New Orleans
Last ChristmasNew Orleans serves both as a city Caleb resists returning to on Christmas and as the place where he finally sees Lilliana again. Its seasonal beauty, dangerous streets, and role in that reunion bring the chapter’s movement from loneliness to unexpected return into focus.
Setting and Christmas
On Christmas 3250, Caleb is unhappy to be spending time with Ambrose and the others, since he hates Christmas and the season around it. New Orleans offers a sharp contrast: he considers it beautiful at that time of year, even while recognizing that crime is extremely high and demons often prey on people there.
Caleb’s Walk Through the City
After handing his cup to Aeron, Caleb says goodbye and sets out for home. He initially starts to teleport, then decides to walk through New Orleans instead. He even hopes that a demon might mistake him for a tourist and attack, giving him an excuse to fight. The thought nearly makes him smile, but the walk also leaves room for grief: a sudden bright flash behind him shines in the glass before him, where he sees anguish on his own face.
Return and Reunion
New Orleans becomes the destination of Caleb’s return with Jaden. Once they are back in the city, Caleb sees Lilliana standing before him. His anger at his father for keeping her from him remains, but the reunion outweighs it in the moment: he has the person he most wanted to see again.
