Broken Bonds

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death.

“Bonds” and “Bonded” are terms that refer to the mystical, “fated mates” connection between Oli and her five love interests, as well as other such groups in the novel’s world. The terms have similar, though not identical, meanings; Bonds are people to whom one has been matched, while “Bonded” refers to someone with whom that magical connection has been completed via sex. 

The novel also uses the lowercase noun “bond” to describe a somewhat separate entity inside a Bond that desires to be unified with their Bonds. These bond entities are framed as beings rather than objects or spells, as they have their own wants. For example, when Nox attacks Oli, Oli’s bond wants her to have sex with Nox, while Oli herself does not wish to do so. The lowercase verb “bond” indicates completing that magical connection.

Each of Oli’s Bonds is linked to one of her character traits, fears, or needs. She feels particularly inspired to impress Gryphon, for example, indicating that this honest and hardworking Bond is someone she wishes to emulate. She likewise admires Gabe’s social ease and Atlas’s willingness to forgive; these qualities speak to her longing for friendship and relationships built on trust.