Contents
I. Existentialism — Gideon
Overview
Gideon acclimates to the Alexandrian manor and weighs its dangers. He notes Libby Rhodes’ altered, driven demeanor and suspects Atlas Blakely’s troubling absence. Haunted by a dream of an Accountant and questions about who controls the Society’s money, Gideon resolves to remain, support Nico, and accept the risks.
Summary
Gideon recalls Nico’s rapid tour of the Alexandrian manor and invitation to request restricted materials via Nico or Tristan. Asked for his thoughts, Gideon privately catalogs concerns, starting with Libby Rhodes’ new, contained intensity that feels familiar and potentially dangerous.
Comparing Libby’s resolve to his mother Eilif’s compulsive risk-taking, Gideon worries Eilif’s silence signals deeper trouble. He also questions Atlas Blakely’s absence, noting that Tristan and Libby appear to know more than they admit, implying a hidden crisis.
Gideon considers practical constraints: the Society’s dream wards limiting his narcoleptic wanderings, and the broader question of control—especially financial. He recalls a dream of a red-eyed Accountant and reflects that money determines loyalties and outcomes, possibly endangering Nico.
He weighs the risks against the tenuous sanctuary of the house, Nico’s ambitions, and their relationship. Despite sensing that the Society may be compromised and Atlas implicated in something dire, Gideon decides remaining with Nico is worth the danger.
Outwardly, he answers lightly, joking about dusting and pie. Nico goes to text Reina as Gideon settles into the choice to stay, accept uncertainty, and support Nico’s looming multiverse experiment—if only because being together makes the peril bearable.
Who Appears
- Gideon DrakeObserver and new arrival; notes Libby’s change, suspects Atlas’s absence, worries about money and an ominous Accountant dream.
- Nicolás “Nico” de VaronaGives Gideon a tour, offers access to archives, plans risky experiments, seeks Reina, and reassures with levity.
- Libby RhodesQuieter but intensely driven; her new edge unsettles Gideon and hints at concealed objectives.
- Tristan CainePolite, reserved; appears to know more about Atlas’s status and shares tense undercurrents with Libby.
- Atlas BlakelyConspicuously absent; Gideon suspects a concealed mistake and a dangerous, unresolved situation.
- EilifGideon’s mother; a compulsive, dangerous opportunist whose absence and debts worry him.
- The AccountantRed-eyed figure from Gideon’s dream, symbolizing financial control and looming leverage over the Society.
- Reina MoriOff-page contact; Nico intends to text her, signaling ongoing coordination.
- Max WolfeRecalled in Gideon’s thoughts as an example of money shaping medeian status.