Broken Bonds

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, rape, bullying, emotional abuse, antigay bias, suicidal ideation, and cursing.

“While there might not be any laws against leaving your Bonds behind, there has to be special consideration taken in this case. North Draven is on the council, he’s a pillar in our society.”

Noakes’s comment to Oli when he is rationalizing her abduction and forced return to her Bonds illustrates the importance of Bonded relationships in Gifted society. Leaving behind one’s Bonds is highly discouraged though not technically illegal. Noakes also points out the social stratification of the novel’s society: He believes that North’s high social status means that it is correct to bend the laws on North’s behalf, even if this robs Oli of her autonomy and freedom.

“So you’re going to lock me up here then? You’re putting bars on the windows and I’m going to be kept as a fucking pet? It doesn’t matter who my Bonds are, facing me to complete the bond is rape and I won’t just bend over for them.”

Oli’s anger at being forced to go back to her Bonds establishes the stakes of Oli’s kidnapping and introduces the theme of Autonomy Within the Fated Mates Trope. Oli rightfully contends that completing her bonds via sex without her consent is rape. Noakes’s choice to abduct her anyway shows that the novel’s world values the magical powers of influential men more than an individual woman’s bodily autonomy. This is one of the most significant points of conflict in the text.

“She ducks her head, obviously uncomfortable with what her superiors have done, but not quite enough to help me.”

Employees of the Council respect organizational hierarchy more than morality. Though this woman thinks that Oli is being mistreated, she is unwilling to risk her position to do what she feels is right. The novel thus shows how fear allows corruption to infect and spread inside institutions, a dynamic explored further when Oli attends Draven University.