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staged-death
Thecla's apparent death was a carefully planned ruse involving a non-lethal device and a shallow self-inflicted wound to facilitate her secret escape.
1 chapter across 1 book
The Claw of the Conciliator (1981)Gene Wolfe
Pages 15–20
Severian carries out the ritual execution of Morwenna, confronting the psychological burden and public spectacle of his role while uncovering signs of betrayal through poison. Subsequently, Thecla reveals her staged death and escape plan, prompting Severian to follow her to a secret mine filled with eerie supernatural elements, where themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and trust intertwine with haunting memories and impending horror.