Chapter 19

After a worrying absence of Vaughn in class, Medra meets a frantic Florence, who says the rescued fluffin’s fever is worsening and basic care won’t suffice. Fearing exposure in the First Year infirmary, Florence and Naveen press Medra to seek a House Drakharrow healer, which requires Blake’s help. Medra reluctantly agrees.

Medra searches the refectory and then heads toward the library via the Dragon Court, where she encounters Blake. A charged exchange follows: barbed banter collides with Medra’s inconvenient attraction. To stall, they discuss the four dragon statues—Molindra the Luminthar (Orphos), Alabryss the Silvrayne (Mortis), Nyxaris the Duskdrake (Avari), and Vorago the Infernus (Drakharrow)—while Blake reveals breed traits and House pride.

Medra finally explains the real reason she came: a highblood child fed on the beach and a fluffin pup was left mauled. Pressed, Blake admits the girl is his younger sister, Aenia, and promises to speak with her, though he bristles at Medra’s accusation. Despite tension, Blake agrees to take the pup to a house healer and says he will collect it in an hour.

As Medra departs, she doubles back and secretly watches Blake in the Dragon Court. Blake moves behind the red dragon, Vorago—and then vanishes without using any visible exit, leaving Medra with new questions about his abilities and the secrets of House Drakharrow.