“this fucking sucks.”

ridoc piped up for the first time since the two of you had started, which was admittedly a feat, considering how often he talked.

his brows were furrowed, sweat making his dark brown hair cling to his forehead. his hands were outstretched, focusing on channeling ice in small, concise increments.

two nights ago, you had foolishly decided to tag along with the rest of the fourth wing squad. the plan had been simple (at least on paper): sneak into the kitchens, steal a bit of food, sneak out and fly to the nearby town for a few hours of fun. zihnal had clearly not been on your side, since general aetos had been awake and wandering the halls. everyone else had gotten away, but you and ridoc had been caught.

and general aetos’s favorite punishment? wielding until burnout.

as soon as lessons the next day had ended he had sent the two of you to the training field. that’s where you now stood, side by side with ridoc, your own muscles aching from the effort of wielding in such a precise manner.

when you didn’t respond, ridoc glanced at you, amusement in his warm brown eyes.

“what? dragon got your tongue?”

he was only teasing, but the moment his concentration faltered general aetos snapped at him. he winced, glancing away again.