The “big reveal” of Violetta’s power as an Elite is both a discovery and a complication for Adelina; while they escape from Teren’s clutches thanks to Violetta’s ability, this sudden new truth about her sister is unsettling. Up to this point, the dynamic between them has consistently conveyed Adelina’s superiority—she runs faster, has more brash courage, and is capable of cruelty. Even after they escape the Tower, Adelina creates an illusion of calm to blanket Violetta, still in the older sisterly position of protecting her. Ironically, though, Adelina soon grasps that her sister betrayed her with her secret and that she (Violetta) may be stronger than not just Adelina but all the known Elites. Reserving this plot twist until this point in the narrative accomplishes several story goals; it sparks a faster pace as the action speeds toward the climax, and it increases tension with changed dynamics.

The sudden murder of the king at Teren’s hand is not a twist because earlier comments from Teren strongly foreshadowed it, such as when the king threatens Teren’s death should he embarrass the king again and Teren replies, “There will not be a next time, Your Majesty” (172). However, the plot point is notable because its timing launches an atmosphere of panic and destruction by unleashed Inquisitors. These gruesome scenes (especially the destruction of the brothel, which up to this point symbolized safety and solace for Adelina) ramp up the tense atmosphere, prompt a mood of hopelessness, and strike down many of Adelina’s options.

Each theme develops in this section. Teren’s background as a boy meant to spar with the young Prince Enzo contributes to the theme of The Concept of Monstrosity and Society’s Role in Creating It. He is forced into this subservient role; his bitterness stems from it and then explodes after the blood fever. Adelina’s recurring thoughts and visions of her father also build this theme; his insistence that society would never accept her fed and continues to feed her internal darkness and bitter, monstrous side.

The theme of The Journey to Understanding and Fulfilling One’s True Purpose hits a peak in the rising action when Adelina kills Dante. She did not intend to murder, which leaves some room to grow in her character arc, even as it swings toward the dark side—but she certainly wanted him to suffer. This death scene reveals not only that foregoing kindness makes her feel good (a significant step in understanding her real motivations) but also that Raffaele’s prediction (that her illusions will make others feel pain as if it is real) has come true, seating him more firmly in the role of a wise mentor.

The most impactful development regards the theme of The Impact of Secrecy on Power, Corruption, and Redemption. Enzo’s big secret—Daphne—sets the plot on a course for destruction; his inability to cope with Daphne’s loss triggers the domino effect of plot events toward the climax. The revelation of Daphne to Adelina’s eavesdropping causes Adelina’s frustration to bloom like a black rose, knowing now Enzo cannot be trusted no matter what; this contributes to her hasty, impulsive trip to the Tower where Violetta’s revelation changes the trajectory of Adelina’s goals. Enzo’s silence to Dante’s concerns about Daphne causes Dante to apprehend Adelina himself—which leads to his death and Adelina’s growing understanding of her real self. Up to now, the momentum for Adelina’s path has been a mystery as to whether she is steering her own course or if fate is leading her to darkness. The impact of the Daphne secret reveals that a combination of Adelina’s will and her fate drives the plot forward from here.