Chapter 35: Arrowood — Summary, Analysis, and Study Notes
⚠️ 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 Callie tracking footprints through the misty morning toward the west tower, where the Uncouth Lower Ninth sleep after their night classes. She recognizes them as perfect prey for Miss Grainger and her golden eyes. Entering the tower, Callie notes the warm air filled with the breath of forty sleeping girls and hears what might be the click of claws on stone, as if a large golden dog stalks between the beds. Her hands still carry faint purple stains from burning purple dog sage, and she reflects that Arrowood has taught her that sometimes the right choice is the hard one.
Jack emerges from the mist, and Callie rushes to embrace her, believing everything will be all right. But Jack pushes her away, revealing that her eyes have become gleaming golden coins. Jack explains that Miss Grainger has changed her, and that this is better—no more worrying about mandolin practice, school honor, merit badges, or being prefect. She describes how she and Miss Grainger fly through the night sky, creeping into bedrooms and eating people's memories while they sleep, comparing the taste to warm soda.
Callie refuses to accept this fate, but Jack reveals that she knows about the trap—Callie burned purple dog sage to lure them, and her hands still smell of it. Jack warns that Miss Grainger is already in the tower, and that all the girls inside will die, along with Callie. Callie insists she can't beat Miss Grainger alone, but that they can do it together. Jack refuses, gripping Callie's shoulders and declaring she will eat Callie's memories.
In a swift motion, Callie whips a straight razor from her sleeve and slashes at Jack's eyes, flipping the golden coins out of Jack's head. The coins fall glittering through the air and vanish before reaching the grass. Jack recoils, then slowly removes her hands from her face, revealing her regular blue irises restored. She acknowledges Callie's speed, and Callie credits her reflexes, which Mrs. Oolong the sports mistress had always praised.
Soft sounds come from above in the tower—a sigh, as something tears forever. Jack says they're too late, but Callie insists they can save some of the girls. Jack realizes the truth: Callie used the girls as bait. Callie admits she had to lure Miss Grainger with the purple dog sage so she would bring Jack, and she had to distract Miss Grainger so she could fix Jack. Jack, initially seeming angry, instead hugs Callie hard and asks if they can really beat Miss Grainger. Callie expresses hope, recalling that Miss Grainger called them daughters and said daughters are powerful magic—but now they are sisters, and sisters are powerful magic too. Her straight razor falls open with a click, and Jack takes her free hand. They whisper