Cover of The Gilded Blade

The Gilded Blade

by Jennifer Lynn Barnes


Genre
Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller
Year
2026
Pages
353
Contents

CHAPTER 38: JAMESON

Overview

Jameson identifies a London-held alchemy drawing, but Toby is pulled away by an urgent call. After Jameson confronts him using Avery and Hannah, Toby warns him to control his destructive impulses and leaves. Jameson and Xander then plot to access the Devil’s Mercy discreetly by securing an invitation through a member—via another uncle.

Summary

Jameson discovers a London-held artwork titled An Alchemist with Angel’s Wings and a Skull Cap, Pouring Fluid from a Ladle into a Crucible, reinforcing the alchemical trail that led him to the city and the Devil’s Mercy.

Toby receives an urgent call and abruptly decides to leave. Pushed by fear and anger, Jameson confronts Toby, invoking Avery and Hannah to force answers. Toby refuses to explain but delivers a raw warning: he understands obsession and grief, and insists that self-destruction would break Avery’s heart. He orders Xander to keep Jameson safe and departs.

Left to act, Jameson focuses on the Devil’s Mercy as the next step. He outlines the club’s hidden underground entrances and heavy security, weighing the risks of forcing entry.

Jameson and Xander consider two strategies: provoke the Mercy into sending an emissary, or quietly obtain an invitation through a member. Prioritizing safety and leverage, they choose the second option. Jameson decides to contact another uncle to broker their way inside.

Who Appears

  • Jameson Hawthorne
    Finds an alchemy drawing in London; clashes with Toby; resolves to enter the Devil’s Mercy via an invited member.
  • Toby
    Receives an urgent call and leaves; warns Jameson against self-destruction for Avery’s sake.
  • Xander Hawthorne
    Backs Jameson; helps evaluate infiltration strategies; agrees to pursue a discreet invitation into the Mercy.
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