our first year while he gestures wildly with his hands. All talk, no bite this man. I had the unfortunate luck to meet him more than just once through my father’s career and I did not enjoy his company any fucking minute. He is annoying as hell and wants General Sorrengails position first, and then my fathers. As if that would ever happen, when father’s signet is one of the most important on the continent and when he has Codagh.

“… My best advice? Don’t die.” Easier said than done.

He walks off the dais with his executive commandant in tow but not without throwing a quick glance my way. Please just go away.

A brunette woman steps forward and calls out the section and squad leaders to take their positions. While finding their place in the front, Dain Aetos eyes meet mine over the distance, his eyebrows furrowed as he tries to study me, nice try buddy. He stands in the section of Second Wing; I think he is squad leader for Flame Section if I recall right.

We met each other over a year ago through Violet, since he is or was her best friend. I never liked him, too much of a “we have to strictly follow the rules” guy. But he isn't really fond of me too, thinks I am a bad influence on Violet.

One by one, cadets find their way into formation and soon Second Wing is called.

“Violet Sorrengail. Second Squad! Flame Section! Second Wing!”

Thank god's she is alive, but wait- those were not General Sorrengails orders!!? This is really bad and after finding said girl in the masses she seems to be relieved, but when I let my gaze fall on Dain again– oh? I see how it is. He must have something to do with this, because he has the audacity to smirk when his eyes find mine again. But I know it better than him, he won't be laughing for long.

Violet and her friend (?) walk over to their assigned squad and take place into formation. Third Wing is called and after that Fourth Wing. Time to shine – or not. I am one of the last cadets to be called into formation.

“Arya Melgren. Second Squad! Flame Section! Fourth Wing!” Xaden calls out.

There are more than just a few startled gasps and shocked whispers of my last name.

Only a handful of carefully selected people, mostly leadership, my teachers/trainers plus Violet and Dain, know about my existence, so I am not surprised that the majority here had no fucking clue that General Melgren has a daughter. Even the wingleader, beside Riorson, and their executives look uncomfortable.

I quickly make my way into formation while Xaden is busy studying Violet, trying to find out how the fuck he gets her into Fourth Wing and with the little tilt of his head I think he figured out what to do. He turns his back to the crowd to talk to the wingleader of Second Squad, and then the other two wingleader joins what seems to be a heated discussion. Whispers fills the Rotunda as everyone is waiting for further instructions from their leaders. They turn back and Xadens smirk tells me he got what he wanted. Thank fuck, I wouldn’t want to be in General Sorrengails wrath when she finds out that her daughter would have been somewhere else than the assigned wing.

“Dain Aetos, you and your squad will switch with Aura Beinhaven’s,” Nyra orders. My squad.

“Follow me” Beinhaven says and steps forward with her squad following. Well, everyone but me, I have specific orders from above. And while my now ex-squad gives me confused stares as they're passing me, Xaden and I share a quick glance. He nods once and I know, I stay where I am, about to join Aetos squad.

Aetos and his squad find their way into my direction, the squad leader at the front.

“Aetos” I greet him with a grin on my lips, arms crossed. I`ll annoy the fuck out of him this year, this will be so much fun. “Melgren,” he replies with a frown on his face, “I believe your squad is now in Second Wing.”

“I am right where I belong to. Fourth Wing, Flame Section, Second Squad. Those were the orders” I say, my gaze hardening to underline what I am hinting at. Realization crosses his face, and he grows uncomfortable under my glare.

“Into formation, Second Squad!” he orders with a hiss when he notices cadets lingering around.

Violet and her friend find their place next to me, greeting me with a gentle smile which I gladly return. “Arya, I am glad to see you.” “Same goes for you, Silver One. I am happy to see you made it safely.”

The dark tanned girl next to her scoffs at my response, which confuses me. “Hardly” she murmurs.

My eyes find Violets blue ones with question marks all over my face. She leans over and whispers “A guy from now First Wing tried to kill me after throwing another candidate down the Parapet, Jack Barlowe is his name” in my ear. Oh shit, that must have been the asshole I saw earlier when I observed the candidates.

Eyes widening, I quickly scan her for possible injuries but to my relief, I find none.

“Quiet” Dain hisses in front of us.

Our focus shifts back up the dais where Xaden steps forward. Violet tenses as she keeps eye contact with our wingleader. I take her hand into mine to ease her nerves, which doesn`t goes unnoticed by her friend. Shit, I need to ask Vi for her name before I embarrass myself.

“Rhiannon Matthias” the girl whispers to which I send a thankful nod and a gentle smile, getting a grin back in return.

“You’re all cadets now,” Xadens voice caries out over the formations. “Take a look at your squad. These are the only people guaranteed by Codex not to kill you. But just because they can’t end your life doesn’t mean others won’t. You want a dragon? Earn one.”

Some cadets cheer like they already have a dragon, but the three of us stay quiet. There is nothing to cheer about in this hellhole.

I space out while Xaden edges the crowd but along the cheers … there is something different. It’s not just cheering, that`s-

“Oh gods, they are beautiful” Rhiannon whispers as my gaze shifts to the sky. There they are – the dragons belonging to the leadership of the Riders Quadrant.

Unbelievably gorgeous and incredibly deadly at the same time. It’s always unsettling to be around Codagh, since he is the biggest dragon on the continent and given our history, but Sgaeyl, Xadens dragon – she is undeniable fascinating and terrifying. Especially when she stares into Violets eyes like she wants to eat her.

A cadet bolds out of formation, screaming and trying to get away from here. All hell breaks loose.

#fourth wing #fourth wing x reader #iron flame #bodhi durran #xaden riorson #bodhi durran x oc #bodhi durran x reader

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iaminfourthwing · 23 days

Text

The Generals Daughter

a/n: finally the first chapter is here and the next one is almost ready for upload. I apologize in advantage, because I am still a bloody beginner in terms of writing. still, enjoy!

Chapter I

Conscription day will forever be one of the deadliest every year, right before Threshing. Ever since the first time I witnessed this from afar I hate it with all my heart. All year I have the same “privilege”, how my father would call it, to watch the candidates, that passed the entrance exam six month prior, fall to their death. And those who survive the Parapet either graduate or going to get killed – due to other cadets or dragons. One wrong move and all you will be is dead meat.

Today is possibly my last day on earth. I have to cross the Parapet myself to get into the Riders Quadrant but according to the General, I will just do fine – I am a Melgren and I have ten years of training in my bones after all. I am still not so sure about this, but I have no say in this. Not anymore.

Somewhere in between these masses of candidates must be a certain other general daughter and I really fucking hope she survives this. Even though she doesn't look like she could kill a fly, I believe wholeheartedly in her. She is strong and if someone can do this, it's her, even if she doesn't knows it yet. I tried to talk to her mother but she wouldn't budge, nothing would change her mind. Even Mira tried it more than once and if the General isn't listening to her, then she won't listen to anyone.

The orders from my father five days ago were clear – wait till the end, when everyone else is done, then I'll cross the Parapet alone. On the other side at the entrance to the quadrant will wait a third year that'll bring me to formation into the Dragon Rotunda. Commandant Panchek is informed that I'll join the Quadrant and which wing.

And with that I am waiting, and waiting, and waiting.

I have a good spot to observe these kids, trying to survive this death trail and see some of them already fall. I don't understand how some of them want to become a rider after all. So many of them volunteer to join the quadrant while others don't have a choice, like me. Malek lingers at every possible corner and no one is safe from him. Having a dragon might be “thrilling”, how many officers describe it, but till you possibly get to this point you could be dead, or worse.

These dragons are terrifying, like that beast of a dragon my father bonded all those years ago, long before I was born.

The weather isn't in anyone’s favor today – the storm took a turn at some point. Even though the sunrise was beautiful, it left a bitter aftertaste as the dark clouds covered the sky. For some of them it was their last sunrise ever.

It's been more than two hours since the first one entered the Parapet and there aren't many candidates left. I make out a figure striking over the stones like they own this place and – did they just threw another candidate down?!

My heart starts racing, my breathing becomes uneven, and I feel like I'm having a panic attack. Shit, now?!

`Take a deep breath, Arya. You`ll do this alone, no one can throw you down and no one will interrupt you.’

I just really hope I`ll never have to meet this asshole. I may look tough and have more fighting experience than others, but those people are unpredictable. And I certainly don`t have my father’s signet to see if I could win a fight against him, so I really want to avoid this guy.

A knock on the door interrupts my train of thoughts and when I turn, one of the officers from infantry stands at the door. “It's time” is the only thing he says. Shit.

Around fifteen minutes later I find myself lingering at the edge of the Parapet. No one else is around, the officer walked away the moment, I stepped foot into the tower.

Only a few centimeters separate me and the abyss. Just a few centimeters left and then I'll be out in the open while the rain thankfully eases into a slight drizzle.

`Okay Arya – you`ve got this. Take a deep breath – and step forward.’

Well … it takes me about three minutes, with stumbling and cursing the shit out of every person that crosses my mind, to reach the other side and I am nearing the entry to the famous Riders Quadrant. Just like father told me, a third year is already waiting for me, looking annoyed. But it's not like he can disobey a direct order from above. “Finally, they are about to start” he grumbles. Hello to you too, grumpy, but I know better than to aggravate him, since he has a dragon that could incinerate me before I even have the chance to hide.

We make our way through the empty corridors of the college while I try to sort my thoughts. I really survived the Parapet and now I am allowed to call myself a cadet. Still alive and can't fucking believe I am now part of this hellhole. I already imagine the way the General will stand in his office and rant about how it was predictable that I would succeed. “She is a Melgren after all and it would have been a waste of time if she didn't survived.”

Faint voices in the distance interrupt my thoughts, which get louder with every step we take but before we can even walk out into the biggest courtyard one has ever seen, the chattering grows quiet.

“Three hundred and one of you have survived the Parapet to become-“

The third year, I have yet to know his name, and I interrupt Commandant Panchek, who stands on the dais in front of the cadets.

“I apologize, Commandant, but it's three hundred and two.”

There is a heavy silence that spreads over the rotunda. I stand behind the tall rider, most of the curious glances immediately find him, only a few of them spot me behind. Great.

#fourth wing #fourth wing x reader #iron flame #bodhi durran #xaden riorson #bodhi durran x oc #bodhi durran x reader

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iaminfourthwing · 26 days

Text

The Generals Daughter

Arya Melgren

From official documents it is stated that Arya Melgren was born in the night of the 22nd March 613 AU, the stormiest night of the month.

While it was claimed that General Melgren is her father, it is not known who the woman is, that has brought her into life. No one is allowed to ask the general anything about Aryas origin.

To limit questions, the general used all his power to keep her a secret for as long as possible to outsiders, beside the nannys that raised her, since her father was always busy with the safety of Navarre, and the teachers and trainers she had since she was of six and ten years.

She originally wanted to chose the path as a scribe in the Archieves but was strongly refused by her father, that claims she is born to be a rider, nothing else. She learned this the hard and painful way.

Arya has natural vibrant red hair, that earns her a lot of attention since it seems to be uncommon. Her eyes are of a blue-grey color that is described to be a dark blue, almost black when she gets angry and a sparkling blue when excited. She is described to be a little more curvy, but on a muscular side due to her long training. She is around 5'9'' tall. Her face is adorned with multiple scars around her right eye and two under her left one. Some of them around her right eye are deeper than the others but she was incredibly lucky that her eye itself was not damaged.

Though Arya seems cold and emotionless to outsiders, throughout her first year her squad mates realize how intelligent, friendly and selfless she really is. Although she wears her last name with nothing but disdain, her friends always remind her that she is more than just a name to them.

How she would be described, if you'd ask her squad mates:

clever, quiet, icy, polite, brave, serious, intelligent, wise, selfless, stubborn, sassy, sarcastic, dangerous

She doesn`t talk much but when, then she can be very humorous (with a big sprinkle of dark humor), dry, sassy and sarcastic. To the surprise of the other cadets (and as a nightmare for the professors) she finds a partner in crime in Ridoc (and sometimes Sawyer). She is heavily judged by her father for the choices she makes in her first year.

Many think that because she is the generals daughter, she will be as controlling, a strict rule follower, terrifying and heartless as the one everyone fears. She is suspected to step into her fathers footsteps and expected to be great and powerful. (You don‘t have it from me, but after the reveal of Arya, words travel fast and soon there are bets placed between the Navarrian Officers what dragon she`ll bond, what signet she could have and if she even has a chance of surviving.)

Throughout the story we will learn a lot more about her character and most importantly - where her loyalty lays.

#fourth wing x reader #bodhi durran #fourth wing #iron flame #bodhi durran x oc #bodhi durran x reader

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