Page 61 of The Bond That Burns

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.

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