Chapter 38 – Chapter 36: The Soul Mate Bond and a Coven Summons
⚠️ 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
Selene reads the Peel Academy document and learns she is a soul mate—an amorous supernatural bonded through an unbreakable magical connection. Panicked, she looks up the definition in a magic reference book. Her distress is interrupted by a phone call from Officer Howahkan of the Politia, who asks to examine her notebooks to solidify her alibi for the recent murders. After the call, Selene focuses on the magical river that connects her to Memnon, sends a message through their bond, and admits she believes him. Memnon responds with hope and tries to come over, but Selene asks him to wait until tomorrow. The next morning, she finds a summons from the high priestess of Henbane Coven. She descends into the priestess's subterranean chamber, where the crone questions her about the murders, reveals she knows about Selene's magical affinities for water, stone, and the moon, and discloses that Selene is a soul mate. The high priestess also notes that the lycanthropes want to speak with Selene and hold her in high esteem. Selene agrees to meet the wolves, and the high priestess warns that she will be watched.
Key Events
- Selene reads the official document confirming she is a soul mate.
- She looks up the definition in a book: an unbreakable magical connection.
- Officer Howahkan calls to request her notebooks for alibi verification.
- Selene uses the magical bond to send a message to Memnon, admitting she believes they are soul mates.
- Memnon responds with hope, but Selene postpones his visit to the next day.
- The next morning, a summons from the high priestess of Henbane Coven arrives.
- Selene meets the high priestess in an underground chamber.
- The high priestess questions Selene about the murders, her magical aptitudes, and her soul mate status.
- The high priestess reveals that the lycanthropes want to speak with Selene and think well of her.
- Selene agrees to speak with the wolves; the high priestess says she will be watched.
Character Development
Selene Bowers
Selene moves from denial to tentative acceptance of the soul mate bond. She actively uses the magical connection for the first time, communicating her belief to Memnon. Facing the high priestess, she shows resolve by insisting on her innocence and agreeing to meet the wolves, even though she feels under suspicion. Her decision to ask for space indicates she is trying to process her emotions rather than avoid them.
Memnon
Though not physically present, Memnon's emotional state comes through the bond: hope, triumph, and a hint of regret. He respects Selene's request for space after initially wanting to come over immediately, showing restraint and consideration.
High Priestess of Henbane Coven
The high priestess is introduced as a perceptive, powerful crone with earth-based magic. She knows more about Selene than Selene knows about herself, including her magical affinities and her soul mate status. She seems neutral but watchful, acting as an authority figure who tests Selene's character.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Identity and Self-Discovery
Selene is confronted with a second identity—soul mate—on top of her known identity as a witch. This challenges her understanding of who she is and complicates her life goals.
Trust and Suspicion
Multiple authorities (Politia, high priestess) suspect Selene of murder. The chapter explores the tension between being innocent and being perceived as guilty, especially when one's own memory is unreliable.
Magical Connection
The soul mate bond is represented as a “magical river” that allows emotional and telepathic communication. It becomes a literal channel for trust and vulnerability between Selene and Memnon.
Power and Authority
The high priestess’s underground chamber, her white raven, and her ability to compel obedience without a spell underscore the theme of power rooted in ancient, elemental magic. Coven hierarchy shapes Selene’s next steps.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter confirms the central romantic premise: Selene and Memnon are soul mates. It also deepens the murder mystery subplot by involving the Politia’s alibi investigation and the high priestess’s scrutiny. The introduction of the high priestess expands the world of Henbane Coven and sets up future interactions with the lycanthropes. Selene’s active use of the bond marks a turning point in her relationship with Memnon.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Selene ask Memnon to wait until tomorrow to come over, and what does this reveal about her emotional state?
She is still processing the revelation that she is a soul mate and feels her head is a mess. Asking for space shows she needs time to sort through her feelings before facing him, especially after their intimate encounter.
2. How does the high priestess know about Selene’s magical affinities and her soul mate status?
The high priestess is a powerful witch with deep magical perception. She can sense that Selene is drawn to water, stone, and the moon, and she apparently has access to the same document or other coven intelligence that revealed Selene’s soul mate classification.
3. What is the significance of the lycanthropes wanting to speak with Selene?
The high priestess notes that the lycanthropes hold Selene in high esteem and do not believe she is a murderess. This suggests the wolves may become allies or have information that could help clear her name, adding a new faction to the mystery.