Blood & Honey
A Necessary Evil: Reid
by Mahurin, ShelbyThe chapter opens with a tense atmosphere as Reid and his companions navigate dark tunnels, acutely aware of the disappearances of their allies, including Lou and Célie. The group suspects Morgane’s involvement, with Coco asserting that finding Morgane will lead them to the missing members. The tension is palpable, with Blaise partially shifted and on high alert, while Reid grapples with the weight of their situation. The group’s fear of Morgane’s cruelty is evident, underscoring the urgency of their mission and the danger they face.
Reid’s internal conflict comes to the forefront as he returns Jean Luc’s Balisarda, symbolically shedding his identity as a huntsman. He admits to being a witch and confesses to killing the Archbishop, though he refuses to justify his actions. Jean Luc’s reaction is a mix of betrayal and reluctant acceptance, revealing the fractured trust between them. Reid’s honesty marks a turning point, as he acknowledges their changed relationship and proposes a temporary alliance to defeat Morgane, despite their past grievances.
The emotional core of the chapter revolves around Reid’s apology to Jean Luc for unknowingly causing him pain, particularly regarding Célie. Reid expresses genuine remorse, though he recognizes that some wounds cannot be undone. Jean Luc’s subtle nod signifies a tentative step toward reconciliation, though their bond remains strained. This moment of vulnerability contrasts with the looming threat, highlighting the complexity of their relationship amid the chaos.
The chapter culminates in a sudden confrontation with Chasseurs led by Philippe, who view Reid as an enemy. Jean Luc’s unexpected defense of Reid and his declaration of new orders—to prioritize killing Morgane—creates tension among the Chasseurs. The phrase “a necessary evil” encapsulates the uneasy alliance forming between Reid and Jean Luc, as both set aside their differences for a greater goal. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, leaving their fate uncertain as danger closes in.
FAQs
1. How does the author use sensory details to create tension in the tunnel scenes?
Answer:
The author builds tension through vivid sensory descriptions that heighten the characters’ anxiety. The disappearances become “a presence of its own” that hangs over them “like a rope,” with small noises like Beau kicking a pebble making Jean Luc tense. Blaise’s half-shifted state with glowing eyes emphasizes heightened alertness, while the inability to scent the missing characters adds supernatural unease. These details create a claustrophobic atmosphere where every sound and movement feels threatening, mirroring the group’s psychological strain as they navigate both physical darkness and the looming threat of Morgane.2. Analyze the significance of Reid returning Jean Luc’s Balisarda. What does this reveal about their evolving relationship?
Answer:
Reid’s gesture symbolizes both acceptance of his new identity and an olive branch to Jean Luc. By stating “I’m not a huntsman anymore,” Reid acknowledges his witch nature while relinquishing the weapon that represented their shared past as Chasseurs. Jean Luc’s shocked reaction (“Why would you give this back to me?”) underscores the weapon’s emotional weight. The exchange marks a turning point—Reid sheds his former role with a “light” feeling, while Jean Luc must confront his conflicted loyalty. Their subsequent conversation about magic and the Archbishop reveals painful truths, but Reid’s apology regarding Célie and Jean Luc’s eventual nod suggest cautious potential for reconciliation amid changed circumstances.3. How does the chapter portray the theme of necessary evil through character dynamics?
Answer:
The theme crystallizes in Jean Luc’s declaration to the Chasseurs: Reid and the witches become “a necessary evil” in fighting Morgane. This reflects moral pragmatism—Jean Luc must ally with former enemies (Reid, whom he now knows is a witch) against a greater threat. Earlier, Coco justifies this alliance by insisting Morgane’s involvement means “this doesn’t end with Célie and Lou.” The chapter contrasts absolute morality (Philippe viewing Reid as purely “our enemy”) with situational ethics, showing how crisis forces characters to reevaluate alliances. Even Blaise’s protective instincts toward Lou and Reid’s truthful confession demonstrate how perceived evils become necessary for survival.4. What internal conflicts do Reid and Jean Luc grapple with in this chapter, and how do they differ?
Answer:
Reid’s conflict centers on embracing his witch identity while reconciling with his past. His confession (“I am a witch, and I killed our forefather”) shows acceptance, contrasted with Jean Luc’s hope for denial. Jean Luc struggles with betrayal and grief—his questions about enchantment reveal deep suspicion, yet his memory of their friendship (“the boy who’d punched Julien”) shows lingering care. Their differences emerge in how they process truth: Reid finds liberation in honesty (“I felt lighter with each word”), while Jean Luc cycles through anger, resignation, and reluctant pragmatism. Ultimately, Reid seeks closure, whereas Jean Luc battles cognitive dissonance between duty and personal bonds.5. How does the chapter use dialogue to reveal character traits and power shifts?
Answer:
Sharp exchanges expose personality and changing hierarchies. Coco’s venomous description of Morgane (“hackneyed bitch”) showcases her fiery loyalty, while Beau’s irreverent quip about claws adds levity, revealing his role as tension-breaker. Reid’s blunt admission (“I won’t explain myself”) demonstrates newfound confidence versus Jean Luc’s hesitant questioning. Philippe’s aggressive challenge (“He is our enemy”) contrasts with Jean Luc’s authoritative redirection of the Chasseurs, marking a leadership shift. Most telling is Reid and Jean Luc’s stilted dialogue—short sentences, loaded pauses, and Reid’s raw apology (“I never knew about Célie”)—which replaces their former camaraderie with painful honesty and fragile truce.
Quotes
1. “The others’ disappearances became a presence of its own. It hung over us like a rope, tightening with each small noise.”
This opening line powerfully sets the tense atmosphere of the chapter, illustrating how absence can feel oppressive and how fear manifests in heightened awareness. It establishes the psychological stakes for the characters.
2. “I’m not a huntsman anymore… I am a witch, and I killed our forefather. The Archbishop didn’t deserve it, but he also wasn’t the man we thought he was.”
This pivotal confession represents Reid’s moment of truth and transformation, where he fully embraces his identity while grappling with moral complexity. It marks a turning point in his relationship with Jean Luc and his understanding of his past.
3. “We’ll never be what we were. But here, now, I’m not asking for your friendship. Morgane is near, and together—regardless of our past—we have a real chance to finish her.”
This quote captures the chapter’s theme of uneasy alliances and personal growth. Reid acknowledges the irreversible changes in their relationship while focusing on the greater threat, showing his evolving priorities and leadership.
4. “A necessary evil… We have new orders, men. Morgane is here. We find her, and we kill her.”
Jean Luc’s concluding statement encapsulates the chapter’s central conflict - the moral compromises required to face greater threats. The phrase “necessary evil” becomes a thematic anchor for the shifting alliances and moral ambiguity of the situation.