Contents
Chapter 22
Overview
Blake studies a perilous Twin Hearts spell that might leash his dragon but could kill him. On the night of Kage and Florence’s engagement ball, news arrives that Visha’s nephew went feral and was killed, with infections spreading. At the celebration, Blake and Kage trade tense words as Florence and Pendragon arrive. Blake resolves to risk the spell to protect Pendragon and counter Viktor.
Summary
Blake pores over The Dark Art of Eternal Bonds, fixating on the untried Spell of Twin Hearts that could merge him with another dragon for control, though Rodriguez’s note warns it may tear him apart. His regenerated eye intermittently flashes red, signaling the inner dragon’s pressure as he prepares for the Avari engagement ball.
He reflects on Viktor’s absence in Veilmar and the Avari victory in hosting the event. Theo and Visha arrive; Theo discreetly reveals Visha’s nephew, Arjun, fell ill, turned feral, attacked his family and villagers, and was killed by a blightborn merchant. The Vaidyas lynched the man, and Arjun’s sister and parents are now infected, hinting at a troubling sickness affecting highbloods.
At the ball, Theo appears with Vaughn as his date, while Visha seeks air, grieving and shaken. Blake considers whether merging with Vorago might finally make him strong enough to stop Viktor, despite the risk.
Blake and Kage meet at the bar, exchanging guarded support and barbed humor about the arranged match. A fanfare announces Florence, poised yet tense, and then Pendragon, radiant and wearing Blake’s pendant, which stirs his possessiveness and the dragon within.
As Kage leads Florence to the dance floor, Blake steels himself. Confronted with Pendragon’s trust, he decides he will risk the Twin Hearts spell—choosing possible death over endangering her—seeking mastery to protect her and oppose Viktor’s threat.
Who Appears
- Blake DrakharrowPOV; studies the deadly Twin Hearts spell, struggles with his inner dragon, and resolves to risk it to protect Pendragon.
- PendragonBlake’s lover; arrives radiant at the ball wearing his pendant, inspiring his vow to seek control at any cost.
- Kage TanakaAvari leader and groom-to-be; exchanges tense banter with Blake and escorts Florence onto the dance floor.
- Florence ShenReluctant bride-to-be; enters the engagement ball poised but nervous, central to the alliance’s stakes.
- Visha VaidyaReceives tragic news: her nephew went feral and was killed; more family members are infected, fueling dread of a sickness.
- TheoBlake’s friend; shares Visha’s family news and attends the ball with Vaughn as his date.
- VaughnBlightborn student; Theo’s date at the engagement ball, highlighting social tensions and risks.
- RodriguezProfessor who drunkenly gave Blake the tome; warns the Twin Hearts spell could grant control or kill him.
- Lady Avari (Elaria)Hosts the lavish engagement ball, asserting Avari dominance in Bloodwing’s great hall.
- Natsumi TanakaKage’s mother; seen conferring with Lady Avari amid the festivities.
- Viktor DrakharrowAbsent yet looming threat; his predations and power push Blake toward the dangerous spell.