Bloodwing Academy, #2
The Bond That Burns
by Briar Boleyn
Contents
CHAPTER 37 - FLORENCE
Overview
Florence secretly attends her first self-defense practice with Medra under Professor Stonefist’s eye, determined to stop feeling helpless. Amid humorous interruptions, Florence learns basics and gains resolve. Medra confides she’s growing closer to Blake but refuses his ball invitation, choosing to go with Florence, reaffirming their bond.
Summary
Florence prepares for her first fighting practice, choosing practical clothes and leaving her fluffin, Neville, behind—only for him to follow her anyway. Determined to stop feeling helpless after witnessing Aenia’s carnage, Florence meets Medra in the scouting training room.
Professor Stonefist confronts classroom distractions—Visha and the dwarven student Lace—and assesses Florence. Despite initial teasing about Neville and Stonefist’s proud beard, the professor allows Florence to stay, instructing Medra to start with basics and keep the fluffin off the mats.
As they warm up, Florence presses Medra about a late night at the library. Medra admits Kage and Blake fought, and that she and Blake have been growing closer since before the Tribunal. Florence supports her but warns Blake must treat Medra well; Medra says even the feedings have improved.
When Blake invited Medra to the Dance of the Longest Night, Medra declined, choosing to attend with Florence as planned. Reaffirmed by their friendship, Florence steels herself to learn how to punch, ready to change from fearful to capable under Medra’s guidance.
Who Appears
- Florence ShenNarrator; secretly begins self-defense training to overcome fear and helplessness; supports Medra’s choices.
- Medra PendragonTrains Florence; reveals growing closeness with Blake; declines his ball invite to attend with Florence.
- Professor StonefistDwarven scouting instructor; stern but fair; permits Florence to train and recalls fluffins fondly.
- NevilleFlorence’s fluffin companion; follows her to practice and charms Stonefist; relegated to the satchel.
- Visha VaidyaHighblood student; repeatedly distracted from sparring by kissing Lace, earning Stonefist’s ire.
- Lace IronstrideDwarven student; entangled with Visha during practice, scolded by Stonefist for not sparring.
- Vaughn SabinoStudent training nearby on a punching bag; acknowledges Florence.