Chapter 46 Summary: Any Way the Wind Blows
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Simon gets out of the shower and finds Baz lying on his bed in pyjamas. Simon reflects that their relationship felt easier when they were reacting to immediate threats, like the Mage or finding Baz’s mother’s killer. Now, with less danger, Simon worries he might not know how to maintain a normal relationship. Baz offers to sleep on the floor to avoid making Simon uncomfortable, but Simon insists he stay. They argue about trust: Baz questions whether Simon truly wants him there, and Simon admits he is always “holding on by a thread.” Baz shares his insecurity, and Simon finds it ironic given Baz’s usual arrogance. They agree to wait for the next revival meeting, though Baz remains suspicious of Smith-Richards. Baz suggests they update Lady Salisbury for another opinion. The chapter ends with Simon grinning at the simple pleasure of having Baz beside him.
Key Events
- Simon exits the shower to find Baz already in bed, wearing pyjamas.
- Simon internally compares the ease of their relationship during crises to the uncertainty now.
- Baz offers to sleep on the floor, but Simon refuses.
- A tense conversation reveals Baz’s insecurity about Simon’s true feelings.
- Simon admits he is always “holding on by a thread” and that his decisions are easier when forced.
- They discuss Smith-Richards: Baz cites his white teeth and earnestness as suspicious; Simon defends him.
- Baz proposes they contact Lady Salisbury (Ruth) for her perspective, noting Penelope is still angry at Simon.
- Simon agrees and physically pulls Baz closer; they end the conversation with Simon feeling content.
Character Development
Simon shows self-awareness about his coping mechanisms. He realises he has only moved forward with Baz because fear of losing him acted like a “knife at his throat.” This insight suggests growth, though he remains uncertain how to act without external pressure. His willingness to be vulnerable—admitting he is always barely holding on—deepens his emotional honesty.
Baz reveals a surprising layer of insecurity. He worries he is making Simon uncomfortable and questions if Simon truly wants him there. This vulnerability contrasts with his usual arrogance, a contradiction Simon finds amusing. Baz’s lingering suspicion of Smith-Richards also shows his protective instincts and distrust of anyone who seems “too earnest.”
Their relationship evolves as they learn to navigate domestic intimacy. The physical closeness—Baz’s fingers twining Simon’s tail, Simon hooking an arm around Baz—underscores their growing comfort with each other, even as they argue.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Trust vs. Suspicion – The central tension in the chapter mirrors Simon’s internal conflict: he trusts Baz enough to keep him close, yet he questions his own ability to maintain the relationship without danger. Baz, in turn, distrusts Smith-Richards, while Simon is more inclined to believe in his good intentions.
Insecurity and Arrogance – Baz’s admission that insecurity and arrogance “run on different tracks” highlights the complexity of his character. Simon’s laughter at the idea reinforces how unfamiliar Baz’s self‑doubt is to him.
Crisis as Catalyst – Simon’s reflection that decisions are easier “when your back’s against the wall” suggests that extreme circumstances have driven their relationship forward. Without that pressure, Simon fears he might falter—a motif that echoes throughout the series.
The Symbolism of the Tail – Baz’s habit of playing with Simon’s tail (twisting it through his fingers) serves as a tactile symbol of connection and familiarity, bridging the physical and emotional intimacy they are building.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 46 provides a crucial shift in Simon and Baz’s dynamic. For the first time, they openly discuss the sustainability of their relationship outside of life‑or‑death situations. Simon’s fear that he can only act under threat and Baz’s insecurity about being wanted both set up character arcs that must be resolved in the final chapters. Additionally, the ongoing debate about Smith-Richards keeps the plot tension alive, while the decision to consult Lady Salisbury ensures other characters remain involved in the investigation.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Simon think their relationship was easier at the beginning?
Simon believes that when his back was against the wall—dealing with the Mage, the visitations, and finding out who killed Baz’s mother—he could act without overthinking. Now that the immediate dangers have passed, he worries he does not know how to be in a normal relationship.
2. How does Baz show vulnerability in this chapter?
Baz asks Simon if he is sure he wants him there, offers to sleep on the floor, and admits he is “not really built for this.” He also confesses his insecurity, which surprises Simon because Baz is usually so arrogant.
3. What do Simon and Baz decide to do about Smith-Richards?
They agree to wait for the next revival meeting, but Baz remains suspicious. To get another perspective, they plan to update Lady Salisbury (Ruth) rather than rely on Penelope, who is still angry at Simon.