Chapter 4

Medra enters Historical Strategy still reeling from Regan’s installation as headmistress. Rodriguez arrives late, injured and disheveled, and delivers a chaotic lecture condemning dragons as threats to order. Recognizing it as justification for his betrayal of Nyxaris, Medra confronts him, accuses him of endangering blightborn, and storms into the hall.

Outside, Rodriguez—half drunk—tries to reassert control. Medra denounces his hypocrisy and the deaths his actions risked, nearly provoking a physical altercation. He dismisses her with a threat of consequences, leaving her furious and resolute.

In the corridor, Medra finds Dani being fed on by three highbloods—Cade, Silvio, and Brocklin—who announce themselves as Regan’s new Bloodguard. Dani, enthralled, submits. When they threaten Medra, Kage arrives, asserts authority, and forces a tense standoff but cannot break Dani’s enthrallment; the Bloodguard leave with her.

Medra challenges Kage over his past betrayal in the Dragon Court. Kage admits fault and apologizes, claiming he acted to protect Medra. He asks for her silence about his wolf-shift. Medra demands reciprocity. They exchange Blood Vows—Kage’s secrecy for Medra’s, and Kage owing Medra a future favor—binding themselves despite mutual distrust.

After classes, Medra goes to Jia Shen’s suite, meets a now-sober Rodriguez departing, and confirms Florence is hiding inside. Jia thanks Medra for saving Florence and explains Florence is terrified and in denial about what is happening to her. Medra leaves, accepting that Florence is withdrawing from her while struggling with the burden of the dragon bond.