Chapter 25: Viktor's Wrath and the Weight of Secrets – On Wings of Blood
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Blake is summoned by his uncle Viktor and brutally beaten for the public fight with Pendragon. Blake takes full blame, lying that he started the altercation to protect Pendragon from Viktor's wrath. Viktor criticizes Blake's lack of subtlety and reveals his own hunger for Pendragon's blood—jealous that Blake possesses such a valuable prize. Viktor also laments the loss of Kiernan O'Rourke's father as a political ally. Blake learns that Viktor is unaware of the thrallguard lessons Pendragon is receiving at Bloodwing, a secret Blake decides to keep. Viktor discusses rising unrest in the city of Veilmar, where blightborn are being killed by highbloods, and the need to keep Pendragon under control to prevent her from becoming a symbol of rebellion. The chapter ends with a cryptic remark about Aenia, mentioning a visit to the Sanctum and that "your mother sends her love."
Key Events
- Viktor summons Blake and beats him for the public fight with Pendragon.
- Blake lies to Viktor, claiming he started the fight—taking the blame to shield Pendragon.
- Viktor questions Blake about his cousin Theo Sabino's injuries; Blake falsely claims responsibility for Coregon's attack on Vaughn.
- Viktor expresses anger over Blake's fight with Kiernan O'Rourke, which destroyed a valuable ally (Kiernan's father, Lord O'Rourke).
- Viktor reveals his own hunger and jealousy regarding Pendragon's blood.
- Blake realizes Viktor knows nothing about Pendragon's thrallguard training and decides not to tell him.
- Viktor discusses unrest in Veilmar, including rising blightborn deaths and the risk of rebellion if news of a dragon rider spreads.
- Viktor orders Blake to keep Pendragon at the school, under Drakharrow control, forever.
- The chapter ends with Viktor mentioning a visit to the Sanctum and sending love from Blake's mother regarding Aenia.
Character Development
Blake shows increasing internal conflict. He lies to protect Pendragon and takes credit for Coregon's attack on Vaughn Sabino to cover for Theo. He also chooses to keep the thrallguard lessons secret from Viktor, a small act of defiance. His protective instincts toward Pendragon and his cousin Theo grow, even as he outwardly feigns obedience.
Viktor is portrayed as manipulative, power-hungry, and dangerously interested in Pendragon's blood. His jealousy toward Blake underscores his possessiveness of the dragon rider, and his casual discussion of controlling mortals through thrallweave reveals his ruthless worldview.
Pendragon remains off-page but looms large as a symbol and target. Viktor's fear of her inspiring rebellion, combined with his own hunger, raises the stakes for her future.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Control vs. Rebellion: Viktor emphasizes keeping Pendragon under Drakharrow control to prevent her from becoming a spark for rebellion. The use of thrallweave on mortals and the wards at Bloodwing illustrate the theme of manipulation versus freedom.
Family Legacy and Sacrifice: Blake lies and takes punishment to protect Pendragon and Theo, even as he resents the burdens placed on him by his uncle. Viktor's jealousy and hunger for Pendragon's blood highlight the corrosive nature of Drakharrow power.
Secrecy and Knowledge: Blake's decision to conceal Pendragon's thrallguard training from Viktor creates a power imbalance. Knowledge becomes a form of resistance.
The Symbol of the Dragon Rider: Despite the absence of dragons, Pendragon is already seen as a threat to the established order purely because of her bloodline. Viktor's fear of her symbolic power foreshadows potential larger conflicts.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter deepens Blake's internal struggle and sets up a clear antagonist in Viktor. It reveals the political machinations beyond Bloodwing—unrest in Veilmar, the importance of alliances, and the constant threat of rebellion. The secret of Pendragon's thrallguard training gives Blake leverage and creates a wedge between him and Viktor. Viktor's jealousy regarding Pendragon and his cryptic remark about Aenia add further tension for future chapters.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Blake lie to Viktor about starting the fight with Pendragon?
Blake lies to shield Pendragon from Viktor's wrath. He knows his uncle is violent and capable of worse punishment, and he would rather endure the beating himself than see Pendragon summoned.
2. What does Viktor's jealousy of Blake reveal about his true intentions for Pendragon?
Viktor is hungry for Pendragon's blood and resents that Blake possesses such a powerful symbol. His jealousy suggests he might try to claim her for himself if Blake fails to control her, making Pendragon a target of Viktor's greed.
3. How does the conversation about thrallweave and city unrest hint at larger societal issues?
Viktor describes a magic that keeps blightborn compliant and hints at growing resistance in Veilmar. The highblood murders of blightborn and Viktor's dismissal of those deaths indicate a system of oppression that may soon face revolt. This sets up broader conflict beyond the academy.