Lock’s Path from Tithe to Confidant

Lock’s obligation to the Coterie, his role as Ava’s protector, and his feelings for her converge in a choice he struggles to make.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Tithe for the Dryads

A Tithe for the Dryads Protection purchased Lock serves the Coterie as a tithe so that his dryad relatives can be left alone and his family can access protection. A constrained bargain His service is temporary in principle, but the arrangement still places him under a dangerous organization’s control. He learns to navigate its demands while guarding his family ties.

A Working Team

A Working Team Companions in danger Lock becomes part of Ava and Ezra’s field team. His plant abilities, caution, and practical care balance Ava’s volatile power and Ezra’s improvisation. Family through action He checks Ava’s wards, helps her recover from missions, and treats Cade as family. The team’s trust grows through repeated risks rather than formal promises.

A Friend at the Inferno

A Friend at the Inferno Anger and concern Lock is hurt that Ava kept Ryan secret, yet when she becomes ill he carries her out of the club and stays with her. Protection over resentment His actions reveal that anger cannot outweigh their loyalty. The night also sharpens his suspicion of Ryan and his determination to keep the group alive.

The Puddle Intervention

The Puddle Intervention A dangerous impulse Ava wants to turn back toward home, despite Lock’s warning that doing so would expose everyone to Venus. Care expressed roughly Lock pushes Ava into a cold puddle to extinguish the sparks building around her. The gesture angers her, but it prevents an impulsive choice and restores their ability to talk.

An Unanswered Invitation

An Unanswered Invitation A relationship offered Lock asks Ava to consider a date and a life closer to one another after he and Ezra leave their restaurant jobs. Fear interrupts honesty Ava freezes because she fears losing him, and Lock withdraws when she cannot answer. Her silence wounds the friendship and makes her realize that avoiding emotional risk has consequences.

Before Ava’s first Coterie missions

During Ava’s years in Coterie service

During the night Ava is drugged

On the road to Duncan’s cabin

One week after the battle