Leave Me Behind Chapter 13: A Brutal Sparring and a Secret Revenge

⚠️ 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 Nell lying to Sergeant Eren about Bradshaw’s assault, claiming the incident was merely hazing and that she is mentally sound to continue training. Eren does not believe her but allows her to dismiss the matter. Inside, Nell seethes with a dark desire for revenge, promising herself that she will make Bradshaw fear his own mortality.

That night, while lying beside Bradshaw in their sleeping area, Nell feigns sleep. Bradshaw whispers “You okay?” but she does not respond. He rolls toward her and gently places his hand over her wounded ribs, his fingers tracing the injury through the fabric. When she opens her eyes, she sees anguish in his gaze. He keeps his hand there, his warmth seeping into her, and she wonders if he does have a sliver of a heart.

Two weeks later, during the squad’s morning sparring session, Nell stops hiding her abilities. She defeats Jefferson (whom she calls Jobs) by sweeping his legs, straddling him, and pressing a blade to his throat until he bleeds. She then beats Ian, Harrison, and Pete in quick succession, revealing her true combat skill. Pete insults her, and when she snaps back, Bradshaw steps in despite Eren’s order that he not spar.

Bradshaw and Nell engage in a fierce, violent fight. He lands a hit to her spleen and pins her to the ground with his knee between her thighs, but she bucks her hips into his crotch to escape. They then exchange relentless punches until Eren physically separates them. Nell scrubs blood from beneath her nails, thinking that devils do bleed.

Key Events

Nell lies to Eren about Bradshaw’s assault, claiming it was hazing.
That night, Bradshaw touches Nell’s wound and asks if she is okay; she remains silent.
Two weeks later, Nell reveals her true combat abilities during morning sparring, defeating Jefferson, Ian, Harrison, and Pete.
Bradshaw ignores Eren’s order and fights Nell.
Nell uses a dirty move (bucking her hips) to escape Bradshaw’s pin.
The fight becomes a full brawl; Eren intervenes and separates them.
Nell cleans the blood and harbors her revenge plot.

Character Development

Nell: Transitions from victim to calculated avenger. She hides her true strength and emotions, plotting revenge while appearing compliant. Her sparring performance reveals she has been deliberately holding back.
Bradshaw: Shows a brief, vulnerable moment when he touches Nell’s wound with apparent remorse, yet he later attacks her with full aggression. His anguish suggests an inner conflict.
Eren: Attempts to maintain order and protect Nell, but he cannot fully control his brother Bradshaw. His authority is tested.
Pete and Jefferson: They are humbled by Nell’s sudden skill, reacting with resentment and anger.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Violence and Intimacy: Bradshaw’s gentle touch on Nell’s wound contrasts with the brutal sparring, blurring the line between tenderness and harm.
Deception as Survival: Nell’s lie to Eren and her pretense of holding back in training show how deception becomes a tool for self-preservation and future revenge.
Power and Submission: The sparring fight is a microcosm of the power struggle between Nell and Bradshaw, with each refusing to submit.
Revenge as Motivation: Nell’s desire for payback drives her actions and shapes her internal monologue throughout the chapter.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter marks a turning point for Nell: she stops playing the victim and begins actively preparing for revenge. It deepens the complexity of Bradshaw, hinting at hidden emotions beneath his cruelty. The sparring match establishes Nell as a formidable opponent and reshapes the squad’s dynamic, setting the stage for escalating conflict. Additionally, the chapter reinforces key themes of trust, deception, and the dangerous entanglement of fear and attraction.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Nell lie to Eren about Bradshaw’s assault?
Nell lies to protect her secret plan for revenge. She does not want Bradshaw formally punished because she intends to make him suffer on her own terms.
What does Bradshaw’s touch on Nell’s wound suggest about his character?
The gentle touch reveals a hidden tenderness or remorse, complicating his role as a straightforward antagonist. It suggests he may not be entirely cold and that he feels some guilt or concern.
How does the sparring match change the squad’s perception of Nell?
The squad realizes Nell has been deliberately holding back her true combat skills. They react with surprise, resentment (especially from Pete), and a new wariness, understanding they underestimated her.