Bloodwing Academy, #2
The Bond That Burns
by Briar Boleyn
Contents
CHAPTER 23 - MEDRA
Overview
In the common room, Blake candidly warns Medra that the Tribunal plans to use a friend—likely Florence—as leverage to force compliance during her dragon evaluation. He admits pressure from Viktor and vows to protect Florence. Regan intrudes to taunt Medra, but Blake forces her to leave, leaving Medra shaken.
Summary
Medra studies in the Drakharrow common room, determined not to hide despite absent highbloods. Blake approaches, unexpectedly serious, and asks about her upcoming Tribunal evaluation with Nyxaris. He admits he monitors her under Viktor’s pressure but insists he wants to protect her, not only for her blood.
Probing further, Medra learns Blake’s family is under Viktor’s control, including Aenia and his mother. When Medra challenges his motives and the reality of their intimacy, Blake persists and offers concrete help.
Blake reveals the Tribunal intends to ensure cooperation by using “leverage.” He warns they will target a friend—likely Florence—if Medra or Nyxaris resist. He advises Medra to complete the evaluation precisely, prove control, and make Nyxaris understand the stakes, promising to stay close to Florence to keep her safe.
Regan arrives, misreading Medra’s distress and taunting her about Blake, calling Medra weak and predicting failure. Blake intervenes, orders Regan to leave, and she departs after hinting she has aligned with a more powerful man who could threaten Blake.
Shaken and fighting tears, Medra gathers her things and leaves to find privacy, newly aware that Florence’s safety may hinge on her performance and on restraining Nyxaris.
Who Appears
- MedraProtagonist; studies, hears Blake’s warning about Florence as leverage, and leaves distressed to protect her friend.
- Blake DrakharrowWarns the Tribunal will use leverage, likely Florence; admits Viktor’s pressure; vows protection; confronts and expels Regan.
- ReganTaunts Medra, misreads the situation, hints at alliance with a powerful man; retreats when Blake orders her out.
- FlorenceAbsent but named as likely leverage against Medra during the evaluation, raising the stakes for Medra’s compliance.
- NyxarisReferenced dragon partner; must appear controlled in the evaluation to keep Florence safe.
- ViktorExerts control over Blake’s family, pressuring Blake to monitor Medra and Nyxaris.