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I hadn’t known they would do that.

“My sister, Grace Barnslow, for her courage and dedication, despite obstacles! Welcome to the pin!”

“My sister, Grace Barnslow, for her quiet wisdom and heart, even in the face of evil! Welcome to the pin!”

Then Voski stepped forward, and I couldn’t stop the tears. His back was to me—they each had to address the crowd, but his voice cracked as he shouted, louder than any of the others.

“My mate, Grace Barnslow, for her unerring faithfulness and courage, even in the face of battle! Welcome, my love. Welcome to the pin!”

The roar that met his announcement buffeted my ears, and my heart thrummed, filled to bursting by the waves of love and admiration in the bond.

‘I love you so much!’

‘The best is yet to come, beautiful. I promise.’

I was so moved by the entire spectacle, I barely remembered a word. When my squad turned, Voski stared at me, winking as he filed past me with the others to line up behind me.

When the last of the four squadrons to announce to the gathering why their Flameborne was accepted as Furyknight was in position behind him, the wing leaders—the squad captain and lieutenant of each of the four squads—stepped past us to line up at the front of the stage again.

To my surprise, Ronen, Gil and Voski positioned themselves at the front of the stage, along with the other leaders of the other squads.

I stared at my mate. ‘What’s going on?’ Voski wasn’t a wing leader. Or hadn’t been. What was happening?

His smile was bright and beaming, his eyes shining as he glanced over his shoulder, but he didn’t speak.

“Seventh Squadron, attend!” Ronen barked, as the others called their squads to attention as well. And so many boots thudded on the stage, I felt it vibrate under my feet as I screamed, “Sir! Yes, sir!” with the others.

Then Ronen stepped to my side, Voski and Gil lining up behind him. They all snapped to a salute as well, calling along with the other leaders for the Captains and Donavyn to approach, which they did, their faces solemn.

The queen was left among her guards, while a tense hubbub of anticipation began in the crowd.

Donavyn and the other high-ranking officers started at the other end of the line, so I got to watch and listen, anticipating my own moment. When it came, and Donavyn’s eyes warmed as he stepped to my side, I was so overwhelmed, my knees trembled.

“Sirs!” Ronen barked. “The Seventh Squadron presents Grace Barnslow, a Flameborne of the Second Rank. We attest to her skill and courage. We attest to her strength. We attest to her intelligence and capability. We present her for your approval—to be named among our ranks, and a sister to eternity. A Furyknight in truth.”

I couldn’t stop the tears as the three Captains and Donavyn looked up and down the ranks of our squad. Donavyn looked very solemn, but when his eyes landed on me, last of all, he smiled. And then winked.

“Flameborne Barnslow!” he intoned, his voice echoing across the auditorium. “When a man—or woman—is Chosen by a dragonfury, they are made new. True life begins. When that same man—or woman—is named Furyknight, they embrace the sacrifice to honor the new life. A life of service, honor, and unity.

“You were Chosen by the She-dragon Koa, and made new. Now, you have been measured able and deserving of the very great honor to be called a Furyknight. But the choice to walk into that purpose is yours. Do you accept the responsibility, the duty, and the call to serve? Are you willing?”

I almost tripped over my tongue to get the words out that I’d been instructed to use. “Sir! Yes, sir! It is my honor!”

Donavyn beamed, and behind me, I felt Voski’s eyes on me, his gaze burning.

The three Captains, Mont, Gunnar, and Olve made a semi-circle with Donavyn and me.

Donavyn addressed them. “Captains of Flyer, Flame, and Fang, Flameborne Barnslow accepts the responsibility and blessing of being raised Furyknight. Tell us: for which Wing will she fly?”

My heart stopped. In my joy at being pinned, I’d almost forgotten this part. I was thrilled and terrified at the same time. They’d watched me through the trials, spoken with Ronen, and my squad brothers, and without my knowledge, determined which of the three legions Koa and I belonged to.

I was suddenly reminded of Gil’s question, all those months ago, about which Wing we’d suit, since Koa and I had different strengths. I hung on a cliff edge, waiting to find out what they’d determined.

Then, to my delight, Captain Olve, the Captain of the Fang—the stealth Wing—turned from the other two, one hand clenched to a fist, and offered it to Donavyn.

“Sir, we hear the proclamations, and we are in agreement. Flameborne Barnslow is Flameborne no more. She has proven her worth and strength, and will be raised.”

The auditorium was silent, all waiting for the final declaration.