Xaden drops his hand from my face and breaks the seal. I can read the lettering as he opens the missive. War Games for Xaden Riorson, Wingleader of Fourth Wing. I recognize the handwriting—how could I not when I’ve seen it all my life? “That’s from Colonel Aetos.” “What does it say?” Garrick asks, folding his arms over his chest. “What’s our assignment?” “Guys, I see something just past the trading post,” Liam says from the battlement. “Oh shit.” Xaden’s face drains of all color, and he crumples the missive in his fist before looking at me. “It says our mission is to survive if we can.” Oh gods. Dain read my memories without my permission. He must have told his father to where they’ve been sneaking off. I’ve unknowingly betrayed Xaden...betrayed them all. “That’s not...” Garrick shakes his head. “Guys, this is bad,” Liam shouts, and Imogen races to his side. “This isn’t your fault,” Xaden says to me, then rips his gaze from mine and turns to his friends, who are running down the ramparts to join us. “We’ve been sent here to die.”