Chapter 32

Medra watches Blake’s spine arch and scarlet scales bloom as Viktor grabs her, using her as a shield. As Blake’s wings burst forth, Medra feels highblood reflexes surge—recognizing Blake must have given her blood again. Blake, now a red dragon, turns and incinerates Cade and Professor Allenvale with a single blast before crashing through the refectory wall and disappearing.

With Blake gone, the power in Medra roars to life. Viktor tightens his hold and taunts that Blake is his, but chaos erupts as Visha and Vaughn storm in, cutting down Bloodguard, with Theo breaking free to fight alongside Vaughn. Professor Sankara charges with hammer and shield, followed by Lysander Orphos leading purple-and-gold–clad students, carving a path through the melee.

Seizing the opening, Medra stamps Viktor’s foot, elbows his ribs, and arms herself with a fallen rapier. Viktor’s nails lengthen into black talons—proof he is part dragon—and he slashes with inhuman speed, raking Medra’s face, torso, and forearm. Fueled by Blake’s blood, Medra’s wounds begin knitting as she parries and counters, refusing to yield.

Medra taunts Viktor about his cowardice and claims Blake’s loyalty for their allied houses. Viktor boasts he can command Blake to burn the school, but Medra insists Blake belongs to them now. As Visha and Lysander near, Medra’s confidence hardens, and a roof-shaking roar punctures the fight.

At the roar, Viktor falters, his face paling. In an instant he blurs and vanishes, abandoning the field. Medra stands bloodied but healing amid allies who have turned the tide, while Blake’s destructive flight and Viktor’s retreat signal a new, volatile phase of the conflict.