Bloodwing Academy, #2
The Bond That Burns
by Briar Boleyn
Contents
CHAPTER 39 - MEDRA
Overview
On winter solstice night, Medra and Florence prepare for the ball while mourning Naveen. Blake arrives with Theo and Visha, proposing they all attend together.
Blake gifts Medra a Nyxaris onyx pendant and Florence a charm, softening tensions. Medra, moved by his vulnerability, takes Blake’s hand as they head to the ball.
Summary
Medra dresses for the solstice ball, feeling awkward in elegance, while Florence finishes getting ready in a frostlike blue gown. Seeing Naveen’s favorite fairytale book, they speak tenderly about his absence and grief, weighing whether to skip the event for a quiet night together.
Blake arrives with Visha and Theo, suggesting they all go as friends, noting Vaughn and Lace will meet them there. The group banters about partners and dances, easing the tension and signaling a truce across house lines.
Blake presents Medra with a gift: an onyx dragon pendant resembling Nyxaris, explicitly free of house claims. He fastens it around Medra’s neck, the intimate gesture charging the air. He then gives Florence a silver fluffin-on-books pendant, earning an emotional hug and gratitude.
As they leave, Medra finds the pendant grounding rather than possessive and reflects on Blake’s earlier cruelty versus his present restraint and kindness. She senses his guarded hope and, moved by his uncertainty, slips her hand into his. Blake’s stunned, softened reaction cements a tentative closeness as they set off for the ball together.
Who Appears
- MedraProtagonist; prepares for the solstice ball, comforts Florence, receives Blake’s Nyxaris pendant, and chooses to hold his hand.
- Blake DrakharrowArrives subdued; invites a group outing, gifts Medra an onyx dragon pendant and Florence a charm; shows vulnerable interest.
- FlorenceGrieves Naveen while preparing; accepts Blake’s gift and hugs him; agrees to attend the ball with friends.
- VishaJoins the group plan to attend the ball; teases about dances and Lace, lightening the mood.
- TheoArrives with Blake and Visha; mentions Vaughn and Lace meeting them; banters, grounding the group dynamic.