Bloodwing Academy, #2
The Bond That Burns
by Briar Boleyn
Contents
CHAPTER 15 - MEDRA
Overview
Nyxaris dramatically interrupts Medra’s combat class, criticizes her progress, and demands results before departing in a display that ends the session early. Medra and Theo reflect on Blake’s volatility and House politics. In Historical Strategy, Professor Rodriguez replaces Hassan and signals a focus on dragons and warfare, hinting at future strategic implications.
Summary
Nyxaris descends into the training yard mid-spar, cowing students and disrupting Medra’s bout with Laurent. Through their mental link, Nyxaris belittles highbloods, calls Blake unworthy, and presses Medra for information he wants, threatening to find a better rider. Medra insists she needs time and refuses his offer to harm her opponent.
When Nyxaris grows impatient, he unleashes a deafening roar that panics the class, prompting Blake to dismiss everyone. Nyxaris departs, leaving Medra frustrated by his demands and showmanship.
Walking to Historical Strategy, Medra and Theo discuss Blake’s erratic behavior, Visha’s potential role as Second, and Theo’s conflicted loyalties. Medra urges Theo not to let Blake’s actions define them, briefly teasing him about his love life and noting Visha’s resilience.
In class, Professor Rodriguez arrives instead of Hassan, announcing he will lead the term while Hassan is reassigned. He outlines a curriculum centered on historical strategy, dragon deployment, and blightborn roles, casting a pointed look at Medra as he frames past wars as preparation for coming conflicts. The shift promises new insight and possible leverage for Medra’s obligations to Nyxaris.
Who Appears
- MedraProtagonist; spars in class, pushes back against Nyxaris’s demands, and seeks strategic leverage via Rodriguez’s course.
- NyxarisBlack dragon; domineering entrance, criticizes Medra, demands results, and disperses class with a roar.
- TheoMedra’s friend; worries about Blake, discusses House roles and loyalties, and supports Medra.
- Blake DrakharrowHouse leader and Medra’s archon; unsettled by Nyxaris’s arrival, dismisses class, and shows strained control.
- Professor RodriguezTakes over Historical Strategy; shifts focus to dragons and warfare, signaling future strategic importance.
- VishaAppears beside Blake in class; rumored candidate for Second, highlighting House politics.
- LaurentHighblood student sparring with Medra; intimidated by Nyxaris’s sudden arrival.