Chapter 17: The Wings That Bind – The Betrothal Bargain
⚠️ 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
Florence returns to Avari Tower, greeted by Neville the fluffin. She finds the common room subdued: a blightborn student named Lysa is weeping because her mother was murdered by a highblood. Evie shares rumors of highbloods going berserk. Florence reunites with Medra, and they laugh about Regan’s death. Florence apologizes for running away; Medra forgives her. While talking about the dragon bond, Florence reveals she can sense what Nyxaris sees and has even tasted raw fish through him. Nyxaris reassures her, calling her “fireheart,” and admits she reminds him of someone lost but insists she is different. Kage arrives and takes Florence to meet his grandmother, Lady Elaria Avari. Lady Avari explains soul-binding—a forbidden ritual that would let a highblood control Florence as a living chain to the dragon. She proposes a betrothal between Florence and Kage as a shield. Nyxaris advises acceptance, hinting at his own plan to destroy Viktor. Florence agrees. She tells Medra, and they discuss the lack of romantic feeling. That night, Florence has a vivid erotic dream about Nyxaris. He teases her about it, and she wakes burning with desire.
Key Events
- Florence arrives at Avari Tower with Neville and learns of Lysa’s mother’s murder by a highblood.
- Evie mentions multiple reports of highbloods going berserk.
- Florence and Medra reunite; Florence apologizes for fleeing.
- Florence shares intimate details of her bond with Nyxaris.
- Nyxaris privately reassures her, gives her the nickname “fireheart,” and says he has a plan.
- Kage brings Florence to meet Lady Avari.
- Lady Avari warns about soul-binding and proposes an immediate betrothal between Kage and Florence.
- Florence accepts the betrothal after Nyxaris’s counsel.
- Florence tells Medra; they compare their situations with Kage and Blake.
- Florence has an erotic dream about Nyxaris, who teases her afterward.
Character Development
Florence grows more accepting of her dragon bond, moving from fear to playful banter with Nyxaris. She shows courage by agreeing to a politically motivated betrothal to protect herself and her mother. Her dream reveals a growing subconscious desire, complicating her view of the bond.
Medra remains a loyal, protective friend who respects Florence’s choices. Her own relationship with Blake—rooted in intense emotion—provides a contrast to Florence’s clinical arrangement with Kage.
Kage acts dutifully; he agrees to the betrothal as a strategic move, showing no personal warmth toward Florence.
Nyxaris demonstrates possessive care, reassures Florence, and hints at his own long-term plan against Viktor. His teasing about the dream suggests jealousy and a deepening emotional (and possibly romantic) attachment.
Lady Avari uses the betrothal to secure House Avari’s political advantage while claiming to protect Florence.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Power and Protection: Betrothal is framed as a shield against soul-binding, but it also binds Florence to House Avari. The pact trades personal freedom for safety.
- Bond Intimacy: The dragon bond allows physical and sensory sharing; Flora’s dream blurs the line between mental connection and romantic desire.
- Highblood Entitlement: The murder of Lysa’s mother and rumors of highbloods going berserk illustrate the systemic brutality that fuels the plot.
- Strategic Alliances: Both the betrothal and Nyxaris’s undisclosed plan highlight how characters use marriage and secrecy as weapons.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 17 cements the formal alliance between Florence and House Avari, raising the stakes against Viktor Drakharrow. It deepens the reader’s understanding of the dragon bond’s intensity and introduces soul-binding as a concrete threat. The erotic dream foreshadows a possible romantic or sexual dimension to Florence’s relationship with Nyxaris, complicating the betrothal. Medra’s contrasting relationship with Blake reinforces the theme that love and duty often conflict.
Study Questions & Answers
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Why does Lady Avari propose betrothal rather than another form of protection?
She believes a formal familial tie will publicly mark Florence as under House Avari’s protection, making it harder for Viktor to attempt soul-binding without provoking war. It also secures Nyxaris’s allegiance to the house. -
How does Florence’s relationship with Nyxaris change in this chapter?
She moves from fearful avoidance to acceptance, banter, and finally a subconscious erotic connection. Nyxaris shows vulnerability by saying she reminds him of someone lost and later teases her about the dream, revealing his own investment. -
What does Medra’s reaction to the betrothal reveal about her character?
She is protective but not overbearing; though shocked, she supports Florence’s decision. Her comparison of her own volatile bond with Blake emphasizes that strong feelings can arise even from duty, offering Florence a path forward.