Heartless Hunter

Content Warning: This section mentions graphic violence, execution, intimate partner violence, and abuse.

The Crimson Moth is Rune’s unique magic signature that appears when she uses her magic to free witches from scheduled execution. This “delicate, blood-red moth” serves as a motif for Challenging Limiting Perceptions (44). Often considered ugly alternatives to beautiful butterflies, moths symbolize death and darkness in many cultures and ill omens in religion. These negative connotations reflect the fear and hatred the Republic feels about witches in Rune’s society.

While the narrative makes it clear that Rune is just and compassionate toward others, she fears the limited perceptions others have about witches. She cannot trust people besides Alex and Verity due to her identity and the fear that others would turn her into the Blood Guards. Her signature reminds readers that even widely held perceptions are not always factual. The moth’s delicate nature hints at Rune’s kind disposition, even though many witch-haters, including Gideon, believe the Moth is the cruel witch behind the recent string of grotesque murders.

Moths also symbolize transformation and rebirth. Rune changed since Nan’s execution and the New Republic’s birth, providing many other witches with the opportunity to escape and start over.