A Darker Shade of Magic
Chapter 59: The Final Door III
by Schwab, V. E.Kell visits his brother Rhy, who is recovering from a near-fatal injury in his meticulously restored room. Though the physical traces of the attack have been erased, Rhy’s slow healing hints at the gravity of his condition—he had briefly died. The prince is irritable, mourning the loss of his trusted guards and chafing under the watchful eyes of his attendants. When Kell arrives, the room’s occupants regard him with newfound wariness, reflecting the lingering tension after recent events.
Rhy dismisses his attendants, demanding privacy to confront Kell about the mysterious scar over his heart. Kell reveals he magically bound their lives together to save Rhy, ensuring they now share pain and survival. Horrified, Rhy initially reacts with anger but soon shifts to concern for the burden Kell has taken on. Their banter masks deeper emotions, and the conversation turns somber as Rhy confesses his guilt for trusting Holland and accepting a cursed necklace, driven by his insecurity about lacking magical prowess.
The brothers grapple with the consequences of their actions, acknowledging their mistakes could have doomed their kingdom. Rhy’s vulnerability surfaces as he tearfully admits his fear of failing as a future king. Kell reassures him, emphasizing that strength lies in leadership, not magic. Their shared scars—physical and emotional—symbolize their unbreakable bond and the weight of their responsibilities. The mood lightens briefly as they jest about their recklessness, but the underlying tension remains.
The chapter concludes with Lila Bard’s abrupt entrance, injecting energy into the scene. Her sharp wit and fearless demeanor charm Rhy, sparking playful flirtation despite his weakened state. Kell ushers her out, but not before Rhy expresses interest in seeing her again. The exchange provides momentary levity, though Kell’s awareness of the lingering distrust in the palace hints at unresolved challenges ahead. The chapter balances emotional depth with character dynamics, setting the stage for future conflicts.
FAQs
1. What is the nature of the magical bond between Kell and Rhy, and why does Rhy react with horror upon learning about it?
Answer:
Kell reveals he has bound Rhy’s life to his own through magic, meaning as long as Kell lives, Rhy will too. This connection also shares their pain. Rhy reacts with horror not because he dislikes being tethered to Kell, but because he realizes the immense burden Kell has taken on—essentially making himself responsible for Rhy’s survival. The chapter shows Rhy’s concern is for Kell’s sacrifice, asking, “How could you carry that weight?” This reveals their deep brotherly bond, where Rhy is more troubled by Kell’s suffering than his own constrained immortality.2. Analyze how Rhy’s internal conflict about his royal role connects to his decision to accept Holland’s necklace.
Answer:
Rhy confesses he accepted the cursed necklace because he felt inadequate as a future king without magical abilities. Despite being loved by his people, he craves respect and fears being perceived as weak (“I wanted to be a strong king”). This insecurity mirrors classic royal dilemmas about legitimacy beyond birthright. Holland exploited this vulnerability by offering false strength. The chapter highlights how Rhy’s self-doubt—contrasted with Kell’s assertion that “magic does not make people strong”—led to his near-catastrophic mistake, emphasizing themes of power versus true leadership.3. How does the chapter illustrate the lingering consequences of the magical attack on the palace through both physical and social details?
Answer:
Three days post-attack, physical repairs (rebuilt balcony, cleaned bloodstains) mask but don’t erase trauma. Socially, Kell notes lingering suspicion in citizens’ eyes despite his proclaimed innocence, suggesting broken trust is harder to mend than stonework. The deaths of guards Parrish and Gen—one violently, another by the “black fever”—show ripple effects beyond the main characters. Even Rhy’s attendants watch Kell warily, reflecting widespread unease. These layers demonstrate how magical conflicts leave enduring scars on both infrastructure and societal bonds, a theme reinforced by Rhy’s slow healing and the city’s ongoing recovery.4. Evaluate Lila Bard’s introduction in this scene—how does her dialogue reveal her character while contrasting with Rhy and Kell’s dynamic?
Answer:
Lila’s abrupt entrance (“I don’t like the way the guards are looking at me”) and dark humor (“I apologize for shooting you… I was myself entirely”) showcase her trademark bluntness and moral ambiguity. Her banter with Rhy—who responds with royal charm—creates a lively contrast to Kell and Rhy’s emotionally heavy preceding conversation. Where the brothers dwell on guilt and sacrifice, Lila brings irreverent energy, challenging formalities (e.g., threatening finger removal). This highlights her role as a disruptor while providing comic relief, yet her cleaned appearance suggests she’s adapting to palace life.5. What does Rhy’s comment about “matching tattoos” reveal about his coping mechanisms in the face of trauma?
Answer:
Rhy uses humor as a defense mechanism, joking about the life-bond scars as “matching tattoos” to deflect from their grave significance. This aligns with his later playful jab about scars attracting lovers—a pattern of using levity to process pain. However, the chapter notes these quips “rang strangely hollow,” showing his humor is a fragile mask. By alternating between grief over his mistake and forced cheerfulness, Rhy demonstrates how royals might perform resilience while struggling internally. Kell recognizes this, steering conversations back to sincerity when Rhy’s jokes falter.
Quotes
1. “I bound your life to mine. As long as I live, so shall you.”
This quote reveals the profound magical bond Kell created to save Rhy’s life, representing both the depth of their brotherly love and the heavy burden of responsibility Kell has taken on. It marks a pivotal moment where Rhy learns the true cost of his survival.
2. “Magic does not make people strong, Rhy. Trust me. And you have something better. You have the people’s love.”
Kell challenges Rhy’s insecurity about lacking magical abilities, emphasizing that true strength comes from leadership qualities rather than supernatural power. This exchange captures the central theme of different forms of strength and the responsibilities of royalty.
3. “What sons our parents have. Between the two of us, we’ll tear the whole world down.”
This poignant moment of dark humor between the brothers acknowledges their shared mistakes and the weight of their actions. It reflects both their deep bond and the serious consequences they’ve unleashed on their world.
4. “I apologize for shooting you in the leg. I was myself entirely.”
Lila’s blunt apology to Prince Rhy perfectly encapsulates her unapologetic personality and establishes the dynamic between these characters. This moment of dark humor also serves as their proper introduction after previous violent encounters.
5. “If I have any say in it, they will.”
Rhy’s flirtatious closing line to Lila hints at future developments in their relationship while showcasing his characteristic charm returning despite his injuries. This marks a turning point where the story begins looking forward after the recent trauma.