Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dilos stops Barry from pursuing Albert, revealing he has a plan to deal with him.
• Dilos uses his extreme speed to toy with and eventually incapacitate Albert.
• Dilos uses a truth serum derived from a clone of Jason Stryker to interrogate Albert.
• Albert reveals that he killed Barry's mother to target Barry's counterpart in another universe.
• Barry learns about parallel universes, counterparts, and the multiverse theory.
• Barry wants to prove his father's innocence using Albert's confession.

Character Developments

• Barry: Struggles with the revelation about his mother's death and seeks justice for his father.
• Dilos: Demonstrates his superior speed and reveals his resourcefulness in creating a truth serum.
• Albert: Reveals his true motives and suffers the consequences of his actions.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of one's actions (Albert's actions affecting multiple universes and lives).
• The power of knowledge (Dilos using Albert's knowledge for his own gain).
• The struggle for justice (Barry's desire to clear his father's name).

Character Interactions

• Barry and Dilos: Barry trusts Dilos after he proves his words true, but maintains a safe distance due to Dilos' truth serum.
• Dilos and Albert: Dilos toys with Albert, eventually capturing and interrogating him.
• Barry and the team (Cisco, Caitlin): They react with shock and disbelief to Albert's revelations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cisco and Caitlin learn that their mentor, Albert, orchestrated the particle accelerator accident, causing numerous tragedies, including Ronnie's death.
• Dilos uses his psychic abilities to access Albert's memories, acquiring vast scientific knowledge, particularly in physics, chemistry, and biology.
• Dilos develops a method to enhance his learning speed using a Quicksilver-enhanced combat suit, allowing him to master over 9,000 pages of material in a day.
• Dilos resolves some long-standing scientific questions and makes progress in decoding human genes and developing a serum production method.
• Dilos meets with Nick Fury and agrees to supply enhanced combat suits to S.H.I.E.L.D., with an option to join as a scientific consultant.

Character Developments

• Cisco Ramon: Struggles with the truth about Albert's involvement in the particle accelerator accident, questioning the purpose of his existence and work.
• Caitlin Snow: Overwhelmed with grief and guilt for trusting Albert, she contemplates suicide.
• Dilos: Demonstrates exceptional learning abilities and scientific prowess, making significant strides in various fields of study.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: The characters grapple with the consequences of trusting the wrong person, leading to tragedy and personal crisis.
• Knowledge and Power: The acquisition of scientific knowledge grants Dilos immense power and influence, raising questions about responsibility and potential misuse.
• Redemption and Purpose: Characters seek to find meaning and purpose in the face of devastating revelations, driving them to continue their work despite the challenges.

Character Interactions

• Cisco and Caitlin: Share a moment of grief and despair, bonding over their shared experiences and losses.
• Dilos and Albert: Dilos uses Albert's knowledge to advance his own understanding, while Albert remains under Dilos's psychic control.
• Dilos and Nick Fury: Discuss business and potential collaboration, with Nick Fury inviting Dilos to join S.H.I.E.L.D. as a scientific consultant.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dilos meets with Nick Fury, revealing that the current Harrison Wells is an imposter who killed the real Wells thirteen years ago.
• Dilos hints at having evidence of the imposter's crimes and suggests Nick Fury investigate.
• Dilos acquires ownership of S.T.A.R. Labs and offers Cisco and Caitlin jobs.
• Barry is reunited with his father after his release from prison.

Character Developments

• Nick Fury: Realizes the instability within S.H.I.E.L.D. and the necessity of working with Dilos despite his reservations.
• Dilos: Shows cunning and manipulation in dealing with Nick Fury, revealing his strategic thinking and desire to control key assets like S.T.A.R. Labs.
• Cisco and Caitlin: Display fear and irritation towards Dilos' sudden appearances but maintain their loyalty to S.T.A.R. Labs and its mission.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation: Dilos uses his power and knowledge to manipulate Nick Fury and assert control over S.T.A.R. Labs.
• Trust and deception: The revelation of the imposter Harrison Wells raises questions about trust and loyalty within S.H.I.E.L.D. and S.T.A.R. Labs.
• Consequences of past actions: The consequences of Albert's actions thirteen years ago continue to affect the present, with Barry's father finally being released from prison.

Character Interactions

• Dilos and Nick Fury: Their interaction highlights the power struggle between them, with Dilos manipulating Nick Fury into investigating the imposter Wells.
• Dilos and Cisco/Caitlin: Dilos' sudden appearances frighten Cisco and Caitlin, but they remain committed to their work at S.T.A.R. Labs, leading to an offer of employment from Dilos.
• Barry and his father: Although not present in this chapter, their reunion highlights the emotional consequences of the past and the importance of family.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Albert Swan (Dilos) recruits Cisco Ramon and Caitlin Snow, offering them a chance to atone for their past mistakes and a secure living situation.
• Dilos reveals his plan to form a superhero team with diverse roles, including combat, medical, and support personnel.
• He admits to being a former hero who now runs a mercenary group, taking jobs for money while having duties to fulfill.
• Dilos shares his controversial views on heroism, selflessness, and the current state of the world, expressing disgust with its hypocrisy and greed.

Character Developments

• Dilos (Albert Swan): Reveals his complex nature, showing both his rational, strategic side and his dark, vengeful impulses. He expresses his desire to create a better world through his unique interpretation of heroism.
• Cisco Ramon & Caitlin Snow: Join Dilos' team, grappling with their own guilt and the moral implications of working for a mercenary group. They question Dilos' views on heroism but are ultimately swayed by his charisma and conviction.

Significant Themes

• Heroism & Selflessness: Dilos challenges traditional notions of heroism, arguing that heroes should have appropriate self-interest and not be purely selfless.
• Moral Ambiguity: The chapter explores the complexities of morality and the potential consequences of extreme selflessness or selfishness.
• Worldview & Hypocrisy: Dilos criticizes the world's hypocrisy, with its emphasis on peace and noble ideals while tolerating greed and corruption.

Character Interactions

• Dilos & Cisco/Caitlin: Dilos recruits Cisco and Caitlin, sharing his vision and challenging their perspectives on heroism. They engage in a dialogue that reveals their initial reservations and Dilos' persuasive arguments.
• Dilos' Internal Struggle: Dilos grapples with his own dark impulses, briefly revealing his demon-like state before regaining control and expressing his desire for a gentler, more effective method of change.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dilos shifts focus to X-Mansion to recruit heroes with superpowers.
• He receives applications from Pyro John and Shadowcat, who previously wanted no part in heroics.
• Dilos and Qin Jiayin teleport to S.T.A.R. Labs to meet the new team members.
• Dilos assigns the team their first mission: apprehend a superpowered bank robber in Central City.

Character Developments

• Dilos: Shows empathy for mutants' struggles, expresses determination to fight for their rights, and inspires the team with his speech.
• Mutant Students: Overcome fear and inferiority, feeling empowered and proud of their identities after Dilos's speech.

Significant Themes

• Discrimination and persecution of mutants.
• The importance of standing up for one's rights and embracing one's identity.
• The responsibility of heroes to protect the innocent and fight for justice.

Character Interactions

• Dilos and Qin Jiayin: Share a tender moment before leaving for S.T.A.R. Labs.
• Dilos and the Team: Dilos inspires and motivates the team with his speech, leading them to embrace their roles as heroes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Central City faces unusual weather with thunder and lightning, unlike its typical climate.
• Detective Joe West pursues serial killer and bank robber Clyde Matton, who has gained superpowers after the particle accelerator explosion.
• Clyde Matton controls air and weather, creating a massive tornado during a confrontation with Joe and his officers.
• The officers are helpless against Clyde's powers and face imminent danger from the tornado.
• Suddenly, a team of nine individuals, the Superpowered Guard Team, arrives and saves the officers using their own superpowers.

Character Developments

• Detective Joe West: Shows determination in pursuing criminals but is powerless against superpowered individuals like Clyde Matton.
• Clyde Matton: Gains weather-manipulating powers after the particle accelerator explosion, using them for robbery and chaos.
• The Superpowered Guard Team: Introduced as a group with various superpowers, ready to intervene and protect the city.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of the particle accelerator explosion, leading to the emergence of superpowered individuals.
• The struggle of law enforcement against superpowered criminals.
• The need for a specialized team to handle superpowered threats.

Character Interactions

• Joe West vs. Clyde Matton: Joe is outmatched and helpless against Clyde's powers.
• The Superpowered Guard Team vs. Clyde Matton: The team arrives to save the officers and will likely confront Clyde Matton next.
• The Superpowered Guard Team vs. The Officers: The team shields the officers from the tornado, showing their protective role.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Superpowered Guard Team, led by Dilos, faces Clyde-Marton, a powerful supervillain.
• Pyro John initiates the attack by turning a tornado into a fire tornado, putting Clyde-Marton in danger.
• Clyde-Marton struggles to control the fire tornado but ultimately turns it into a wide-range attack against Dilos' team.
• Dilos strategizes and coordinates the team's powers to counterattack: Bender Kate brings water, Ice Girl Kuya-Tas freezes it, Colossus Piotr and Smith throw the ice chunks, and Shadowcat Kitty teleports to tackle Clyde-Marton.
• Clyde-Marton is defeated when Shadowcat Kitty tackles him, causing him to lose consciousness.

Character Developments

• Pyro John shows impulsiveness but also great power and potential.
• Clyde-Marton initially underestimates his opponents and relies too heavily on his powers, leading to his downfall.
• Dilos demonstrates exceptional leadership, strategy, and team coordination skills.
• Each team member shows growth and adaptability in their first real battle.

Significant Themes

• Youthful Impulsiveness vs. Experience: The team's youth and inexperience lead to initial recklessness, but they also bring raw power and adaptability.
• Teamwork and Strategy: Dilos' strategic planning and the team's combined powers prove crucial in defeating Clyde-Marton.
• Overconfidence and Hubris: Clyde-Marton's overconfidence in his powers leads to his defeat.

Character Interactions

• Dilos encourages and guides the team, using his experience and strategic mind to lead them to victory.
• Pyro John and Clyde-Marton have a direct power clash, highlighting the strength and limitations of their abilities.
• The team members work together, combining their powers under Dilos' guidance to counter Clyde-Marton's attacks.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Clyde Martin, a supervillain, creates a powerful tornado (EF2 level) before being defeated by Dilos and the team.
• The team successfully completes their first mission, returning to S.T.A.R. Labs in high spirits.

Character Developments

• Pyro John: Overcomes fear, takes the lead in buying time for his teammates, and shows potential for becoming an ace.
• Team Members: Gain confidence in their abilities and potential after Dilos's praise and encouragement.
• Dilos: Shows leadership, mentorship, and belief in his team's abilities.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork & Trust: The team members work together, covering for each other's weaknesses and trusting one another.
• Overcoming Fear & Self-Doubt: Several team members, including John, overcome their fears and self-doubt to contribute to the mission's success.
• Potential & Growth: Dilos emphasizes the team's potential and his commitment to helping them grow stronger.

Character Interactions

• Dilos & Team: Dilos praises and encourages his team, boosting their confidence and inspiring them to become better heroes.
• Team Members Amongst Themselves: They support and praise each other, fostering a positive and united team spirit.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Barry Allen visits S.T.A.R. Labs to join Dilos's team, seeking help to control his powers and become a hero.
• Dilos refuses Barry's request, citing his lack of proficiency and the team's ongoing training.
• Barry, disappointed and angry, decides to fight crime on his own.

Character Developments

• Barry Allen: Shows determination to become a hero but struggles with self-control and understanding of his powers. He's naive and idealistic, prioritizing helping others over personal gain.
• Dilos: Demonstrates a pragmatic and strategic mindset, focusing on the team's interests and the rise of Mutants. He's willing to reject potential allies who don't align with his goals.

Significant Themes

• Heroism vs Pragmatism: Barry's selfless idealism contrasts with Dilos's pragmatic approach to heroism, highlighting the different motivations and priorities of heroes.
• Power Control and Responsibility: Barry's struggle to control his powers raises questions about the responsibility that comes with extraordinary abilities.

Character Interactions

• Barry Allen and Dilos: Their interaction reveals their contrasting views on heroism and highlights the tension between idealism and pragmatism.
• Cisco and Caitlin: They remain neutral during the interaction but later express their thoughts on Dilos's decision, showing their awareness of the situation and their loyalty to Dilos.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Mutant school in Westchester is struck by an unknown force, awakening the students and teachers.
• Jean Grey is found in distress, her powers out of control, with Scott Summers injured and pinned to the wall.
• Charles Xavier arrives and uses his powers to disperse Jean's telekinesis, saving Scott.
• The X-Men arrive and are tasked with caring for Scott and keeping the students calm.
• Charles attempts to wake Jean through psychic resonance but is attacked by her instinctive psychic counterattacks.
• Charles enters Jean's dream and encounters her Dark Phoenix persona, along with Dilos.

Character Developments

• Jean Grey's powers are shown to be increasingly difficult to control, leading to a dangerous incident.
• Charles Xavier demonstrates his immense psychic powers and telekinetic abilities, as well as his determination to protect his students.
• Dilos's presence in Jean's dream hints at a deeper connection or conflict between them.

Significant Themes

• The struggle to control one's powers and the consequences of losing control.
• The duality of human nature, represented by Jean's two personas.
• The responsibility of mentors and leaders to protect and guide their students.

Character Interactions

• Charles Xavier and Jean Grey: Charles's concern and determination to help Jean, despite the danger to himself.
• The X-Men: The team works together to handle the situation, showing unity and trust in each other's abilities.
• Jean Grey and Dark Phoenix: The encounter between Jean and her darker persona raises questions about Jean's mental state and the potential threat she poses.
• Charles Xavier and Dilos: Dilos's presence in Jean's dream suggests a connection between them, possibly hinting at a past or ongoing conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Charles and Jean enter a shared dream, where Jean sees a dystopian future and her role in it, causing her distress.
• Charles reassures Jean and helps her fall asleep, but he's concerned about the dream's realism and the appearance of the Dark Phoenix.
• Charles inspects and reinforces the mental prison he created for the Dark Phoenix within Jean's mind.
• Charles experiences vivid scenes from Jean's dream, including various heroes, villains, and X-Mansion residents, with Dilos present in many of them.

Character Developments

• Jean experiences fear and panic due to her dream, causing her to question her control over her powers.
• Charles shows concern and care for Jean, acting as a father figure, and reveals some of his past struggles with his abilities.

Significant Themes

• Fear of the unknown and loss of control over one's powers.
• The struggle between reality and dreams, and the blurred line between the two.
• The potential consequences of Jean's powers and the Dark Phoenix's influence.

Character Interactions

• Charles comforts Jean and helps her overcome her fear, strengthening their bond.
• Charles reflects on his own past experiences with his powers, drawing parallels with Jean's situation.
• Charles considers the implications of the dream's realism and the presence of Dilos in various scenes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dilos trains the team members rigorously, pushing them to their limits.
• The team members initially protest but eventually comply due to Dilos's harsh words.
• The team's skills improve significantly under Dilos's intense training.
• Dilos apologizes to Qin Jiayin for his harsh treatment, and they reconcile.

Character Developments

• The team members grow stronger physically and mentally, improving their combat skills and abilities.
• Dilos shows a softer side when apologizing to Qin Jiayin, revealing his affection for her.
• Qin Jiayin demonstrates her playful and teasing nature, hinting at her growing feelings for Dilos.

Significant Themes

• The importance of rigorous training and discipline in improving skills and abilities.
• The consequences of harsh words and the need for apology and reconciliation.
• The development of romantic feelings between Dilos and Qin Jiayin.

Character Interactions

• Dilos interacts harshly with the team members during training but shows remorse and sincerity when apologizing to Qin Jiayin.
• Qin Jiayin initially acts upset with Dilos but eventually forgives him, showing her affection and playfulness.
• The team members work together and improve under Dilos's guidance, demonstrating teamwork and growth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Superpowered Guard Team's vigilante activities in Central City attract media attention, dividing public opinion into two camps: one supporting mutants' rights, the other demonizing them.
• Anti-mutant demonstrations occur within Central City, causing distress to the team.
• The team decides to stop vigilante work in Central City after feeling unappreciated and misunderstood.
• Dilios uses his mental powers to monitor and manipulate criminals in other cities, exacerbating crime rates to make the anti-mutant camp look unreasonable.

Character Developments

• Dilios becomes more assertive and defiant in the face of public misunderstanding, deciding to fight back against the anti-mutant sentiment.
• The team members grow disheartened and resentful due to the public's negative perception of their efforts.

Significant Themes

• Misunderstanding and prejudice against mutants.
• The struggle between rational thought and irrational mob mentality.
• The consequences of inaction and retaliation in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Dilios reassures and encourages the team, taking a more authoritative role.
• The team members express their frustration and anger, with Kuya even suggesting extreme measures.
• Dilios manipulates criminals to escalate crime rates, demonstrating his willingness to use unorthodox methods to achieve his goals.

Plot Points and Events

• Dilos' plan causes a surge in crimes nationwide, overwhelming police forces.
• The Superpowered Guard Team returns to Central City to assist the police, earning public support.
• Small-scale riots break out, and various superheroes, including mutants, intervene to help civilians.
• Media focuses on the positive impact of mutants, shifting public opinion.

Character Developments

• The Superpowered Guard Team members become more determined to be superheroes after seeing the positive impact they can have.
• Dilos is satisfied with the outcome of his plan, which has improved mutants' image and the team's resolve.

Significant Themes

• The power of heroes and their positive impact on society.
• The media's influence on public opinion and the importance of facts and evidence.
• The struggle between prejudice and rational thinking.

Character Interactions

• Dilos and Qin Jiayin grow closer as they watch the positive changes unfold.
• The Superpowered Guard Team members bond over their shared experiences and determination to be heroes.
• Various superheroes and mutants interact with the public, earning their respect and gratitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dilos forbids the Superpowered Guard Team from fighting criminals without his authorization.
• He explains his reasons: crime is endless, not everyone has a clear moral compass, and people can become dependent on superheroes.
• Dilos reveals his strategy to maintain Mutants' reputation and work with S.H.I.E.L.D. for smaller issues.
• He checks on S.T.A.R. Labs' renovation progress and decides to keep Flash's powers restricted for another year.

Character Developments

• Colossus (Piotr) shows initiative in questioning Dilos' order.
• Dilos demonstrates his strategic thinking and long-term planning.
• Flash (Barry Allen) is revealed to have a hidden talent for attracting trouble, and Dilos decides to keep his powers restricted for a year.

Significant Themes

• The responsibilities and limitations of superheroes.
• The importance of strategic planning and long-term vision.
• The potential dangers of dependency on superheroes.

Character Interactions

• Dilos interacts with the Superpowered Guard Team, explaining his decisions and listening to their feedback.
• Dilos checks on S.T.A.R. Labs' renovation progress with Cisco Ramon.
• Dilos discusses Flash's situation with Caitlin Snow, deciding to keep his powers restricted.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dilos shifts focus from the Superpowered Guard Team to other projects, limiting their combat suits' power levels.
• He develops enhanced battle suits that can coexist with two additional superpowers, choosing Sebastian Shaw's energy absorption and Wolverine's regeneration for safety.
• The new suits can mimic different forms, but Dilos warns against using them to create vulgar outfits.

Character Developments

• Dilos shows concern for maintaining moral values and order, even in small details, reflecting his belief in the importance of rules and discipline.
• Pyro John becomes curious about Dilos's views on vulgar culture and its impact on society.

Significant Themes

• Vulgar Culture and its Impact: Dilos believes that modern humans are devolving into beasts due to vulgar culture, leading to chaotic private lives and a decline in sincere relationships.
• The Role of Rules and Discipline: Dilos emphasizes the importance of rules and discipline in maintaining order, using the example of detailed laws in the United States.

Character Interactions

• Dilos interacts with the team members, warning them against using their new suits to create vulgar outfits.
• He discusses his views on vulgar culture and its impact on society with Pyro John, who becomes conflicted and absorbed in their conversation.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• John reflects on his conversation with Dilos, realizing Dilos's potential to solve global issues.
• Dilos continues learning black-tech knowledge and considers creating new energy sources and AI.
• President Dean gives up on searching for William Stryker after a year with no leads.
• Dean decides to discuss the Hulk matter with General Thaddeus Ross.

Character Developments

• John gains a newfound admiration and resolve regarding Dilos's capabilities.
• Dilos continues to expand his knowledge and plans for the future.
• President Dean becomes disheartened and shifts his focus after the failure to find Stryker.

Significant Themes

• Dilos's potential to solve global issues and achieve world peace.
• The search for William Stryker and the consequences of his disappearance.
• The ongoing debate and division regarding Mutants in society.

Character Interactions

• John's internal dialogue and realization about Dilos.
• Dilos's continued learning with Albert's assistance.
• President Dean's interaction with his assistant regarding Stryker and Hulk.

Key Plot Points and Events

• General Ross receives unexpected support from the president to capture Bruce Banner within six months.
• Dilos infiltrates Stark Industries and Tony Stark's residence to steal technical data and JARVIS's AI data.
• Tony Stark, held captive in Afghanistan, remains determined to escape.

Character Developments

• General Ross feels conflicted about his new orders and the potential consequences of capturing Bruce Banner.
• Dilos shows caution and strategic thinking in his plans to create an AI for himself.
• Tony Stark exhibits resilience and determination despite his harsh circumstances.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for Mutant rights and the political complexities surrounding it.
• The potential dangers and benefits of advanced AI technology.
• The power dynamics between governments, Mutants, and other influential parties.

Character Interactions

• General Ross interacts with the president, discussing the Mutant issue and Bruce Banner's capture.
• Dilos infiltrates Stark Industries and Tony Stark's residence, interacting with their AI systems.
• Tony Stark interacts with his assistant, expressing his determination to escape captivity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tony Stark returns and announces Stark Industries will stop manufacturing weapons, causing a stock market drop.
• Dilos turns 18 and establishes Sullivan Company, focusing on weapons and pharmaceuticals.
• Dilos receives S.H.I.E.L.D.'s second order for Enhanced Suits Version 3.0 and nutrient serums.
• Nick Fury offers Dilos a full-time S.H.I.E.L.D. agent position, but Dilos declines, remaining a consultant.
• Nick Fury asks Dilos to help find Bruce Banner.

Character Developments

• Dilos continues to grow his business empire, demonstrating his ambition and ruthlessness in pricing.
• Nick Fury shows a more personal side, seeking Dilos' help in finding Bruce Banner.

Significant Themes

• Power and influence: Dilos' growing power and Nick Fury's attempts to leverage it.
• Ambition vs. responsibility: Dilos' desire to build his company and Nick Fury's desire to use Dilos for S.H.I.E.L.D.'s goals.

Character Interactions

• Dilos and Nick Fury: Their dynamic shifts as Nick Fury tries to draw Dilos closer to S.H.I.E.L.D.
• Dilos and Lex Luthor: Implied support from Lex Luthor for Dilos' company, though not explicitly stated in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dilos learns that Nick Fury wants his help in finding Captain America.
• Dilos understands that S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Security Council are trying to use Bruce Banner (Hulk) to eliminate him.
• Dilos decides to cooperate with Nick Fury but on his terms.
• Nick Fury provides Dilos with sensitive information about certain individuals.
• Dilos travels to China to protect Qin Jiayin's parents, enlisting Selene's help.

Character Developments

• Dilos shows his intelligence and understanding of political maneuvering.
• Nick Fury demonstrates his strategic thinking and willingness to make tough decisions.
• Qin Jiayin's parents are introduced as important figures that Dilos wants to protect.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the struggle for control between Dilos, S.H.I.E.L.D., and the Security Council.
• The consequences of underestimating Dilos and the potential chaos that could ensue.
• The importance of family and loved ones to Dilos, as seen in his decision to protect Qin Jiayin's parents.

Character Interactions

• Dilos and Nick Fury maintain a tense but cooperative relationship, each using the other for their own purposes.
• Dilos and Selene continue to work together, with Dilos entrusting Selene with the protection of Qin Jiayin's parents.
• Dilos shows concern for Qin Jiayin's family, indicating his growing attachment to her.