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    Serpent & Dove

    by Mahurin, Shelby
    “Serpent & Dove” by Shelby Mahurin is a YA fantasy novel set in a French-inspired world where witches are hunted by the Church. The story follows Louise “Lou” le Blanc, a witch who has renounced magic and hides in the city of Cesarine, and Reid Diggory, a devout witch hunter. After a chance encounter forces them into an arranged marriage, their opposing loyalties and beliefs create tension. As Lou’s secrets threaten to unravel, the pair must navigate betrayal, forbidden romance, and a brewing war between witches and the Church. The novel explores themes of identity, prejudice, and the clash between duty and desire, blending fantasy, romance, and adventure.
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    Serpent & Dove

    A Question of Pride: Reid

    by Mahurin, Shelby

    The chap­ter opens with Reid and Lou shar­ing an uncom­fort­ably inti­mate night in a cramped dor­mi­to­ry bed. The ten­sion between them is pal­pa­ble as Lou strug­gles to sleep, her move­ments and prox­im­i­ty dri­ving Reid to dis­trac­tion. Despite his restraint, Reid reluc­tant­ly joins her in bed after she insists, their forced close­ness ignit­ing a mix of irri­ta­tion and unspo­ken attrac­tion. The awk­ward silence between them under­scores the unre­solved ten­sion, with Lou’s play­ful teas­ing and Reid’s guard­ed respons­es high­light­ing their com­pli­cat­ed dynam­ic.

    As the night pro­gress­es, Lou breaks the silence by ask­ing Reid about his past, shift­ing the tone from phys­i­cal ten­sion to emo­tion­al vul­ner­a­bil­i­ty. Reid reveals his trau­mat­ic childhood—abandoned as a baby and raised by the Arch­bish­op, who trained him to become a Chas­seur. His mat­ter-of-fact deliv­ery con­trasts with Lou’s hor­ri­fied reac­tion, empha­siz­ing his hard­ened exte­ri­or. The con­ver­sa­tion then turns to the rig­or­ous process of becom­ing a Chas­seur, includ­ing the com­pet­i­tive tour­na­ments for cov­et­ed Bal­is­ar­da swords. Lou’s sur­prise at Ansel’s sta­tus as an ini­ti­ate rather than a full Chas­seur leads to a brief dis­cus­sion about his open-mind­ed nature, which Reid dis­miss­es with defen­sive pride.

    The dia­logue deep­ens as Lou probes Reid about his past rival­ry with Jean Luc, whom he defeat­ed in a tour­na­ment to earn his posi­tion. Reid admits to the lin­ger­ing resent­ment between them, hint­ing at the per­son­al costs of his ambi­tion. Lou’s play­ful teas­ing about his arro­gance light­ens the mood momen­tar­i­ly, but the con­ver­sa­tion takes a dark­er turn when she asks about Célie, Reid’s for­mer lover. His abrupt defen­sive­ness and eva­sion sug­gest unre­solved guilt or con­flict, leav­ing Lou—and the reader—questioning the true nature of his past rela­tion­ships and vows.

    The chap­ter ends on a cliffhang­er as Lou press­es Reid about why he con­tin­ued his courtship with Célie despite his vows to the Chas­seurs, a ques­tion that vis­i­bly unset­tles him. His tense reac­tion and the abrupt cut­off in the text leave the con­fronta­tion unre­solved, fore­shad­ow­ing deep­er rev­e­la­tions about Reid’s loy­al­ties and per­son­al strug­gles. The inter­play of phys­i­cal ten­sion, emo­tion­al vul­ner­a­bil­i­ty, and unre­solved his­to­ry paints a vivid por­trait of Reid’s inter­nal con­flict and the grow­ing com­plex­i­ty of his rela­tion­ship with Lou.

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    FAQs

    • 1. How does the physical proximity between Reid and Lou create tension in this chapter, and what does this reveal about their relationship?

      Answer:
      The chapter vividly portrays the intense physical and emotional tension between Reid and Lou as they share a bed. Reid describes their closeness as “physically painful,” noting how Lou’s movements and breathing keep him acutely aware of her presence (page 297-298). Their forced intimacy—with half of Reid’s body pressed against Lou—becomes a metaphor for their growing attraction and emotional conflict. This tension reveals their suppressed desires: Reid struggles to control his thoughts when Lou’s breasts brush his arm (page 298), while Lou uses humor (“I don’t bite… much”) to mask her nervousness. Their inability to relax around each other underscores both their magnetic pull and the barriers (like Reid’s vows) that complicate their relationship.

      2. What significant revelations does Reid share about his past during this conversation, and how do these details shape our understanding of his character?

      Answer:
      Reid discloses two pivotal aspects of his background: his abandonment as an infant (“found in the garbage”) and his rigorous path to becoming a Chasseur (page 299). These revelations highlight his deep-seated need for belonging—first with the Archbishop who took him in, then within the Chasseur hierarchy. His description of the competitive tournament system (where he defeated Jean Luc at sixteen) demonstrates his determination and skill (page 300-301). Notably, his pride in overcoming stronger opponents contrasts with his vulnerability when discussing Célie (page 301), showing how his identity is rooted in professional achievements rather than personal connections. These details paint Reid as a self-made man who compensates for early abandonment through discipline and loyalty to the Chasseurs.

      3. Analyze the significance of Lou’s question about why Reid continued courting Célie after his vows. What does this line of questioning reveal about their dynamic?

      Answer:
      Lou’s probing question about Célie (page 301) serves multiple purposes: it challenges Reid’s adherence to Chasseur norms (noting no other wives in the Tower), exposes his hypocrisy, and tests his emotional honesty. Her persistence (“Why?”) forces Reid to confront contradictions between his vows and actions, making him defensive (“What do you mean why?”). This exchange reveals Lou’s role as a truth-teller in their relationship—unafraid to question Reid’s choices, unlike others who accept his authority unquestioned. Simultaneously, it highlights Reid’s internal conflict: his rigid principles (“It’s not a crime to have principles,” page 299) clash with his human desires, a tension Lou consistently brings to the surface through such challenges.

      4. How does the author use contrasting imagery and tone to depict the shift between Reid’s memories of his tournament victory and his current emotional state with Lou?

      Answer:
      The chapter employs stark contrasts in imagery and tone to juxtapose Reid’s past triumphs with his present vulnerability. His tournament memories are described with visceral, masculine energy—”the clang of steel and tang of sweat” (page 300)—evoking a tone of nostalgic pride. However, these vibrant memories “wither and die” (page 301) when Lou asks about Célie, shifting to a subdued, ceiling-staring introspection. Physical contrasts also abound: Reid’s former “growth spurt” and combat strength differ sharply from his current stiff, hesitant movements around Lou. This dichotomy emphasizes how Lou disrupts Reid’s controlled worldview, replacing the certainty of battle with the ambiguity of emotion. The author thus uses sensory-rich flashbacks to highlight how Lou’s presence unsettles Reid’s previously unshakable identity.

      5. Evaluate how Ansel’s character serves as a foil to both Reid and Lou in this chapter. What thematic purpose does this comparison serve?

      Answer:
      Ansel’s mention (page 299-300) creates a three-way contrast that underscores key themes. Unlike Reid—a disciplined Chasseur—Ansel is “tolerant” and “open-minded,” representing a middle ground between Reid’s rigidity and Lou’s rebelliousness. Lou’s surprise that Ansel isn’t yet a Chasseur (“Are you telling me Ansel beat out all the other contenders?”) highlights how Reid’s elite status isn’t easily attained, reinforcing the hierarchy theme. Meanwhile, Ansel’s pending tournament participation mirrors Reid’s past, inviting reflection on how institutions mold individuals. This foil arrangement critiques blind adherence to systems: while Reid embodies the Chasseurs’ ideals, Ansel’s unfinished journey suggests alternative paths, and Lou’s questioning (“Why continue your courtship?”) challenges the system’s contradictions—making Ansel a benchmark for growth potential in both main characters.

    Quotes

    • 1. “The tension in our room that night was physically painful.”

      This opening line immediately sets the charged atmosphere between Reid and Lou, capturing the unspoken attraction and emotional intensity that drives their interactions throughout the chapter.

      2. “I was abandoned. A maid found me in the garbage when I was a baby.”

      This vulnerable revelation about Reid’s origins provides crucial insight into his character, explaining his fierce loyalty to the Chasseurs and the Archbishop while highlighting the deep wounds beneath his disciplined exterior.

      3. “There are only one hundred Balisardas—one drop of St. Constantin’s relic in each. It limits the positions available.”

      This quote explains the sacred significance of the Chasseurs’ weapons and the competitive hierarchy within their ranks, underscoring the prestige Reid has earned and why his position defines him.

      4. “I battled Jean Luc in the championship… It made beating him even sweeter.”

      Reid’s admission about his rivalry with Jean Luc reveals his competitive pride and the complex relationships among the Chasseurs, while showing glimpses of his less rigid, more human side.

      5. “Why continue your courtship after you swore yourself to the Chasseurs?”

      Lou’s probing question challenges Reid’s contradictions—his devotion to the Chasseurs’ celibacy vows versus his lingering attachment to Célie—forcing him to confront unresolved tensions in his identity.

    Quotes

    1. “The tension in our room that night was physically painful.”

    This opening line immediately sets the charged atmosphere between Reid and Lou, capturing the unspoken attraction and emotional intensity that drives their interactions throughout the chapter.

    2. “I was abandoned. A maid found me in the garbage when I was a baby.”

    This vulnerable revelation about Reid’s origins provides crucial insight into his character, explaining his fierce loyalty to the Chasseurs and the Archbishop while highlighting the deep wounds beneath his disciplined exterior.

    3. “There are only one hundred Balisardas—one drop of St. Constantin’s relic in each. It limits the positions available.”

    This quote explains the sacred significance of the Chasseurs’ weapons and the competitive hierarchy within their ranks, underscoring the prestige Reid has earned and why his position defines him.

    4. “I battled Jean Luc in the championship… It made beating him even sweeter.”

    Reid’s admission about his rivalry with Jean Luc reveals his competitive pride and the complex relationships among the Chasseurs, while showing glimpses of his less rigid, more human side.

    5. “Why continue your courtship after you swore yourself to the Chasseurs?”

    Lou’s probing question challenges Reid’s contradictions—his devotion to the Chasseurs’ celibacy vows versus his lingering attachment to Célie—forcing him to confront unresolved tensions in his identity.

    FAQs

    1. How does the physical proximity between Reid and Lou create tension in this chapter, and what does this reveal about their relationship?

    Answer:
    The chapter vividly portrays the intense physical and emotional tension between Reid and Lou as they share a bed. Reid describes their closeness as “physically painful,” noting how Lou’s movements and breathing keep him acutely aware of her presence (page 297-298). Their forced intimacy—with half of Reid’s body pressed against Lou—becomes a metaphor for their growing attraction and emotional conflict. This tension reveals their suppressed desires: Reid struggles to control his thoughts when Lou’s breasts brush his arm (page 298), while Lou uses humor (“I don’t bite… much”) to mask her nervousness. Their inability to relax around each other underscores both their magnetic pull and the barriers (like Reid’s vows) that complicate their relationship.

    2. What significant revelations does Reid share about his past during this conversation, and how do these details shape our understanding of his character?

    Answer:
    Reid discloses two pivotal aspects of his background: his abandonment as an infant (“found in the garbage”) and his rigorous path to becoming a Chasseur (page 299). These revelations highlight his deep-seated need for belonging—first with the Archbishop who took him in, then within the Chasseur hierarchy. His description of the competitive tournament system (where he defeated Jean Luc at sixteen) demonstrates his determination and skill (page 300-301). Notably, his pride in overcoming stronger opponents contrasts with his vulnerability when discussing Célie (page 301), showing how his identity is rooted in professional achievements rather than personal connections. These details paint Reid as a self-made man who compensates for early abandonment through discipline and loyalty to the Chasseurs.

    3. Analyze the significance of Lou’s question about why Reid continued courting Célie after his vows. What does this line of questioning reveal about their dynamic?

    Answer:
    Lou’s probing question about Célie (page 301) serves multiple purposes: it challenges Reid’s adherence to Chasseur norms (noting no other wives in the Tower), exposes his hypocrisy, and tests his emotional honesty. Her persistence (“Why?”) forces Reid to confront contradictions between his vows and actions, making him defensive (“What do you mean why?”). This exchange reveals Lou’s role as a truth-teller in their relationship—unafraid to question Reid’s choices, unlike others who accept his authority unquestioned. Simultaneously, it highlights Reid’s internal conflict: his rigid principles (“It’s not a crime to have principles,” page 299) clash with his human desires, a tension Lou consistently brings to the surface through such challenges.

    4. How does the author use contrasting imagery and tone to depict the shift between Reid’s memories of his tournament victory and his current emotional state with Lou?

    Answer:
    The chapter employs stark contrasts in imagery and tone to juxtapose Reid’s past triumphs with his present vulnerability. His tournament memories are described with visceral, masculine energy—”the clang of steel and tang of sweat” (page 300)—evoking a tone of nostalgic pride. However, these vibrant memories “wither and die” (page 301) when Lou asks about Célie, shifting to a subdued, ceiling-staring introspection. Physical contrasts also abound: Reid’s former “growth spurt” and combat strength differ sharply from his current stiff, hesitant movements around Lou. This dichotomy emphasizes how Lou disrupts Reid’s controlled worldview, replacing the certainty of battle with the ambiguity of emotion. The author thus uses sensory-rich flashbacks to highlight how Lou’s presence unsettles Reid’s previously unshakable identity.

    5. Evaluate how Ansel’s character serves as a foil to both Reid and Lou in this chapter. What thematic purpose does this comparison serve?

    Answer:
    Ansel’s mention (page 299-300) creates a three-way contrast that underscores key themes. Unlike Reid—a disciplined Chasseur—Ansel is “tolerant” and “open-minded,” representing a middle ground between Reid’s rigidity and Lou’s rebelliousness. Lou’s surprise that Ansel isn’t yet a Chasseur (“Are you telling me Ansel beat out all the other contenders?”) highlights how Reid’s elite status isn’t easily attained, reinforcing the hierarchy theme. Meanwhile, Ansel’s pending tournament participation mirrors Reid’s past, inviting reflection on how institutions mold individuals. This foil arrangement critiques blind adherence to systems: while Reid embodies the Chasseurs’ ideals, Ansel’s unfinished journey suggests alternative paths, and Lou’s questioning (“Why continue your courtship?”) challenges the system’s contradictions—making Ansel a benchmark for growth potential in both main characters.

    Note