I groaned internally, as I met the gauze of both my superiors who looked at me, then her, then back to me.
“Els,” I snapped, “Rule 25.”
“Right,” She hummed, “Don’t talk to- Wait that’s rule 3. Don’t say hi to any wing or section leader…”
I huffed and grabbed her wrist gently and escorted her out of the rider’s quarters and through the woods towards the designated clearing. We moved into the clearing, and she started talking again.
“M-“ Els started
“Rule 1.” I cut her off.
“When are you coming home?” She asked looking around at the forest.
“Never.”
I tightened the straps of my old flight leathers to ensure she stayed warm and buttoned her winter cloak up to her chin.
She nodded in dejected understanding.
“You’ll still see me though.” I told her as I stepped back to shrug her rucksack off my back. Then I went behind her to tighten it onto her shoulders. I felt Xaden’s presence in the shadows of the forest off to the left.
“Promise?” Els asked.
“Closing in, prepare her.”
“Already done.”
“Promise,” I nod back at her, I could die tomorrow, but she doesn’t need to know that. I grab her face, she was shorter than me, I pressed my lips to hers. She grabbed at my wrists, humming into our kiss. She parted her lips in acceptance, allowing me to lick into her mouth. I pulled back, with a gasp for air. My heart felt like a lead weight, as I felt Anam approach, “Hey! Who’s that?”
I point over to where Bodhi and Xaden hid in the shadows.
“Who?” She asked and turned to look in the direction of my gesture. I dropped to the ground, narrowly missing Anam’s talons as he scooped Els up.
I sighed, dusting off the snow from my leathers.
“Riders for dinner!” Fios teased. Bounding out from behind the trees.
“No!” I yelped.
“No!” Anam scolded.
Fios suddenly snapped her teeth teasing yet menacingly at Xaden and Bodhi. Causing them to dodge out of the way, narrowly avoiding her sharp teeth. They both stumbled into the clearing, as Fios bounds after them. He scales seeming to reflect the glint of the snow, appearing almost purple instead of black. She circled around them a few times, playfully kicking up snow, and snapping at Xaden’s ankles.
“Goddamn!” Bodhi yelped, moving closer to me after realizing that Fios was in fact playing.
I giggled at him, a true laugh escaping from me at his reaction. I looked up at him, a similar beautiful face, that seemed to reflect his young age with glee written onto it.
Fios flicked snow up again, covering Bodhi’s onyx hair, making it seem gray in the moonlight. I laughed, full sound echoing into the forest as he shook it off.
“Wing leader’s turn!” Fios teased.
I stifled a laugh as Fios leapt around Xaden, his face unamused, but not pissed. She flared her wings. Stopping him in his tracks, and with the use of her tail, she flicked snow up, and covered Xaden’s onyx curls, and left snow sitting on his shoulders.
Bodhi doubled over in a laugh as Fios’s wings shook and got more snow in Xaden’s face.
“Oh shit!” I covered my smile with my hand and without thinking I stepped forward and gently brushed the cold snow off his nose and eyes.
His onyx eyes fluttered open and met mine.
“Sorry,” I said softly, “sorry about her.”
Fios leapt around against, her body landing flat on the ground to roll in the snow. She scooted on her tummy, burring her snout into the three feet of snow, and stuck it back up. Her entire face dusted in white as she nudged my leg in search of affection.
I used the flat of my hand to pet along her face scales. Brushing the snow off and removing any stray dirt off the soft shiny scales. She chortled deep in her throat in happiness as she continued to wiggle to get deeper into the snow.
“So,” Bodhi huffed a laugh, “You’ve got the cutest dragon in the vale.”
I cracked a smile, stifling a laugh as Xaden brushed the snow out of his hair and off his leathers.
“She keeps me young.” I joke.
“Who was that?” Xaden asks.
“Straight to the point,” I sighed, “An old friend.”
“That you passionately make out with,” Bodhi Nodded, “Was that just a casual thing, or?”
I huffed a laugh at Bodhi, and Xaden’s seemingly had a concrete spine.
“I was saying goodbye.” I smiled sadly, then looked back at Bodhi.
He nodded in understanding.
“What are you doing out here? You told Bodhi you were going to bed? Who was that? She obviously wasn’t a rider.” Xaden lectures. My shoulders deflated in defeat.
“Again, an old friend. No, she’s not a rider. Anam brought her to me just for the evening. She’s getting married off when the season changes back to spring,” I rubbed Fios behind her horns, “I was saying goodbye to her. I’ll most likely never see her again. And I don’t have to tell Bodhi who I am sleeping with. Or is that a new rule, Wing Leader?”
“Hungry.” Fios rumbled, and bounded off towards the woods, chasing after a deer.
I looked at Xaden, the moonlight reflecting off his jaw, setting the shadows on his face to make his features sharp yet different. His darkened eyes shone through the shadow that his brow bone created. His gauze was hard and indistinguishable. I didn’t know what he was feeling. Bodhi shifted awkwardly.
“Uhm, well, I leave you two alone. Have a good night, Maeve.” Bodhi nodded at me.
“Night, Bodhi.” I smiled softly back at him, and he trudged through the snow.
Once he was out of ear shot, Xaden shifted in the snow. Turning so that I could see his face better. I could make out all of his features, and even the ink black lines of his rebellion relic on his neck.
“Have you manifested yet?” He asked. It was our weekly interrogation.
“No.”
“Not even close?”
“No.” I shook my head.
He sighed in frustration, scrubbing a hand down his face. “Other riders in your wing have already manifested.”
“I know-“
“It’ll come to you,” He cut me off sharply, “But most only have 5 months until they burn up due to unleashed power.”
I nod in understanding, wringing my hands.
“I’ll work on it.”
“Please do.” Xaden said sharply.
I shifted away from the cold wind biting at my face.
“I’ll walk you back to your room,” He gestured towards the woods, “To ensure you’re where you are supposed to be.”
I nodded, and walking towards the woods. We walked in silence all the way back. He waited for me to brush my teeth, then he waiting until he saw me get into bed. He stood at the threshold of my door like a father would when tucking their child into bed.
“Report to Bodhi in the morning.” He said as his goodnight. I nodded, he then shut my door, and I settled in on my side. I fell asleep as my mind when a hundred miles an hour. I awoke from another dreamless night and got ready in the same fashion I do every day.
I walked down the hall, pausing before Bodhi’s door. Did he mean right when I got up, or like usual? I continued down the hall, towards breakfast. I wandered in the busy hall full of cadets. I sought out Bodhi.
“Durran,” I called out to him, his eyes met mine, “Just here to check in.”
He nodded, “Thank you.”
I nodded back to him then went to find breakfast. I ate in solitude as everyone clamored around me.
This is how every day went for me. No one told me the quadrant was so lonely. We then moved to battle brief, Sorrengail asked all of the correct questions as usual.
“Ok well, Thank you, Sorrengail. But I have another question, one only few in this room can answer,” Devera lectured, “What bloodline was trusted the most within the vale when it came to humans? Who was the last of the line to become a rider? What happened to them?”
My heart dropped. The room was silent. I raised my hand. Cadets held their breath.
“Yes, Cadet Bone.” Devera called on me.
“The most trusted bloodline in the Vale was the Wortherton line. Dozens of dragons since the great six have killed to bond with a Wortherton. Just as humans kill to even have a chance to bond with dragons,” I explained, “The last to become a rider was Lucis Oleander Wortherton. He bonded 27 years ago to a black dagger tail. Wortherton is known as…” I drew a breath, “The betrayer; he died by suicide seven years ago to help start the rebellion of Tyrrandor. The last Wortherton heir was married off and killed a year ago. Before she ever had the chance to enter the quadrant. The Wortherton line died with her.”
“He is not known as the betrayer,” Anam corrected me, “at least not to dragonkind. He is the Great Sacrifice, and you are the Greatest gift to Navarre.”
Devera smiled at me. It was the first time I’ve ever spoken in battle brief.
“And why were they the most trusted?” She asked me.
“Because they were the first unbonded people who died protecting dragons. They gave dozens of lives just to protect the hatching grounds.” I answered.
“Brilliant,” She nodded, her smile growing wider “General Lucis Wortherton was one of the greatest losses we took not only as a military, but as a family. The Wortherton’s signets were so powerful they their power physically altered their appearance. Their signets were often the rarest or even manifested as new signets.”
The class was taking notes.
“And why are we talking about the Wortherton’s? Good question, you’ll get the answer in your history class,” Devera nodded, “However, know that Lucis’ power was one that protected Navarre for decades. He’s the reason all of you are here today.”
With that battle brief was dismissed. We all left, filing out of the room. I waited however, to go and speak to professor Devera myself.
“Professor Devera?” I grabbed her attention as I got closer.
“Ah yes! Cadet Bone! What can I do for you today?”
“I was just wondering if you could tell me more about the Wortherton’s manifestations? You said it physically altered them?”
She nodded, “Yes, often their signets were so powerful, it was causing appearance alteration. Some cases recorded eye color changing, but it seemed to be a more common alteration of having a chunk of silver hair at the nape of the neck. The most powerful Wortherton’s had a full head of silvery hair, different colored eyes than their original color, or both.”
I nodded, “If you don’t mind me probing further, what exactly was General Wortherton’s signet?”
She sighed sadly, seeming lost in thought, “He was such a brilliant and kind man. He loved his daughter Minerva, dearly. He always kept photographs of her and wrote her letters that were to be delivered. But his signet, was something truly amazing. He had a nearly full head of silvery-lilac hair, meaning his signet was powerful and pure.”
I nodded, taking in the information.
“He had the power to manipulate time. Not to complete stop it. But reverse it or cause a skip. This helped us in battles, alongside Melgren. They were an unstoppable force. We believed that at one point, if his daughter ever manifested, she could’ve been a timekeeper as well, or even something far more powerful. It’s a shame that she passed so young…”
Devera searched my face, “You sort of remind me of her. I met her when she was very young.”
I smiled, “That must mean a lot. Thank you.”
She studied me again, “You said your name was Maeve?”
I nodded.
“Interesting,” Devera murmured, “Well, I’m excited to see what else you’ll bring forth.”
I thanked my professor and moved to my next classes of the day. More time learning, notes, and hearing Sorrengail’s voice as much as the professors.
After my last class of the day, and after my dinner attendance with Bodhi, I was walking back to my dorm when Professor Devera caught me. She tasked with me delivering a script to the infantry quadrant.
I made my way down the spiral steps, towards the lower levels infantry quadrant. Once I reach my destination, I begin talking to an infantry cadet.
“Yeah, black dagger tail.” I explain to him, trying to keep my heart rate steady. For some reason I was having a mild panic attack as the feeling begins crawl up my throat.
I suddenly felt a searing rush of heart pulse down my veins and my bones started to heat uncomfortably beneath my skin. I cleared my throat, attempting to negate the feeling, and focus on the conversation.
That surge of power crackled in my ears, freely pumping through my veins with my blood. I straightened my arms against my body, attempting to hold them still. Then my left hand’s index finger twitched.
“So-“ The cadet pauses, clutching at his throat.
He crumples to his knees, his eyes rolling into the back of his head, and his skin begins to drain of the lively color. His jaw gapes slightly, allowing a golden pearlescent essence to flow out. I gasped, flicking my stray index finger back into place, and the essence reverses back into the cadet, who was now coughing and clutching his chest.
“What happened?” He asks
“Uh,” I lied, “I think you choked?”
“Damn,” He shakes his head, “I do that a lot, sorry.”
I nodded and excused myself. I hauled ass towards the rider’s quadrant.
“Anam!” I called.
“Yes?” He asked.
“I manifested.”
“Flight field.” Anam urged.
“Already on my way.” I tell him back and go from a jog to a full sprint. I nearly tumble down the stairs and slip on the masonry as Anam enters into my view.
I approach him, coming to a stop. I huffed a breath of exertion.
“I flicked this finger,” I held up my left pointer finger, “It twitched and the cadet I was talking to… died? With this gold shimmery fog trickling out of his mouth.”
Tears started leaking out of my eyes. My hands moving around explaining what happened. His head lowered to mine as he took in a breath then exhaled it into my face. Brushing my hair away from my face and drying my tears.
“Life force wielder,” Anam said, with a tone of pride, “The only of your kind.”
“Life force wielder?” I parroted back. He nodded in confirmation.
“Turn.” Anam orders, and I turn around. “Pure Wortherton.”
My blood ran cold.
“How bad is it?”
“Just the underneath is a silvery-lilac color, identical to your father.”
“Fuck!” I sigh.
“When the rest of your signets manifest,” Anam explained, “I can’t promise you that your lineage will remain a secret.”
“Well, there is nothing they can do now. We’re all bonded, and I’ve manifested.” I tell him back.
“It’s not banned,” Anam huffed, “Just discouraged. You could go mad. Just wait and see lilac one.”
“What happened to golden one?”
“Your hair is lilac. I like it better than golden.” Anam chuffs. I smile. This is the closest I’ve felt to my dad since he hugged me goodbye.
Omg!!! Guys I’m alive 🤞🤞🤞 I will upload more chapters ASAP!!! I was uploading chapters and writing but then life happened 😔💞 lmk if yall want the tea… but anyway more Maeve chapters are comin out just you wait 😚
not going to lie to y’all the nastiest sex ever with that fictional man would cure me right now. the wall cracks the room stinks of sex i’m sweating he’s sweating we’ve lost count of how many times we’ve fucked. that would make me well
Pedro Pascal attends the Featured Session "The Last of Us: Cast and Creators on Season 2" during SXSW Conference & Festivals in the Austin Convention Center on March 8, 2025 in Austin, Texas
The way she looked at me, hurt etched into her features, I nearly lost my control. I would take all of two strides over to her, cup her face, and kiss the furrowed hurt away. Until instead of being flushed with hurt, she’d be flustered, and that’s all. She wouldn’t hurt because of me. She’d… be fond of me. I needed her in my orbit, under my attention and care; but not close. Not intimate.
I took in her features, in a beat of silence. Dark hair falling over her shoulders, waving at the ends. Begging me to twirl a finger through. A light healthy sheen glowed on her face, a sign of cleanliness and evidence of her time in the shower. A scent of lilacs wafted from her, and I begged myself not to look anywhere but her face. She turned away from me, and gods. Her pastel purple silk night gown had a back plunge, that stopped right before her lower back.
Anam’s relic was huge. I could nearly see the entire plane of her back, and yet his dagger tail was still hidden. I suddenly needed to know where her other relic lived if only Anam was visible. It was evident how deep their bond will run just by the sheer physical claim Anam laid upon her body. A claim I wanted to lay stake to. I wanted to kiss her back. Kiss her relic. Touch her-
I had to keep her away. What I was doing could hurt her, she couldn’t know- not yet. I had to keep her… safe. I hid these mushy feelings and spit out disgust and frustration instead. If I, Xaden Riorson, couldn’t stay away, I could make Maeve Bone stay away. Whether if either of us liked it or not.
“Good,” Sgaeyl started sarcastically, “And here I was worried that you’d gone mushy.”
My jaw ticked in frustration. Mushy. Maeve turned and sat down on her bed, look at me once again. I mulled over my course of action.
“Just going to stand there and glare at me all night, Wing Leader Riorson?” Maeve asked, tone dripping with an amount of sarcasm I’d only heard from Sgaeyl.
“Check in with Bodhi,” I commanded, “Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner. Then after every class, and before you go to bed.”
She arched her brow in defiance, and the scar on her cupids bow twitched. She was testing me. On purpose. She’s strong, but more emotional than she lets on.
“Okay?” She said with a tone of unease.
“I’ll know if you don’t,” I snap curtly, “So I suggest you do as you’re told.”
“And report to your cousin,” She snaps back, “Who just happens to be my section leader.”
“You’re smarter than you let on.” I told her back and left. Shutting her door behind me.
“Never mind,” Sgaeyl huffed, “Mushy.”
“I’m…” I sighed.
“Mushy.” Sgaeyl teased back.
I walked through the hall, shadows spiking out from the sides, and reacting to my emotions. I found Bodhi’s room and knocked, then entered. I found my cousin lounging on his bed, nose in a book.
“You are so lucky I knew you were in Maeve’s room,” He shook his head, “I almost got lucky.”
I remained indifferent to him. He was used to my behavior, and almost too in tune with my predicament.
“What?”
“She’s to check in with you. Mealtimes, after each class, and before bed.” I told him.
“Oh, geez,” Bodhi sat up, discarding his book, “She’s 20. Does she really-“
“Anam is mated to Sgaeyl.”
“Oh.” His face was surprise, and then he nodded understanding, “So…”
“No.” I snapped, “Off limits.”
He sighed and nodded. When I found out my cousin was trying to creep into Bones’ bed I nearly-
“Your head nearly exploded,” Sgaeyl snickers, “It was amusing to see that vein tick out on your forehead,”
My jaw ticked in annoyance.
“Sgaeyl?” He asked, I nodded.
“No one sleeps with her.” I snapped.
“Understood.” Bodhi put his hands up in defense.
“Let me know when she manifests.”
He nods, and then I leave. I start going towards the flight field.
“Riorson has gone soft,” Sgaeyl laughs, “Anam, my rider is jealous!”
“Enough.” I say with no conviction. I go through a hidden passage, and it opened into a large cave.
Sgaeyl sat halfway curled up with her legs tucked under her wings comfortably. If dragon’s had facial expressions Her’s was dripping in amusement.
Anam was on the right side. Towering in all his might. His scales would blend into the night if the mage lights didn’t illuminate the cave. He was a darker shade of black than Tairn, if that was possible. Then there was Fios. The smaller, yet still large, black swordtail. She jumped around excitedly, her tail whipping around, and causing the ground to shake.
“She’s not yours, right?” I ask Sgaeyl.
“Mine,” Anam answered, “Adopted.”
I nodded in understanding.
“When she manifests,” Anam’s deep rumbling tone shook my bones, “It will be power no human has ever encountered.”
I nod in understanding.
“Which will mean she will be classified,” Anam explained, “I will train her, but Carr will push her.”
I nod once again
“I’ll focus on Sorrengail.” I said back forming a small plan. Here we go.
