CHAPTER 32 - MEDRA

As snow falls, Medra watches a silver wolf bounding along Bloodwing’s cliffs from the quiet library, wondering if it is the same uncanny creature that saved them during the ambush. Kage arrives, skeptical but amused, and takes a seat nearby, surprisingly at ease around her.

Professor Hassan begins loudly searching the stacks for Medra. To avoid being found, Kage pulls Medra into a narrow alcove; they stumble, falling together in a compromising sprawl that leaves Medra flustered and acutely aware of Kage’s touch.

Blake appears, expression thunderous, and orders Kage to release Medra. Tempers flare; Blake hauls Kage up and throws the first punch. Kage restrains himself, then retaliates, slamming Blake into a shelf as books spill. Ignored by onlookers, Medra finally wedges between them, demands they stop, and orders Kage to leave. Kage departs with a pointed reminder of Medra’s place in House Avari.

Alone with Blake, Medra sees his exhaustion and strain, likely tied to Theo’s condition and recent pressures. Their argument exposes jealousy and fear: Blake claims Kage is waiting for him to fail, while Medra asserts her independence and insists nothing happened.

Internally, Medra weighs a forbidden severing ritual Kage described—dangerous blood magic that could free them but may demand a life-steep price, even Blake’s. She fears both the cost and the possibility her feelings persist beyond the bond. Blake, still raw, insists Kage covets her and says he actually came to speak about something else.