Gods & Monsters
Angelica
by Mahurin, ShelbyThe chapter opens with Reid collapsing into the water, triggering Lou’s panic as he struggles to keep them both afloat. The potent scent of magic lingers around Reid, who appears to be in pain despite still breathing. Meanwhile, Morgane also loses consciousness, causing chaos among the Dames Blanches. Josephine seizes the opportunity to command her followers to capture Coco, but the blood witches hesitate to reenter the rippling waters, especially as Coco breaks free from her binds and steps into the lake, asserting her connection to its magic.
Coco confronts Josephine, declaring her allegiance to the waters and the unseen “her” they both reference. Josephine, wielding a dagger, insists Coco belongs to her, but Coco reveals her plan by letting her blood drip into the lake, awakening its power. The waters part dramatically, creating a path as twin tidal waves rise on either side. Lou and Reid are caught in the currents, battered but eventually deposited onto the newly revealed seafloor path, where Coco rushes to check their condition, relieved to find Lou unharmed.
As tensions escalate, a mysterious figure approaches from the depths of the lake, drawing the attention of everyone present. Josephine turns pale, and some blood witches flee in fear. Lou, still holding Reid, senses the significance of the approaching figure before finally turning to see her: a striking woman with Coco’s features but icy pale eyes, adorned in shimmering moonstone jewelry and an iridescent gown. Her presence commands awe, and her resemblance to Coco hints at a deeper familial connection.
The chapter ends with the woman’s arrival, leaving the characters—and readers—in suspense. Her regal appearance and the reactions she provokes suggest she holds immense power, possibly tied to the lake’s magic. The confrontation between her, Josephine, and Coco sets the stage for a pivotal conflict, while Lou remains focused on protecting Reid amidst the unfolding drama. The scene is rich with tension, magic, and the promise of revelations to come.
FAQs
1. What caused Reid and Morgane to lose consciousness simultaneously, and what does this reveal about their magical connection?
Answer:
Reid and Morgane collapsed at the same time due to a powerful magical interaction. The text states that “the sharp, potent scent of magic clung to him” (Reid), implying he performed a significant spell. Their simultaneous unconsciousness suggests a deep, possibly antagonistic magical bond between them—Reid’s spell directly affected Morgane, incapacitating her as well. This reveals that their magic is intertwined in a way that allows actions from one to impact the other, highlighting either a shared magical source or a prior connection (e.g., a curse or magical confrontation) that ties their fates together.2. How does Coco demonstrate her unique connection to L’Eau Mélancolique, and why does this terrify Josephine?
Answer:
Coco’s bond with L’Eau Mélancolique is shown when her blood, dripping into the water, parts the sea and creates a path—a power even Morgane’s witches fear. The text emphasizes that the waters “weren’t merely rippling now. They were moving” (p. 249), responding to Coco’s bloodline. Josephine is terrified because Coco claims, “Their magic is my own,” contradicting Josephine’s assertion that it belongs solely to Morgane. This undermines Josephine’s authority and hints at Coco’s latent potential, possibly tied to her mother (the approaching figure), whose return threatens Josephine’s control.3. Analyze the significance of the mysterious woman’s arrival. How does her appearance shift the power dynamics in the scene?
Answer:
The woman’s arrival (likely Coco’s mother) instantly alters the power balance. Described as “tall and statuesque” with a fairy-tale presence (p. 251), her mere appearance causes Josephine to stumble and witches to flee. This reaction signifies her formidable reputation or magical prowess. Her arrival validates Coco’s claim that “she is on her way” (p. 249), suggesting a premeditated rescue. The shift is stark: Josephine, previously dominant, is now vulnerable, while Coco gains an ally capable of countering Morgane’s faction, foreshadowing a larger confrontation.4. How does Lou’s narration during the drowning struggle reveal his character traits and relationship with Reid?
Answer:
Lou’s desperate actions—diving after Reid, shouting his name, and physically straining to keep him afloat—show his loyalty and selflessness. His internal monologue (“Stay with me. Come on, come on—”, p. 249) underscores his emotional intensity and fear of losing Reid. The tactile details (cradling Reid’s head, shaking him) highlight their deep bond, possibly romantic or fraternal. Even in crisis, Lou’s humor surfaces (“You look like shit, amie”), revealing his resilience and tendency to deflect stress with wit, which Coco recognizes as proof he’s “still himself” (p. 250).5. Why is the setting of L’Eau Mélancolique symbolically important to the conflict?
Answer:
The waters embody legacy and vengeance. Coco’s birthright (“born in these waters,” p. 248) ties her to their magic, making them a weapon against her oppressors. Their name (“Melancholic Waters”) mirrors the characters’ emotional states—Lou’s despair, Reid’s sacrifice, Coco’s defiance. The sea’s physical division (parting for Coco) reflects the ideological divide between factions. Historically, such waters likely hold significance for blood witches, making their fear of it ironic: a sacred space turned against them, symbolizing reclaimed power and inevitable reckoning.
Quotes
1. “‘That is when I lost my shit completely.’”
This raw, visceral reaction from Lou captures the pivotal moment when Reid collapses, marking a dramatic turning point in the chapter’s action. The blunt phrasing conveys the narrator’s desperation and emotional breaking point.
2. “‘You should’ve known better than to follow us here, tante. I was born in these waters. Their magic is my own.’”
Coco’s defiant declaration to Josephine showcases her reclaiming of power and connection to the magical waters. This quote represents a major shift in the power dynamics between characters and introduces the theme of inherited magic.
3. “‘She is on her way…’ Coco finished grimly, eyes flicking to her own uplifted hand. A fresh wound I hadn’t noticed sliced her palm. Blood dripped from it into the waters.”
This ominous yet triumphant moment reveals Coco’s strategic blood magic at work, foreshadowing the arrival of a powerful figure. The blood ritual in the water serves as both a magical catalyst and symbolic act of defiance.
4. “‘You look like shit, amie. Those eye bags are as big as Beau’s head.’ […] ‘You’re you.’ ‘I’m me.’ ‘Thank god.’ ‘Thank Ansel.’”
This exchange between Lou and Coco provides crucial emotional relief amid the chaos, showcasing their deep friendship through humor. The banter followed by heartfelt recognition serves as a brief respite before the chapter’s climactic arrival.
5. “And there she was. A full-body chill swept through me at the sight of her: tall and statuesque with thick black curls and rich brown skin, nearly identical to Coco in every way.”
This dramatic reveal of the mysterious woman (likely Angelica) creates the chapter’s climactic moment. The detailed description emphasizes her powerful presence and connection to Coco, setting up major implications for the story’s continuation.