Bloodwing Academy, #2
The Bond That Burns
by Briar Boleyn
Contents
CHAPTER 13 - MEDRA
Overview
Blake publicly enforces House lines by expelling Florence from the Drakharrow table and forcing Theo and Visha to choose sides. Medra, Florence, Theo, and Visha accept Kage’s protection at House Avari. Medra asks to transfer, but Kage explains her deepening bond to Blake makes it difficult, though he offers help.
Summary
Over breakfast, Medra vents to Visha about Blake kissing another girl to provoke her. Visha needles Medra about jealousy and urges clarity. Florence and Theo join, but the talk is cut short when Blake arrives with Drakharrow students and targets Florence as an outsider at a Drakharrow table.
Blake frames the confrontation as enforcing rules and demands Theo and Visha pick sides, accusing Medra of disloyalty. With the hall watching, Visha openly refuses Blake, and Theo, hurt, also stands. Medra leads Florence away as Florence fights tears, vowing privately to make Blake pay for humiliating her friend.
Kage Tanaka invites them to the Avari head table, calmly asserting Avari’s welcome for guests. Blake, furious, withdraws. Kage reassures Medra that Florence is safe and valued in Avari, projecting steady authority that contrasts Blake’s volatility.
Medra asks Kage to move her to House Avari. Kage explains transfers are rare after Selection Day and, more critically, that Medra’s deepening bond to Blake—as his sole source—makes letting her go unlikely and fuels his volatility. He still offers to help and even to speak with Blake.
Kage hints at broader change and notes Catherine Mortis watching. As classes loom, he departs, advising Medra not to be pushed around. Medra leaves conflicted—repelled by Blake’s bullying yet uneasy about seeking refuge with Kage while bound to Blake.
Who Appears
- MedraProtagonist; defends Florence, accepts Kage’s protection, seeks transfer to Avari but is constrained by bond to Blake.
- Blake DrakharrowHouse Drakharrow leader; publicly expels Florence, forces loyalties, storms out, volatile due to bond and hunger.
- Kage TanakaHouse Avari leader; offers safe seating, supports Florence, explains transfer limits, offers to talk to Blake.
- FlorenceMedra’s friend; humiliated by Blake’s expulsion but welcomed at Avari; nervous yet protected.
- VishaMedra’s blunt friend; challenges Medra’s denial, openly rejects Blake’s demand and leaves his table.
- TheoBlake’s cousin; defends Florence and Medra, chooses to leave Drakharrow table despite Blake’s ultimatum.
- Catherine MortisObserver from Mortis; watches Kage and Medra, signaling broader political attention.