Chapter 5 – Treason begins with a sense of calculated betrayal, as von Horn’s internal loyalties shift entirely toward his personal ambitions. No longer seeing himself as a mere assistant, he targets Virginia Maxon with manipulative concern, suggesting her father has lost touch with sanity. Her growing curiosity toward Number Thirteen unsettles him deeply, especially when she expresses admiration for the being who once saved her life. This emotional distance between them fuels von Horn’s resentment and plants the seed of a disturbing plan. He presents a grim truth to Virginia: her father’s experiments have birthed monsters, and she is being groomed to marry one. The revelation shocks her, creating a fracture in her trust toward her father, even as von Horn pretends to shield her from further horror. His objective is clear—position himself as her only safe option.

Meanwhile, Bududreen, driven by a mix of superstition and avarice, begins plotting mutiny among the crew. He notices the unease among the lascars, who whisper about cursed beasts and unnatural shadows in the jungle. Von Horn seizes this growing fear, manipulating Bududreen with promises of riches and freedom from the haunted island. The chest aboard the Ithaca becomes their shared goal, symbolizing not just material wealth but also escape from the escalating chaos. Von Horn cleverly weaves a lie to Professor Maxon, suggesting long walks with Number Thirteen as therapeutic. In truth, he poisons the creature’s self-perception with seeds of doubt, convincing him that he is an abomination without a soul. The manipulation draws Number Thirteen into silent conflict, confused by his feelings for Virginia and his unclear purpose.

Virginia, still reeling from her conversation with von Horn, becomes more withdrawn. Her mind swirls with disbelief—was her father truly planning to bind her to an artificial man? Despite her confusion, a part of her resists von Horn’s version of the story. Number Thirteen, in his own turmoil, begins to reflect on what it means to be human. Though told he was created, not born, his capacity for thought, affection, and restraint hints at something greater. Von Horn, however, continues to pull strings from every angle. He positions himself as savior to both Virginia and Number Thirteen while undermining them both behind closed doors.

As the sun sets, final preparations for escape are underway. Bududreen’s confidence grows as the crew falls in line, ready to abandon the island and its twisted master. Von Horn plans to snatch Virginia and sail away under the cover of night, leaving Professor Maxon to the chaos he helped unleash. Yet, doubt flickers within him. He recognizes Number Thirteen’s strength and instincts—traits that no simple creature should possess. This makes him dangerous. Still, von Horn believes the young man’s emotional confusion is a weakness he can exploit. He tells himself the end—freedom, wealth, and Virginia—justifies any means.

On the outskirts of the camp, Number Thirteen wanders alone, haunted by questions he never asked before. Can something artificial feel pain? Love? Betrayal? The jungle around him is dense and alive, but the real wilderness is the one unfolding within. Each step away from the compound feels like a break from obedience, a step toward self-determination. His memory is short, but his instincts are powerful, and something inside him begins to reject von Horn’s words. Trust is difficult, especially when the only people he knows view him as property or mistake. And yet, he can still recall the warmth in Virginia’s eyes.

Back in the main hut, Professor Maxon grows increasingly isolated, consumed by his experiments and the burden of moral compromise. He senses that things are spiraling out of control but can no longer see the full extent of the danger. Von Horn continues to play the role of loyal assistant, disguising his betrayal beneath polite conversation and false reassurances. The night arrives silently, cloaking every movement in shadows. The stage is set, alliances made, and intentions clear. Each character now stands at the edge of their own moral boundary, poised to act in ways that may never be undone.

This chapter unravels the fragile web of trust built so far, revealing how ambition, manipulation, and fear can corrupt even the most noble-seeming missions. The questions surrounding Number Thirteen’s humanity, von Horn’s jealousy, and Virginia’s growing awareness of her peril deepen the story’s psychological stakes. By the end, the reader is left questioning not just who the real monsters are—but what it truly means to be human.