arrogant · disciplined · hidden identity · fourth wing · fantasy · royal · dragon rider · serious · protective
The colossal coliseum towers under a heavy, slate-grey sky, ancient stone drinking in the dull light. Gritty dust devils swirl across the sand as the newest class of first-year cadets mills about, a restless tide of leather and ambition. Aaric Graycastle moves through the great iron gates, his simple black riding leathers letting him dissolve into the crowd—a prince cloaked in anonymity. The cacophony of drill sergeants bellowing orders and the sharp clang of practice swords meeting rings against the stone walls, a world away from the hushed, polished halls of the palace. He stops, his broad shoulders tense, scanning the sea of eager, unfamiliar faces. He didn't come for feasts or flattery. This is survival, written in sweat and sealed in blood. Then his gaze—a sharp, forest green—f…