Bloodwing Academy, #2
The Bond That Burns
by Briar Boleyn
Contents
CHAPTER 35 - BLAKE
Overview
In Sanguine Rites, Blake spots his brother Marcus conferring with Professor Vane, raising suspicions. Blake’s hands briefly erupt in red scales, which he hides from Theo while refusing to explain. After cautioning Theo about Viktor’s surveillance, Blake appoints Theo and Visha as his Seconds, cementing alliances as personal romances continue.
Summary
Blake arrives early to Sanguine Rites with Theo and finds Professor Alastor Vane speaking with Blake’s brother, Marcus. Marcus departs with a satisfied smile, leaving Blake unsettled about his brother’s intentions and influence within Bloodwing.
As Blake sits, red, flame-bright scales abruptly cover his hands and wrists. He hastily hides them beneath his jacket. Theo presses for the truth, urging a healer’s visit, but Blake lies that he has already been seen and minimizes the problem. Theo promises support, though Blake refuses to share more and demands secrecy.
They turn to personal matters: Theo, recovered from Aenia’s attack but still regaining strength, hints that his relationship with Vaughn is thriving. Blake warns Theo to stay discreet because Viktor is watching them closely this year.
Visha joins them, exuberant over a new romance with dwarven scout Lace Ironstride. Amid teasing about Blake’s own rider liaison, Blake formally names both Theo and Visha as his Seconds, citing looming trouble and the need for trusted allies.
The class begins with the tension unresolved: Marcus’s meeting with Vane lingers as a threat, Blake’s unexplained scales remain a secret, and Blake consolidates his inner circle while urging caution under Viktor’s scrutiny.
Who Appears
- BlakeNarrator; disturbed by Marcus meeting Vane; manifests red scales and hides it; appoints Theo and Visha as Seconds.
- TheoBlake’s cousin; notices Blake’s scales and urges honesty; continues covert relationship with Vaughn; named as Second.
- VishaFriend and now Second; boasts about new romance with Lace Ironstride and teases Blake.
- MarcusBlake’s brother; seen conferring with Professor Vane, leaving Blake suspicious and tense.
- Professor Alastor VaneSanguine Rites instructor; meets privately with Marcus before class, purpose unclear.
- ViktorAntagonistic overseer; Blake warns Theo that Viktor is watching them closely.
- VaughnTheo’s lover; relationship continues discreetly due to Viktor’s scrutiny.
- Lace IronstrideDwarven scout; Visha’s new lover, symbolizing Visha’s distraction and happiness.