𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𓆩⟡𓆪 𝕏𝕒𝕕𝕖𝕟 ℝ𝕚𝕠𝕣𝕤𝕠𝕟

「 ✦ 0.02 ✦ 」

"Ainsley will do everything in her power to protect Violet. Won't you?" My father asks, shooting me a small glare and I nod my head. He didn't care about if I lived or died, but he did care if Violet dies. That would mean he would not be the center of attention and we wouldn't want that right?

"We should go, before the line gets too long." I say quietly, feeling everyone's eyes on me. I wanted to get out of this house as soon as I can. I need to get out from under my father's control. When I bond with a dragon, I will never have to feel the sting of his hits and his words. He has made it know that I was a disgrace to this family and he blames my mother for leaving us. It was always my fault.

"She's right. You should say your goodbyes now and I will take them both to get signed in." Mira says and I'm instantly thankful she is there to back me up. We don't know each other well, but she has always been sweet.

Both my father and general Sorrengail nod at the statement, agreeing that it would be best to say goodbye now. They want to avoid looking weak in public if they come with us. Naturally.

My father turns towards me and pulls me into a hug, that feels foreign to me. He has never hugged me or showed any affections towards me. I was a freak in his eyes.

"Do us both a favor and fall off that parapet. We both know you aren't strong enough to become a rider. You'll get everyone killed around you." He hisses quietly to me, not letting the others hear his hateful words. I feel my heart sting at his words, but try to ignore it. I want to focus on the hatred I have for this poor accuse for a father instead. I want to prove him wrong and become a strong dragon rider. He'll see.

"Goodbye." I say with not emotion behind it whatsoever, before grabbing my bag and following the Sorrengail sisters out of the place I never called home. Home is supposed to feel warm and comforting. This was a prison disguised as a home. A prison I will never go back to.

I silently follow Mira towards the tables, where we were supposed to sign in. The pebbles under my boots was the only noise loud enough to impede my thoughts.

Do us both a favor and fall off that parapet.

You aren't strong enough to become a rider.

You'll get everyone killed around you.

I try to shake off my father's voice and discouraging words, but it's hard when his words sting like a fresh slap across the cheek. He never believed in me and it was starting to make me believe his harsh insults. Maybe I wasn't strong enough and should just jump off the parapet. Save everyone the trouble of training me and go out fast.

I frown and push all of his words out of my head. No. I will not listen to him. He has always been harsh and that will never change. I will survive and prove him wrong. I will see my best friend again, after 3 years of seeing him. I hope he remembers me. Last time I saw him was when I was comforting him after watching my father repeatedly cut him across the back, one for each child of the separatists he took responsibility for. And, of course, our moment when he was going into the Riders Quadrant. He was 2 years older than me and joined before me. He should be starting his third year now. 

They all were forced into the rider quadrant as a punishment for their parents and to prove their loyalty. It was a cruel punishment and I hate my father for being one of the many to agree that this was a fair trade. The children did nothing wrong. Why should they be punished for it?

"Annie? Did you hear me?" I hear Mira ask and I tear my gaze away from the ground and meet her worried eyes.

"What?"

"Are you okay?" She asks, resting a hand on my shoulder and I nod slightly. She narrows her eyes at me, not believing me, but decided to let it go for now. She turn towards Violet and looks between the both of us. "You two need to find Dain Aetos."