CHAPTER 29 - BLAKE

Blake paces outside his room, exhausted and guarding a bound, sleeping Aenia. He enlists Pendragon to stand watch while he arranges Aenia’s removal, arguing that exposure would mean Aenia’s execution. Pendragon warns Aenia is dangerous and urges transparency, but Blake refuses to risk his sister.

Pendragon reveals Kage has permission for her to transfer to House Avari and suggests their bond is harmful. The revelation devastates Blake. They argue over manipulation by Viktor and the risks they pose to others. Blake confesses he would give up everything to keep Pendragon safe, then leaves, telling her to go if she must.

As Blake heads to Viktor, he reflects on the ambush: his hands burned, faint scales seemed to show, and he killed with inhuman ferocity, frightening even allies. He has moved Aenia to safety; she remembers nothing of attacking Theo. The disturbing physical changes persist, fueling his fear.

In Viktor’s chambers, Blake condemns Aenia’s exposure at the Tribunal. Viktor chokes and strikes him, reasserting control and reducing Aenia to a pawn. Blake confronts Viktor about allowing Pendragon’s transfer; Viktor says it’s strategic, keeps Blake’s access to her blood, and eases Tribunal tensions.

Viktor adds he’s negotiating to take Regan Pansera as his consort, insulting Blake’s attachment to the rider and urging him toward a highblood triad. He probes Blake for illnesses or changes, heightening Blake’s suspicion that Viktor expects—and perhaps engineered—what’s happening to him.

Leaving, Blake notices the door to the Drakharrow archives. Realizing Viktor won’t offer answers, Blake resolves to investigate the records himself to uncover the truth about his transformation and possible secrets about Pendragon and her dragon.