Contents
Chapter 33
Overview
In the Avari infirmary, Medra’s group arrives with news: Viktor forced Blake to transform and purge the plague, and Blake is now incinerating Veilmar. Regan admits culpability for the Bloodguards’ violence, shocking Theo. The group witnesses the city burning, prompting Florence to prepare Nyxaris while Kage races to intervene. Regan refuses to stay behind and goes with Kage into the city.
Summary
Healer Elycia finishes tending Regan’s head wound as Kage and Professor Rodriguez stand guard. A large group arrives: Professor Sankara, Medra Pendragon, Theo Drakharrow with his blightborn boyfriend Vaughn, Visha Vaidya, and Lysander Orphos. Medra, bloodied but healing, rushes to Florence in relief, highlighting bonds that unsettle Regan.
Theo confronts Regan about Viktor’s atrocities and the Bloodguards. Kage defends Regan, tensions spike, and Theo shoves Kage. Regan halts the escalation by admitting responsibility for enabling the Bloodguards’ bullying, harm, and killings. Theo spirals into hysterical laughter under strain; when he taunts Regan, Kage punches him.
Vaughn urges calm and reveals the shocking news: Viktor coerced Blake to transform into a dragon and burn out the plague; Nyxaris appeared and Viktor vanished. Skeptical, Kage and Regan lead everyone to the windows. They see Veilmar ablaze and a crimson dragon strafing the city with white-hot flame, confirming Blake’s transformation.
Medra insists Blake must be stopped. Florence, terrified but resolute, agrees that only Nyxaris can oppose Blake. Kage immediately prepares to head into the city. Regan demands to accompany him, arguing Viktor will appear and that she might be able to reach him—and refusing to be left behind again.
After a brief, urgent argument, Kage relents. With Veilmar burning and Florence readying to fly with Nyxaris, Kage and Regan race down the stairs together, committing to face the catastrophe in the city.
Who Appears
- ReganInjured headmistress; admits responsibility for Bloodguards; insists on accompanying Kage into burning Veilmar.
- Kage TanakaAvari leader; protects Regan, punches Theo, resolves to enter Veilmar; agrees to let Regan come.
- Theo DrakharrowFurious and shaken; confronts Regan about Viktor and Bloodguards; reveals Blake’s transformation.
- Florence ShenBonded to Nyxaris; comforted by Medra; resolves that Nyxaris must confront Blake.
- Medra PendragonArrives bloodied but healing; reunites with Florence; urges action to stop Blake.
- Professor RodriguezSupports Kage; witnesses Veilmar burning; reacts with shock at Blake’s dragon assault.
- VaughnTheo’s blightborn boyfriend; de-escalates conflict; confirms Blake’s coercion and transformation.
- Healer ElyciaTreats Regan’s head wound; observes events, shaken by Veilmar’s destruction.
- Professor SankaraLeads the group entering the infirmary; facilitates the urgent warning.
- Visha VaidyaArrives with Medra’s group; present for the revelation and decision to act.
- Lysander OrphosUnexpected ally arriving with the group; witnesses the city burning.
- BlakeSeen as a crimson dragon incinerating Veilmar under Viktor’s coercion.
- NevilleFluffin companion; prances around Medra and Florence amid the reunion.