Chapter 37 (Chapter 26): The Massacre in Stonehill
⚠️ 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
Poppy, Casteel, Kieran, and their companions discover an entire village in Stonehill where every family has been murdered. Each victim died by their own hand, clutching the weapon, and all wear a serene smile—the work of Kolis’s compulsion. Poppy recalls that during her stasis, Kolis trapped her in a cage and tried to make her let him into her mind, forcing her to relive painful memories. She refused, but his blood bond with her allowed him partial access anyway. Casteel explains that such compulsion works easily on mortals and children; Poppy realizes it can also affect wolven and Revenants, though Millicent is different. While examining the bodies, Poppy forgives Malik for his past betrayals, acknowledging he acted to protect Millicent. She also notices the ruins of the Descenters’ homes where Isbeth killed Clariza and Blaz—an act that mirrors Kolis’s message of cruelty. As they prepare to leave, the victims’ bodies begin to show gray decay and muscle twitching. The little girl’s eyes snap open, hinting at an unnatural transformation beyond ordinary death.
Key Events
- Poppy and the group investigate multiple homes where entire families have been compelled to kill themselves.
- Poppy recounts her stasis experience: being in a cage while Kolis used compulsion to try to break her will.
- Casteel and Kieran confirm this matches Attes’s description of Kolis’s ability to root out fears and force relived pain.
- Poppy learns that Kolis’s compulsion works on mortals, children, wolven, and Revenants—but Millicent may be immune.
- Poppy forgives Malik for his actions during Isbeth’s reign, saying she understands he did it for Millicent.
- Malik hints that there is tension between Casteel and Kieran, something Poppy has also noticed.
- Poppy recognizes the area as where the Descenters’ homes were destroyed; she suspects Callum told Kolis of their connection.
- The bodies begin to show gray skin, blackened wounds, and involuntary twitching—symptoms unlike Craven transformation.
- The little girl’s eyes suddenly open, leaving the group stunned and uncertain of what is coming next.
Character Development
Poppy demonstrates growth by actively facing the horror of Kolis’s massacre instead of shielding herself. She takes responsibility for her past stasis trauma, openly discussing the cage and the compulsion attempt. Her decision to forgive Malik shows her capacity for empathy and understanding, even toward someone who once planned to kill her. She also resolves not to let her anger consume her, vowing to channel it at Kolis rather than innocent people.
Malik remains guarded but reveals vulnerability when Poppy forgives him. He admits she has a “soft heart,” suggesting he struggles to accept her kindness. His observation of the rift between Casteel and Kieran indicates he is perceptive and not entirely focused on his own pain.
Casteel is protective but also respects Poppy’s autonomy when she insists on viewing the bodies. He admits the massacre reminds him of his own tactics as the Dark One, showing self-awareness. His ongoing silent communication with Kieran hints at unresolved conflict.
Kieran is quieter than usual, and Malik’s comment confirms something is wrong between him and Casteel. Kieran’s attempt to rationalize the body twitching as muscle spasms reflects his desire to find logical explanations, even when faced with the supernatural.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Compulsion as violation: Kolis’s ability to force people to kill themselves and relive trauma underscores the theme of psychological violation. Poppy’s stasis memory shows that even a god can be broken from within.
Message through cruelty: Both Isbeth and Kolis use senseless violence to provoke or unsettle their enemies. The massacre of children echoes earlier acts of power display, emphasizing that the antagonists understand fear as a weapon.
Decay and unnatural transformation: The gray skin and blackening wounds on the victims suggest something beyond ordinary death or Cravens. This foreshadows a new type of threat—perhaps Kolis’s will altering the dead.
Forgiveness as strength: Poppy’s choice to forgive Malik, despite his betrayals, contrasts with the endless grudges held by other characters. It reflects her belief that people can change and that understanding the reasons for someone’s actions matters.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter escalates the stakes by demonstrating Kolis’s reach and power. He can strike anywhere, even without being physically present, using compulsion to wipe out entire communities. The graphic depiction of the massacre deepens the sense of urgency for Poppy and her allies. Additionally, the strange bodily changes in the victims introduce a new mystery that may connect to Kolis’s eventual plans—whether he is creating an army of undead or experimenting with a different form of corruption. Poppy’s forgiveness of Malik also clears the air for potential future cooperation, while the hinted tension between Casteel and Kieran adds interpersonal conflict that could affect their unity against the Primal of Blood and Bone.
Study Questions
1. Why does Poppy choose to forgive Malik, and what does this reveal about her character?
She forgives him because she understands he acted to protect Millicent and did what he had to do to survive Isbeth. It shows Poppy’s capacity for empathy and her belief that redemption is possible, even for those who have done terrible things.
2. What is the significance of the victims’ bodies beginning to twitch and change color after death?
It suggests that Kolis’s compulsion may have lingering effects beyond death, possibly transforming the victims into something new—neither Craven nor mortal. This could indicate he is testing a method to raise or corrupt the dead, making the discovery of this village even more ominous.
3. How does Casteel’s past as the Dark One inform his reaction to the massacre?
He admits that he used similar small-scale attacks to unsettle his enemies and remind them the rebellion was still active. This parallel makes him recognize Kolis’s tactic immediately, but also forces him to confront the moral weight of his own history, which adds depth to his character.