A Darker Shade of Magic
Chapter 24: The Follower I
by Schwab, V. E.Lila, grappling with the aftermath of her encounter with magic and Kell, seeks solace in the Barren Tide, a rough pub where she can blend in. The night air and the pub’s anonymity offer a temporary escape from her swirling questions about other Londons, magical doors, and the stone that awakened a hunger in her—a hunger she now recognizes as a longing for magic. Despite her usual confidence, she feels hollow and unsettled, her mind racing with possibilities she can’t ignore. The Barren Tide, with its indifferent patrons and shadowy corners, provides a fleeting refuge from her turmoil.
As Lila drinks, lost in thought, a mysterious stranger named Holland sits beside her. His unnatural presence—pale, faded, and eerily precise—unnerves her. When she notices his mismatched eyes, one pitch-black like Kell’s, she realizes he, too, is touched by magic. Unlike Kell, however, Holland exudes a cold, menacing energy that sends a primal warning through her. Their conversation is tense, with Holland’s questions hinting at his knowledge of Kell and his suspicion of Lila’s connection to him. She tries to deflect, but his grip on her wrist reveals his strength and intent.
Holland’s interrogation escalates as he drags Lila outside, ignoring her protests. The pub’s patrons, true to their nature, offer no help. Once in the street, Lila attempts to fight back, but Holland’s supernatural speed and control render her efforts futile. He disarms her with terrifying ease, pressing her own gun to her temple as he demands she surrender her weapons. Lila, though defiant, recognizes the futility of resistance against someone so powerful and calculated. Holland’s calm dominance suggests he’s no ordinary threat but a force far beyond her experience.
The chapter climaxes with Lila at Holland’s mercy, her fate uncertain. His pursuit of Kell and his ruthless efficiency mark him as a formidable adversary, one whose motives remain unclear. Lila’s earlier fascination with magic is now tempered by fear as she confronts its darker manifestations. The encounter leaves her vulnerable, highlighting the perilous path she’s stumbled upon—one where magic is as dangerous as it is alluring. The chapter sets the stage for a high-stakes conflict, with Lila caught between two powerful figures and her own burgeoning connection to the supernatural.
FAQs
1. How does Lila’s encounter with magic change her perspective, and what internal conflict does it create?
Answer:
Lila’s exposure to magic—through the stone, Kell’s black eye, and the enchanted wall—awakens a profound hunger in her, making her feel both exhilarated and hollow. The chapter reveals her struggle between curiosity and fear: she craves the wonder of magic (“the missing thing had a name”) but suppresses her questions, reflecting her habitual distrust (“shoved them down”). This conflict is heightened when she meets Holland, whose magic evokes both familiarity and terror, forcing her to confront whether she truly wants to pursue this dangerous new world or retreat to her old life.2. Analyze the significance of the Barren Tide’s atmosphere and how it reflects Lila’s character.
Answer:
The Barren Tide, with its “dark wood and fogging glass” and patrons who “mind their own business,” mirrors Lila’s self-reliant, guarded nature. Its lawlessness appeals to her as a thief (“a fine place to blend in”), yet the pub’s indifference to violence foreshadows her vulnerability when Holland attacks. The setting underscores her isolation—even in a crowded room, she’s alone with her thoughts—and highlights her adaptability, as she navigates both the physical space and the existential questions magic forces upon her.3. Compare Holland and Kell through Lila’s reactions to their magical abilities. What does this reveal about her instincts?
Answer:
While both Kell and Holland have black eyes symbolizing magic, Lila reacts differently: Kell’s eye feels like a “window into a new world,” whereas Holland’s evokes dread (“Dark things swirled beneath”). This contrast reveals her intuitive judgment—she distinguishes between wonder and danger, even when both are supernatural. Her instinct to flee from Holland (versus her earlier fascination with Kell) shows her pragmatism; she recognizes malice beneath his calm demeanor (“the ones who gripped their guns loosely”), proving her survival skills but also her growing understanding of magic’s dual nature.4. How does the chapter use physical sensations to convey Lila’s emotional state? Provide examples.
Answer:
The chapter ties emotions to bodily experiences: Lila feels “empty, hungry, and hollow” after losing the stone, linking magic to visceral need. Her “knuckles-white” grip on her glass betrays tension, while Holland’s touch sends “a shiver” up her arm, mirroring her fear. These details ground her psychological turmoil in physical reality, making her reactions tangible—like the “chill” from Holland’s voice or the “tingle” of magic—which immerses readers in her perspective and underscores how magic disrupts her usual controlled demeanor.5. Evaluate Holland’s interrogation tactics. What do they reveal about his power and intentions?
Answer:
Holland’s methods—casual yet brutal—demonstrate his authority and ruthlessness. He begins with deceptive calm (“Are you frightened?”), then escalates to physical force (“pinning her wrist”), showing he prefers intimidation over dialogue. His speed and precision (“less than a breath”) highlight supernatural prowess, while his threat with the pistol (“cocked the pistol in warning”) reveals calculated cruelty. By smelling Kell’s magic on Lila, he proves his magical acuity, suggesting he views her as a tool to track Kell, not an individual—a stark contrast to Kell’s earlier interactions with her.
Quotes
1. “All of it at her fingertips. And then gone. And Lila left feeling empty, hungry, and hollow in a new and terrifying way. Or maybe it was the same kind of hunger she’d always felt, and now the missing thing had a name: magic.”
This quote captures Lila’s transformative encounter with magic—how it awakens a deep, unnamed longing in her. It marks a pivotal moment of self-discovery and sets the stage for her journey.
2. “At the Barren Tide, people tended to mind their own business. On the not-so-rare occasion that a fight broke out, the regulars were more concerned for the safety of their drinks […] and Lila imagined someone could cry for help in the middle of the room and earn little more than a tip of the cup and a raised brow.”
This passage vividly illustrates the harsh, indifferent atmosphere of the Barren Tide, reflecting Lila’s world and her reliance on self-preservation. It underscores the isolation that makes Holland’s intrusion so threatening.
3. “Looking into Kell’s eye had been like looking through a window into a new world. Strange and confusing, but not frightening. Looking into Holland’s eye made her skin crawl. Dark things swirled just beneath the smooth black depths. One word whispered through her mind. Run.”
This contrast between Kell and Holland highlights the duality of magic’s nature—wonder versus danger. It’s a critical turning point where Lila recognizes the true threat Holland poses, escalating the chapter’s tension.
4. “‘Where is he, Lila?’ […] ‘Do not lie. I can smell his magic on you.’”
Holland’s interrogation reveals his relentless pursuit of Kell and his supernatural perception. This quote drives the chapter’s conflict forward, forcing Lila into a dangerous confrontation that tests her resilience.
5. “‘Divest yourself of weapons,’ he instructed. ‘Or I will do it for you.’ […] Lila had been around cutthroats long enough to know that the ones you truly had to fear were the ones who gripped their guns loosely, like they’d been born holding them.”
This moment showcases Holland’s terrifying competence and Lila’s sharp survival instincts. It encapsulates the chapter’s climax, where power dynamics shift decisively in Holland’s favor.