Bloodwing Academy, #1
On Wings of Blood
by Briar Boleyn
Contents
Chapter 50
Overview
From the arena, Blake anxiously awaits the Consort Games, fearing for Medra, who carries his blood and a target. Tensions flare with Theo over past violence against Vaughn. Lucian informs Blake that Regan has invoked the Crown of Bone to test Medra, a ruthless move Blake cannot stop, raising the stakes dramatically.
Summary
Blake sits in the arena with Theo as the projection veil readies to display the Consort Games. He fixates on Medra Pendragon, who recently drank his blood, regretting withheld truths but hoping his gift aids her amid the target on her back.
As spectators file in, Blake notes faculty and former contestants, wondering about outcomes and alliances. Seeing Vaughn Sabino triggers a fraught exchange with Theo about Coregon’s attack and Viktor’s control. Theo accuses Blake of complicity and of policing his desires; Blake denies ordering Coregon yet admits nothing that would defy Viktor, widening the rift.
Lucian Aleron approaches to report that Regan Pansera formally requested the Crown of Bone be used on Medra before the Games. The revelation enrages Blake, but Theo restrains him from making a scene. Blake recalls the crown’s function: to probe a blightborn’s mind and force an unconscious choice that exposes loyalties—potentially devastating.
Blake masks his concern, recognizing Regan’s defiance will publicly challenge his authority while endangering Medra. He trusts Visha’s ruthlessness for other tasks but accepts he cannot halt the crown’s use now. With hours until the ordeal ends, Blake resolves to rely on Medra’s instincts and the strength of his blood within her.
Who Appears
- Blake DrakharrowNarrator in the arena; worries for Medra, argues with Theo, learns Regan forced the Crown of Bone and cannot stop it.
- TheoBlake’s cousin; bitter over Coregon’s attack on Vaughn and Viktor’s control; restrains Blake from reacting publicly.
- Medra PendragonAbsent but central; Blake’s consort candidate who drank his blood and now faces the Consort Games and the Crown of Bone.
- Lucian AleronVisha’s archon; informs Blake that Regan requested the Crown of Bone be used on Medra.
- Regan PanseraAntagonistic consort; formally requests the Crown of Bone to test Medra’s loyalty, defying Blake.
- Vaughn SabinoFormerly injured by Coregon; his presence sparks Theo and Blake’s confrontation about past harm and control.
- Visha VaidyaBlake’s trusted agent; offstage, positioned to execute tasks; contrasted with Lucian and Evander’s softer traits.
- Evander SylvainLucian and Visha’s co-consort; loyal and gentle, currently competing on the island with Visha.