Chapter 17

Florence returns to the Avari Tower after riding Nyxaris, with Neville at her heels. In the common room, Evie informs her that a blightborn girl’s mother was murdered by a highblood who had gone berserk, and that similar incidents are spreading. Florence retreats to her room, where she and Medra joyfully reunite, debrief Nyxaris’s rescue from Regan’s office, and discuss Florence’s deepening mental bond with the dragon.

As Florence adjusts to Nyxaris’s constant presence, he alternates between reassurance and brusque critique, hinting at a lost rider and urging Florence to keep her inner fire. Kage interrupts, summoning Florence to meet his grandmother, Lady Elaria Avari. In a measured conversation, Elaria explains the forbidden ritual of soul-binding—merging a rider’s soul to a highblood to control a dragon—and asserts Viktor will likely attempt it, potentially using Regan as the vessel.

Framing Florence as the key to Nyxaris, Elaria proposes immediate betrothal to Kage as political protection and a declaration of House Avari’s stake. Weighing the risks, and with Nyxaris’s pragmatic endorsement to prioritize survival, Florence agrees. Kage promises respect and protection for Florence and her mother, while Elaria emphasizes the engagement’s strategic shield within the school.

Back with Medra, Florence reveals the engagement and the coming ball. Medra admits she knew about the soul-binding threat but had delayed telling Florence to avoid further fear. They debate feelings versus duty; Florence acknowledges no romantic feelings for Kage but accepts the necessity. Nyxaris alludes to a separate plan to end Viktor, withholding details for safety.

That night, instead of dreaming of Kage, Florence experiences an intensely sensual dream with Nyxaris. Waking overheated and shaken, she spars mentally with the dragon about boundaries and jealousy, realizing their bond may be far more complicated—and possessive—than she expected.