A Darker Shade of Magic
Chapter 44: Masquerade V
by Schwab, V. E.The chapter opens with a chaotic and violent confrontation as Rhy stabs himself with a knife, shocking Kell, who desperately tries to intervene. The magical pendant, a key object in the scene, is knocked away and picked up by a guard, while Kell rushes to Rhy’s side, pulling the blade free. As Kell attempts to heal his brother with magic, a guard attacks him, leading to a brutal struggle. The guard, possessed by Astrid, is flung over a balcony, and the pendant falls into the hands of a bystander, who is instantly possessed, adding to the escalating danger.
Amid the chaos, Lila fights off another guard and tends to Rhy, who is severely wounded and bleeding profusely. Kell, overwhelmed by fear and guilt, repeatedly attempts to heal Rhy with his magic, but the prince’s condition remains critical. The courtyard below erupts into panic as the possessed woman flees into the palace, and locked doors spellwork trap them inside. Lila urges Kell to escape, but he refuses to abandon Rhy, insisting on taking him along despite the risk. The group’s desperation is palpable as they navigate the dire situation.
Kell, Lila, and Rhy retreat through a hidden passage, a private corridor marked by memories of their shared past. Rhy’s weakening state and Kell’s frantic efforts to keep him conscious heighten the tension. Behind them, guards break into Rhy’s room, forcing Kell to seal the door with magic. Lila presses for a full escape from the palace, recognizing the futility of hiding in isolated rooms. Kell leads them to a study with magical doorways, hoping to find a safe route out, though he is uncertain if the portal can sustain all three of them.
In the final moments, Kell prepares to activate a magical door, drawing blood to power the spell. Holding Rhy and Lila close, he hopes the portal will transport them to safety, despite the risks. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, emphasizing the group’s precarious situation and Kell’s determination to save Rhy at all costs. The blend of action, emotional turmoil, and magical stakes creates a gripping narrative that underscores the bonds between the characters and the looming threats they face.
FAQs
1. What critical event occurs when the woman in the green gown picks up the pendant, and what does this reveal about the nature of the pendant?
Answer:
When the woman picks up the pendant, she is instantly possessed by Astrid Dane, as evidenced by her physical transformation (“the possession rippling through her”) and her cold, grim smile directed at Kell. This reveals that the pendant serves as a vessel for Astrid’s consciousness, allowing her to transfer between hosts. The rapid possession underscores the pendant’s dangerous magical properties and its role as a tool for Astrid to evade capture or death by jumping bodies. The scene also highlights the pendant’s indiscriminate nature—it can possess anyone who touches it, regardless of their intentions.2. Analyze Kell’s use of blood magic in this chapter. What does his healing attempt on Rhy suggest about his abilities and emotional state?
Answer:
Kell uses blood magic twice: first to try healing Rhy (“As Hasari”) and later to seal a door (“As Staro”). His frantic healing attempt—cutting his palm deeply and pressing it to Rhy’s wound—shows his desperation and deep bond with his brother. However, Rhy’s continued bleeding and coughing up blood suggest either that the injury is too severe for immediate healing or that Kell’s distress is interfering with his magic. The scene emphasizes Kell’s vulnerability; despite his Antari powers, he is not omnipotent, and his fear for Rhy undermines his focus. His repeated apologies and commands (“Stay with me”) further reveal his guilt and terror.3. How does the chapter illustrate the theme of loyalty, particularly through Kell’s and Lila’s actions?
Answer:
Kell’s loyalty to Rhy is absolute: he refuses to leave him (“I’m not leaving him”) and risks his own safety to carry him through the palace. Even when Lila urges practicality (“We have to go”), Kell prioritizes Rhy’s survival. Lila, meanwhile, demonstrates pragmatic loyalty—she helps Kell despite the danger, pressing her hands to Rhy’s wound and strategizing their escape. Her suggestion to “take him with us” balances compassion with survival instincts. The blood trail they leave symbolizes their shared commitment; both characters prioritize relationships over self-preservation, though their approaches differ (Kell’s is emotional, Lila’s is tactical).4. The hidden corridor between Kell’s and Rhy’s rooms is described as having “marks from their strange and sheltered youth.” What might this detail imply about their upbringing and current predicament?
Answer:
The tally-marked walls symbolize Kell and Rhy’s shared history—a mix of rivalry, camaraderie, and isolation. As royal foster brothers, their “sheltered youth” was likely constrained by duty and secrecy, yet the marks show they carved out moments of normalcy (bets, challenges). Now, the corridor becomes an escape route, contrasting their childhood games with adult peril. The blood trail overwriting these marks reflects how their past is being eclipsed by violence. The detail also foreshadows their reliance on each other; the passage, a relic of their bond, becomes their literal path to survival.5. Why is the portal in Kell’s study their only viable escape option, and what risks does it present?
Answer:
The portal is their sole safe exit because the palace is compromised: guards are breaking into rooms, Astrid possesses a new host, and Rhy cannot be publicly seen wounded. The Ruby Fields portal is unusable (likely destroyed earlier), leaving others linked to the city. However, the portal risks magical strain—Kell worries it might not support three people, unlike his prior success with just Rhy. If the magic fails, they could be trapped or separated. The uncertainty heightens tension; their survival hinges on Kell’s power, which is already taxed by Rhy’s injury and their pursuers.
Quotes
1. ““No!” screamed Kell, surging forward.”
This quote captures the raw emotional reaction of Kell as he witnesses Rhy being stabbed, marking a pivotal moment of shock and desperation in the chapter. It sets the tone for the intense action and high stakes that follow.
2. ““I’m sorry,” murmured Rhy.”
Rhy’s quiet apology, uttered while gravely wounded, reveals his vulnerability and deepens the emotional weight of the scene. It underscores the bond between the brothers and adds a layer of tragedy to the unfolding events.
3. ““We can’t keep running from bedroom to bedroom,” snapped Lila. “We have to get out of this palace!””
Lila’s pragmatic outburst highlights the urgency of their situation and the need for decisive action. This quote represents a turning point where the characters shift from reaction to strategy, emphasizing the chapter’s escalating tension.
4. “Now they left a trail of blood.”
This stark, simple sentence powerfully contrasts with the earlier description of the childhood marks on the walls, symbolizing how their lives have shifted from playful innocence to life-and-death stakes. It serves as a poignant metaphor for their journey.
5. ““Don’t let go,” said Kell. He held Rhy and Lila as closely as he could, hoping the door—and the magic—would be strong enough to lead them all to sanctuary.”
This closing quote encapsulates the chapter’s themes of trust, survival, and the limits of magic. It leaves the reader with a sense of precarious hope while emphasizing the physical and emotional bonds between the characters.