Bloodwing Academy, #1
On Wings of Blood
by Briar Boleyn
Contents
Chapter 4
Overview
Medra’s first morning at Bloodwing introduces House Drakharrow dynamics and broader vampire society. Regan adopts a conciliatory stance, while Blake’s possessiveness flares at a blood joke. Theo outlines the four houses, their leaders, and the practice of thralls, revealing Viktor’s push for restrained feeding and the academy’s political landscape.
Summary
Medra wakes at Bloodwing, tidies herself, and dresses pragmatically for unknown classes. Regan Pansera arrives, now warm and supportive, and escorts Medra to breakfast, explaining House Drakharrow’s triad custom and that varied triads are common, though Blake’s preferences likely did not include Medra.
In the refectory, Regan seats Medra with House Drakharrow. Blake Drakharrow hides disdain, then pointedly ignores them. Theo Drakharrow, Blake’s irreverent cousin, and Coregon Phiri, a steady ally, banter as Medra meets Quinn Riley and Visha Vaidya. When Theo jokes about drinking Medra, Blake slams the table and leaves, provoked by Viktor’s decree forbidding anyone from feeding on Medra.
As Medra eats, Theo outlines House politics: Blake is not yet House Leader; leadership is earned, possibly contested, though Coregon declines to vie. Theo identifies Kage Tanaka, House Avari’s leader, and Catherine of House Mortis with her two attendants.
Medra learns those attendants are thralls—blood-bonded servants and likely lovers—prompting debate. Theo and Coregon explain that open hunting of blightborn used to be common but is now discouraged; Viktor promotes restraint and controlled feeding, though some vampires still kill. Quinn derides House Orphos as weak; Theo notes Lysander leads it and his sister Lunaya may appear in classes.
As the hall clears, Coregon departs to assist a professor. Regan returns, refreshed, and prepares to escort Medra to her first class, leaving Medra with a clearer, unsettling view of vampire customs, power structures, and her precarious position within House Drakharrow.
Who Appears
- Medra PendragonNew First Year; escorted to breakfast; meets Drakharrow peers; learns about houses, thralls, and Viktor’s restraint.
- Regan PanseraBlake’s first betrothed; conciliatory guide; explains triads and escorts Medra to refectory and class.
- Theo DrakharrowBlake’s mischievous cousin; hosts Medra at table; explains houses, leaders, thralls, and feeding norms.
- Blake DrakharrowPrince and Medra’s blood-bonded betrothed; shows disdain; storms off after a blood joke due to Viktor’s decree.
- Coregon PhiriCalm, authoritative friend of Blake; adds house insights; leaves early to help a professor.
- Quinn RileyDrakharrow student; critical of Medra; mocks her ignorance; calls House Orphos weak.
- Visha VaidyaDrakharrow fighter; regards Medra warily, with a challenging demeanor.
- Kage TanakaHouse Avari leader; intense presence; emblem and motto noted from afar.
- Catherine (House Mortis)Mortis scion; strides with two thralls, exemplifying blood-bonded attendants.