Gods & Monsters
Confessional
by Mahurin, ShelbyIn this emotionally charged chapter, Reid and Lou share an intimate and desperate moment, aware that their time together may be fleeting. Reid is deeply moved by Lou’s vulnerability, vowing to protect and cherish her despite the looming threat of death. Their connection is portrayed as sacred and all-consuming, with Reid willing to kiss away her tears and stand by her side unconditionally. Lou’s whispered words, “Where you go, I will go,” resonate with him, reinforcing their bond as something profound and unbreakable, even in the face of impending doom.
The tension between them escalates as they confess their love, with Lou revealing her fear of being separated in the afterlife due to their opposing identities—a witch and a witch hunter. Reid reassures her with a promise to find her again, no matter what. Their physical intimacy becomes a refuge from their dire circumstances, a way to savor their last moments together. The urgency of their situation contrasts with the slow, deliberate way they explore each other, as if memorizing every detail.
As their passion unfolds, Reid is momentarily distracted by a fleeting memory—a cryptic phrase about summoning—that causes him sharp pain. Lou’s concern is palpable, but Reid dismisses it, focusing instead on their present connection. Their lovemaking is both tender and desperate, a blend of longing and defiance against the hunters outside. Lou’s bold declaration, “Let them,” underscores their refusal to be cowed by fear, even as they teeter on the brink of catastrophe.
The chapter closes with a quiet, exhausted aftermath. Lou, drained and unable to move, clings to Reid as he helps her dress and urges her to rest. Despite the hopelessness of their situation, Lou clings to the slim hope of rescue, while Reid remains vigilant, promising to watch over her. Their embrace is a poignant reminder of their love’s resilience, even as darkness looms. The chapter masterfully balances passion, vulnerability, and the stark reality of their perilous fate.
FAQs
1. How does Reid demonstrate his devotion to Lou in this chapter, and what literary techniques does the author use to emphasize this theme?
Answer:
Reid demonstrates his devotion through both words and actions. He thinks, “I’d do anything she asked,” and physically comforts her by kissing away her tears and making love to her despite their dire circumstances. The author uses visceral language (“visceral and raw and pure”) and religious imagery (“sacred,” “like a prayer”) to elevate their connection beyond physical attraction. Reid’s promise to find Lou even in the afterlife (“I’ll find you again, Lou”) and his careful attention to her emotional state show a profound, selfless commitment. The repeated use of tactile descriptions (kisses, touches, holding) reinforces the intensity of their bond.2. Analyze the significance of Lou’s scar and her confession about Modraniht. How do these elements deepen the story’s conflict?
Answer:
Lou’s scar symbolizes both her trauma (her mother’s betrayal) and the ideological divide between her and Reid, as she references the impossibility of a witch and witch hunter being together in the afterlife. Her confession reveals lingering vulnerability beneath her defiance, adding emotional weight to their union. The reference to Modraniht (a pagan festival) contrasts with Reid’s earlier religious rigidity, highlighting how their love transcends societal divisions. This moment also foreshadows mortality, as their impending execution (“we’d both burn at sunset”) raises stakes—their physical intimacy becomes an act of defiance against time and persecution.3. How does the tension between urgency and intimacy manifest in this chapter, and what effect does it create?
Answer:
The chapter juxtaposes looming danger (“huntsmen patrolling outside,” “sun setting”) with deliberate slowness in their lovemaking (“savor her,” “leisurely”). This contrast heightens emotional intensity—their actions feel stolen and precious, amplifying the “quiet desperation” noted in the text. Reid’s warning (“Shh. They’ll hear”) clashes with Lou’s defiance (“Let them”), showcasing how intimacy becomes both comfort and rebellion. The pacing mirrors their psychological state: though time is short, they prioritize connection over survival, making their devotion more poignant. The effect is a bittersweet tone, where passion is underscored by impending loss.4. Interpret the symbolic meaning of the “gold winking” in Reid’s periphery and the memory fragment he recalls. How might this relate to broader themes?
Answer:
The fleeting gold light and memory fragment (“It heeds those who summon it”) suggest Reid’s suppressed magical connection resurfacing, hinting at his latent power or past knowledge. This moment parallels Lou’s earlier confession—both experience visceral, half-remembered truths during physical closeness, implying their bond transcends the present. The gold may symbolize divinity or magic, contrasting with the “burn at sunset” imagery (fire as punishment). This ties to themes of forbidden knowledge and identity: Reid’s pain mirrors his internal conflict between his witch hunter upbringing and his love for Lou, a witch. The fragment could foreshadow his role in breaking cyclical violence.5. Evaluate how the chapter’s setting (a barred cell) influences the characters’ interactions and the chapter’s mood.
Answer:
The cell’s confinement amplifies intimacy and desperation. Physical barriers (“bars on the floor”) contrast with emotional vulnerability, as Lou bares her scar and Reid relinquishes control (“pinned my hands”). The space forces raw honesty—confessions arise naturally amid limited time and privacy. The cell also symbolizes their societal imprisonment (witch/witch hunter divide), making their union transgressive. Practical details (muffling sounds, urgency to dress) ground the scene in tension, while the barred environment paradoxically offers freedom in secrecy—they behave more authentically here than in the outside world. The mood oscillates between tenderness and dread, as the cell is both sanctuary and execution chamber.
Quotes
1. “If kissing her would stop another tear from falling, I’d kiss her a thousand times. If we survived the night, I’d kiss away every tear for the rest of her life.”
This quote captures Reid’s deep devotion and willingness to sacrifice everything for Lou. It sets the emotional tone for the chapter, emphasizing the intensity of their connection despite their dire circumstances.
2. “What I felt for Lou was visceral and raw and pure. It would consume me, if I let it. Consume us both.”
Here, Reid acknowledges the overwhelming and transformative power of their love, framing it as something sacred and dangerous. This reflects the central tension of their relationship—passion that borders on self-destruction.
3. “I’ll find you again, Lou… Though I’d lost our past, I refused to lose our future too. Even death wouldn’t take it from me.”
This vow represents both a confession and a promise, highlighting Reid’s determination to transcend their doomed circumstances. It underscores the chapter’s themes of fate, memory, and enduring love beyond mortal limits.
4. “You called me your heathen… You still are.”
Lou’s playful yet profound claim and Reid’s affirmation encapsulate their complicated dynamic—opposites bound by irresistible attraction. This exchange distills their relationship’s central paradox: devotion that defies societal and supernatural boundaries.
5. “It heeds those who summon it.”
This fragmented memory resurfaces mysteriously, hinting at deeper lore and Reid’s hidden past. As the chapter’s final revelation, it creates narrative tension while suggesting there are greater forces at work in their story.