Chapter 23

Evangeline and Jacks arrive at the warm, ancient grounds of House Slaughterwood, where servants greet Jacks with awe but eye Evangeline with contempt and murderous gossip. Jacks half-jokes about violent retribution, revealing his hostility toward the House, before LaLa sweeps in, glittering and affectionate, to welcome them.

Inside the weapon-lined manor, Evangeline notices repeated portraits of Glendora Slaughterwood, Vengeance’s later bride, a reminder of the House’s bloody legacy. LaLa chides Jacks for framing Evangeline and poisoning Apollo, warning that talk of the Arch is forbidden here. In the suite LaLa provides party favors and gowns, while Jacks demands a room next door, citing the curse that compels Apollo to hunt Evangeline like a fox. LaLa, uneasy, agrees.

After Jacks leaves, LaLa admits the House has done terrible things for love. Then Evangeline overhears Jacks and LaLa through the wall: Jacks begs LaLa to undo the Archer’s curse. LaLa insists there is no cure and nothing has changed since Jacks visited last week. Jacks angrily presses her to try, fearing Evangeline could die.

Evangeline reels, realizing Jacks has been secretly seeking a cure despite telling her not to. She reminds herself he is dangerous and manipulative, yet her growing care for him complicates her resolve. The conversation ends with LaLa asking about the Arch stones; Jacks says they still need three, and LaLa pointedly hopes he brought enough apples.