Hello riders!
Wow, first I'd like to say I am so sorry for the long wait. I have been wanting to update for the last month but never had the chance (I work 2 jobs, went on vacation, planning another vacation, and am trying to maintain some sort of social life lol). Anyways, I finally had the chance to sit down and write and it felt so good! I wanted to start with these bonus scenes so I could get something out for you guys quickly and hopefully throughout this week I can write the next chapter and get it out Friday. I'll try for earlier and if I can't get it out by Friday I'll write a couple more bonus scenes so you guys can have something. Thank you all so much for being patient and the continued love and support of the story! I hope you enjoy these two bonus scenes because I know I enjoyed writing them!
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Bonus Scene #3
Chradh's POV
Talking to Nyx about Raya
I'm flying alongside my mate, Nyx. I nudge her with my snout as we take a turn. "You know, I think you'd like the young Riorson, if Garrick's memories are anything to go by." I say to her through our bond.
Nyx huffs, "You know I don't want to bond."
"Just hear me out,"
"I've heard you out when you talked about her to the unbonded dragons." Nyx cuts me off.
"I know, I know," I sigh. "But that was me telling the others about her, not you. And I really think she would be perfect for you." Nyx glares, flying lower to pick up an unsuspecting sheep. She swallows it then quickly gains speed. I shake my head chasing after her, "Just listen, my night. For me?"
Nyx huffs once more, "You won't stop until I do, will you?"
"You know me so well." I nudge her gently again, "So her name is Raya and on the parapet she slit another cadets throat with no mercy."
"Yes, I've heard the others speak of the incident." Nyx says indifferently.
"She's ruthless, my night, and from Garrick's memories it seems she's always been this way. She's a fighter, won't take no for an answer. She reminds me of you." Nyx chortles at this so I keep going, "She stands up to the bullies and doesn't take anyone's shit. Even her brothers. She can hold her own against opponents far bigger and stronger. She's smart, strong, kind."
"But still ruthless." Nyx finishes, "Will she fight dirty? Take cheap shots?"
"That's part of being ruthless, is it not, my night?" I tease. "I've seen her spar through Garrick's eyes. She's good. I wouldn't be surprised if she could win against him. I think it would be close of course, but she doesn't hold back. She always puts her all into it and knows that it takes more than strength and power to win a fight."
I pause for a moment seeing if she will reply, when she doesn't I prompt, "Well?"
"I can see why she reminds you of me." Nyx replies simply.
"Will you bond with her?" I ask.
Nyx side eyes me, "You seriously want me to bond with someone two years younger than your rider?"
"I know it's not ideal," I sigh, "This will be difficult with Garrick and I in an outpost and you two here but we'll figure out something. You've never bonded before-"
"Because if my rider dies there is a good chance I will too." Nyx interrupts. "You know this, I don't want to risk anything."
"You don't want to risk bonding a weak rider. But Raya is anything but. I understand your hesitance, especially now that we've mated and our lives our connected but I truly believe that you and Raya would be incredible together. I wouldn't be talking about it this much if I had any doubts."
Nyx blows out a puff of steam, "If you like her that much, you bond her."
I chortle, "Stubborn night. At least think about it? I'll support you either way, you know this. But think about the power you two can hold."
"I'll think about it. But don't be surprised when I remain unbonded."
"Oh, there is one more thing, my night."
"What is it?"
"The little ones. They seem to have a soft spot for her and the youngest Sorrengail." Nyx and I land softly in the grass, turning our heads to Andarna and Aether who are play wrestling in the distance.
"Since when?" Nyx asks.
"The dragons have been talking about both girls and the twins seem to be interested whenever either is mentioned. You might want to keep that in mind when you make your decision."
"And what of the Sorrengail?"
I puff out steam, "You wouldn't like her. She's mentally strong but not physically. She's not capable of taking all the necessary steps in this world."
"Are you saying she won't live?" Nyx asks me.
I shake my head, "Not necessarily, I think she has as much chance as anyone who wants to be a rider, but it won't be easy for her. And I know you, you'll want someone who is fierce in more than just her mind."
*_*_*_*_*_*
Bonus Scene #4
Xaden's POV
This takes place after the first day of Gauntlet training. The original scene was in Garrick's POV in chapter 4.
Raya, Liam, Bodhi, Garrick, and Imogen are all gathered in my room. Raya and Liam had their first day of Gauntlet training today. "So how was Gauntlet training today?" Bodhi asks, looking between Liam and Raya.
I look down at Raya whose head is resting in my lap, I lightly tap her forehead, "I heard you lost a squadmate."
Raya nods, "Yeah, Aurelie. She was a good person."
"You holding up okay?" Garrick asks, looking at her with concern.
Raya's eyes flicker to Garrick, "Yeah, just sucks. I knew I was going to lose a squadmate at some point, we were lucky to keep everyone for this long." She pauses, cracking a smile, "You'll never guess what Luca said."
Imogen raises an eyebrow, "She's the bitchy one right?"
"The one you fought on assessment day?" I ask, remembering that Raya broke the girls nose.
"Mhm." She hums, nodding in confirmation.
"What did she say?" Liam questions.
Garrick reaches down to grab his water, taking a sip just as Raya answers, "She thought Garrick and I were fucking."
I raise my eyebrow as I look at my best friend who chokes on his water. Bodhi reaches over, slapping his back, "What?" Garrick chokes out.
Raya nods, smirk evident on her face, "Yeah, we got into a whole argument before Emetterio showed up because Tynan was accusing Violet of sleeping with Dain and I said if she wanted to she should 'cause he's hot." I reach over, flicking her on the ear. "Ow!" She sits up, turning to look at me, "What the fuck, Xaden!"
"Never look at Aetos like that, that's disgusting." I scold, glaring at her.
Raya rolls her eyes, "I'm not lying, he is hot! That doesn't mean I like him but I'm not blind. Plus you had a thing with Cat so you can't judge me."
"Cat was an arranged marriage!" I argue, gritting my teeth.
"And yet you still slept with her when you weren't actually married. If I was in an arranged marriage with a she demon I would avoid her as much as possible. But no, you had to get your dick wet."
My eyes narrow, I quickly lunge for my sister. Raya yelps, pushing away from me. I hear Sgaeyl chortle, "I like her." Garrick, Liam, and Bodhi jump in between Raya and I.
"Shut it, Sgaeyl." I snap.
Sgaeyl hums, "Maybe I should had waited a couple of years to bond with her."
"If I let go of you do you promise not to kill your sister?" Garrick asks.
"If I really wanted to kill her, I don't even need to touch her." I grumble, my glare staying on Raya.
Raya's jaw drops in shock at my words, "Hey! You love me! As your little sister it's in the job description to be annoying!"
Liam shrugs, dropping his arms, "She's got a point. And honestly, I miss Sloane so much. I can't wait until she's here next year, annoying the fuck out of me."
I roll my eyes, shoving Garrick away from me, "I'm not going to kill her." I sit back down, "Maybe I should had went for that pretty red, then you could have her." I say to Sgaeyl.
Sgaeyl snarls, "Like you could do better than me. And stop being in denial, your sister is right."
Imogen finally lets her amusement show, chuckling lightly as she asks, "So why did you saying Dain's hot lead to Luca saying you and Garrick were sleeping together?"
"Right," Raya nods, she moves to sit on my desk. The rest of the group settling back in our previous spots, except for Liam who moves to sit in the desk chair. "After I made that comment she said that of course I'd be fine with it since I'm fucking our section leader."
"How did you respond?" Bodhi asks, still keeping an eye on me.
"I laughed. Like Garrick could ever get with me."
Garrick cocks his head, "What the fuck does that mean?"
My eyes narrow at him, "Why the fuck do you care?"
My best friend whips his head around to look at me. "I- I don't." he stutters, "But like what the fuck? I'm great in bed!"
My eyes narrow further into a glare, "Never talk to my sister about your sex life."
"That's not- I didn't-"
"Okay!" Raya interrupts, "No matter how entertaining this is, I'd rather not witness a murder. And Xaden, no need to worry, Garrick can brag about his skills all he wants, I'm still not planning on ever sleeping with him."
Before either Garrick or I can reply Imogen speaks up, changing the topic, "Was your first day on the Gauntlet as eventful, Liam?"
Liam chuckles, shaking his head, "Definitely not. We were lucky to not lose any of our squad and there were no arguments."
I speak up, calmer than before, "We lost Carolyn on the Gauntlet today." We're all silent for a moment, that's another marked one, dead.
"There's nothing we could have done." Bodhi says quietly. The rest of us nodding in agreement.
I look at the time then sigh, "It's late. We should head to bed." The group slowly starts to file out of the room. Everyone is gone except for Garrick and Raya. I grab Raya's arm before she can exit, "I love you. Even though you piss me off sometimes."
She smiles, "I love you too, Xade." Raya reaches up, kissing my cheek, "Goodnight."
"I'll walk her back to the barracks." Garrick mumbles to me, causing my eyes to narrow, "Would you rather she walks alone?" I sigh but shake my head. "Night." Garrick says, before heading out of my room to catch up with Raya.