#treshing

[inky-writing]

I've loved you for years

Part 1

Jack Barlowe x Reader

Warnings: death, Jack being an ass, dragons killing cadets, fights, idk, bad writing, english is not my first language, probably typos, violence... spoilers if you didn't read Fourth Wing. Sex.

Word count: 1,611

The sun had barely begun to rise over the peaks of the mountains surrounding Basgiath when the cadets were herded to the Treshing Grounds. This was it, the moment every cadet in training had been waiting for. The Treshing was the test of fate, the ritual in which each a cadet would bond with their dragon. Or die.

Among the cadets stood Y/N L/N, trying to hide her nervousness behind a mask of indifference. But she wasn't thinking about the treshing. No. She was thinking about Jack Barlowe. She had known him for years. They were childhood friends who had grown up together, always side by side, always knowing what the other would say before they said it. But he was different now. He wasn’t the sweet, gentle boy she had once known since arriving at Basgiath. The cruel and cold façade he wore in public has been in full force since they came here.

But she knew why he acted the way he did. Jack was a survivor, a fighter who had learned that kindness was a weakness in this world. He didn’t let anyone in, especially not the ones he cared about. But he did an exception for her. In moments of solitude, when the world wasn’t watching, he would slip. He would smile, and his eyes would soften, and for those brief moments, Y/N could almost believe that the boy she has always known was still here.

She loved him, too. But her feelings were a secret, buried deep inside, because Jack would never acknowledge them. She knew that now. And so, as they stood together on the rocky cliffs, surrounded by their fellow cadets, she watched him with a mixture of longing and sorrow.

“Y/N, please, don’t look so terrified,” Jack said, his voice mocking yet somehow caring. The words might have stung coming from anyone else, but she had long ago learned to decipher the hidden affection behind his teasing.

"I'm not scared," she replied with a half-smile, the words leaving her lips easier than the emotions in her chest.

Jack raised an eyebrow. “Right. Don’t let anyone see your nerves. It's the last thing the dragons will respect.”

Before she could respond, the horn of the Treshing sounded, and the cadets were released into the vast, rocky landscape. The area was enormous, vast stretches of desolate, mountainous land, a place where no one could hide from the dragons. The ground was scarred with the marks of previous Treshings, littered with the remnants of cadets who had been burned to ash by the flames.

Y/N glanced around. There was no sign of Jack, and she felt a sudden pang in her chest. She hated how much it hurt to be away from him, even if only for a moment.

The dragons that flew above them were massive and intimidating, circling like predators waiting for the weak to falter. The ground trembled beneath Y/N’s boots as the search began. This wasn’t a battle. It wasn’t about killing or fighting. It was about finding the dragon who would choose you.

The stakes had never felt so high.

As she ventured deeper into the rocky wasteland, she caught sight of a few cadets already claiming their dragons, soaring through the air on their back, while others were left scrambling, searching for the right dragon. It was chaos, but the chaos didn’t bother her. She had spent so many years training for this moment, and she was ready.

Somewhere in the distance, a loud roar shook the ground, followed by an explosion of heat that singed the edges of the rocky terrain. Y/N froze, heart pounding. Someone has died by fire.

After what seems like hours, she heard a group of people. Hidding in the shadow, she approached to see what was happening.

Three boys were facing the Feathertail they heard about in class. A rare and elusive dragon that no one wanted to bond with, deeming it weak. But there was Violet, standing her ground, defending it. Jack’s voice rang out, cold and commanding. Y/N couldn't hear what was said.

Y/N crouched closer behind a jagged rock, hidden from view but unable to tear her eyes away. She knew Violet wouldn’t back down. The girl was strong and stubborn. The same qualities that Y/N admired in her best friend, even if it meant things were about to get ugly.

After some exchange, they started to fight. But Violet didn't back down, determined to protect the golden dragon at all cost.

Then, without warning, the air around them crackled with energy, and Y/N’s heart skipped a beat. The ground shook violently as a massive black dragon appeared overhead, its wings spreading wide, casting a shadow over everything.

She saw Jack’s eyes widened.

But it was too late. The black dragon swooped down, flames licking the ground as it dove toward Violet. Her eyes locked onto the creature as it landed behind her, its wings folding as it lowered its massive head. It was then that Y/N understood. The dragon had chosen her.

The black dragon’s fiery breath then rained down, scorching Tynnan, his body engulfed in flames. Jack’s expression was unreadable as he turned to leave, but Y/N could see the way his jaw clenched, his hands tightening around the hilt of his weapon.

She was frozen in place, watching in horror as Violet stood with the dragon, both unscathed by the destruction that had just taken place. But in the chaos, Y/N thankfuly realized that she hadn’t been noticed.

After Violet departed on her dragon's back, Y/N was left on Treshing ground. She knew she couldn't stay hidden, if so, she would die by the flames or be unbonded. It wasn't an option.

After hours of wandering, she felt the ground beneath her feet rumbled, and before she could comprehend what was happening, a deep voice filled her mind. You. You are mine. I have been searching for you for hours. Have you been hiding?

Y/N blinked, heart racing. The dragon before her was enormous, almost purple in color, covered in scales that gleamed like sapphires. It was a magnificent creature, and Y/N felt a connection to it unlike anything she had ever felt before.

“You’re... You’re mine,” she whispered, awe-struck.

The dragon’s voice resonated in her mind once more. Together, we will rise.

Tears welled in Y/N’s eyes as she reached out to touch the dragon’s head. She didn’t know how long they stood there, connected in silence, but she then climbed on its back, and when the dragon finally took flight, Y/N’s heart soared with it.

Her dragon, large and majestic, soared above the Treshing grounds with Y/N clinging to its back, trying not to fall, her mind awash with the bond they had formed. The landscape below her seemed small in comparison to the power she now wielded.

When she finally returned to the training grounds, the sun was setting, casting long shadows over the rocky expanse. They landed with a soft thud, her dragon’s wings folding neatly against its body as they touched the ground. Other cadets had already returned, their dragons circling the area with proud roars. She found Jack's figure in the crowed grounds, but he didn’t acknowledge her. He stood there, his expression as distant and cold as ever.

The marking ceremony came next. Y/N stood with her fellow cadets, her heart pounding as she felt a sharp pain tearing through her inter thigh, where she knew the sigil of her dragon branded into her skin.

Later that evening, as Y/N entered her new room, a room she had to herself for the first time this year, she felt a strange sense of peace. She was alone, yet her mind buzzed with thoughts of Jack.

As if on cue, the door creaked open, and Jack stepped inside, closing it behind him, his eyes dark and unreadable.

“You made it,” he said softly, his voice uncharacteristically gentle.

Y/N nodded, her heart thundering in her chest. "Yeah. I did."

Jack walked toward her, the usual arrogance replaced with something softer, more vulnerable. “I’ve been a fool, Y/N.”

Her breath caught in her throat, and she took a hesitant step back. "What do you mean?"

Jack’s gaze softened, and his voice dropped to a whisper. “I’ve been pushing you away for years, trying to protect myself. But I can’t keep pretending I don’t care.”

Y/N’s heart ached, and without thinking, she closed the space between them. “Jack…”

And then, with no more words needed, he kissed her. It was soft at first, tentative, as if both of them were unsure if this was real. But as the kiss deepened, everything else faded away: the years of pretending, the fears, the doubts. It was just them, their hearts beating as one.

Their clothes were discarded quickly, and soon, they were tangled together, their bodies moving in sync as they finally gave in to the love they had both been hiding for so long.

Later that night, as they lay entwined in the bed, Jack held Y/N close, his fingers tracing the soft curve of her back, her head on his torso. “I’ve loved you for so long,” he murmured into her hair. “I never thought you’d feel the same.”

“I’ve loved you, too,” Y/N whispered back, her voice thick with emotion. “I always have.”

Jack let down his walls completely, no longer the distant, cold cadet, but the boy who had always been there for her.

In that quiet room, with the world outside still spinning, they found something more important than the bond with their dragons. They found each other. And it was enough.

Part 2 >>>

[viagginterstellari]

Treshing - a village in Rayagada district, 2023

[inky-writing]

I've loved you for years

Part 2

Jack Barlowe x Reader

Warnings: nakedness, war, battle, sex, idk what else

Word count: 1,000

<<< Part 1

The chaos of the battlefield was a memory now, a haze of smoke and blood that would linger in the back of their minds.

Instead of turning on Violet during that pivotal confrontation, Jack decided to help her. He had fought alongside Violet, Y/N, and the others. It was a choice that had cost him his place in some people's trust but had solidified his position among the cadets who mattered, those who valued loyalty over politics.

Now, weeks later, Y/N and Jack found themselves navigating the precarious world of their second year at Basgiath. Both were squad leaders, a testament to their skill, but they now had less time together. Jack had been assigned squad leader, just like Y/N in her wing. The separation was bittersweet, they thrived in their respective positions but missed the closeness of being together during the day.

The bond they had formed over the years, however, had only grown stronger. In secret, they had been seeing each other. Their stolen moments were a reprieve from the brutal reality of their training and the constant threat of war. Jack’s room had become their sanctuary, a place where they could be themselves, away from the watchful eyes of their peers.

Some time later, at night

The flickering light of a single candle illuminated Jack’s room, casting soft shadows across the walls. It was late, and the halls of Basgiath were silent, save for the distant hum of dragons settling into their roosts for the night. Y/N lay on Jack’s bed, her bare skin glowing in the dim light. Her hair was a mess, a reminder of the passion they had shared moments before.

Jack sat on the edge of the bed, his back to her, the muscles in his shoulders and back taut as he leaned forward to extinguish the candle. His blond hair was damp with sweat, sticking to his forehead, and the faint sheen on his skin caught the light.

“Leave it,” Y/N murmured, her voice soft. She reached out, trailing her fingers down his spine, her touch featherlight. “I like seeing you like this.”

Jack turned his head to look at her, his icy blue eyes softened at the sight of her. A rare smile played at the corners of his mouth. “Like what?”

“Relaxed. Happy. You.” She propped herself up on her elbow, letting the blanket fall to her waist. “Like you’re not carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders for once.”

He chuckled, a rich sound that sent a shiver down her spine. “That’s because you’re here,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “You make me forget all of it.”

Y/N’s heart pounded harder at his words. She wrapped her arms around his torso and pressed a kiss to his shoulder blade. “You don’t have to carry it all alone, you know. I’m here for you. Always.”

Jack turned to face her, cupping her cheek with one hand. His thumb brushed against her cheekbone, and his gaze was so intense it made her breath hitch. “I know,” he said. “And that terrifies me.”

She frowned, her brow furrowing. “Why?”

“Because you’re the one thing I can’t afford to lose,” he admitted, his voice breaking slightly. “You’re my everything, Y/N. If something happens to you...”

“Jack.” She cuped his face in her hands, locking her eyes with his, silencing him. “We’ve survived everything so far. We’ll survive whatever comes next. Together.”

He nodded, though the fear in his eyes didn’t completely fade. He leaned in, pressing his forehead against hers. “I love you,” he whispered, the words barely audible.

“I love you,” she replied, her voice steady.

Their lips met in a slow, lingering kiss. When they finally pulled apart, Jack tugged her back down onto the bed, wrapping his arms around her as they lay entwined beneath the blanket.

For a while, they stayed like that, the silence between them comfortable. Jack’s fingers traced lazy patterns on her arm, and Y/N felt her eyes grow heavy, lulled by the steady rhythm of his breathing.

The next morning

The peace of the night before was replaced with the harsh reality of their duties. As squad leaders, both Jack and Y/N were responsible for their teams’ training, strategy, and morale. The demands were relentless, and the stakes were higher than ever.

The cadets of Basgiath were no longer training for the sake of tradition, they were preparing for war. The growing threat meant that every drill, every strategy session, and every decision could mean the difference between life and death.

Jack had fully embraced his role as squad leader. His squad respected him, not just for his skill and strength but for the way he pushed them to be better. Y/N had heard whispers of how he had softened since their first year, how his once icy demeanor had thawed, though he still maintained a sharp edge.

Y/N, too, thrived in her role. Her squad looked up to her. She and her dragon, the majestic blue creature she had bonded with during Treshing, had become an unstoppable team.

Despite their separate wings, Jack and Y/N found ways to see each other. They crossed paths during strategy meetings, stolen moments in the halls, and occasionally trained together under the pretense of improving their squads’ coordination.

One such day, after a particularly grueling sparring session, Jack caught Y/N by the arm as the other cadets filed out of the training grounds. “You’re getting faster,” he remarked, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Faster than you?” she teased, raising an eyebrow.

“Don’t push it,” he replied, but there was no malice in his tone. He glanced around to make sure no one was watching before leaning in to whisper, “Meet me tonight?”

Y/N’s heart skipped a beat, but she kept her expression neutral. “I’ll think about it,” she said with a playful smile before turning and walking away.

[inky-writing]

I've loved you for years

Part 4

Jack Barlowe x Reader

Warnings: pregnancy, sadness, fear, sex, rejection...

Word count: 2,093

<<< Part 3

September brought with it an oppressive sense of tension. The threat of war with the venins and their wyverns loomed heavy over Basgiath, casting a shadow over every cadet. For Y/N, that shadow was compounded by the secret she carried, a secret that was growing harder to conceal with each passing day.

At now three months pregnant, her body had begun to change. Though her uniform still fit, it was snugger than before, and she found herself tugging at the fabric in an attempt to make it more comfortable. Every day felt like a delicate balancing act, and avoiding Jack only made it harder.

Jack had changed, too. The man she loved, the one who had once been so soft and tender with her, was now a tempest barely contained. His anger simmered just beneath the surface, boiling over in the form of sharp words and brutal sparring sessions. Y/N saw it in the way his squad flinched when he barked orders, in the bruises his cadets wore after training. It broke her heart to see him like this, but fear kept her rooted in place, silent.

She had decided to keep the baby, that much she was sure of. But how could she tell Jack when the world was crumbling around them? When venins and wyverns threatened everything they held dear? She had nearly mustered the courage to tell him that morning, rehearsing the words in her head over and over. But fate, as always, had other plans.

Y/N had just stepped out of the mess hall, her stomach queasy despite the light meal she’d forced herself to eat. She spotted Jack across the courtyard, his tall frame impossible to miss. Her heart pounded as she steeled herself, her hands resting briefly on her abdomen for reassurance.

She had to tell him.

But as she approached, her steps faltered. A cadet, blonde, tall, and entirely more beautiful than her, sidled up to Jack. Y/N recognized her from Violet's Wing.

Jack’s expression was unreadable as the girl leaned closer, her laughter carrying on the breeze. Y/N froze, hidden behind a column, as she watched the girl place a hand on Jack’s chest. She couldn’t hear their conversation, but the scene before her was enough to make her stomach drop.

That's when it happened. The girl leaned in and kissed him.

Y/N’s breath caught in her throat, her chest tightening as if someone had driven a dagger straight through her heart. She turned and ran away, tears streaming down her face. He had replaced her, because she was too much of a coward to face him.

Y/N didn’t know how far she ran or how long she had been sitting on the cold stone stairs in the Rider Quadrant when Violet and Rhiannon found her. Her knees were pulled to her chest, and she buried her face in her arms, the sobs coming in waves she couldn’t control.

“Y/N?” Violet’s voice was soft. She crouched beside her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “What happened?”

Rhiannon stood just behind Violet, her brows furrowed as she glanced around, her warrior instincts on high alert. “Did someone hurt you?” she asked, her tone sharp.

Y/N shook her head, sniffing as she wiped her face with trembling hands. “It’s Jack,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I... I saw him with another girl. She kissed him.”

Violet and Rhiannon exchanged a look, their expressions shifting from concern to something more complex.

“Y/N,” Violet began cautiously, “I'm not fond of Jack, and you know that. But... I know he loves you unconditionnaly. Anyone can see it, even if you don't talk anymore, he still does.”

“Also,” Rhiannon added, crossing her arms, “I saw the whole scene, and he told her to stop making moves on him. Loudly. He straight up pushed her away. He wasn’t exactly subtle.”

Y/N’s heart twisted. Relief warred with guilt as she realized she had jumped to conclusions. But the fear and insecurity that had driven her to this point were still there, lingering like a shadow.

“Do you love him?” Violet asked, her voice cutting through the silence.

Y/N nodded without hesitation. “More than anything.”

“Whatever it is you’re afraid of, it’s only going to get worse if you keep running from him.” Rhiannon said simply, though her tone was firm.

That night

It was late when Y/N found herself standing in front of Jack’s door. The corridors were quiet, most of the cadets already asleep. She stared at the wood, her heart pounding so loudly she was sure it would wake the entire wing.

Her hand hovered over the door, trembling. She didn’t know what she was more afraid of, that he would reject her, or that he wouldn’t. Her other hand instinctively rested on her abdomen, the tiny life growing inside her giving her the strength to stay rooted in place.

But as her hand finally dropped, her courage faltering, as she turned away, the door swung open.

“Y/N,” Jack breathed, his voice low and filled with something she couldn’t quite place. Relief? Desperation? Love?

Her back was to him, her entire body tense as she froze in place. She didn’t turn around, afraid that if she looked into his eyes, she would fall apart all over again.

He stepped closer, his presence warm in the quiet of the night. “Why have you been avoiding me?” he asked softly, his voice cracking slightly. “Did I do something wrong?”

She shook her head, unable to speak, her throat tight with unshed tears.

“Please,” he whispered, his hand brushing against her arm. “Talk to me.”

Y/N turned then, her eyes glistening as she met his gaze. The pain , tears, and confusion in his blue eyes were almost too much to bear. “Can I come in?” she asked, her voice barely audible.

Jack stepped aside, his heart pounding as he closed the door behind her. Whatever this was, whatever had been keeping her away from him, it was about to come to light. And he wasn’t sure if he was ready for what she was about to say.

He turned to face Y/N, his tall frame leaning slightly against the door as if bracing himself. The tension in the air was almost tangible, so thick you could cut it with a knife.

Y/N stood near the middle of the room, her arms wrapped around herself like a shield. Her eyes darted around the space before finally settling on him, her expression a mix of guilt, fear, and vulnerability.

Jack’s gaze softened as he took a step closer. “Y/N, what’s going on?” he asked quietly, his voice laced with concern. “You’ve been avoiding me for weeks. I thought...” He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “I thought I lost you.”

Her heart clenched at his words, tears pooling in her eyes. “You didn’t lose me,” she whispered.

“Then why?” he pressed, his voice breaking. “Why won’t you talk to me? Why won’t you let me in?”

Y/N looked down at the floor, struggling to find the words. The weight of the secret she had been carrying felt unbearable, but she knew she couldn’t keep it from him any longer. He deserved the truth.

“I’m scared,” she admitted, her voice trembling.

Jack frowned, his brows furrowing as he stepped closer, closing the distance between them. “Scared of what? Of me?”

“No,” she said quickly, shaking her head. “Never of you.” She hesitated, her hands unconsciously moving to rest on her abdomen. Jack’s eyes followed the movement, and his frown deepened.

“Y/N, talk to me,” he pleaded, his voice softer now, almost a whisper. “Please.”

She looked up at him then, her eyes filled with tears. “I’m pregnant, Jack,” she said, the words tumbling out in a rush. “I’m three months pregnant.”

The room fell silent, the weight of her confession hanging in the air. Jack stared at her, his icy blue eyes wide with shock. For a moment, she thought he might say nothing at all, and the silence stretched on, unbearable.

Finally, he spoke, his voice low and almost reverent. “You’re... You're pregnant?”

Y/N nodded, tears spilling down her cheeks. “I didn’t know how to tell you. I was scared of how you’d react, scared of what it might mean for us with everything going on. But I’m keeping it, Jack. I’ve already decided. I just... I didn’t know if you’d want this. If you’d want me.”

Jack closed the distance between them, his hands cupping her face as he tilted her head up to look at him. His eyes were shining with an intensity that made her breath catch.

“Y/N,” he said firmly. “I’ve always wanted you. I love you. Hell, I've loved you for years. That hasn’t changed and it never will.” He paused, his gaze flicking down to her tummy before meeting her eyes again. “And now, there’s a part of us growing inside of you. How could I not want that?”

A sob escaped her, and she leaned into him, her forehead pressing against his chest as his arms wrapped around her. He held her tightly, his head resting on hers.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner,” she whispered against his chest.

“I’m sorry I made you feel like you couldn’t,” he replied, his lips brushing against the top of her head. “But you don’t have to do this alone. We’ll figure it out together. I promise.”

She pulled back slightly to look up at him, her tears now a mixture of relief and overwhelming love. Jack cupped her face again, his thumb brushing away her tears as he leaned down to kiss her.

The kiss was slow and tender, a quiet reassurance of everything they felt for each other. When they broke apart, Jack rested his forehead against hers, his breath mingling with hers in the small space between them.

“I love you,” he murmured. “Both of you.”

Y/N let out a shaky laugh, her heart swelling at his words, words she had missed so much. “I love you.”

Jack guided her to his bed, his movements careful, as if she might break under his touch. But there was no hesitation in the way his hands moved, no uncertainty in the way he looked at her. He loved her, and he needed her to feel it in every way.

He kissed her slowly, deeply, his lips exploring hers with a tenderness that brought tears to her eyes all over again. His hands traced gentle paths over her body, lingering on her abdomen with a reverence that made her heart ache.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, his voice filled with awe as he looked at her. “I don’t think I’ve ever told you that enough.”

She smiled, her fingers threading through his hair as she pulled him closer. “You tell me every time you look at me,” she replied softly.

They undressed each other with care, their movements unhurried. When Jack finally laid her down, his body pressing gently against hers, he looked into her eyes, his expression vulnerable.

“Tell me if I hurt you,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

“You won’t,” she assured him, her hands caressing his face. “I trust you.”

His lips captured hers again as he moved with her, their bodies perfectly in sync. Every touch, every kiss, every whispered word was a promise, a vow that they would face whatever came next together.

When they finally lay tangled in each other’s arms, their breathing slowing as the night wrapped around them, Jack pressed a kiss to her temple.

“You’re stuck with me now,” she teased, her voice warm and full of affection.

Jack smiled, his hand resting over her on her lower belly. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. You're the love of my life. My lifeline.”

As sleep began to claim them, Jack tightened his hold on her, his heart full and at peace for the first time in weeks.

[inky-writing]

I've loved you for years

Part 3

Jack Barlowe x Reader

Warnings: pregnancy, sadness, fear, rejection...

Word count: 1,109

<<< Part 2

The morning sun filtered through the stone walls of Basgiath, casting long shadows across the training grounds. Y/N sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the floor, her stomach twisting in a way that had nothing to do with her usual nerves about the day ahead. She had felt off for nearly two weeks now, fatigue and nausea becoming constant. At first, she had brushed it off as a mild illness or the result of too many late nights and little sleep, but now, something else gnawed at her mind.

She hadn’t gotten her period since... She didn't totally remember. Her heart raced as she calculated. Two months late. Two whole months. Her stomach turned again, but this time it wasn’t from nausea, it was pure fear. The thought formed in her mind before she could push it away.

What if I’m pregnant?

Her breath hitched as the realization settled like a heavy weight on her chest. The signs were there: the nausea, the exhaustion, the aching tenderness she’d tried to ignore. It all made sense now. But the idea of carrying a child, his child, felt so surreal she couldn’t wrap her mind around it.

Jack.

The thought of telling him made her stomach twist even more. He loved her, she knew that. But this? A baby? She couldn’t imagine how he would react, especially when their lives were so precariously balanced between training, war, and survival. And what if it affected his focus? What if he blamed himself? What if he blamed her?

Pushing herself off the bed, Y/N made up her mind. She needed confirmation before she spiraled any further. Quietly slipping out of her room, she headed toward the Healer’s Quadrant.

The healers were efficient, if not a bit too thorough for Y/N’s taste. She sat stiffly on the examination table, her hands gripping the edge as the healer, a kind-faced older woman, gave her a knowing look.

“You were right to come here,” the healer said gently, placing her hands on Y/N’s abdomen. A warm pulse of magic flared through Y/N’s skin, making her shiver. The sensation was oddly soothing, though her mind remained anything but calm.

Moments later, the healer stepped back, her face softening. “You’re pregnant,” she said, her voice gentle.

Y/N felt the world tilt around her, her heart pounding so loudly she was sure the healer could hear it. She had expected this answer, but hearing it confirmed made it real in a way she wasn’t ready for.

“How far along?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

“About seven weeks,” the healer replied. “You’re healthy, and so is the baby. But you need to take care of yourself, rest, eat well, and avoid unnecessary stress.”

The healer’s advice washed over her like static. She barely nodded, her thoughts consumed by the enormity of what she had just learned. A baby. She was going to have a baby.

Over the next week, Y/N avoided Jack as much as possible. She couldn’t face him, not yet. Every time she saw him, whether it was across the training grounds or during strategy meetings, her stomach churned with a mixture of guilt and fear. She kept herself busy, throwing herself into her duties as a squad leader and retreating to her room as soon as the day ended.

But Jack noticed.

It started with the little things, how she wouldn’t meet his gaze during training, how she seemed to disappear before he could catch her after meetings. At first, he thought she was just busy or tired, but as the days stretched on, her avoidance became impossible to ignore.

Jack’s frustration grew with each passing day. He was used to Y/N being his anchor, the one person who could cut through the chaos of their lives and ground him. Without her, he felt adrift, and it showed in his demeanor.

“Again!” he barked at one of his cadets during sparring practice, his voice sharp enough to make the younger rider flinch.

The cadet hesitated before resetting their stance.

Baide, his dragon, rumbled in disapproval from his perch nearby, his eyes fixed on Jack. You’re distracted, the dragon said, his voice filling Jack’s mind with a mixture of admonishment and concern.

“I’m fine,” Jack muttered under his breath, though he knew it was a lie.

Baide huffed, smoke curling from his nostrils. You’re not. Fix it before you snap and someone gets hurt.

Jack ignored him, his jaw clenched as he turned his attention back to the sparring match. But even as he barked orders and corrected stances, his thoughts were consumed by Y/N.

Why was she avoiding him? Had he done something wrong? The thought made his chest ache. He replayed all their last conversations in his mind, searching for anything that might explain her sudden distance. But there was nothing, just the memory of her in his arms, whispering that she loved him.

She hadn’t said those words since.

One evening, Jack decided he couldn’t take it anymore. He stood outside Y/N’s door, his fist raised to knock, but hesitated. His heart pounded in his chest, and for the first time in years, he felt uncertain. What if she didn’t want to see him? What if she didn’t love him anymore?

The thought was unbearable.

But he needed answers. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door, his knuckles rapping against the wood.

“Y/N?” he called, his voice soft.

There was no answer.

He knocked again, louder this time. “Y/N, it’s me. Open the door, I beg you.”

Still nothing.

Jack’s frustration flared, and he pressed his forehead against the door, his hand curling into a fist at his side. “Please, my love...” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Inside, Y/N stood frozen, her back against the door. Tears pricked at her eyes as she listened to him, his voice filled with worry and hurt. She wanted to open the door, to throw herself into his arms and tell him everything. But the fear held her back.

She wasn’t ready.

Not yet.

Jack walked away from her door that night, his heart heavy and his mind racing. He didn’t know what was going on, but one thing was clear: something had changed between them. And he didn’t know if he could fix it.

As he returned to his room, Baide’s voice echoed in his mind, low and knowing. You’ll figure it out. You always do.

But Jack wasn’t so sure. For the first time in years, he felt like he was losing the one thing he couldn’t bear to lose.

Part 4 >>>