Chapter Text
1
My father was never a kind man, even to me. Being the daughter of the most formidable General in history didn't come with many favors. No matter what I did, it was never good enough. I stood and watched my father execute the rebellion leaders. He even executed my mother because of his suspicion. My entire life, I have been training or studying. I never get free time or have the luxury of a hobby.
It was never a question which quadrant in Basgiath I would be joining. Melgrens are riders. My father had personally trained me. Our sessions were never kind to me, neither were punishments. Menders are rare, but one of them happens to be the General’s personal mender. I have lost track of the amount of times I have had to see that man because of one of my father’s ‘lessons’.
Part of me joining the Riders Quadrant would be spying on the marked ones for my father. This year, the oldest of them will be joining the quadrant. Including Fen Riorson’s son. I have never been able to look at my father the same way after the execution at Aretia.
I walk into my father's office for the last time before I walk onto the parapet. I close the door behind me, and strife forward to the center of the room, halting, and standing at attention. “At ease.” I relax my posture at those words. “I already briefed you on your responsibilities in the quadrant. I will be coming back frequently for meetings, so expect a summons. Good luck, Candidate Melgren. Do not disappoint. You're dismissed.” I turn with military precision, walking back out the door.
I hate that I am expected to report on the marked ones. They have done nothing wrong. They don't deserve what the quadrant will do to them. It strips away all the softness and leaves what is at your core. Although, for me there is nothing to strip away. My father handled that years ago.
I wear black leathers, and braid my dark black hair into a crown on my head. Most women cut their hair because they think it gives their opponents something to grab. I won't give anyone the chance, part of the arrogance that comes with being a Melgren. I stare at myself in the mirror, assessing my look. My glacial blue eyes glare back at me, a star contrast to my hair. Today, I will survive. I have no other choice. I will have to fight my way through the next three years. There will be a lot of people lined up to kill a Melgren, especially the marked ones.
I walk up the stone staircase that leads to the parapet. A man behind me catches my attention. He has wavy black hair, and stunning golden flecked onyx eyes. I recognize him, but can't remember where we met. “Next!” The role keeper calls. I step forward. “Lyra,” Captain Fitzgibbenz greets. “I'm surprised I haven't seen you sooner.”
“Well, you know how my father is.” He chuckles and motions me to continue on the path.
The man I had seen, catches up with me. He has hard, dark features that for some reason draw me in. “Hey,” His voice was deep, I turn to look at him. I note the rebellion relic swirling up his arm. “I feel like I know you.” He reaches his hand out to shake mine. “Xaden Riorson.” That is why I recognize him. He was there at the execution. I remember him trying to hold it together, to stay strong for those around him.
I shake his hand, “Lyra.” I don't want him to hate me because of my father. I am not my father. If I can get him to trust me, get him to see past my last name, I can help him.
“What's your last name?” He questions me. I avert my eyes. “Why don't you want to tell me?”
“Some people can look past names without issues. Other people see it as a black mark on your record. They can’t see that you aren't your parents. I can. I could care less who your father was. In fact, I admired the rebellion. He did the right thing.” Xaden’s eyes soften.
Suddenly, I'm back at the end of the rebellion. I'm standing watching my mother stand next to the other rebellion leaders. After my father executed them, my eyes lingered on the spot where my mother had stood. My eyes find Xaden's. His hard calculating gaze softened at seeing my pain and despair at what had just happened. He seemed to be able to tell that I wasn't my father. I wasn't marked like the others were, but my heart was scared.
I watch the man in front of me. Maybe he could see past my name. I just hope it won't change things. We approach the narrow stone bridge with the role keepers. I look at him, I really look at him. “If you must know, my name is Lyra Melgren.” I see his eyes flash with recognition as I turn to face the role keeper.
“Melgren, as in,” I cut the man off.
“Unfortunately.” I am motioned forward.
I step onto the parapet. It's basically a practiced movement. One foot in front of the other. Don't let the wind sway your steps. Careful not to slip. I practically run across, and step down on the other side.
“Name?”
“Lyra Melgren, yes as in the General.”
I step into the citadel, but I am stopped by a hand grabbing my arm. I turn to see who it belongs to. Surprisingly, it's Xaden. “You're right, no one should be judged based on who they are related to. I remember you being there that day. You shouldn't have had to see that.” He lets go.
“Thank you for giving me a chance.” I notice the corner of his mouth twitch upward slightly. “We have to be careful though. I don't know who my father has watching me, so we can never be to careful.” He nods in agreement.
The bells chime signaling the start of formation. We get sorted into Wings, Sections, and Squads. Three Squads to a Section. Three Sections in a Wing. There are four Wings. I am put in Second Squad, Flame Section, Fourth Wing. Xaden and another marked one also join this squad. From the looks of it, there are 2 third years, 4 second years, and now 9 first years.
Xaden stands behind me. I can feel his friend's glare at the back of my head. Commandant Panchek gives a speech, followed by one of the Wingleaders. A riot of dragons approaches and lands on the wall. A few cadets run, only to be incinerated. I have been around dragons all of my life. None of these dragons are anywhere near as menacing as Codagh. He is the largest dragon ever to bond, but there is rumored to be a dragon much younger and fairly larger and more powerful than him. I will never run from a dragon.
We went to the first year dorms that night. Surprisingly, I received a summons already. I assume it has to do with who is in my squad. I walked into his office for the second time today. “General,” I nod my head.
“At ease. I hear you have a unique opportunity.” My father walks over to me. “The Riorson boy, and one of his friends happened to be in your squad.”
“Sir?” I know what he is hinting at, but I don't want to be the one to say it.
“I want you to report on them. Let me know if they happen to be planning another rebellion. Understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Dismissed.” I turn and walk out of his office. There is no way I will be reporting on the marked ones. I know the consequences I will face, but can bare through it. I have survived all these years so far, but I wouldn't be surprised if my father was the one who ended my existence.
“Where did you go?” The woman in the bunk next to me asked.
“I'm sorry, what is your name? I know you're in my squad.”
“Ali,” she smiles at me. “Lyra Melgren, right?”
“Ya, unfortunate family ties.” She giggles.