The theme of Loyalty, Family, and Friendship is shaped by the constraints of a Bildungsroman, a genre that depicts the protagonist’s quest for Identity and Self-Discovery. From Qibli’s perspective, this theme is complicated by issues of trauma and power from his childhood that continue to shape his understanding of the world. He must consider what constitutes a tribe that he can be loyal to while navigating the competing loyalties that arise with new, intertribal friendships.

Navigating new relationships requires Qibli to recover from the trauma of his abusive childhood. His understanding of family is skewed by the cruelty and violence typical in his family, which lacks the love and devotion of many families. Qibli is rescued by Thorn because he is neither loved nor wanted by Cobra. Likewise, Vulture’s desire to see Qibli return to the Scorpion Den is based on Vulture’s greed and desire to control those around him rather than respect between family members. Qibli’s protection of his siblings and his attempt to save Cobra demonstrate a longing for safety and acceptance. When his continuing loyalty to family conflicts with the interests of Thorn and the Outclaws, he is forced to accept a new notion of what it means to be loyal.