Chapter 40

Medra enters Blake’s room at dawn and finds him perched on the window, prepared to jump, shattered by the night’s carnage he attributes to Vorago. She confronts his fatalism, demanding he face her, while Blake confesses he killed children and believes death is his only way to prevent further harm.

Medra insists Blake is more than the dragon inside him and refuses to leave, vowing love and shared atonement. When he threatens to jump if she approaches, she counters she would follow. His resolve wavers, and with a burst of speed she drags him from the sill, grounding him with touch and declarations that they are bound.

Vaughn bursts in, horrified that Medra is “just talking” to Blake after the massacre, and summons help. Professor Sankara and Rodriguez arrive with chains, arguing restraint is the only safe option if Vorago resurfaces. Blake, resigned, offers his wrists to be bound.

As the first cuff tightens, Vorago stirs. Blake warns Medra to run, then roars as talons erupt and the half-fastened chain snaps. In one motion he vaults to the window, leaps, and shifts midair, unfolding vast red wings in the sunrise. He hovers a heartbeat—identity uncertain—then vanishes into the sky, leaving Medra and the others behind.