Tairn Quotes

You must save yourself," Tairn demands. "I chose you not as my next but as my last, and should you fall, then I will follow.

Scratch her eyes out,” Andarna suggests. “Really. The eyes are the softest tissue. Just jab your thumbs in there—” “Andarna! Use some common sense,” Tairn snaps. “The kneecaps are a much easier target.

Should I get the Wingleader?

Good idea. I could use a snack.” Andarna’s tone is indecently excited. “We do not eat our allies,” Tairn lectures. “You never let me have any fun.

I could torch him if you would like,” Tairn offers. “But you do seem attached.

Tairn roars with the unmistakable sound of pride. "Lightning wielder.

We do not eat our allies. —Tairn’s personal addendum to the Book of Brennan as quoted by Cadet Violet Sorrengail

Because Andarna will happily roast some scribes if they’re acting like assholes.” “Gladly,” she chimes in gleefully. “No,” Tairn rebukes. “Don’t encourage her.

I exist for Tairn, but I live for Xaden.

You have been the gift of my life," I tell Tairn.

She makes a good point," Andarna agrees. "Can you carry a luminary?" "That question insults me." "Can you carry a luminary while insulted?" she prods. Tairn growls.

You get one chance to form your own squad, and you choose your ex, your current lover, the quadrant’s resident smart-ass, two people who have tried to kill you in the past year—one over said current lover—and whatever Dain is? These are your choices for the most important mission any rider could possibly undertake?” “I’m glad someone said it,” Tairn chimes in.

You will not fall. I will not allow it.

Your scales aren't really black." "No." Even now, her scales are changing, taking on the grayish hue of the stone around us. "But he is, and I so badly want to be just like him." "Tairn.

I lift my flight goggles as Tairn walks off with Sgaeyl, their tails swishing in rhythm. It’s a little thing, but it makes me smile.

Stay close to the wingleader until we return,” Tairn orders. Surely he meant to say squad leader.

You should end the enemy at your feet.' ... 'I can't kill an unconscious man.' ... 'He would kill you given the same chance.' 'Well, that's a statement on his character. Not mine.

Aren’t you going to tell me how brilliant that idea was?” Tairn scoffs. “I chose you last year for that brilliance, and now you’d like to be congratulated like it’s something new? How odd.

Are congratulations or commiserations in order?” Tairn lifts his head. “Shut up.” I

So, Tairn hasn't channelled to you, either, right?' Liam asks, a look of uncertainty, vulnerability on his face. I shake my head. 'I think he has commitment issues,' I whisper. 'I heard that.' 'Then stay out of my head.

They’re a mated pair, Tairn and Sgaeyl. The strongest bonded pair in centuries.

Should I get the wingleader?” Tairn flat-out laughs in my head.

Quit telling Sgaeyl about my sleep habits,' I grumble at Tairn. 'I'm not dignifying that demand with a response.' 'Andarna is my favourite.

Tell him if he harms you, I'll scorch the ground where he stands.' 'Oh, for fuck's sake, Tairn.' I roll my eyes and walk to Dain, whose jaw is locked, but his eyes are wide with apprehension. 'Tell him, or I'll take it up with Cath.' 'Tairn says if you harm me, he'll burn you,' I say as dragons to the left and right launch skyward without their riders, headed back to the Vale. But not Tairn. Nope, he's still standing behind me like an overprotective dad. 'I'm not going to harm you, ' Dain snaps. 'Word for word, Silver One.' I blow a breath out slowly. 'Sorry, he actually said, if you harm me, he'll scorch the ground where you stand.' I turn and look over my shoulder. 'Better?' Tairn blinks. Dain keeps his eyes on me, but I see it there, the swirling anger Tairn warned me about. 'I would rather die than harm you, and you know it.

I think I started falling for you that night in the tree when I watched you with the marked ones, but I began tumbling the day you gave me Tairn’s saddle. You’ll give some self-serving excuse, but the truth is you’re kinder than you want people to know. Maybe kinder than you know. —Recovered Correspondence of Cadet Violet Sorrengail to His Grace, Lieutenant Xaden Riorson, Sixteenth Duke of Tyrrendor

Can you fly her back to the Vale?” I ask Tairn. “She’s…huge.” “I’ve killed lesser riders for that kind of insult.” “So dramatic.

Oh, Violence, you're going to have to learn to shield against Tairn or his escapades with Sgaeyl will drive you mad- or into someone's bed.

Why did you choose me?' I have to know, because as soon as we land, there are going to be questions. 'Because you saved her.' Tairn's head inclines toward the golden as we approach, and she follows after us. Our speed slows. 'But...' I shake my head. 'Dragons value strength and cunning and... ferocity in their riders.' None of which defines me. 'Please do tell me more about what I should value.

Every possible path may require breaking a few laws.” “Dragons do not answer to the laws of humans,” she counters in a tone that reminds me of Tairn. “And as my bonded, as Tairn’s rider, you no longer answer to them, either.

Let's go, Violet Sorrengail.' He lifts his head, and the golden dragon peeks out from under his wing. 'How do you know my name?' I gawk up at him. 'And to think, I'd almost forgotten just how loquacious humans are.' He sighs, the gust of his breath rattling the trees. 'Get on my back.' Oh. Shit. He's choosing... me. 'Get on your back?' I repeat like a fucking parrot. 'Have you seen you? Do you have any idea how huge you are?' I'd need a damned ladder to get up there. The look he gives me can only be described as annoyance. 'One does not live a century without being well aware of the space one takes up. Now get on.

Good idea. I could use a snack.” Andarna’s tone is indecently excited. “We do not eat our allies,” Tairn lectures. “You never let me have any fun.

You must save yourself," Tairn demands. "I chose you not as my next, but as my last, and should you fall, then I will follow.

We will feast on their bones, Silver One.

Think about that later,” Tairn commands. “I’m fine, thanks for asking.” “Of course you are. I chose well.

We’ve always been the better-looking species,” Tairn

I chose you not as my next, but as my last, and should you fall, then I will follow". -Tairn

gods forbid Tairn not stand in the front row like the star of the show.

Tairn?” It’s not just me going to war. “We will feast on their bones, Silver One.” Graphic, but point made.

The Dark One didn’t cut it in the first place,” Tairn responds. “Stop calling him that.

You have the power to be a pain in the ass, too. Trust me.

One does not live a century without being well aware of the space one takes up.

Shit. What is this? Jealousy? Anxiety? Insecurity? “All three,” Tairn responds in utter annoyance. “To which I will remind you that not a single dragon chose her. You were selected by two. Pull yourself together.

I don’t like your selection in mates, yet here we are,” Tairn responds

Your hands are bound, too. Do you bleed often?' 'I try not to.

Do not speak to her as if death is a possibility,” Tairn snaps, slamming his own shields around us both, an impenetrable wall of black stone, blocking out Xaden and Sgaeyl.

I know,” he repeats. “And I could call you Violence like the wingleader.” “You wouldn’t dare.” I narrow my eyes as I move forward, checking where his chest begins to rise. “And you know how much that ass annoys me.” “Annoys you?” Tairn chuckles above me, the sound like a chuffing cat. “Is that what you call it when your heart rate—” “Don’t even start with me.

Why did you do that?' I cry, my fingers searching for purchase on his leathers to pull him closer. I settle for the back of his collar and yank. 'Why would you risk it?' Gods, if anything happened to them... His gaze collides with mine. 'That thing was going to take a chunk out of Tairn. You've saved my life and now it's my turn. No matter what you think of me for keeping secrets, we're friends, Violet.

Civil is overrated,” Andarna notes, flexing her claws in the grass. “I’ve never tasted gryphon—” “We do not eat our allies,” Tairn lectures. “Find another snack.

She makes a good point,” Andarna agrees. “Can you carry a luminary?” “That question insults me.” “Can you carry a luminary while insulted?” she prods. Tairn growls.

Your tantrum is ill-timed, Golden One,” Tairn growls. “Do not call me a child.” Andarna’s scales shimmer but remain black. “Do not act like one!” he snarls.

Your wings won’t hold the weight of this ice,’” Andarna blatantly mocks him. “And yet yours miraculously carry the burden of your ego.” “Go find a sheep and let the adults work.” Tairn’s muscles shift

You are the smartest of your year. The most cunning.' I gulp at the compliment, brushing it off. I was trained as a scribe, not a rider. 'You defended the smallest with ferocity. And strength of courage is more important than physical strength. Since you apparently need to know before we land.' My throat tightens from his words, emotion forming a knot I have to swallow past. Oh. Shit. I hadn't spoken those words. I'd thought them. He can read my thoughts. 'See? Smartest of your year.' So much for privacy. 'You'll never be alone again.' 'That sounds more like a threat than a comfort,' ...

She lost a dragon,” Mira shouts. “Not a boyfriend. It’s not a breakup.” Her gaze swings to Xaden. “No offense.” The emptiness threatens to overwhelm me again, but Tairn inundates the bond with a deluge of defiance and indignation. “Focus on now, on him if you have to.” I still have both of them: Tairn and Xaden. “None taken.” Xaden folds his arms but doesn’t look away. “We’re past the breakup stage.

Scratch her eyes out,” Andarna suggests. “Really. The eyes are the softest tissue. Just jab your thumbs in there—” “Andarna! Use some common sense,” Tairn snaps. “The kneecaps are a much easier target.

Are you pushing for a reason?' Tairn asks. 'Can you give me one not to?' 'He cares for you. That's already hard enough for him.' I scoff. 'He cares about keeping me alive. There's a difference.' 'Not for him there isn't.

You do not have the right to burn what is mine

And what would you have done with the knowledge had he shared it?” Tairn asks. “Stop bringing logic into an emotional argument.

Are congratulations or commiserations in order?” Tairn lifts his head.

Do not overreact,” I warn Tairn, hoping it’s not my final request. “We still need this deal.” “I resent the implication that I am given to melodramatics,

Should I get the wingleader?” Tairn flat-out laughs in my head.

I will not stand for you being devoured by a house cat,” Tairn growls.

Deigh,' Liam whispers, falling limp against Tairn's back. 'I'll get you to him,' I promise, already fumbling with the strap's buckle. 'Deigh's gone,' I cry to Xaden, my voice a trembling mess. 'Liam is dying.' 'No,' I feel his terror, his sorrow, and his overpowering anger wrap around my mind, mixing with my own until it hurts to breathe. Minutes. We have minutes. 'Just hold on,' I whisper to Liam, fighting not to cry as he looks up at me with those sky-blue eyes, wide with shock and pain. After everything Liam has given up for me, this is the least I can do for him. I can get him to Deigh the same way I know he would carry me to Tairn or Andarna.

I'm sorry she didn't tell you." "We will settle matters of emotion after matters of life.

There's more than one way to fall.

I’m Xaden Riorson, the Duke of Tyrrendor.” Xaden inclines his head. “He’s probably expecting me.” Blue Sash blinks, then looks in my direction. “And you are?” Well, shit. My mouth opens— “My consort,” Xaden replies casually. “Violet Sorrengail.” What the actual fuck? My jaw snaps shut so hard my teeth click. I want our bond back and I want it back right now. He can’t just announce things like that without at least a discussion. “Are congratulations or commiserations in order?” Tairn lifts his head.

My chest tightens as I stare into her unblinking eyes, choosing my next words carefully. “We always knew that gift would only last as long as you were little, and you, my dearest, are no longer little.” A growl rumbles in her chest, and my eyebrows shoot up. “Are you… feeling okay?” What the hell did I say to deserve that? “Adolescents,” Tairn grumbles. “I am fine,” she snaps, narrowing her eyes at Tairn. “We will leave now.

You've wielded lightning besides yesterday's display during the War Games?" I debate keeping my answer to myself, but my silence isn't going to help. "A few times." "And both times were the result of emotional reactions?" Tairn snorts, and I smack his foreleg with the back of my hand. "Yes." "Well, then start there. Ground in your power and try to feel whatever it was you were feeling." He goes back to his notebook. "Should I get the wingleader?" Tairn flat-out laughs in my head. "Shut up.

Would Riorson let you rush off into a battle against gods know how many wyvern—or worse, the venin who created them—when you’re wounded?” His eyebrows rise. “Yes.” I step out onto the midpoint of Tairn’s tail, my stomach settling at the familiar territory beneath my boots as I look back over my shoulder at Dain. “That’s why I love him.

Should I get the wingleader?

Tairn chuffs. One day I might be able to translate that sound, but it’s not today.

Shall I get the Wingleader?" - Tairn

Quit telling Sgaeyl about my sleep habits,” I grumble at Tairn. “I’m not dignifying that demand with a response.” “Andarna is my favorite.

Which part? Tairn saving my ass? Or being grumpy about it? Because yes, both are normal.

Stay close to the wingleader until we return,” Tairn orders. Surely he meant to say squad leader. “You heard what I said.

I belong to Tairn and Andarna…and, in some really fucked-up way…Xaden.

You're beginning to think - " Tairn starts. "Like Brennan?" I suggest as the wyvern enter our airspace. "Like Tairn," Sagely answers.

It’s the saddle strapped across his back that has me gawking. “I hear it’s all the fashion,” Tairn brags.

Then shield him out the same way you do me—or start talking back,” Tairn grumbles. “You have the power to be a pain in the ass, too. Trust me.

I’m not dignifying that demand with a response.” “Andarna is my favorite.” Tairn snorts.

See, I told you." Carr lifts the notebook. "The last lightning wielder said it made them overheat. Now do it again." Tairn chortles. "Not a single fucking word out of you," I warn.

We do not eat our allies,” Tairn lectures. “Find another snack.

Andarna is my favorite.” Tairn snorts.

Wait. What are you saying?” “They’re a mated pair, Tairn and Sgaeyl. The strongest bonded pair in centuries.

You must save yourself,” Tairn demands. “I chose you not as my next, but as my last, and should you fall, then I will follow.

I got the message to you just fine, human.' Tairn's head swivels in that snakelike motion that puts me on alert. He's more than agitated. 'And I barely made it.' The words come out clipped through clenched teeth. 'She would have been dead if I'd been thirty seconds later.' 'Seems like you had thirty seconds gifted to you.' Tairn's chest rumbles with a growl.

She’s never been a fan of bullies,” Xaden says to me. “But don’t mistake it as an act of kindness toward you. She’s fond of the little dragon. Unfortunately, Tairn chose you all on his own.

You’re a menace. Stop it,” I say. “Tell him if he harms you, I’ll scorch the ground where he stands.” “Oh, for fuck’s sake, Tairn.” I roll my eyes and walk to Dain, whose jaw is locked, but his eyes are wide with apprehension.

You get one chance to form your own squad, and you choose your ex, your current lover, the quadrant’s resident smart-ass, two people who have tried to kill you in the past year—one over said current lover—and whatever Dain is? These are your choices for the most important mission any rider could possibly undertake?” “I’m glad someone said it,” Tairn chimes in. “And…you.” It’s not my finest comeback. “Don’t forget Halden’s guard,” Ridoc adds. “I’m sure they’ll be super useful.

It doesn’t escape my notice that Sgaeyl stands between Teine and Fann, Ulices’s cantankerous Green Swordtail, not next to Tairn, which either explains or is a result of his surly mood this morning. Mom and Dad are fighting, and everyone knows it.

Remind her that I can sever her head with one bite,” Andarna growls, the sound higher than Tairn’s menacing rumble. “I will not. What does Tairn tell us?” “We don’t eat our allies,” she mumbles, but there’s a distinct tap of her talons against the rock floor.

You wouldn’t dare.” I narrow my eyes as I move forward, checking where his chest begins to rise. “And you know how much that ass annoys me.” “Annoys you?” Tairn chuckles above me, the sound like a chuffing cat. “Is that what you call it when your heart rate—” “Don’t even start with me.

Scratch her eyes out,” Andarna suggests. “Really. The eyes are the softest tissue. Just jab your thumbs in there—” “Andarna! Use some common sense,” Tairn snaps. “The kneecaps are a much easier target.” “Quiet time, now.” I slam my shields up, muting Tairn and Andarna as much as possible.

Three days?' Dain fires back, leaning in. 'You couldn't make it three days?' 'It has nothing to do with him.' I interrupt, setting my dragon down with a little more force than necessary. 'That's up to Tairn and Sgaeyl.' 'You never considered that it was you I couldn't stay away from?' I crook my right arm and jab it into Xaden's biceps. He doesn't mean that. Not when he's still adamant that kissing me was a mistake. And if he does... I'm not going there... 'Now, now, you'll give our little communication secret away if you can't keep from being so... violent.' He barely restrains a smile, obviously loving that he gets the last word.

My name is Tairneanach, son of Murtcuideam and Fiaclanfuil, descended from the cunning Dubhmadinn line.” He stands to his full height, bringing me eye level with the canopy of trees around the clearing, and I squeeze a little tighter with my thighs. “But I’m not going to assume that you’ll be able to remember that once we reach the field, so Tairn will do

Get him out of my head," I toss in Tairn's direction. "You'll get used to it," Tairn responds. "Is this normal with all mated pairs and their riders?" "For some. It's a great advantage in battle." "Well, it's a pain in my ass right now." I miss Andarna. We're so far apart that I can barely feel her. "Then shield him out the same way you do me—or start talking back." Tairn grumbles. "You have the power to be a pain in the ass, too. Trust me.

Less than a minute,” Xaden whispers as Sgaeyl moves toward him— toward us. “That’s how long it took for you to fall out of love with me.” My gaze flashes to his. “Don’t read my…whatever!” Tairn stalks toward me, his head low and his teeth bared as he places himself at my back. “I didn’t.” The saddest smile I’ve ever seen tugs at Xaden’s mouth. “First, because your shields are up, and secondly because I didn’t have to. It’s all over your face.

We're all learning today. You need to learn how to stay on, and I need to learn why the hell it's so hard for you," he answers. "Andarna needs to learn how to keep up. Tairn needs to learn how to share his space in a tighter flight formation, and every other dragon but Sgaeyl is too scared to fly closer." Tairn chuffs in agreement we approach. "And what is Sgaeyl learning?" I ask, eyeing the giant blue dragon. Xaden grins. "She's been leading for almost three years now. She's going to have to learn how to follow. Or at least practice." "Dragon relationships are absolutely incomprehensible." I murmur. "Yeah? You should try a human one sometime. Just as vicious, but less fire.

Andarnaurram.” The sweet, high voice of the golden fills my mind. “Andarna for short.” I feel the blood rush from my face, and the edges of my vision sway as I pivot on my good ankle, staring back across the field at where the golden dragon—Andarna—now stands between Tairn’s front legs. “Excuse me?” “Violet, are you all right?” the redhead asks, and everyone around me, above me, leans in. “Tell her,” the golden insists. “Tairn. What am I supposed to—” I think at him. “Tell the roll-keeper her name,” Tairn echoes. “Violet?” the roll-keeper repeats. “Do you need a mender?” I turn back to the woman and clear my throat. “And Andarnaurram,” I whisper. Her eyes fly wide. “Both dragons?” she squawks. I nod. And all hell breaks loose.

Stop,' I put my hand on Xaden's arm. 'Xaden, stop. If you want me to go with you, I'll go. It's that simple.' His gaze shifts to meet mine and immediately softens. 'No fucking way,' Dain whispers, but it reverberates in my bones like a lightning strike. I pivot, dropping my hand from Xaden's arm, but it's obvious by Dain's expression that he now knows there's something between Xaden and me- and he's hurt. My stomach hits the ground. 'Dain-' 'Him?' Dain's eyes widen and his face flushes. 'You and... him?' He shakes his head. 'People talk, and I thought that's all it was, but you...' Disappointment drops his shoulders. 'Don't go, Violet. Please. He's going to get you killed.' 'I know you think Xaden has ulterior motives, but I trust him. He's had every opportunity and has never hurt me.' I move toward Dain. 'At some point, you have to let this go.' Dain looks horrified for a second but quickly masks it. 'If he's what you choose...' He sighs. 'Then I guess that has to be enough for me, doesn't it?' 'Yes.' I nod. Thank gods all this nonsense is about to be past us. He swallows hard and leans in to whisper. 'I'll miss you, Violet.' Then he pivots on his heel and heads for Cath. 'Thank you for trusting me,' Xaden says as I reach Tairn's foreleg. 'Always.

You want me,' I put my hand on his chest and feel his heart pounding. 'And I know that scares you even though I want you just as badly.' He stiffens. 'But here's the thing,' I hold his gaze, knowing he could bolt at any second. 'You don't get to dictate how I feel. You might give the orders out there, but not in here. You don't get to tell me we can fuck but I can't fall for you. That's not fair. You can only respect what I choose to do. So we're not doing this again until I want to risk my heart. And if I fall, then that's my problem, not yours. You're not responsible for my choices.' His jaw clenches once. Twice. And then he pushes off the wall, giving me space. 'I think that's for the best. I'm graduating soon, and who knows where I'll end up. Besides, you and I are chained together because of Sgaeyl and Tairn, which complicates... everything.' He retreats one step at a time, the distance more than just physical. 'Besides, with all that pretending, I'm sure we'll eventually forget last night ever happened.' The way we're looking at each other tells me neither of us is ever going to forget. And he can avoid it all he wants, but we're going to end up right here time and again until he's willing to recognise what this is. Because if there's one thing I know for certain, it's that I'm going to fall for this man- if I haven't already- and he's halfway there, too, whether he realises it or not. Turning my back on him, I walk to the shattered halves of my throwing target and pick them up before heading back across my room. 'I never figured you for a liar, Xaden.' I shove the halves at his chest. 'You can get me a new one when you're ready to come to your senses. Then we'll blow off some steam.' I throw the aggravating man out.