The Legendborn Cycle, #3
Oathbound
by Tracy Deonn
Contents
Chapter 5
Overview
Natasia records an audio log while watching over unconscious Selwyn, whose demonia is far more violent and advanced than Natasia expected. The chapter reveals that Erebus secretly delivered Selwyn to Natasia, found Natasia despite Natasia’s precautions, and implied that Selwyn’s descent worsened because Selwyn consumed another source of power.
Natasia’s reflections deepen the story’s understanding of Merlins, demonia, and the Order’s willingness to discard those it creates and uses. Despite Erebus’s warning that Selwyn is beyond saving, Natasia resolves to treat Selwyn as her son rather than as a lost cause.
Summary
Forty-eight hours after Selwyn Kane appears in Natasia’s home, Natasia begins an audio log while keeping vigil at Selwyn’s bedside. Selwyn remains unconscious because Erebus Varelian used spellcraft to subdue him, but Selwyn’s body fights violently as the spell wears off: he sweats, thrashes, dents the wall, and cuts his own palms with black-tipped claws that heal again.
Natasia uses the recording to create scholarly distance from her fear and guilt. As Natasia observes Selwyn, Natasia sees both the grown man Selwyn has become and the child Natasia lost when the Regents took Natasia away. Selwyn’s tattoos, piercings, strength, and battle-worn body make Natasia wonder about Selwyn’s life, relationships, and whether Selwyn’s childhood innocence was destroyed by demonia or by the Order.
Natasia explains that Merlins are born with splintered selves, with demon parts pressing against their minds until those parts eventually surface. Natasia believes the Order is wrong to treat descended Merlins as lost or merely “succumbed.” Natasia hopes Selwyn will recognize Natasia not just as a demon-stricken Merlin, but as Selwyn’s mother, even though Natasia abandoned Selwyn for reasons Selwyn may not understand.
Natasia then recounts the circumstances of Selwyn’s arrival. Natasia has been hiding in a cabin near an Appalachian ley line, moving often since Faye’s death and becoming even more cautious after sensing Martin Davis die through their Kingsmage bond. Because of that secrecy, Natasia cannot explain how Erebus found Natasia so quickly unless Erebus has been watching Natasia; Erebus’s apparent teleportation with Selwyn also worries Natasia and makes Natasia suspect possible pact magic or other dangerous experimentation.
Two days earlier, Erebus appeared in Natasia’s living room holding unconscious Selwyn. Erebus said Selwyn was alive but dangerous, explained that Selwyn had been separated from Nicholas for some time, and said Selwyn’s descent worsened recently because Selwyn consumed power that did not belong to Selwyn. Erebus asked whether Selwyn’s father would look for him, then clashed with Natasia when Natasia accused Erebus of failing to defend Natasia years earlier. Before leaving, Erebus warned that it was too late for Selwyn, but Natasia rejected that judgment: “Selwyn is my son, Erebus. It is never too late.”
Who Appears
- NatasiaSelwyn’s mother; records observations, fears Erebus’s methods, and vows not to abandon Selwyn.
- Selwyn KaneUnconscious Merlin in violent demonia, physically transformed and fighting an unseen internal battle.
- Erebus VarelianMage Seneschal who delivers Selwyn, withholds explanations, and warns Natasia Selwyn cannot be saved.
- NicholasSelwyn’s bonded; mentioned as separated from Selwyn, leaving Selwyn’s descent less protected.
- FayeNatasia’s late friend, remembered as a grounding presence and former contact during hiding.