CHAPTER 36 - BLAKE

Blake arrives for thrallguard training with Rodriguez and finds Kage present. After tense posturing, Rodriguez warns that what he will share is treasonous and offers them an out. Both stay. He reveals a secret order, the Emberwatch, once devoted to protecting blightborn—even by sabotaging dragons and killing riders when necessary.

Rodriguez explains he believed Medra might bring balance, but Viktor’s plan to soul-bind her changes everything. He and Kage conclude Viktor is the likely threat, not Elaria. Rodriguez argues Medra cannot be kept safe indefinitely; Viktor would torture her to bleed Nyxaris and complete the ritual. The only way to stop this is to return Nyxaris to stone by an Emberwatch rite on the solstice, which would require Medra’s unwitting help.

Blake balks at betraying Medra and Nyxaris, but Rodriguez presses the stakes: Medra’s soul and countless blightborn lives. Kage adds conditions—no risks to Medra—and Rodriguez asks Blake to be the one to get Nyxaris into the Dragon Court that night. Blake leaves, saying he needs time, though he recognizes inaction could be worse.

In the hall, Kage stops Blake and probes strange symptoms he has noticed. When Blake reacts, Kage moves with uncanny speed and warns Blake about losing control and “shifting.” He urges Blake to seek answers from Viktor about his father and implies each house hides secrets; Blake’s case is different and dangerous.

Kage cautions that Blake’s changes could harm those around him, especially Medra, and offers future help if Blake survives and cannot manage control. Blake vows he would never hurt Medra; Kage hopes he’s right and walks away.