Contents
CHAPTER 33: GIGI
Overview
In Helena’s garden, Savannah is tranquilized, and Calla (the Woman in Red) confronts Gigi with a high-stakes invitation to claim her “potential.”
Gigi refuses despite promises of power and protection involving Knox. Calla overpowers and drugs Gigi, leaving the name of her order—The Gilded Blade—and a cryptic message to “him.”
Summary
Gigi and Savannah move deeper into Helena Thorp’s garden, tense after Helena’s revelations. Savannah pointedly makes Gigi promise to refuse any invitation to “test her potential,” framing acceptance as a betrayal she will not forgive. A kitten distracts them; moments later, Savannah is struck by a tiny dart and collapses.
Calla—the Woman in Red—reveals herself from the darkness and addresses Gigi as “Juliet Grayson,” confirming this is a recruitment. She pressures Gigi, belittling her as living in Savannah’s shadow, hinting at greatness if she says yes, and bargaining “immunities,” pointedly invoking Knox and suggesting Gigi matters to him. Gigi, remembering Zella’s warning about choice and Savannah’s ultimatum, resists the allure.
When pressed to “ask what you really want to know,” Gigi demands why she and Avery were targeted. Calla refuses to discuss Avery, focusing on Gigi’s potential and desire to be strong. Gigi decides firmly that “it’s not going to be me,” rejects the offer, and lunges with Slate’s knife.
Calla moves faster, traps Gigi’s wrist, and chokes her from behind while drugging her with a substance on her gloves. As darkness overtakes Gigi, Calla delivers two messages: “Tell him I miss him,” and the name of their order—“the Gilded Blade.”
Who Appears
- Gigi (Juliet Grayson)Protagonist of the scene; resists Calla’s recruitment, defends Savannah, attacks with Slate’s knife, is overpowered and drugged.
- Calla (Woman in Red)Antagonist recruiter; tranquilizes Savannah, pressures Gigi to accept the mantle, offers immunities, overpowers Gigi, reveals “the Gilded Blade.”
- SavannahGigi’s twin; demands Gigi refuse any invitation; is darted unconscious and used as leverage.
- KnoxReferenced by Calla as someone to whom Gigi matters; leverage in the recruitment pitch.
- Mattias Slate (Slater)Referenced through his knife and mantra urging Gigi’s self-worth; weapon Gigi wields.
- NoraReferenced; her warnings about survival and choice guide Gigi’s refusal.
- Helena ThorpReferenced; her earlier framing of Candidates and testing contextualizes the recruitment.