Chapter 40

Blake spots Medra entering the Frostfire ball in black and silver—the colors of House Avari—wearing a silver half-moon pendant that reads like Kage Tanaka’s claim. Rage and possessiveness spike as Blake watches Kage escort and flaunt her, while Blake fends off Regan’s jealous attentions and keeps his composure as House Leader.

As dancing begins, Kage leads Medra through the floor, clearly having chosen her gown and even her drink. Blake stews on the sidelines, then confronts Kage at the bar. Their exchange turns sharp: Kage needles Blake’s jealousy and inaction, while Blake warns him Medra isn’t a game. Bound by the no-violence rule between House Leaders, Blake restrains himself.

At midnight, the Longest Night Waltz starts, reserved for archons and consorts. Determined not to let Kage claim it, Blake strides to Medra and demands the dance. Under public scrutiny, Medra reluctantly agrees. As they waltz, Blake alludes to the tradition’s bonding and presses closer, then admits a possessive truth—“You’re mine.”

Medra immediately tenses and rejects him outright, stating she will never be his. She tears away, leaving Blake alone on the floor under watching eyes and Kage’s smirk. Stung by the humiliation and recalling his uncle’s threat to reassign or keep her, Blake doubles down internally, drinks again, and resolves to regain control and make Medra choose him by other means.