A Darker Shade of Magic
Chapter 22: Thieves Meet III
by Schwab, V. E.Kell awakens tied to a bed, restrained by ropes, and assesses his injuries while noting the return of his magical abilities. He discovers the thief, a sharp-featured young woman named Lila, watching him with a mix of caution and curiosity. Their exchange is tense yet laced with wit, as Kell attempts to negotiate for his freedom and the return of a stolen stone. Lila remains unflinching, probing Kell about his identity and the nature of his power, while he deflects with sarcasm and half-truths.
Kell reveals his name and origin, claiming to be from “another London” and explaining his ability to use magic to travel between worlds. He demonstrates his power by burning the ropes binding him, startling Lila but not breaking her composure. As he recounts how he tracked her using a handkerchief she’d left behind, Lila remains skeptical yet intrigued. Her ability to see the residual magic marks on the wall hints at a deeper connection to the supernatural, though she dismisses Kell’s claims with dry humor.
The conversation shifts to the stolen stone, which Kell describes as dangerous and unnatural. He warns Lila that possessing it puts her life at risk, but she remains unfazed, more interested in its value and potential. When Kell lunges for a chest where he suspects the stone is hidden, Lila stops him with a knife to his throat, showcasing her skill and unpredictability. She then produces the stone seemingly from nowhere, taunting Kell with her sleight of hand and pressing him for answers about its true nature.
Lila’s fascination with the stone grows as she theorizes about its purpose, guessing it may be a source of magical power. Kell, torn between fear and desire for the artifact, pleads with her to relinquish it, but she refuses until he reveals the symbol on the stone means “magic.” Their standoff continues, with Lila testing Kell’s honesty and Kell struggling to reclaim the stone without provoking her further. The chapter ends with tension unresolved, leaving their next moves uncertain.
FAQs
1. How does Kell initially attempt to negotiate with Lila, and what does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Kell begins by making an observation about Lila’s mismatched eye colors rather than directly demanding his freedom or the stone. This unexpected approach reveals several aspects of his character: his perceptiveness (noticing subtle details), his tendency to deflect tension with humor or distraction, and a strategic patience in dangerous situations. When he does make demands (“let me go and give me back the thing you stole”), he offers a bargain—promising not to turn her in—which shows pragmatic thinking. His initial avoidance of direct confrontation suggests either physical weakness (from his injuries) or a preference for diplomacy over force when possible.2. Analyze the significance of Lila being able to see the “ghosted echo” of Kell’s magical door. What might this imply about her nature or background?
Answer:
The text notes that most people in the Grey world cannot perceive magical residues, making Lila’s ability to see the door’s mark highly significant. This implies she possesses either a latent sensitivity to magic or an unusually sharp perception that borders on supernatural awareness. Given her profession as a thief, her attention to detail is already heightened, but this scene suggests something deeper—a potential affinity for magic that hasn’t been fully realized. It foreshadows her capacity to engage with the magical world Kell comes from, hinting that she may not be an ordinary human despite her skepticism about magic.3. Compare how Kell and Lila each use deception in their confrontation. Provide specific examples from the chapter.
Answer:
Both characters employ deception strategically. Lila uses physical misdirection: she intentionally glances at the chest to mislead Kell about the stone’s location while actually keeping it concealed (likely via sleight of hand). Kell, meanwhile, uses verbal deception by downplaying the stone’s danger (“It should not exist”) while omitting its full nature as black magic. Notably, he also feigns disinterest (“I don’t [want it back]”) despite his urgent need for it—a tactic to reduce the stone’s perceived value. Their deceptions reflect their roles: Lila’s is tactile and immediate (thief’s tricks), while Kell’s involves withholding truths (diplomat’s caution).4. Why does Kell hesitate to reveal the full nature of the Vitari stone to Lila? What risks does he perceive?
Answer:
Kell hesitates because he understands the stone’s corrupting influence—it exerts a pull on those who handle it (as seen with the encased cutthroat and his own conflicted desire for it). His vague warnings (“Bad magic”) suggest he fears Lila might be tempted to use it if she knew its power as a “source of magic.” Additionally, he recognizes her curiosity and recklessness; revealing more could incentivize her to keep it or experiment dangerously. His restraint also stems from protective instincts, as he knows the stone’s true owners would kill her to reclaim it. The chapter shows his dilemma: he must balance honesty with preventing further harm.5. How does the author use contrasting descriptions of Kell and Lila to highlight their dynamic? Provide textual evidence.
Answer:
The descriptions emphasize their opposing yet complementary natures. Lila is portrayed with sharp, angular imagery (“pointed chin,” “starved-bird,” “smile as sharp as [her knife’s] edge”), reflecting her aggressive, survival-driven personality. Kell, meanwhile, is initially passive (“tied to the bed,” “pounding head”) but later reveals controlled power (burning the ropes “to ash”). Their eye descriptions are particularly telling: Lila’s mismatched eyes symbolize her unpredictability, while Kell’s unnatural black eye marks his otherworldly identity. These contrasts create tension but also intrigue—each character’s traits provoke reactions in the other, driving their uneasy alliance forward.
Quotes
1. “‘A monster,’ said Kell hoarsely. ‘You’d better let me go.’ The girl gave a small, mocking laugh. ‘Monsters don’t faint in the presence of ladies.’ ‘Ladies don’t dress like men and pick pockets,’ retorted Kell.”
This exchange captures the sharp, bantering dynamic between Kell and Lila, establishing their adversarial yet intrigued relationship. It also reveals Kell’s self-perception as dangerous and Lila’s refusal to be intimidated.
2. “‘Kell,’ he said. ‘My name is Kell, and I come from another London, and I got into your room using magic.’ Sure enough, her lips quirked. ‘Magic,’ she echoed drily.”
This moment marks Kell’s pivotal decision to reveal his magical nature to Lila, breaking the secrecy that typically surrounds his abilities. Her dry response shows her skepticism but also hints at her openness to the extraordinary.
3. “‘What’s so bad about it?’ He hesitated, choosing his words. ‘It should not exist.’ ‘What is it worth?’ ‘Your life,’ said Kell, clenching his fists. ‘Because trust me, whoever’s after me will kill you in a blink to take it back.’”
This tense exchange about the magical stone reveals its immense danger and stakes. Kell’s warning underscores the life-or-death consequences of possessing the artifact, heightening the chapter’s suspense.
4. “‘Lila,’ he said slowly. ‘Please put it down.’ She squinted at the symbol on its face, as if somehow that would help her read it. ‘What does it mean?’ Kell did not answer. ‘If you tell me, I will give it back.’”
This moment showcases Lila’s cunning negotiation tactics and growing fascination with the stone’s power, while Kell’s plea reveals his desperation to contain its danger. Their power struggle over the artifact drives the chapter’s central conflict.