Bloodwing Academy, #1
On Wings of Blood
by Briar Boleyn
Contents
Chapter 42
Overview
Blake catches Medra spying on the clandestine Blessed Blood rite in the Sanctum and shields her from discovery, declaring a temporary truce. As the ceremony turns overtly sexual, Blake leverages the moment to intensify their fraught attraction, pushing boundaries while promising her safety. The scene cements their dangerous intimacy and Blake’s control, raising stakes around secrecy, consent, and power within Bloodwing’s hidden cult.
Summary
Blake seizes Medra after realizing she followed him into the Sanctum, warning that others would kill her if she were discovered. He darkens their balcony to hide them and declares a one-night truce, promising to take blame if they are found and to keep her safe.
Below, a masked highblood conducts the Blessed Blood rite with a chosen Bloodmaiden as masked votaries observe. The ceremony’s sensuality captivates Medra, and Blake draws her attention to it while confessing his sustained desire for her. He maintains control of the situation—both shielding Medra from discovery and guiding her focus—while emphasizing that she may stay only under his protection.
As the ritual intensifies, Blake escalates physical intimacy with Medra, repeatedly assuring he will not feed on her and framing his touch as giving her what she secretly wants. He sets boundaries—keeping her partially clothed and silencing any sounds that might reveal them—prioritizing secrecy over his own urges and refusing to risk exposure.
The courtyard devolves into masked coupling while the highblood alternates between blood-taking and pleasure with the Bloodmaiden. Mirroring the rite’s rhythm, Blake pushes Medra toward release without consummation, underscoring the power dynamic between them: he controls the scene, protects her from the cult, and deepens their charged, covert bond.
Who Appears
- Blake DrakharrowNarrator; catches Medra at the Sanctum, hides her, declares a truce, and intensifies their physical intimacy while ensuring secrecy.
- Medra PendragonSecretly follows Blake; watches the Blessed Blood rite; remains under Blake’s protection as their mutual desire escalates.
- Bloodmaiden (blightborn girl)Chosen participant in the Blessed Blood rite; engages with the masked highblood, focal point of the ceremony.
- Masked highbloodRitual partner to the Bloodmaiden; alternates blood-taking and pleasure, setting the rite’s pace.
- Votaries (masked observers)Witness and later join the rite; their presence heightens danger of discovery for Blake and Medra.