Page 10 of Black Wing and Shadows
“I mean, I wouldn’t say unfazed, I was nervous. It is important to show confidence and respect them. They can be beautiful, but also ruthless.”
“Good to know.” He looked at William and began asking questions about where he lived and which bloodline he belonged to.
The last five days had beaten us raw. Relief came with the promise of a few days off—no drills, no runs, only rest. I slipped away to my bunk, pulled the blanket over my head, and let the weight of it press me down until sleep dragged me under.
****
He stood over me, and I gasped hard. He was here. No, he couldn’t be. This was impossible. Run. Roll and run. I rolled off my bed and ran out of the barracks and down the hall. I could hear him coming for me, his wings moving alongside him. This couldn’t be happening again. He caught up to me so fast.
“Come on, Auri, I only want to have some fun. You can’t run from me…”
He had me pushed against the wall, my heart beat out of my chest, and my breath ragged.
“Please, no. Please don’t touch me. Please. Please.”
I pleaded with every part of my life. This couldn’t be real. He was dead. I killed him.You’re dreaming, Auriella, I told myself.
Wake up.
Wake up.
Wake up.
“Wake upppppp!” My eyes flashed open, and I gasped in a hard breath as I saw Ophelia next to me.
“It’s merely a nightmare,” she said.
My chest pounded so hard, I felt like my heart might burst out. I felt like I was struggling to catch my breath. She placed her hand on mine and reminded me to breathe in and out. I did precisely that. I took five deep breaths and realized I was beginning to calm myself. It was a dream, one of many I had over the years. I was safe. I was okay. I was alive. He couldn’t touch me again. She gently removed her hand from mine and gave me a soft smile.
“I am sorry if I startled you,” I said.
“It’s okay, I heard something and looked over and saw you thrashing and breathing fast.”
“Do you know what time it is?”
“I think the grandfather clock reads four fifty.”
“Thank you.”
It wouldn’t be long before the platoon would be rising for morning formation and breakfast time, except for the two winning squads. Although it was clear that if we didn’t make breakfast within the time the dining facility was open, we would indeed not be eating until lunch. I slipped off my bunk, slid on my uniform, and decided to take a tour in the quiet hours. I also wanted to learn my exits and places to hide.
I left our barracks room, which was on the seventh floor. Turning left down the hallway led to the stadium classroom and the instructor’s chambers. Turning right would take me to Watchtower Two and the stairway. I chose to go right. I went up the stairs. Although the building only had seven stories, the watchtower extended two more stories higher.
The four sturdy watchtowers at the corners of the cadet housing and classrooms were staffed by cadets on rotation. During summer, students who chose to remain on base stayed as long as they took turns on watch. As I reached the top of the stairs, I saw two cadets standing and chatting, overlooking the sprawling campus and the lush valleys.
I made a slight coughing sound to announce my attention. “Hi,” I said.
“Hello… are you lost?” the taller one in navy blue said.
“No, I haven’t been here before and wanted to enjoy the view.”
“Oh… Um… Okay.” He gestured to the wall.
I stepped forward and placed my forearms on the sturdy wall, gazing out over the expansive campus. The view was breathtaking at this moment. I admired the deep indigo sky, fading into the vibrant hues of sunrise. Golden and pink streaks pushed through the horizon, helping me refocus, as they had done over the past several years.
I heard faint wingbeats, a sound I often listened for, and turned my head to see a delicate silhouette of a dragon and its Rider soaring high above. They appeared to be on patrol. I watched in awe. Their majestic figures moved gracefully through the sky. They performed a daring barrel roll, seeming to enjoy themselves during their duty. I let out a soft giggle, then remembered I was not alone in the tower. I looked over at them and smiled.
“Thank you for letting me have a view, I needed that fresh air.”
