Chapter 13: Acker Confronts His Father and Meets Wren

⚠️ 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

Acker sits across from his father, waiting for him to explain why he called the meeting. He is exhausted after staying up all night through the Bond to protect Jovie from a Strou attacker, and he struggles with his reawakened feelings for her. His father admits he is proud of Acker for the first time, then reveals that he has formed a secret alliance with Wren, the captain of the exiled Alaha people and the man who robbed Jovie of her childhood memories. Acker is furious and distrustful, but his father insists the alliance is necessary to win the war. Wren explains his people lost their magic due to exile and that he smuggled soil to Alaha for his son Kai. The three agree to keep the alliance hidden until the right moment to strike against Roison.

Key Events

Acker reflects on protecting Jovie through the Bond and his conflicting emotions.
Acker’s father tells him he is proud of him for the first time.
Father reveals a secret plan to win the war but refuses to share details.
Wren, captain of the Alaha, is introduced as a new ally.
Acker learns that Wren stole Jovie’s memories and kept her captive.
Wren confesses he smuggled soil to Alaha to preserve his son Kai’s magic.
The alliance is kept secret among the three men to avoid alerting Roison.

Character Development

Acker: His protective instinct toward Jovie clashes with his oath and rational mind. He shows strategic cunning and a deep-seated hatred for Wren, revealing a vengeful side. His father’s rare praise unsettles him, indicating a fraught relationship.
Acker’s Father: Known for manipulation, he finally voices pride in his son but continues to withhold information. His willingness to ally with a former enemy shows he prioritizes power over principle.
Wren: Calm and calculating, Wren hides his true intentions behind a gentlemanly facade. His collar suggests he is not entirely free, and his admission of smuggling soil exposes his desperation to retain power for his son.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

The Bond: Acker’s use of the Bond to protect Jovie blurs the line between duty and desire, representing the inescapable connection between Matches.
Secrecy and Betrayal: The hidden alliance mirrors the larger theme of mistrust among factions. Acker’s father’s secrecy undermines the trust Acker craves.
Memory and Control: Wren’s theft of Jovie’s memories symbolizes the theft of identity and autonomy, a motif tied to the Alaha’s exploitation of magic.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter shifts the political landscape by introducing an unlikely alliance between Kenta and Alaha. It deepens Acker’s internal conflict between his duty as a prince and his personal resentment toward Wren. The revelation that Wren was responsible for Jovie’s memory loss also ties Acker’s personal stakes directly to the war, setting up future confrontations.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Acker refuse to shake Wren’s hand, and what does this reveal about his priorities?
Acker’s refusal signals his deep hatred for the man who harmed Jovie. It shows that his loyalty to Jovie and his sense of justice outweigh diplomatic niceties, even when the alliance might help Kenta.
What is the significance of Acker’s father telling him “I’m proud of you” for the first time?
The statement is rare and calculated. It suggests his father uses praise as a tool of manipulation, and it momentarily disarms Acker. The line underscores the strained father-son relationship and the king’s pattern of withholding approval to control his son.
How does Wren justify his alliance with Kenta after previously attacking them?
Wren claims a mutual agreement that benefits both sides. He admits he sent his son’s forces against the king but frames the new alliance as a chance to end the war. His justification is self-serving, hinting that his true loyalty lies with regaining power for Alaha.