A Darker Shade of Magic
Chapter 27: An Arrangement I
by Schwab, V. E.Kell wakes up in Lila’s bed, disoriented and in pain, recalling the events of the previous night—Holland’s attack in the alley and Lila’s intervention. He longs for home, imagining his brother Rhy’s playful insistence on joining royal duties, but the reality of his situation sets in. Despite his severe injuries, he notices they’ve healed unusually fast, thanks to a royal salve Lila found in his coat. Their exchange reveals her reckless yet effective methods, as she admits testing the salve on herself first, leaving Kell both exasperated and grudgingly grateful.
Lila confronts Kell about his return to her, hinting at unspoken motives, but he deflects with vague answers. Their conversation shifts to Holland, the Antari who attacked him. Kell explains their shared ability to travel between worlds, though he emphasizes their differences. Lila probes further, questioning why Holland didn’t kill Kell outright, sparking Kell’s own doubts about Holland’s intentions. The tension between them underscores the gravity of the threat Holland poses and the mystery surrounding his actions.
The focus turns to the stone, a dangerous artifact Kell is desperate to reclaim. Lila, however, refuses to hand it over without answers, demanding Kell explain its origins and power. Reluctantly, he begins to reveal its connection to Black London, a place of dark magic. Their dynamic shifts as Kell acknowledges Lila’s resilience and cunning, realizing she’s more capable than he initially assumed. Her insistence on understanding the stone’s significance hints at her growing role in the unfolding conflict.
The chapter closes with Kell and Lila at an impasse, their trust in each other tentative but necessary. Kell’s physical pain mirrors his emotional turmoil, while Lila’s sharp wit and determination keep him grounded. Their partnership, forged in danger, begins to take shape as they prepare to face the larger threats ahead—Holland, the stone’s power, and the secrets of Black London. The unresolved tension between them sets the stage for further collaboration and conflict.
FAQs
1. What are the key differences between Kell and Holland as Antari, based on their interaction in the alley?
Answer:
While both Kell and Holland share the Antari ability to move between worlds, they are fundamentally different in their circumstances and demeanor. Holland bears a brand and numerous scars, suggesting a history of servitude or punishment, while Kell appears to have more autonomy. Their interaction reveals Holland’s disdain for Kell, as evidenced by his remark that sharing an ability doesn’t make them equals. Additionally, Holland’s actions—bleeding Kell rather than killing him—hint at conflicting motives, possibly due to external control or orders from the White king. Kell, in contrast, seems more independent but vulnerable, reflecting their divergent paths despite their shared magic.2. How does Lila Bard demonstrate her resourcefulness and risk-taking nature in this chapter?
Answer:
Lila showcases her resourcefulness by discovering and using Kell’s healing salve, despite not knowing its purpose initially. She tested it on herself first, highlighting her pragmatic yet risky approach. Her ability to navigate Kell’s magical coat—finding multiple layers to locate the salve—further emphasizes her adaptability. Additionally, Lila’s sharp questioning of Kell about Holland and the stone reveals her analytical mind and refusal to accept vague answers. Her actions throughout the chapter, from saving Kell to demanding explanations, illustrate her combination of street-smart ingenuity and fearless curiosity.3. Why does Kell feel such a strong urge to reclaim the stone from Lila, even though he knows it’s dangerous?
Answer:
Kell’s desire for the stone is driven by both practical and psychological factors. Practically, he believes it’s safer with him, as he understands its risks better than Lila. However, the text also suggests an almost addictive pull—the stone seems to promise physical relief, as Kell imagines it would soothe his pain and strengthen him. This hints at the stone’s corrupting influence, which Kell recognizes but struggles to resist. His urgency reflects a conflict between his duty to contain the stone’s danger and his subconscious vulnerability to its power, foreshadowing deeper themes of temptation and control.4. Analyze the significance of Kell’s memory of Rhy in this chapter. How does it contrast with his current situation?
Answer:
Kell’s fleeting memory of Rhy—a playful, caring brother figure—highlights his longing for safety and belonging amid his dire circumstances. The contrast between Rhy’s warmth (“Not a chance,” he says with a prince’s grin) and Kell’s isolation in Lila’s room underscores his vulnerability. The palace represents stability and affection, while his present reality involves pain, uncertainty, and a magical threat (Holland). This juxtaposition deepens the reader’s understanding of Kell’s emotional stakes, making his physical and magical struggles more poignant by framing them against the loss of home and family.5. What does the chapter reveal about the nature of Antari magic and its limitations?
Answer:
The chapter introduces key traits of Antari magic: their rarity (only Kell and Holland are mentioned), their shared blood-based abilities, and their distinctive eye markings. Holland’s remark—”It’s really quite hard to kill Antari”—suggests resilience, but not invincibility. The healing salve’s effectiveness on Kell implies that while Antari recover quickly, they still rely on external aid for severe injuries. Additionally, Holland’s ability to track Kell across worlds hints at potential limits to Antari secrecy or autonomy. These details build a framework for the magic system, balancing power with vulnerability and setting up future conflicts.
Quotes
1. “He closed his eyes and could almost hear Rhy pounding on his door, telling him to get dressed because the carriages were waiting, and so were the people. ‘Get ready or be left behind,’ Rhy would say, bursting into the room. ‘Then leave me,’ Kell would groan. ‘Not a chance,’ Rhy would answer, wearing his best prince’s grin. ‘Not today.’”
This memory highlights Kell’s longing for home and his complicated relationship with his royal duties. The playful yet persistent dynamic between Kell and Prince Rhy contrasts sharply with Kell’s current vulnerable state, emphasizing his isolation and physical suffering.
2. “He felt like death. It was as close as he had ever come, and closer than he ever wished to be.”
This visceral description underscores the severity of Kell’s injuries and the trauma of his encounter with Holland. The line captures both physical agony and existential dread, marking a low point in Kell’s journey and setting up his gradual recovery.
3. “‘Why did you come back?’ Two words hung in the air, unsaid but understood. For me.”
This charged exchange between Lila and Kell reveals the unspoken emotional undercurrents in their relationship. Lila’s question—and what she leaves unsaid—hints at her growing attachment to Kell and her struggle to reconcile her tough exterior with genuine concern.
4. “‘One is not the same thing as none, Kell,’ said Lila.”
Lila’s blunt wisdom here cuts to the heart of Kell’s critical mistake in underestimating Holland. The line serves as both a rebuke and a moment of shared understanding, advancing their partnership while highlighting the stakes of their situation.
5. “‘The stone is from a place known as Black London.’”
This revelation marks a turning point where Kell begins to trust Lila with crucial information about the story’s central mystery. The quote introduces the ominous concept of Black London, setting up future conflicts and expanding the magical worldbuilding.