The Legendborn Cycle, #3
Oathbound
by Tracy Deonn
Contents
Chapter 36
Overview
Bree and Nick’s strained reunion sharpens into a tense cover performance as they pose as an engaged couple while hiding their own missions. Mikael publicly executes Eric for disloyal thoughts, making clear that the weekend at Penumbra is a trap enforced by fear, informants, and magic. A newly cast ward seals the estate, and Bianca assigns Bree and Nick to the same suite, forcing them to maintain their false identities together or die.
Summary
Bree reacts angrily to Nick saying he does not want to be near her. Forced to maintain their covers as the engaged Collectors Benedict and Iris, they trade barbed comments while Nick prevents Bree from throwing a drink or reaching for the dagger strapped to her thigh. Their exchange reveals that Nick was also in the basement searching for a magical item, though he refuses to explain his reasons.
During dinner, Mikael brings forward Eric, the Collector who triggered the entryway ward. Mikael accuses Eric of intending to expose the community, frames that intent as a violation of discretion and truth, and makes Eric accept the agreed consequences. At Mikael’s signal, Lawson kills Eric by gripping the back of his neck, while the room continues dinner almost normally.
Nick steadies Bree under the table so she does not react and expose herself. Bree realizes Mikael has turned the trapped Collectors into his surveillance system: anyone who seems suspicious can be reported and punished. Zoe comforts Mariah across the room, and Bree silently signals them to leave and regroup later.
Guests are required to surrender devices for secure storage, and Nick locks away his phone while Bree claims she has none. A passing comment about Bree once surrendering a necklace affects Nick, briefly cracking his Benedict mask, but he quickly refocuses on finding the others and surviving the weekend.
Mikael approaches Bree and Nick, congratulates them on their supposed engagement, and explains that all guests will undergo “communions,” guided conversations meant to identify trustworthy participants and find the thief and assailant. Bree senses Mikael’s old demonic attention and recognizes his hunger for power, reputation, and control. Nick keeps up the Benedict persona and helps move them out of Mikael’s focus.
At a window, Nick shows Bree a newly cast green affective ward around the property. Bree says she can break wards, but Nick warns Mikael or his warlocks would notice, and with the estate isolated they would be caught before escaping. They accept that they are trapped and must fully live as Benedict and Iris. Bianca then assigns them to the Chambord Suite on the third floor, forcing Bree and Nick into even closer proximity for the next three days.
Who Appears
- Bree MatthewsNarrator posing as Iris; controls her horror, senses Mikael’s demonic attention, and remains trapped at Penumbra.
- Nick DavisPosing as Benedict; clashes with Bree, steadies her during Eric’s murder, and warns escape is impossible.
- MikaelDemonic host who executes Eric, announces communions, and seals his estate to protect his power.
- EricCollector accused of intending to expose the community; accepts consequences before Lawson kills him.
- LawsonMikael’s enforcer; restrains Eric and kills him silently at Mikael’s signal.
- BiancaMikael’s staff leader; assists with Eric, organizes guest accommodations, and assigns Bree and Nick a suite.
- ZoeBree’s ally; comforts Mariah after the execution and follows Bree’s silent instruction to leave.
- MariahCollector guest shaken by Eric’s murder; stays with Zoe and quickly follows her lead.
- AvaNick’s original partner in the cover scheme; disappears from view after dinner begins.