The Legendborn Cycle, #3
Oathbound
by Tracy Deonn
Contents
Chapter 49
Overview
Mikael’s final lot reveals that four living Rootcrafter girls are being trafficked as renewable magical power sources, forcing Bree, Mariah, Zoe, and Nick to abandon the crown as their immediate priority. Gabriel wins the lot, complicating assumptions about Erebus and suggesting the Regents may be connected to the kidnappings. A riot breaks out, Mariah displays major Root power by pinning the warlocks, but Gabriel escapes by helicopter after an ancient dark green force incapacitates Nick and Bree.
Summary
Bree reacts with horror when Mikael reveals that the four vials contain captured Root from living Rootcrafter girls. Mikael explains that the winning bidder will not only receive the vials but access to the girls themselves, so the displays can be refreshed. Bree wants to attack immediately, but Mariah stops her because they do not know where the girls are being held.
Bree, Mariah, Zoe, and Nick shift their priority from the Shadow King crown to finding the kidnapped girls. They decide to let the auction finish, identify the winner, and follow that person to the girls. The bidding enrages Bree and the others because the Collectors are effectively buying human lives.
Gabriel wins the lot, which alarms Bree and Nick because his interest suggests a Regent connection to the trafficked Rootcrafters. Zoe’s confusion also makes Bree reconsider earlier assumptions: if Gabriel and possibly the Regents are the buyers, Erebus may not be feeding from these girls after all. Gabriel leaves to arrange transport, but the other Collectors protest that Mikael allowed an unvetted newcomer into the auction.
The protest escalates into chaos. Mikael tries to assert control, Bianca signals the security team, and the warlocks transform with pact magic, terrifying the human guests. As Ava’s seat is empty, Nick realizes she has likely gone after the crown, but Bree remains focused on following Gabriel. Because Mariah is vulnerable in the brawl, Zoe carries Mariah to the balcony so Mariah can help from above.
Nick shields Bree from falling debris, and then Mariah unleashes a golden wave of Root that freezes the transformed warlocks and forces them to the floor. Mariah cannot hold them forever, so Bree and Nick run after Gabriel. Mikael begins resisting Mariah’s power and orders them to stop, but Nick and Bree escape through the halls and onto the back lawn.
Outside Penumbra’s barrier, Gabriel boards a waiting helicopter. Nick races toward him, but a dark green shadow knocks Nick across the lawn, leaving him unconscious though alive. Gabriel taunts Nick as the Crown Scion, and when Bree tries to pursue, the same ancient dark green aether force strikes her down. Bree’s final impressions are heavy boots approaching and an amused chuckle before she loses consciousness.
Who Appears
- BreeArthur’s Scion; horrified by the Rootcrafter sale and pursues Gabriel before being knocked unconscious.
- NickLancelot’s Scion; protects Bree, chases Gabriel, and is violently struck down by dark green power.
- MariahRootcrafter ally; restrains Bree, redirects the plan, and immobilizes the transformed warlocks with Root.
- ZoeBree’s ally; supports the rescue plan and carries Mariah to the balcony during the riot.
- GabrielRegent figure; wins the captive Rootcrafter lot and escapes by helicopter after taunting Nick.
- MikaelAuction host; presents the captive Rootcrafters as a lot and loses control of the outraged Collectors.
- AvaAbsent during the chaos; Nick concludes she has gone after the Shadow King crown.
- BiancaWarlock security leader; signals the warlocks to transform when the auction crowd turns hostile.