Chapter 39

Two days before the Dance, Kage gifts Medra a black-and-silver Avari gown and a note inviting her to wear it. Medra decides she owes House Drakharrow nothing and accepts. She and Florence ready together, trading compliments and styling each other’s hair, before a First Year summons Medra to the common room.

Medra briefly mistakes Kage’s silhouette for Blake’s, then finds Kage waiting, impeccably dressed. He fastens a silver half-moon necklace on her, and Medra wonders about his motives and whether Blake would care. She takes Kage’s arm and they depart for the ball.

In the transformed refectory, Medra and Kage enter within view of Regan and Blake. Regan alerts Blake, whose dark, displeased reaction confirms Medra’s expectation. Kage leads Medra to an Avari table, where Evie notes he has never brought a date to such events.

Catherine Mortis arrives, pointedly approves Medra’s black-and-silver, and departs with two highblood attendants, whom Kage identifies as her soon-to-be consorts destined for the Games. Discussing consorts, Medra asks about Kage’s; he admits he has none yet and that Avari archons choose in their own time, his gaze implying Medra as a possibility.

As the orchestra begins, Medra spots Naveen performing and Florence among First Years, wondering about their budding connection. With the music swelling, Kage invites Medra to dance, setting the stage for shifting alliances and jealousies at the Frostfire Festival.