Bloodwing Academy, #1
On Wings of Blood
by Briar Boleyn
Contents
Chapter 52
Overview
From the viewing tiers, Blake justifies secretly empowering Pendragon during the Trials and watches her restrain lethal urges against Regan. Theo warns of exposure, and Headmaster Kim remains impassive. Marcus arrives, taunts Blake, and threatens to claim Pendragon, prompting Blake to bluff a near-complete bond, escalating family conflict.
Summary
Blake and Theo watch the consorts’ Trial through the veil, seeing but not hearing. Blake admits he intervened to counter Regan’s drugging by sneaking Pendragon a hidden advantage and giving her his blood, which now fuels her strength and violent impulses. He notes Pendragon nearly missed the first challenge, credits Visha’s help, and sees Pendragon resist the urge to kill, even as she overcomes Quinn and stands over Regan.
Theo confronts Blake for risking exposure and violating the Games’ intent for cooperation, warning Viktor might notice. Blake insists he merely leveled the field and vows to protect Pendragon regardless of consequences. Headmaster Kim watches without intervening, leaving the aftermath uncertain.
Marcus arrives, intimidating Theo and goading Blake with crass threats toward Pendragon, boasting of Viktor’s interest and his own history of brutality. Blake’s temper snaps; he warns Marcus that Pendragon is nearly fully bonded to him, a calculated lie to deter a claim. The bluff unsettles Marcus, who withdraws with a threat.
After Marcus leaves, Theo worries Blake has provoked a greater danger. Blake accepts the risk, determined to shield Pendragon as the political stakes around her escalate.
Who Appears
- Blake DrakharrowNarrator; secretly empowered Pendragon, watches her resist bloodlust, defies rules, and bluffs Marcus about a near-complete bond.
- Marcus DrakharrowBlake’s ruthless older brother; taunts, threatens to claim Pendragon, unnerved by Blake’s bonding bluff, departs vowing reprisals.
- TheoBlake’s right hand; confronts Blake about risking exposure, fears Viktor and Marcus targeting Pendragon.
- Pendragon (Medra)On the island Trial; enhanced by Blake’s blood, defeats Quinn, restrains urge to kill, spares Regan.
- ReganSchemer in the Games; drugged rivals, allied with Quinn; overpowered by Pendragon and spared.
- QuinnRegan’s ally; confronts Pendragon during the Trial and is defeated before Pendragon reaches Regan.
- Headmaster KimOversees the Games from the tiers; watches impassively, offering no intervention despite escalating violence.
- VishaLingers to aid Pendragon at the gorge, ignoring Evander’s pleas to move on.
- EvanderUrges Visha to proceed during the gorge crossing; indirectly assists Pendragon’s survival.