Page 99 of Swift Wings Shadowed Heart
The Primesand 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 justlike a Screechclaw in heat.”
I look up at Nate. “What did you say?”
“Ah, youarestill 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?”
