A lot of great moments and plot twists in this volume.
Clare and Raki part ways with an emotional farewell in order to evade Ophelia.
Clare is pushed to the brink by Ophelia. She allows her arm to be severed in an attempt to fake her death and at first it seems the ploy worked. But then Ophelia emerges from the shadows and spears the arm before shredding it. I really like how the author isn’t afraid to put Clare into extreme peril like this, and I like when characters have false victories and need to redouble their efforts. It shows the author is working hard to deliver maximum suspense and not cutting corners.
Ophelia tortures Clare for a while longer and just when she is about to die, a mysterious stranger rescues her, easily defeating Ophelia. And it turns out to be Ilena, a figure from Clare’s past, one of the claymores sent to execute Theresa.
Ilena teaches clare the quick sword technique in a training interlude. Ilena reveals that she lost an arm trying to kill Priscilla, the yoma responsible for Teresa’s death. Priscilla is far beyond the capabilities of even Ilena. (Building anticipation for the inevitable confrontation with Clare)
Ilena explains how she was deeply moved by the friendship between Clare and Theresa, something unheard of among the claymores. And she desires that Teresa lives on through Clare. So she sacrifices her remaining arm to give clare a chance to carry on Teresa’s legacy. This is a powerful emotional moment handled perfectly.
Meanwhile Ophelia has awakened, fueled by traumatic memories of the murder of her brother at the hands of the “horned demon.”
Clare leaves the secluded valley of Ilena.
Shortly after that, Ilena is ambushed by Rafaela, who has been sent to execute her.
At the same time, Clare is ambushed by the awakened Ophelia. Ophelia doesn’t even realize she has awakened, despite a new appetite for guts, until she sees her own reflection in the waters of a lake.
Clare is able to defeat her with the new abilities learned from Ilena. Before executing Ophelia, Clare promises her she will get revenge on the horned demon, who, it turns out, is Priscilla. Clare affirms her commitment to do this for the first time, for the sake of Teresa and Ilena, both of whose flesh she now carries within her.
Brilliant writing in this volume, as the author keeps finding a way to escalate the suspense and drama, weaving an intricate plot with no excess. Claymore never lets up or pulls its punches.