Bloodwing Academy, #1
On Wings of Blood
by Briar Boleyn
Contents
Chapter 16
Overview
Medra and Florence attend Theo’s beach bonfire and confront the predatory, stratified culture of Bloodwing as they witness thralls being fed upon. Regan publicly humiliates Medra, but Theo intervenes, hinting Blake and Regan’s relationship is faltering. As they consider leaving, Florence abruptly, wordlessly walks toward the fire, suggesting outside influence.
Summary
Medra and Florence, bolstered by wine and rum, arrive at Theo Drakharrow’s beach bonfire. Medra dresses to match her restless mood, while Florence keeps to a studious look. On the edge of the party, they see mostly highblood vampires and a few mortal thralls being fed upon, unsettling Medra and sharpening her sense of vulnerability.
Regan Pansera intercepts them with a clique of drunken highblood girls. They demean Medra’s blightborn status, imply her blood is impure, and mock her consort bond and dragon-riding. Regan flaunts her claim on Blake and belittles Medra as charity. Medra retorts, refusing any intimacy or submission, escalating the tension.
Theo arrives, cuts through the hostility, and spirits Medra and Florence to seating by the fire. He produces Crimson Ambrosia, which Florence warns is addictive and dangerous for mortals; Medra declines. Theo urges them not to flee, arguing retreat would please Regan, and frames Regan’s behavior as jealousy.
In a lowered voice, Theo claims Blake and Regan’s relationship is a facade under Lord Drakharrow’s pressure, insisting Blake is miserable and that Regan cannot handle rejection. Medra remains skeptical, citing public appearances and her own contempt for Blake’s behavior.
As Theo begins to explain the larger stakes of opposing Regan, Florence suddenly stands without speaking and walks steadily toward the bonfire, ignoring Medra and Theo. Her unresponsiveness suggests possible external influence, leaving Medra alarmed as the scene closes.
Who Appears
- MedraProtagonist; attends Theo’s bonfire, confronts Regan’s insults, declines Crimson Ambrosia, hears warnings about Regan and Blake.
- Florence ShenMedra’s friend; accompanies her to the party, cautions against Crimson Ambrosia, then suddenly walks toward the fire, unresponsive.
- Theo DrakharrowHost and mediator; rescues Medra from Regan’s clique, offers Ambrosia, warns of Regan’s danger, hints Blake hates the pairing.
- Regan PanseraAntagonistic highblood; taunts Medra’s status and bond, claims Blake, incites social humiliation at the bonfire.
- LarissaRegan’s intoxicated friend; identifies Medra as co-consort and fuels the mockery.
- GretchenRegan’s friend; crudely questions Medra’s blood purity and provokes further insults.