Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Betrayal of Velos and the Princess’s Stand

⚠️ 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

The chapter opens with the Erlking ordering his hunters to throw the golden chains around the wolf god Velos, betraying the bargain they had struck. Velos is captured, causing the walls of Gravenstone to tremble and the gates of Verloren to collapse. Serilda and Gild flee up the staircase into the lunar rotunda. There, they are covered by a tapestry and emerge to find a horde of monsters led by a young warrior princess—the missing princess of Adalheid, Gild’s sister. She recognizes Serilda as the gold-spinner and the bride, and snatches back a golden ring from Serilda’s finger. The princess and her monsters ambush the dark ones as they emerge from below, but soon the hunters overwhelm them. Gild tries to pull the princess to safety, but she refuses to abandon her soldiers. She orders a retreat, then declares she will keep fighting because she, too, is immortal.

Key Events

• The Erlking’s hunters capture Velos using the golden chains, betraying their vow.
• The ground splits open and the gates of Verloren begin to collapse.
• Serilda and Gild flee to the lunar rotunda.
• A tapestry is thrown over them; Gild cuts them free.
• The princess of Adalheid reveals herself, leading an army of monsters.
• The princess takes back her golden ring from Serilda.
• The princess’s monster army ambushes the dark ones.
• Gild drags the princess to safety, but she kicks him and refuses to flee.
• Perchta (in Serilda’s body) kills a drude and joins the battle.
• The princess orders her monsters to retreat but stays to fight.
• The princess declares she is immortal and will continue defending her castle.

Character Development

Serilda — Serilda is physically injured (her hand wounded by an arrow) and emotionally strained from the chaos. She shows resilience by following Gild’s lead and later confronting the princess.

Gild — Gild acts protectively, both toward Serilda and his sister (the princess). He tries to drag the princess away from danger, showing that his love for his family persists even though she doesn’t remember him.

The Princess (Anna/Anika) — The princess emerges as a fierce, independent leader. She commands a monster army, wields multiple weapons, and refuses to abandon her soldiers. Her determination to fight despite overwhelming odds reveals her courage and stubbornness.

The Erlking — He reveals his cunning by never intending to honor his deal with Velos. He is triumphant, having captured the god of death.

Perchta — Possessing Serilda’s body, Perchta revels in the violence, showing her bloodthirsty nature and her skill in combat.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

• Betrayal and Deception — The Erlking’s entire plan hinges on tricking Velos into believing the golden chains would bind the dark ones. He never meant to give up his court, proving that trust between mortals and gods is fragile.
• Sacrifice and Leadership — The princess chooses to stay and fight even when her army retreats. She embodies the ideal of a leader who does not abandon her followers, even in hopeless situations.
• Collapse and Renewal — The physical collapse of the gates and the splitting earth symbolize the breaking of old orders (the god’s power, the barrier to Verloren). This may pave the way for a new balance.
• The Golden Ring — The ring that the princess reclaims is a tangible link to her past and her identity. It also represents the lost connection between the princess and her brother Gild.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter Thirty-Nine is a turning point in the conflict. The capture of Velos removes a major divine obstacle for the Erlking, while simultaneously destroying the passage to Verloren. The introduction of the princess as an active rebel leader gives the resistance a charismatic new figure. Her decision to fight despite being outmatched raises the emotional stakes and sets up a direct confrontation with Perchta and the Erlking. For Gild, the reunion with his sister—though she doesn’t recognize him—deepens his personal motivation. The betrayal of the dark ones also clarifies the Erlking’s ruthlessness: he will stop at nothing to keep his power.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does the Erlking betray Velos, and what does this reveal about his character?
The Erlking never intended to sacrifice his dark ones to the wolf god. He subtly instructed his hunters to keep the golden chains ready and to turn them on Velos at the last moment. This reveals that he is calculating, deceitful, and unwilling to give up any of his own power. He views the deal as a tool to capture a god, not a genuine bargain.

2. What motivates the princess to refuse Gild’s plea to retreat?
The princess believes that as the ruler of Adalheid, she cannot abandon her castle or her soldiers. She considers the monsters her subjects and feels responsible for their lives. When Gild points out that her army is losing, she is torn but ultimately decides to stay because she is “immortal” like the dark ones—her pride and duty outweigh her self-preservation.

3. How does Serilda’s injury and her interaction with the princess advance the plot?
Serilda’s bleeding hand and the broken arrow shaft provide a physical reminder of her precarious state (her body is a vessel for Perchta). The princess’s sudden recognition of the ring on Serilda’s finger sparks a revealing encounter: the princess reclaims her own property, confirming her identity and her connection to the ring’s history. This moment strengthens the link between Serilda, Gild, and the princess, setting up future alliances or conflicts.