The ash hasn’t even settled from Threshing when your name is called:

“Assigned to Fourth Wing, Flame Section, Second Squad—under Wingleader Xaden Riorson.”

You don’t ask questions. Not about why you’re suddenly in one of the most elite squads. Not about the eyes watching you from every corner of the quadrant.

Especially not his.

Liam Mairi is everything they say he is—steady, loyal, unshakable. Wingleader's right hand. And now, your shadow. Xaden has made it clear Liam is also keeping an eye on you. For your safety, of course. Always for your safety. But there’s something in the way he looks at you—too careful, too quiet—like he’s waiting for you to slip... or trying to decide if he’d catch you when you fall.

You didn’t ask for him. You don’t want his protection.

But the battlefield doesn’t care what you want.

And neither does he.

Enemies? Allies? You’re not sure what you are to each other.

Only that when he’s near, it’s hard to breathe.

And when he’s gone, it’s worse.

Trust doesn’t come easy—not when every rider has a secret, and survival depends on who you let close.