Chapter 29

Driven into the ransacked refectory at swordpoint, Blake, Theo, and Pendragon confront Viktor on a makeshift throne. Silvio Santos forces Pendragon to her knees and strikes her, while Quinn and other Bloodguards keep the prisoners in check. Viktor, still frail but elated, orders them brought forward.

Viktor assigns a Bloodguard in House Avari colors—Cade—to restrain Pendragon. As Cade seizes her, Blake hears the telltale wet, rotting gurgle of infection and realizes Cade has been bitten. He warns the room, igniting unease among the Bloodguard, while Viktor coolly insists there is nothing to fear.

Blake demands Pendragon’s release, fearing Cade could turn on her or infect her. Viktor pivots to a cruel curiosity, hinting that Blake carries more than guilt. He suggests Blake’s ability to sense the plague comes from a dragon lurking behind Blake’s red eyes—the remnant of Vorago—despite reports that only red ash remained in the Court.

Blake denies the claim, insisting the dragon is gone, but Viktor’s taunt shakes him. Pendragon, blood on her lip and held fast by the infected Cade, presses Blake for the truth, while Theo stands bound and silent. The scene closes with Viktor in control, Pendragon endangered, and Blake’s secret threatened with exposure.