Chapter 37

Weeks pass to Wintermark exams. Medra earns strong marks in combat and weaponry, surprises herself in Restoration theory, but scrapes by with a weak pass in History under a hostile Professor Hassan. Campus buzzes with Frostfire break plans, while Medra’s dreams turn from Blake to a dragon rising over a crumbling Bloodwing amid minor daytime tremors.

With Florence and Naveen set to attend the Dance together, Medra plans to go alone and avoid third-wheeling, even lying that she must accompany Blake and Regan. On the last day of term, as Medra and Florence head to lunch, Kage Tanaka blocks their path and asks to speak privately.

Kage addresses Medra with calculated respect, praising her unyielding spirit and positioning himself as an alternative to Blake. He directly asks Medra to be his date for the Dance of the Longest Night, arguing she doesn’t belong at Blake’s side and suggesting this public choice would signal her independence.

Pressed on motives, Kage frames the invitation as both defiance and opportunity. He claims a triad bond can be weakened if Medra withholds consent, preventing Blake from properly feeding from her blood and gaining power. Even if bonded, he says, consorts often take lovers, implying Medra could retain personal freedom.

Weighing the leverage against Blake and potential autonomy, Medra recognizes Kage’s charm and self-interest but considers using the offer to assert herself. She doesn’t commit, telling Kage she’ll think about it, while privately entertaining the strategic alliance and its implications for escaping Blake’s control.