Rites of the Starling Chapter 51: Forty-Seven — Odessa
Spoiler Notice
This summary contains spoilers for Chapter 51 of Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry. If you have not read this chapter, proceed with caution.
Chapter Summary
Odessa and Ransom visit Healer Alore’s workshop to discuss the Lyssa infection. Alore has recreated the elixir from Luella’s notes and wants to replicate the infection by mixing Ransom’s saliva with the elixir and testing it on rats. Ransom reluctantly provides a saliva sample. After leaving the workshop, Odessa goes to the training center, where she finds Mae teaching Evie how to use a real dagger. Faze is chained to the wall. Mae slashes Evie’s favorite shirt, upsetting the girl. Odessa intervenes, and Mae challenges her to spar. Ransom arrives, catches a knife Mae throws, and scares her off. Mae cries, revealing she wanted to be the Sparrow instead of Odessa. Ransom calms down with Evie and Odessa, and they embrace. Odessa spots someone watching from the doorway, possibly the King.
Key Events
- Alore reveals she has recreated the elixir and plans to test the Lyssa infection using Ransom’s saliva and a tarkin’s saliva.
- Ransom complies but leaves abruptly after providing the sample.
- Odessa finds Mae training Evie with a real dagger; Faze is chained and collared.
- Mae deliberately cuts Evie’s shirt, causing Evie to scream and cry.
- Odessa confronts Mae and demands the key to Faze’s collar.
- Mae challenges Odessa to spar; Ransom intercepts and catches the thrown knife.
- Mae flees, crying that she was supposed to be the Sparrow, not Odessa.
- Ransom controls his rage when Evie and Odessa comfort him.
- A figure in the doorway—likely the King—watches them before retreating.
Character Development
- Odessa acts protectively toward Evie and confronts Mae with increasing assertiveness. She trusts Ransom despite his volatile state.
- Ransom struggles to contain his anger but is soothed by Evie and Odessa. He demonstrates restraint by not retaliating against Mae.
- Mae reveals deep jealousy and resentment. Her cold behavior suggests she has changed during Odessa’s absence.
- Healer Alore is focused and ethical, insisting she will not weaponize the infection and destroying notes afterward.
- Evie shows emotional vulnerability over her shirt and resilience by eventually helping to free Faze.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Trust: Odessa trusts Ransom even when he does not trust himself. Her physical touch and Evie’s presence ground him.
- Family Jealousy: Mae’s claim that she should have been the Sparrow underscores sibling rivalry and the weight of legacy.
- Control and Transformation: Ransom’s ability to master his Lyssa-induced fury in the presence of his loved ones foreshadows possible healing.
- Ethics of Research: Alore’s determination to replicate the infection responsibly contrasts with Mae’s reckless disregard for others.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter advances the Lyssa cure plot by introducing a practical testing method. It deepens the emotional conflict between Odessa and Mae, hinting at a larger rift within the royal family. Ransom’s successful self-control under pressure reinforces his growth and the power of Odessa and Evie’s influence. The glimpse of the watching King sets up potential political consequences.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Healer Alore ask Ransom for a saliva sample?
She believes Lyssa travels through bite wounds and needs to test whether his saliva, combined with the elixir, can recreate the infection in rats. -
What triggers Mae’s emotional outburst during the confrontation?
Mae reveals she feels she was supposed to be the Sparrow—the sister who left the castle—and resents Odessa for taking that role. -
How does Ransom demonstrate control over his Lyssa after Mae’s attack?
Although he catches the knife and intimidates Mae, he does not harm her. When Odessa and Evie comfort him, his body relaxes and his eyes lose their angry silver gleam.