xaden riorson

K I A N A

If looks could kill, Riorson would’ve buried me before breakfast.

The rest of the day drags through combat drills and tactical lectures. I keep my head down — not out of obedience, but because attention here is a blade. And I have too many secrets already slicing into me from the inside.

By evening, the field lights burn like small suns over the training grounds. Sweat runs down my spine as I dismantle the cadet in front of me with a sweep of my leg and a hard elbow to his ribs. He goes down choking.

Someone whistles. Someone else mutters, “Overkill, Pierce.”

I ignore them. Winning is the only language Basgiath respects.

When the instructor calls break, I grab my waterskin and head for the shadows of the courtyard. That’s when I feel it — like a chill sliding up my neck.

He’s watching again.

Xaden stands across the field, in full command uniform, talking to Garrick — but his eyes are on me. Always on me.

I lift the waterskin to my lips just to show I don’t care.

Except I do. Too much.

Don’t look back. Don’t give him anything.

Nyx coils in my mind, voice a dark purr: You’re lying to yourself.

Kael crackles with lightning amusement: He wants a fight. Give it to him.

Oh I will. Soon.

Because nothing is more addicting than someone who shouldn’t want you.

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X A D E N

She’s too calm. Too sharp. Too aware.

Pierce sees everything — especially the things people want hidden.

It’s… inconvenient.

“Focus,” Garrick snaps fingers in front of my face, smirking. “You keep staring at her like you’re planning a murder or a proposal.”

I glare at him. “Both are still on the table.”

He laughs, unfazed. “She’s trouble.”

“I know.” And trouble is a problem I usually solve quickly.

But with her… My shadows react before I do. Like they know she’s worth tracking.

I watch her fight — no wasted movement. She’s deadly without trying. And those dragons…

A rider with one powerful bond is dangerous. Two makes her a variable the Command can’t predict.