Page 14 of The Bond That Burns (Bloodwing Academy #2)

I sat on the bench at one of the House Drakharrow tables in the refectory, stirring my oatmeal absently. Across from me, Visha tore into a loaf of bread, buttering slice after slice with abandon.

I glanced at the entrance, hoping Florence would appear. Finally, I gave up. I needed to vent to someone. I knew it was a risk talking to blunt-as-a-brick Visha but I went for it.

“He’s insufferable, you know that?”

“Who?” Visha asked, speaking around her mouthful of bread. “Blake? What’s he done now?”

“I walked into the common room last night and there he was with some girl draped all over him and his tongue half-way down her throat, right in the middle of everyone.”

Visha’s lips quirked into a smirk. “You mean Camilla?”

“I didn’t ask her name,” I muttered, stabbing my bowl of cold oats with the spoon as if they’d personally offended me.

“I only know because everyone’s talking about it. Regan’s pissed of course. She still thinks Blake belongs to her.” Visha eyed me. “Camilla’s been sniffing around Blake since last year. Curvy, big doe eyes, dumb as a rock. A classic pick. He was probably just trying to make you jealous.”

“That sounds about right,” I said, frowning as I remembered the image of the girl sitting on Blake’s lap, wriggling her ass all over him. The picture was burned into my brain.

Visha leaned forward, resting her hand on her chin. “The real question is, why does it bother you? Don’t tell me you actually care what Blake does. Are you jealous?”

“Jealous? Of course not,” I snapped, feeling my cheeks heat up. “I couldn’t care less what Blake does—or who he does it with.”

“Good.” Visha sat back, grabbed an orange from a bowl and started peeling it.

“Good?” I asked cautiously.

“Right. Then there’s no problem. It’s good you’re not jealous.”

I narrowed my eyes, pretty sure she was being sarcastic. “I’m just pointing out how ridiculous he is. One moment he’s lording it over me like he owns me, body and soul, and the next, he’s...”

I stopped. I could hear myself. Whiny and petulant. Visha was right. Why did I care? I shouldn’t have been jealous. Yet clearly I was. And it was driving me insane.

“Letting off some steam with a willing lackey?” Visha shrugged. “Sounds like Blake. At least,” she corrected. “The old Blake. I mean, Blake before he and Regan were forced together. And before you came along.”

“I don’t care,” I insisted. “It’s just... so vulgar. That’s all. It was in poor taste. He’s the House Leader.”

Visha grinned, her white teeth flashing. “Sure, Pendragon. Whatever you say. You know, if Blake is really open for business, maybe I’ll give it a go.”

I nearly choked. “You?”

“Sure. He’s hot, right?” She shrugged. “I bet he’s even hotter between the sheets. I like to try new things. You know that.”

I stared at her, trying to wipe away the new image that had sprung into my mind of Blake lying naked on a white bed sheet, his arms folded behind his head as he gave me a cocky grin. “Yes, but...”

Visha snapped her fingers at me. “You have a serious problem, Pendragon.”

“Oh?” I said, a little coldly. “And what’s that?”

She laughed loudly. “You damn well know what it is. You do care. You need to make up your mind. Either you want him or you don’t. Stop stringing him along.”

I gasped. “Stringing him along? I am not stringing him along, Visha.”

“To a highblood, you are. You’re his source. You’ll barely give him blood. And he wants more than blood from you, doesn’t he?” She gave me a knowing look that made me blush. “Yeah, he does. I thought so. I don’t know exactly what went on between you two last year, but he liked you enough then to cut Regan out of the triad, to stand up to his uncle, to call me in to save your ass during the Consort Games.” She paused. “Shall I go on?”

“Please don’t,” I said sourly. “Next you’ll be making him sound like a great guy.”

She laughed again. “You could do worse than Blake. I mean that.”

“He’s controlling and possessive and vicious,” I said. “He doesn’t ask permission. He just takes what he wants.”

Visha rolled her eyes. “Do you know how many girls here want a highblood exactly like what you’ve just described? Blake is what he’s been trained to be. If anything, he’s less vicious than he should be. He’s gotten a little soft lately, to be honest.” She looked at me consideringly. “And I think you’re to blame.”

“Me?” I glared at her. “Soft? Trust me. He’s not soft. If anything, he...”

“Good morning!” Florence chirped, sliding into the seat beside me. Her dark hair was pulled into a neat braid. She set a tray down that she’d already filled at the buffet and eyed my untouched porridge. “You’re not eating, Medra? What’s wrong?”

“I’m eating,” I lied, picking up my spoon. I wrinkled my nose. The food was cold. But I shoveled it in, determined not to make Florence worry or stuff her satchel with snacks on my behalf.

Theo dropped onto the bench beside Visha and tossed an apple up in the air. “You two look cozy,” he remarked, glancing between Visha and I. “So, what are we talking about?”

“Blake’s love life,” Visha said, with a wicked grin. “Without Medra.”

Florence’s eyes widened. “Oh!”

“It’s not a topic,” I said firmly. “We’re not discussing it.”

“That’s right,” Visha said perkily. “Because Medra’s not jealous.”

Theo looked at me and grinned. “Oh, I see how it is.”

Florence looked confused. “You do?”

Theo nodded. “Medra’s not jealous.”

Florence looked more confused.

“That’s right,” I snapped. “I’m not. And we’re not talking about this anymore.”

“That’s right,” Visha said innocently. “We’re not talking about the girl who Blake was tongue-fucking in the common room last night.”

Florence’s eyes became wide as saucers.

“Visha!” I exclaimed. “That’s... inappropriate.”

Theo snickered. “You mean, in front of the children?”

Florence looked offended. “I’m not a child, Medra. You can speak about whatever you want in front of me.” She colored. “I might not be the most experienced one in the bunch, but...”

“Oh, we’ll change that, don’t you worry,” Visha said smoothly, causing Florence to color even more deeply.

“Yes, well,” Florence said, flustered. “I have a lot of work to get through this year. I’m not sure I’ll have time for any romantic entanglements.”

“Entanglements don’t have to take very long, Florence,” Visha said sweetly.

Theo laughed. “Leave the poor girl alone, you vulture.”

Florence changed the subject, much to my relief. “Medra, have you seen the assignment Rodriguez posted for Alchemy? We’re supposed to...”

But she was cut off mid-sentence by a loud, drawling voice.

“Well, well, what do we have here?”

I froze. Blake stood at the end of our table, a smug smirk on his face. A cluster of House Drakharrow students flanked him, including a tall skinny boy who looked thrilled at the prospect of whatever havoc Blake was about to cause.

Theo straightened up beside me. “Morning, cuz.”

Blake ignored him completely, his gray eyes fixed on me. “Funny,” he said, his voice dripping with mockery. “I could have sworn this was a House Drakharrow table.” He swept a hand upwards towards the banner hanging over us. “Yep. Red and black. House colors.”

Theo frowned. “It is. We’re...”

“And yet,” Blake cut in smoothly, his gaze sliding to where Florence huddled beside me. “I see an outsider. Strange. I wasn’t aware we were running a charity for outcast Avari.”

“She’s not an outcast,” I said sharply. “She’s my guest. There’s no rule against it, is there?”

Blake smiled nastily down at me. “Oh, but there is. House Drakharrow tables are for House Drakharrow students. Not for outsiders.” His eyes gleamed with malice as he leaned in slightly. “And certainly not for traitors.”

“Traitors?” I shot back. “What the hell are you talking about, Blake?”

He crossed his arms. “Let’s start with your behavior as my consort. You’ve done nothing but undermine me since day one. Or what about the way you fraternize with Avari students instead of supporting your own housemates?” He looked at the Drakharrow students standing on either side of him. “Tell me, everyone, do you feel supported by our dragon rider?”

Almost in unison they shouted out, “No!” The skinny boy beside Blake looked especially gleeful.

I grit my teeth. “This is bullshit. Maybe I should be questioning your loyalty, Blake. You’re the one who’s done nothing but humiliate me at every turn.”

The refectory had gone silent. Every eye seemed to be on our table.

Beside me, Florence seemed to have shrunk in on herself. Miserably, she twisted her hands in her lap under the table.

Theo looked thunderous, holding himself very still. Even Visha, usually unflappable, was looking distinctly uneasy.

Blake let out a low laugh. “Oh, Pendragon. Humiliation implies you don’t deserve everything I dish out to you. But let’s be honest. You’ve brought this on yourself. Sitting here, parading your little rebellion with your Avari friend.”

I couldn’t take it anymore. I slammed my hands down on the table and stood up. Florence winced and jumped.

“Florence is my friend. That’s not going to change no matter what house she’s in and you know that. If you think for one second I’m going to let you bully her...”

“Bully?” Blake interrupted, putting a hand on his heart. “I’m simply enforcing the school rules, Pendragon. Something you’d understand if you had even an ounce of house pride. Or, you know, school spirit.”

“Enough, Blake,” Theo said suddenly, his normally easygoing voice steely. “This is ridiculous. Florence isn’t hurting anyone by sitting here. And Medra...”

But Blake’s hand shot up, silencing his cousin with a glare. “Ah, Theo. Always eager to defend the helpless blightborn, aren’t you? Disloyalty deserves consequences. But if you’re so concerned, why don’t you get up and join them? That goes for you too, Visha. Pick your side and stick with it. Either you’re with her or you’re with me.”

Theo looked stunned. My heart hurt looking at the betrayal on his face. “You’re asking us to leave? Because we’d dare to defend a friend?”

Blake’s face was cold. “I’m not asking. If you can’t respect your House Leader, you can find another table. Easy enough.”

Visha stood abruptly, fixing Blake with a disdainful glare. “Gladly. If you’re going to make an ass of yourself and our entire house, I’d rather not be associated with you.”

For a second, Blake looked furious. Then his face turned hard.

Theo hesitated for a moment, then stood up slowly. He cast one last look at Blake, imploringly, but his cousin’s expression didn’t soften.

“Come on, Florence,” I said softly, touching her shoulder. “Let’s go.”

Florence didn’t have to be asked twice. She stood up with a choked sob, grabbing her tray.

I swore to myself then and there that I would make Blake Drakharrow pay for humiliating my dearest friend.

Florence didn’t even wait for me, just started moving down the main aisle, her head down.

I started to follow her.

“You’re welcome at my table.”

The voice was calm and firm.

I turned towards the House Avari head table where Kage Tanaka had risen to his feet.

He stood tall, his white-blond hair, shaved on the sides, gathered into a neat ponytail at the back of his head. Everything about him projected a soldier’s bearing, not a noble son’s indulgence. His dark eyes fell upon me as a hush fell over the refectory.

Kage gestured to the bench beside him. “Come. There’s room,” he said simply. He leaned down to speak softly to a girl seated beside him. She quickly nodded, then gestured to the students beside her and they all slid down without a word.

A lump formed in my throat. I felt a strong urge to look back at Blake, but I resisted.

Instead, I squared my shoulders and marched towards Kage’s table, touching Florence on the elbow as I came up beside her, to make sure she followed. Theo and Visha were behind us.

Kage’s eyes met mine as I approached. I saw unexpected sympathy there. And something grounding that made me feel, just for a moment, that I wasn’t alone in the chaos Blake kept stirring up.

“Sit down,” Kage said. But it was an invitation, not a command. He gestured to the open space beside him. “I hope you’ll find the company more agreeable here.”

“I’m sure I will,” I murmured as I slid onto the bench. Florence sat down beside me, looking nervous.

Theo and Visha looked even more uncomfortable than she did. I smiled at them reassuringly as they took the remaining spots.

Kage resumed his seat. He surveyed his table with the same calm authority that had silenced the room earlier. “House Avari welcomes guests. I trust that’s not a problem for anyone.”

His tone was light, but carried weight—enough to remind everyone around him who was in charge.

I finally glanced back at the Drakharrow table. Blake was still standing at its head, his hands flat against the table, leaning forward. His pale, sharp-featured face was twisted in fury. For a moment, I thought he might storm across the room towards me. But instead, he clenched his jaw and stalked out of the refectory.

I turned back to find Kage watching me.

“You handled yourself well,” he said quietly, leaning in toward me.

I’d only been this close to him once before. That night at the ball when we’d danced together. The memory was mostly a blur. Blake had dominated that night—like he seemed to dominate everything.

But now I looked at Kage carefully and really tried to take him in. I was sitting close enough that I could smell his scent. A smoky, woodsy aroma that reminded me of pine and cedarwood. Light enough not to overpower, yet with an earthy warmth.

“Thank you,” I said. “You saved my skin once again.” I glanced around me. “And not just mine,” I said, lowering my voice. “Florence...”

“I’ll be keeping an eye on her. Don’t you worry.” He smiled encouragingly. “She’s safe in my house. She’s earned her place here.”

I looked at him with gratitude. “She certainly has. You have no idea how hard she works.”

He laughed a little. “Of course I do. Why do you think I wanted her in Avari?”

I stared at him. For a moment I’d forgotten he’d made sure Florence would be selected to his house.

“Maybe this is a good opportunity,” I said slowly. “I’ve been meaning to approach you. I wanted to talk to you about something.”

Kage raised a brow. “Oh?”

I lowered my voice a touch. “Yes. Can you get me moved to House Avari like you did with Florence?”

I’d surprised him. He hid it well, but I could tell.

“That would be... difficult,” he said finally.

“But not impossible,” I said quickly. “Not for you. Your grandmother is a House Leader. I’m sure together you and she can arrange anything.”

Kage looked amused. “She’s certainly a formidable woman.”

“I have no doubt,” I said.

“But even my grandmother has limits. House selections only happen on Selection Day. You know that.”

I glanced around. “Blake had someone transferred from Drakharrow into Orphos. After Selection Day was over. I know this for a fact.”

“He must have arranged it with Lysander,” Kage said, looking thoughtful. “But that’s unusual.”

“Could you...” I hesitated. “I don’t know, talk to Blake? Convince him somehow?”

Kage’s expression of amusement deepened. “When it comes to you, Medra, I don’t think anyone could persuade Drakharrow. Not even that dragon of yours.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” I said lightly, trying to hide my disappointment. “I’ll ask Nyxaris to talk to him.”

Kage laughed. “You’re certainly something. Who knows, it might even work.”

“Don’t you want me in your house?” I pleaded. “I thought we’d work well together.”

Kage sobered. “I think we would, too.”

“Then maybe we can make this happen. I’m desperate. I have to get away from Blake.”

Kage narrowed his eyes. “Has he harmed you?”

I swallowed. “No. Not like that. He fed from me without my consent at first. But since then, we’ve sort of come to an arrangement. He doesn’t like it... but it works.”

“You’re his only source. Your bond... it’s deepened.” Kage shook his head.

“And you don’t want me because of that,” I said miserably.

“It’s not about that. It’s about Blake not wanting to let you go. More than that, not being able to. No wonder he’s so volatile right now.” Kage glanced over at the Drakharrow table. “It reminds me of something.”

“Of what?” I asked.

But Kage just shook his head. “Look, Medra. My grandmother would have moved heaven and earth to help you if that bond hadn’t tied you to Blake.”

“I didn’t choose that bond,” I said, gritting my teeth. “I’d break it if I could.”

Kage’s expression softened. “I’ll help you anyway I know how. I’ll try talking to Blake, if you want me to.”

“Yes,” I said eagerly. “Anything. Maybe if you talk, one House Leader to another. I know he respects you.”

Kage nodded thoughtfully. “He’s changed since his father died.”

“You’ve known him that long?” I said. “I hadn’t realized.”

“Of course. Kids with parents in powerful positions...” Kage shrugged. “We get dragged along. Even when we don’t want to.”

I wasn’t sure if he meant when they were children... or even now, when it came to other matters.

“Right. I can only imagine.”

Kage stood up. “Classes are starting soon.”

I nodded. “Thank you again,” I said, a little stiffly.

“You’re welcome at my table anytime, rider. You and your friends. Drakharrow or not.” He glanced around the room. “I see change coming. And I’m not the only one.” I watched as his gaze landed on the table where Catherine Mortis sat. She was watching us steadily, her eyes icy.

Kage leaned down, lowering his voice so only I could hear. “Don’t let Blake push you around, Medra,” he said softly. “You’re a challenge. For all of us. A challenge we might need.”

There was something in the way he said it—calm, certain, and full of perception—that sent a shiver down my spine. Before I could reply, he straightened up and was gone.

I stared after him, then turned back to my friends. They were rising to their feet, grabbing their bags. I trailed behind them as we left the refectory, Blake’s stormy image forcing its way back into my mind.

He was hot-headed, unjust, a bully. He was unpredictable, volatile, like a fire that couldn’t decide whether to warm you up or burn you alive.

And yet, I’d still felt a strange disloyalty sitting at Kage’s table, asking him to be my safe harbor in the storm of Blake’s fury.