This reminded me of a friend of mine. One Halloween he dressed in full camo with a face mask and a very real AR-15, went in a convenience store and bought a drink. Dumbest thing he's ever done.
This chapter was like watching a car wreck in slow motion. It's easy to understand why Owen responds as he does. He's been conditioned to comply, and he also has a passive nature.
His parents are in need of a reality check. They don't own Owen or have the right to map out his life.
Someone thought they had destroyed Vicki's notebook, and they did get rid of most of it. This portion is damning to the Archers, but so much isn't there and more suspects.
Rico has a name, a home, and is loved.
Cecily is unerringly pragmatic. She will be a guide and mentor to Atreus through the treacherous webs of court intrigues. He's in safe hands.
Curtana has found its rightful keeper, the Lord of the Dawn and guided him to an inner peace.
There will be a short peace as the wolves assemble.