A Darker Shade of Magic
Chapter 55: The Waiting King V
by Schwab, V. E.The chapter opens with Kell and Lila reuniting after a violent confrontation, both battered but alive. Lila questions how Kell discerned the queen’s impostor, to which he cryptically replies, “Because she said please.” Their banter masks their exhaustion and injuries, but the tension escalates as Kell insists on facing his next challenge alone. Lila reluctantly agrees to stay behind, hinting at her own plans, while Kell’s physical state deteriorates rapidly. A sudden wave of pain overwhelms him, signaling the encroaching darkness he’s been fighting.
Kell’s struggle intensifies as he is dragged into a mental battle with Vitari, a malevolent magical entity seeking to possess him. The darkness manifests as a shadowy doppelgänger, revealing its intent to consume Kell’s body and soul. Vitari taunts Kell, asserting control over his heart and mind, while Kell resists, desperate to protect his brother Rhy, whose life is magically tied to his own. The confrontation is visceral, with Vitari’s hand literally gripping Kell’s heart, symbolizing the irreversible stakes of their struggle.
Meanwhile, Lila remains by Kell’s unconscious body, frantically trying to rouse him as his veins blacken and his condition worsens. She threatens drastic measures, like cutting off his hand to free him from the cursed stone, but her desperation underscores her loyalty. Her shouts reach Kell in his mental prison, reminding him of his bond with Rhy and reigniting his will to fight. This external connection becomes a lifeline, pulling Kell back from the brink of surrender.
In the final struggle, Kell recalls a magical command, “As Anasae,” which could dispel Vitari. Though initially ineffective, Lila’s distant voice urges him to speak the words aloud. With immense effort, Kell fights to vocalize the command, even as Vitari’s grip tightens. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, with Kell on the verge of either reclaiming his body or succumbing entirely to the darkness, leaving his fate—and Rhy’s—hanging in the balance.
FAQs
1. How does Kell recognize that the queen is an imposter rather than Lila?
Answer:
Kell identifies the imposter queen through a subtle behavioral clue—she says “please,” which Lila would never do. This moment reveals Kell’s deep familiarity with Lila’s personality and mannerisms, as well as his attention to detail under pressure. The exchange (“Because she said please”) highlights the trust and understanding between the characters, as well as Kell’s ability to discern truth even when physically and mentally exhausted. This detail also reinforces Lila’s rebellious, unpolished nature as a defining trait.2. Analyze the significance of Vitari’s manifestation and his confrontation with Kell. What does this reveal about the nature of their conflict?
Answer:
Vitari’s manifestation as a shadowy version of Kell symbolizes the parasitic nature of their relationship—the magic has been slowly consuming Kell’s identity and will. Their confrontation in Kell’s mental space (“We are in you… becoming you”) represents a battle for autonomy over Kell’s body and soul. Vitari’s claim that Kell is a “perfect vessel” underscores the Antari’s unique connection to magic, but also their vulnerability to corruption. The scene escalates the stakes by framing their conflict as existential, with Vitari seeking permanent possession rather than mere control.3. How does Lila attempt to motivate Kell during his physical and mental struggle against Vitari? What does this reveal about their relationship?
Answer:
Lila uses two key tactics: first, she appeals to Kell’s sense of responsibility by invoking Rhy’s life (“If you die, what happens to Rhy?”), reminding him of his bond with his brother. Second, she aggressively challenges his willpower (“Don’t you fucking give up”), matching her usual tough demeanor but revealing genuine desperation. Her actions—preparing to amputate his hand or kill him if necessary—show she prioritizes his survival over his comfort. This highlights their complex dynamic: she combines pragmatism with emotional leverage, demonstrating both her ruthlessness and her deep investment in Kell’s survival.4. Explain the significance of the phrase “As Anasae” and Kell’s struggle to utter it. How does this moment tie into the broader rules of magic in this world?
Answer:
“As Anasae” (likely meaning “disperse” or “unmake” in the magic’s native tongue) represents a counter-spell to Vitari’s corruption. Kell’s physical inability to speak it (due to Vitari’s grip on his heart and his locked jaw) mirrors the broader rule that Antari magic requires verbal invocation—thought alone is insufficient. This moment reinforces the strictures of the magic system: even in a mental battle, Kell must bridge the gap between consciousness and physicality to enact change. Vitari’s fear of the phrase confirms that all magic, even primordial entities like him, is bound by fundamental laws of creation and dissolution.5. Evaluate the chapter’s cliffhanger ending. How does the unresolved confrontation heighten tension for future events?
Answer:
The abrupt cutoff mid-spell (“As An—”) leaves both the incantation’s completion and Vitari’s fate uncertain, creating visceral suspense. Readers are left questioning whether Kell will succeed (potentially losing the stone’s power) or fail (ceding control to Vitari). The parallel physical and mental struggles—Lila’s knife poised to act while Vitari crushes Kell’s heart—compound the urgency. This structure forces anticipation of consequences: Rhy’s fate, Lila’s potential drastic intervention, and whether Kell’s sacrifice of the stone’s power will be his salvation or another step toward destruction. The unresolved duality (physical/metaphysical threats) ensures high stakes for the next chapter.
Quotes
1. “Because she said please.”
This simple yet powerful line reveals Kell’s deep understanding of Lila’s character—her defiance and pride would never allow her to say “please,” making this a key moment of recognition that saves him from the queen’s deception.
2. “You were made for me, Antari. A perfect vessel. I will wear your skin forever.”
Vitari’s chilling declaration represents the chapter’s central conflict—the parasitic magic’s attempt to consume Kell entirely, framing their struggle as one of identity and possession.
3. “If you die, what happens to Rhy?”
Lila’s desperate question cuts to the core of Kell’s motivation, reminding him (and readers) of the life-or-death stakes beyond his personal survival—his magical bond with his brother Rhy.
4. “Vitari wasn’t simply a spell. He was the source of all the stone’s power. Dispelling him would dispel the talisman itself.”
This realization marks the chapter’s turning point, where Kell understands the true nature of his enemy and the potential solution—destroying the magic at its source rather than just resisting it.
5. “As Anasae”
Though just two words, this attempted spell represents Kell’s final stand against Vitari, invoking the rules of magic that even powerful entities must obey—a moment that combines desperation with strategic insight.