On Wings of Blood (Bloodwing Academy #1)

CHAPTER 59 - MEDRA

It was the last day of school.

Florence and I walked side by side down the hall towards the Dragon Court. Today was Selection Day. All First Years would be funneled into one of the four houses. Next year most would take up paths they had already selected. A few exceptions had been made for especially gifted students like Florence, who still couldn’t make up her mind.

The halls were alive with a hum of activity as students’ cheers rang out every few moments. Despite the ones who were no longer with us–the lucky ones who had been sent away, the unlucky who had been sacrificed in Bloodwing’s cruel traditions–the overall mood was celebratory. Students were tossing caps and scarves into the air, spring’s warmth having finally broken winter’s cold grip. The trees lining the cloisters were in full bloom, soft petals swirling in the breeze.

As we passed by groups of laughing and chattering First Years, the air was thick with anxious energy. Selection Day announcements were coming up in a few minutes. The Dragon Court lay ahead, the vast courtyard where our fates would be decided.

“Feels strange, doesn’t it?” Florence said softly. She tucked a strand of sleek black hair behind one ear. “We’re missing so many, and yet...” She trailed off but I knew what she meant.

“You deserve to be happy,” I said firmly. “You worked hard. You made it this far. Naveen would be proud of you.”

“It’s so unfair that he’s not here with us,” she said, lowering her voice.

I nodded. “We’ll honor him by surviving.” I knew that was what he’d want for Florence. I wasn’t sure what he’d want for me.

Regardless, I didn’t want my friend harboring too much anger towards the highbloods who had done this to Naveen. I wouldn’t have Florence risking herself. It was too dangerous.

And what about me? I’d harbor my anger, store it away, save it up. If what Kage had said was true, something was coming. Whatever it was, maybe I could use it to my advantage.

Because it wasn’t Regan who was really to blame for what had happened to Naveen. It wasn’t even entirely me–though I would hold onto that guilt like a tether for the rest of my days, refusing to let go. The entire highblood way of life was to blame.

I forced my thoughts away from the darkness and scanned the courtyard ahead as more and more students joined the crowd.

Someone punched me on the arm, hard, and I yelped. “Ouch!”

“There you are,” Visha smirked. Her short, silvery-white hair caught the sunlight. She'd razored the sides and looked even more badass than usual. She tucked her hands into the pockets of her trousers. “Mind if I join you two? Thought I’d slum it up today.”

She laughed as she caught my expression. “Only joking. Who do you take me for? Regan?”

She inclined her head slightly and I saw Regan on the far side of the courtyard. The queen bee of House Drakharrow was standing all alone.

Visha nudged me. I turned my head and saw Quinn, Gretchen, and Larissa. They had their heads together and were whispering while looking over at Regan.

“How the mighty have fallen.” Visha drawled.

“If I know Regan, she won’t stay fallen for long,” I said drily.

“Oh, she’ll crawl back up out of the gutters, no doubt,” Visha agreed. “It’ll take her a while though. And in the meantime, we can all enjoy her suffering.”

“Good afternoon, girls.” It was Professor Rodriguez. For once his dark hair was neatly combed. There were no patches on the dark brown corduroy jacket he wore either. He looked at me, his gaze softening slightly. “Miss Pendragon, Miss Shen, Miss Vaidya. I wanted to wish you all luck today.”

“Thank you, Professor,” Florence said, smiling brightly. “I’m looking forward to seeing more of you next year in Intermediate Alchemy.”

“Does that mean you’ve decided on a healer path, Miss Shen?” Rodriguez asked.

“Not exactly, sir,” Florence said, blushing.

“Ah. You've received permission to extend your decision?” Rodriguez smiled. “They only do that for exceptional students. Good luck making your final choice next year.”

Before Florence could say anything further, a tall figure strode up and slapped Rodriguez on the back with an easy laugh. “There you are, Gabriel. Ready for Summerfell break?”

We eyed Professor Sankara with interest. The highblood teacher had changed up his appearance a bit, letting his normally tightly cropped curly hair grow out a bit. Silver stubble coated his handsome face, giving him a more rugged appearance.

“Not as much as you are, I think,” Rodriguez said, looking at Sankara appreciatively. “The beard suits you, Sebastian. Very pirate-y.”

Sankara tossed his head back and gave a deep, rumbling laugh. “You like it? Figured I’d try something new. Why not?”

I glanced at Florence and Visha. Were our teachers actually flirting with each other in front of us?

Rodriguez chuckled. “You’ll have the students thinking you’ve gone rogue.”

“Let them think what they want,” Sankara replied, giving Rodriguez a playful wink before turning to the three of us. “Good luck today, girls.”

As the two men walked away, continuing their banter, I noticed something.

“Florence!” I exclaimed. “Are you checking Rodriguez out?”

She flushed prettily. “No! Of course, I wasn’t... He’s a teacher!’

Visha raised an eyebrow, her violet eyes sparkling with amusement. “Oh, I saw that. You totally were.”

Florence groaned. “You’re both imagining things.”

Visha’s grin widened. “Hey, can’t say I blame you. Rodriguez is hot. And with Sankara? Even hotter.”

I stared at her for a moment before joining Florence in a fit of laughter.

Visha burst out laughing, too, and for a moment, the tension of the day melted away.

Today was going to change everything. But for now, maybe this was enough.

As our laughter faded, I noticed another familiar figure approaching.

Theo Drakharrow’s posture was tense, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. He approached slowly, almost shyly, his steps hesitant, as if not sure what kind of reception awaited him.

I felt a tug of sympathy at the sight of Blake’s cousin. He’d had a hard year and something about him seemed so forlorn.

“Theo,” I said, stepping forward. I wrapped my arms around him briefly before stepping back. “It’s good to see you.”

He looked startled, but his expression was grateful. “Hey,” he said softly, glancing back at Visha and Florence. I took a few steps away from them. “I just wanted to congratulate you. For getting through the Consort Games.” He smiled briefly. “Not to mention for getting Regan out of the triad. I know Blake’s thrilled.”

I still hadn’t fully processed that I was no longer connected to Regan in any way. It was just Blake and I now. We were still betrothed. What did this mean for us? What came next?

“Right,” I said slowly. “I still can’t believe it myself.”

Theo nodded, awkwardly shifting from one foot to another.

“It’s been a rough year,” I said, watching him. “I hope in the new one we can become better friends.”

Theo perked up. “I’d like that. You know you’ll wind up in House Drakharrow today, right?”

I nodded. “I figured.” What other possibility was there really? I just hoped Florence would be assigned to House Drakarrow with me. With her and Theo and Visha, the next year might not be quite so bad.

Theo took a step back, glancing at the growing crowd. “Anyway, I should go. Have a good Summerfell, Medra.”

The year had wrapped up so quickly I hadn’t even thought about the summer. Florence was planning on staying at Bloodwing with her mother. I figured I’d do the same.

I watched Theo walk away, wondering if I should have asked him to stay. He seemed so alone. I glanced around the courtyard and realized I hadn’t seen Blake anywhere.

Vaughn Sabino suddenly appeared at my elbow. His expression was cheerful, but I knew he must have seen me talking to Theo.

“Hey,” Vaughn said.

“I was just talking to Theo Drakharrow,” I said. No point in hiding it. Before I could stop myself, I decided to ask the question that had been on my mind for a while. “Do you think... after everything... that there might be a future for you and Theo?”

Vaughn’s face stilled, the easygoing smile falling away.

“I don’t think he had anything to do with what happened to you,” I said softly. “Do you?”

Vaughn shook his head. “No. He came to talk to me, you know. After it happened. He swore he’d had nothing to do with it. He looked absolutely miserable.”

“What did you say?”

Vaughn was silent for a moment. “I told him to fuck off. That was when I thought my arm might not heal. That I might be kicked out of Bloodwing.”

“Oh.” Vaughn’s reaction was understandable. Even more so when I thought of Naveen. That could easily have been Vaughn. Did he think about that sometimes? “Tough call.”

“Yeah.” Vaughn sighed. “He’s not a bad person. But... He’s not good for me. I just need to stay away from highbloods.” He grimaced. “I mean, as much as that's feasible considering where we are.”

He lowered his voice. “I'm hoping I get assigned to House Orphos. I’ve talked to Lysander and he seems like a decent sort. He runs his house in a completely different way than any of the others.”

“Really?” I asked curiously. “You’ll have to tell me more...”

I suddenly realized the buzz of chatter around us was quickly fading.

The crowd quieted as Headmaster Kim stepped up to the podium at the other side of the Dragon Court.

His sharp gaze swept across the gathering of students.

“Welcome to Selection Day. Today, we honor those of you who have made it through your first year at Bloodwing. Today, you discover where you truly belong.”

All eyes were on the headmaster.

Beside me, Florence fidgeted slightly, playing with her hair as though to calm herself.

Visha stood up straight, her arms crossed over her chest. The highblood girl had no reason to be anxious. She was an official consort in House Drakharrow. As was I, I realized. Was this really only a formality where I was concerned? As far as I knew, no one had ever been assigned to a house other than the one their archon was in.

A large stone table had been set up beside the podium. Atop it rested the Selection Stone. The weathered stone orb was enchanted every year and imbued with the names of all First Year students as well as their placement assignments. Once a First Year placed their hand upon the stone, it would glow the color of the house to which they’d been assigned. Red for Drakharrow, silver for Avari, purple for Orphos, and white for Mortis.

Headmaster Kim gestured to the stone. “You will come forward when I call your name, one at a time. Place your hand on the stone. Once you have received your house assignment, go and stand next to the dragon for your house. Once we are through, your House Leader will take you to see your new dormitories so that you know where to go at the beginning of the new term. Let us proceed.”

I glanced around and saw that sure enough, the four house leaders had arrived. Blake stood at the base of the Inferni dragon statue.

But he wasn’t alone.

I squinted slightly as I noticed something small and furry dart around his legs.

I had to suppress a laugh as I realized what was going on.

Neville had somehow managed to follow Blake all the way to the Dragon Court. Now the pup was skittering around Blake’s boots, his fluffy tail wagging as if this was the most exciting day of his little life.

Blake’s expression had swiftly gone from amused to horrified. He glanced around, his face flushing as he scanned the courtyard, clearly hoping no one had noticed. Then he quickly bent down and scooped up the pup.

I bit my lip, trying to hold back my laughter as Blake, looking guilty as a child caught stealing from a candy store, stuffed the fluffin into the canvas duffel bag he had slung over his shoulder. The pup’s head stuck out from the top of the bag, his pointed ears twitching as he surveyed the courtyard, evidently unbothered by his confinement.

Blake’s face was still slightly red. I put a hand to my mouth to stop myself from laughing out loud. I didn’t think I’d ever seen him this flustered.

His eyes met mine as he scanned the crowd. I caught the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips before he turned away again.

Meanwhile, Headmaster Kim was reading through the list of First Year names. He’d already gotten all the way through the Cs.

I shifted back and forth on my feet restlessly, waiting with Florence and Vaughn for our names to be called.

Around us, one by one, students stepped forward to face their future.

Again and again the stone lit up in various colors.

Finally it was my turn.

“Medra Pendragon.”

I took a deep breath as the sound of my name rang out around the courtyard. Heads turned toward me.

I approached the Selection Stone, my hand trembling slightly as I raised it over the orb. I lowered it, touching the stone. It pulsed faintly beneath my fingers. I pressed my palm firmly against it, trying not to think of the last time I’d touched a magical object. The Crown of Bone.

The stone glowed. Vibrant red flared to life beneath my palm.

House Drakharrow.

I pulled my hand away and started walking towards the red dragon.

This had always been my fate. Right from the start. I was bound to House Drakharrow. Always had been.

So why did an uneasy feeling stir inside my chest?

The other students made way as I moved to stand beside Blake.

“I wasn’t aware that animals were allowed to attend Selection Day,” I whispered, tilting my head up to his ear.

He flushed. “Neville wasn’t aware there was a rule against it. If one exists, he believes it should be rewritten.”

“Neville can’t decide who he loves better, you or Florence. I think he thinks you’re both his pets and not the other way around,” I said with delight. “Or is it that you’re cheating? Have you been luring him away from Florence and the First Year Tower with treats?”

Blake shook his head, his lips twitching. “Soon Neville won’t have to make such hard decisions about where his home lies. Watch.”

Headmaster Kim had reached the surnames beginning with S. He called Vaughn’s name.

The orb glowed red the moment Vaughn placed his hand upon it.

“One down,” I murmured, bouncing up and down on the heels of my feet. Then I thought of something. I glanced up at Blake. “Did you...?”

He looked down at me. “Hmm?”

“Hmm indeed,” I said archly, as Vaughn walked up to us, wearing a disappointed expression.

I patted him on the back. “It won’t be that bad,” I whispered. “We’ll stick together.”

He nodded, but I knew this wasn’t what he’d wanted.

Had Blake selected Vaughn to try to appease Theo? Or for me?

Florence’s name was being called.

She walked slowly up to the orb looking extremely nervous.

She touched her hand to the stone.

Blake’s hand slipped into mine. “Don't worry,” he whispered.

My heart sped up. I hoped that meant what I thought it did.

Florence’s palm met the stone.

The orb glowed silver.

House Avari.

My heart sank.

“What the fuck,” Blake muttered.

I glanced at where Kage Tanaka stood by the black stone dragon. He didn’t look our way.

Florence’s face had fallen the moment she saw the silver glow. I could tell she was trying hard to keep it together as she walked slowly to join the First Years standing around Kage.

“I swear, I didn’t know,” Blake said in a low voice. “She was on our list. I’ll find out how this happened.”

“It’s all right,” I assured him half-heartedly. “There’s nothing you can do now.”

I was happy to hear he’d tried to select Florence for House Drakharrow for my sake. It would have been nice to be together.

I glanced at Visha standing a little ways away. Then Vaughn.

At least I knew people in House Drakharrow. But Florence was going to be all alone. I knew she was familiar with all of the other First Years. She’d helped most of them over this past year in her role as a warden. But Naveen and Vaughn and I had been her closest friends. In some ways, she’d be starting from scratch.

“There’s nothing to say you can’t be friends with students in other houses,” Blake whispered in my ear.

“There isn’t?” I was kind of surprised. “Glad to hear it.”

Because my friendship with Florence wasn’t going anywhere.

Blake shook his head. “It’s just... not common.” He was quiet for a moment, then, “We need to meet. Just you and I. Tonight. Find me here, at the Dragon Court, at midnight.”

“A clandestine meeting with my new House Leader?” I murmured. “Now that has to be against the rules.”

He shot me a boyish grin. “Not as far as I’m aware. The strangest things should be, but aren’t.”

I looked up at his profile, at the lines of his lips, and felt myself blushing slightly as I remembered our interrupted kiss from the day before.

I knew I’d be there to meet him that night. Rules or no rules.