Bloodwing Academy, #2
The Bond That Burns
by Briar Boleyn
Contents
CHAPTER 30 - MEDRA
Overview
Medra relocates to House Avari and is warmly received by Evie and Kage, who arranges for Florence to room with her and ensures healers care for Florence’s traumatized mother, Jia. Confronting her fear, Florence asks Medra to teach her to fight. Nyxaris urges Medra to honor that request, marking a shift in Florence’s arc.
Summary
Medra arrives at House Avari, hesitating over leaving Drakharrow, Blake, Theo, and Visha. Evie, an Avari Warden, welcomes her, guides her through the cozy, wolf-emblazoned common room, and leads her to a new double room. Inside, Kage and Florence await.
Kage explains he moved Florence to share with Medra and updates them on Jia Shen: healers find no physical harm but significant trauma, and Kage has arranged ongoing care and time off from the library. Medra, noting Florence’s exhaustion, accepts the arrangement and Kage departs.
Alone, Florence breaks down over her terror and helplessness during the carriage attack. Medra apologizes, blaming herself and acknowledging Aenia’s unnatural strength and Blake’s protection of the girl. Florence, refusing to remain vulnerable, insists Medra teach her to fight so she can protect herself and her mother.
Nyxaris speaks in Medra’s mind, urging her to respect Florence’s wish and provide instruction. Medra agrees to teach Florence the basics of self-defense, hoping it will empower her without changing her gentleness.
They settle into the new living arrangement, joking about Neville the fluffin’s habits. Medra contemplates balancing her move with continued blood feedings from Blake, seeking a less painful, more controlled arrangement going forward.
Who Appears
- MedraNarrator; moves to House Avari, comforts Florence, agrees to teach her self-defense, contemplates future feedings with Blake.
- Florence ShenShaken by recent trauma; learns her mother is cared for; resolves to train in combat and asks Medra to teach her.
- KageAvari leader; welcomes Medra, arranges Florence as roommate, secures healers and leave for Jia.
- EvieAvari Warden; warmly greets Medra and shows her to the new room.
- NyxarisTelepathic dragon; advises Medra to respect Florence’s wishes and train her.
- Jia ShenFlorence’s mother; off-page but central to concerns, traumatized and receiving ongoing healing care.