Chapter 37 (Chapter 35) Summary: The Crossroads Revealed
⚠️ 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
After Miranda is removed from the roof, Alice and William rush to Bree while Valec releases Sel. Bree explains that Sel has been using mesmer on her since the plane, hiding his descent in an illusion. William and Alice react with shock and fury. Sel apologizes, but Bree turns away. Valec redirects the group to the business at hand, revealing the bar's name "Crossroads" refers to blues folklore where a musician meets the devil. Valec describes himself as a broker who facilitates deals between humans and demons, exchanging talents or powers for "fair payment." He denies being the devil but admits to working with greater demons. The group follows Valec to the lower level, where they encounter a woman smoking aether from a pipe. Valec knocks on Lucille's door, interrupting her session. Lucille, a Black woman with gray braids, reveals she is Valec's great-niece seven times over, and Valec is a 205-year-old balanced cambion. Lucille demands to know why Valec brought "children" to her. He explains that she asked him to bring any Rootcrafter he finds. Bree is shocked because she never told Valec she practices rootcraft. Lucille says she felt Bree's power earlier. Inside the room, Mariah is pouring tea, surprising everyone.
Key Events
- Bree reveals Sel's mesmer to Alice and William.
- Sel apologizes; Bree refuses to accept it.
- Valec explains the Crossroads bar's name and his role as a broker for demon deals.
- Valec admits he is 205 years old and a balanced cambion.
- Lucille is introduced as Valec's great-niece and a Rootcrafter.
- Lucille confirms she sensed Bree's Rootcraft power from earlier.
- Mariah is discovered inside Lucille's room.
Character Development
Bree moves from raw hurt to guarded composure. She publicly names Sel's betrayal, showing she will no longer tolerate magical manipulation. Her quick pivot to business mode demonstrates resilience and a need for control.
Selwyn Kane appears genuinely remorseful, but his apology is met with collective distrust. His flinch at Alice's anger shows the weight of his actions. His attempt to explain the blues folklore reveals his intellectual side, but his usual arrogance is subdued.
William and Alice become Bree's fierce defenders. William's protective instinct—turning Bree's face to check for tears—and his low, angry tone toward Sel underscore his loyalty. Alice's verbal attack on Sel reinforces her role as Bree's blunt ally.
Valec oscillates between whimsical and menacing. His pride in his age and power clashes with his sensitive reaction to being called old. His description of his work as "scum" yet "not murder" suggests a moral code, however twisted.
Lucille projects authority and irritation. She dismisses Valec's intrusion but quickly shifts to interest in Bree, recognizing her power. Her role as a Rootcrafter hints at a deeper magical tradition beyond the Order.
Mariah's silent presence raises questions: she appears to be a client or ally of Lucille, which may have implications for Bree's quest.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Deception and Trust
Sel's mesmer represents a profound betrayal of trust. The chapter forces Bree and the group to confront how easily magic can warp perception, a theme central to the series' exploration of power and consent.
Crossroads as Liminal Space
The bar's name invokes the classic blues legend where one trades a soul for talent. Valec reframes it as a neutral meeting point for humans and demons, symbolizing the gray area between good and evil.
Demonic Bargains and Agency
Valec's explanation of "fair payment" blurs lines of morality. His claim that murder is too hard to price suggests that even evil has hierarchies, and that magical contracts are a form of dangerous agency.
Rootcraft as Inheritance
Lucille's immediate recognition of Bree's power ties Rootcraft to family legacy (Valec is her great-uncle). Bree's hidden skill becomes a key that unlocks new allies and dangers.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 37 is a turning point for both relationships and worldbuilding. Sel's mesmer is exposed, irrevocably damaging the trust between him and Bree—and between him and the group. Valec's introduction expands the magical universe beyond the Order, introducing contract magic and demon brokers. Lucille's existence as a Rootcrafter offers Bree a potential mentor or obstacle. Mariah's cameo hints at hidden alliances. The chapter deepens the stakes: Bree is not just a pawn in a political war but a player in a larger supernatural economy.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why did Sel use mesmer on Bree, and what does this reveal about his character?
Sel used mesmer to hide his descent from Bree, believing it would protect her or himself from her judgment. This reveals his willingness to use magical coercion instead of honesty, prioritizing control over transparency.
2. How does Valec differentiate himself from other demon brokers?
Valec claims he does not accept murder contracts because calculating the value of killing a third party is "impossible." He focuses on talents and abilities, presenting himself as a more principled option in a morally ambiguous profession.
3. What is significant about Lucille feeling Bree's Rootcraft power before they meet?
Lucille's sensitivity indicates that Rootcraft leaves a distinct magical signature. It also suggests that Lucille is a powerful practitioner who can sense magic from a distance, making her a formidable ally or adversary.