A Curse So Dark and Lonely

This section features Harper and Rhen apart, as well as Rhen’s transformation into the monster, which changes how the story is told. Harper’s chapters in Washington, DC, show both the parts of her that have changed and those that have stayed the same. She still cares for her family, even if she’s been away, but everything else about her return is influenced by what she has learned in Emberfall. She is sad at her mother’s passing, which leaves her feeling a bit numb. However, after the loss and struggle she’s witnessed in Emberfall, her mother’s death feels calm. Her relationship with her brother transforms in these chapters and through the end of the book, further exploring the theme of The Benefits and Drawbacks of Loyalty. Prior to her time in Emberfall, Harper was the disabled little sister. Her brother sheltered her from what he had to do to pay off their father’s debts, both because he wanted to protect his sister and because he felt she was too delicate to take care of herself. This unequal dynamic in their relationship brought out several drawbacks to loyalty. Though Harper never believed she was weak or fragile, by coming into her own while helping Rhen and protecting Emberfall’s people, she has realized how strong, confident, and capable she is. As a result, she doesn’t run and hide when her brother tells her to; instead, she inserts herself into the situation, taking charge to make sure her family stays safe.

Chapters 44 and 45 begin the final climb to the climax of the story. Rhen’s meeting with the other nation’s queen doesn’t go well, highlighting further the theme of The Burden of Leadership and just how multifaceted that burden can be. The queen’s information makes Rhen question himself and, in turn, shakes his people’s faith. Rhen throwing himself off the castle is his last attempt to save the people from his monster, but there is no escape, as the curse simply gives him wings. Aside from becoming a direct threat to the people of Emberfall, Rhen’s transformation affects Harper in Washington. She knows something is wrong when Grey doesn’t appear, but trapped with no way to communicate with him, all she can do is hope and wait. Chapter 47 shows how something that was once familiar can become foreign. A few weeks ago, wondering if a store was hiring would have felt normal, but after her time in Emberfall, this feels like a strange thing for Harper to question.

Rhen’s chapters as the monster show the internal effects of the transformation, as well as how this transformation is different from past ones. In Chapter 1, Rhen came to himself with no recollection of his thoughts or actions while he was the monster. Chapter 46 is the beginning of the transformation, and it starts like any other with Rhen’s mind being blank of all thoughts and awareness. Chapter 49 shows a deviation from the norm, with Rhen questioning whether Harper is there. This moment comes after his battle with Grey, when Rhen is wounded. The “pain” and “sleep” are Rhen’s reaction to being injured and reflect the simple, animal-like basic thoughts he has. The inclusion of “Harper,” however, suggests that something of the human Rhen is breaking through. It also suggests that Harper is capable of breaking the curse because Rhen is able to remember her despite the transformation—that said, it will be unclear what event actually breaks the curse later on.

Chapter 48 shows Harper’s worlds colliding. The arrival of the creditors forces Grey to transport not only Harper but also her brother and his boyfriend to Emberfall to save their lives. Harper’s latter chapters in this section and for the rest of the book represent how her brother in particular has to change his misconception of his sister and adjust how he views his loyalty to her. When the group first arrives in Emberfall, Harper’s brother is overprotective, not understanding who Harper is to the people or how much she has accomplished while here. Since he’s unfamiliar with the world and its politics, however, soon Harper is the one telling him to stand aside because he’s vulnerable, and he is listening to her because he doesn’t realize he can do more. Chapter 50 shows Harper and her brother starting to become a team of equals, as they will work together to stop Rhen.