Contents
Bound
Overview
Triggered by Grim calling her his wife, Isla’s lost memories resurface. She recalls their marriage, her crippling guilt over a past massacre, and pleading for relief. Grim refuses at first but ultimately erases her memories, returns her starstick, and sends her back to the Wildling realm, reframing his motives and their bond.
Summary
Grim’s use of the word “wife” unlocks Isla’s buried memories. She sees a ceremony with joined hands and intimate moments afterward, confirming their marriage and deep bond.
Memories cascade: Isla relives months of torment over having killed many innocent people. Overwhelmed by guilt, Isla begs Grim to remove the memory of her actions. Grim initially refuses, not wanting to take her agency or past.
Isla recalls wearing her Centennial dress when Grim presents a Nightshade marriage necklace, explaining it replaces rings and can only be released upon death. Isla agrees, asking him to put it on.
Instead, Grim pockets the necklace, apologizes, and erases Isla’s memories. He returns her starstick and sends her back to the Wildling realm. Isla understands that Grim chose to protect her from the weight of her guilt, recasting his past actions and their fractured present.
Who Appears
- IslaRecovers memories of marrying Grim, her crippling guilt over a massacre, and Grim erasing her memories and sending her back.
- GrimCalls Isla his wife, reveals Nightshade necklace custom, then erases her memories and returns her to the Wildling realm.