Blood & Honey
La Mascarade Des Crânes: Lou
by Mahurin, ShelbyLou finds herself trapped in the underground labyrinth of La Mascarade des Crânes, forced to follow Célie, who is no longer in control of her own body. With Reid potentially close behind, Lou is desperate to confront Morgane before he arrives. Her mind races with frustration as she realizes Morgane has outmaneuvered her yet again, leaving her with only Ansel and the compromised Célie as allies. Despite her careful planning, Lou feels powerless, knowing her chances of survival are slim in this dangerous game orchestrated by her mother.
As they navigate the tunnels, the group stumbles upon a bizarre and lively marketplace filled with masked revelers, merchants hawking mystical wares, and performers entertaining the crowd. The atmosphere is chaotic yet enchanting, but Lou remains focused on her mission, refusing to be distracted. When a young pickpocket targets her, Lou redirects the child with a warning, demonstrating her wariness amid the revelry. Célie, still under Morgane’s control, leads them relentlessly forward, ignoring the spectacle around them as more masked figures join their procession.
The tension escalates as they reach a vast underground chamber, where Morgane awaits on a primitive stage, surrounded by floating corpses that form a macabre crown. The audience, frozen in place by magic, watches silently as Lou confronts her mother. Morgane taunts Lou, mocking her appearance and feigning warmth while revealing Gabrielle, injured but alive, at her feet. Lou’s horror grows as Morgane implies that Gaby’s fate rests in Lou’s hands, further manipulating her into compliance. The scene underscores Morgane’s cruelty and the psychological torment she inflicts on her daughter.
Lou’s fear and desperation peak as Morgane reveals her true intentions, including her interest in Reid, the male witch who previously thwarted her plans. Despite Lou’s defiance, Morgane remains in control, using Gabrielle’s life as leverage. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, with Lou trapped in a nightmarish confrontation, forced to navigate her mother’s twisted games while grappling with her own powerlessness. The stage is set for a deadly showdown, with Lou’s allies absent and time running out to save Gaby.
FAQs
1. How does Morgane demonstrate her control over the situation in La Mascarade des Crânes?
Answer:
Morgane exhibits complete control through psychological and physical domination. She manipulates Célie like a puppet, forcing her to lead Lou and Ansel through the tunnels (shown by Célie’s “mechanical footsteps”). Morgane also paralyzes the audience with magic, rendering them “unnaturally still” and silent. Her theatrical presentation—standing amid floating corpses with slashed throats—reinforces her power. Additionally, she taunts Lou about Gabrielle’s imminent death and Reid’s absence, showing she anticipated Lou’s actions. This calculated dominance leaves Lou feeling trapped and outmaneuvered, as noted when Lou thinks, “Morgane had played one move ahead.”2. Analyze the symbolic significance of the skull masquerade setting. How does it reflect the chapter’s themes?
Answer:
The masquerade symbolizes deception, hidden dangers, and the duality of appearances. Revelers wear elaborate animal masks (lions, dragons, peacocks), creating a facade of celebration while concealing their true identities—mirroring how Morgane disguises her brutality behind elegance (“resplendent in robes of black velvet”). The “earthen mouth” of the stage evokes a literal descent into danger, with stone benches like “rows of teeth” suggesting consumption. This aligns with themes of entrapment and predation, as Lou realizes too late that the festive atmosphere masks Morgane’s lethal intentions. The skull motif underscores mortality, foreshadowing Gabrielle’s near-death state.3. How does Lou’s relationship with Ansel evolve in this chapter, and why is this significant?
Answer:
Their relationship shifts from tension to tentative solidarity. Earlier, Lou had “broken” their bond by keeping secrets, but here, Ansel’s quiet support (“I’m here, Lou”) and their shared admission of fear (“I’m scared, Lou” / “So am I”) rebuild trust. Ansel’s protective gesture—slipping his hand into hers—shows he prioritizes Lou over his own fear. This is significant because Lou, who typically relies on self-reliance, acknowledges vulnerability by confessing her fear. Their dynamic contrasts with Morgane’s isolation, highlighting Lou’s humanity and foreshadowing that her strength lies in connections, unlike her mother’s solitary cruelty.4. What strategic mistake does Lou recognize she has made in confronting Morgane?
Answer:
Lou realizes she fell into Morgane’s trap by acting alone. She reflects that she “sneaked away to face Morgane without” her allies, leaving her with only Ansel and Célie—both of whom she vowed to protect, limiting her options. Morgane’s taunt about Reid’s absence (“Where is your huntsman?”) underscores this error. Lou also notes Morgane’s superior planning: “As usual, Morgane had played one move ahead.” By dividing Lou from her allies, Morgane ensures Lou is outnumbered and emotionally compromised, turning Lou’s rescue attempt into a “disaster.” This highlights Lou’s recurring struggle with self-sacrificing impulsiveness.5. Evaluate Morgane’s psychological tactics in this chapter. How does she manipulate Lou?
Answer:
Morgane employs fear, guilt, and theatricality to destabilize Lou. She uses Célie as bait, forcing Lou to witness her friend’s helplessness (“soiléd mourning gown”). Her grandiose entrance with floating corpses and a mocking welcome (“Darling, welcome!”) asserts dominance. She alternates faux affection (“You look beautiful”) with threats, such as implying she’ll kill Gabrielle unless Lou participates. By referencing Reid and Lou’s allies, she isolates Lou further. The staged setting—a captive audience, Gabrielle’s wounded body—heightens Lou’s dread. These tactics exploit Lou’s protective instincts and emotions, rendering her reactive rather than strategic.
Quotes
1. “My mind raged against me, presenting fresh problems with each step—fresh problems and stale solutions. As usual, Morgane had played one move ahead.”
This quote captures Lou’s internal struggle and the recurring theme of Morgane’s strategic superiority. It highlights the protagonist’s desperation and foreshadows the impending confrontation, setting the tone for the chapter’s tension.
2. “She looked resplendent in robes of black velvet… An intricate golden circlet sat atop her head, but the corpses floating above her in a circle—peaceful, eyes closed and hands clasped—they formed her true crown.”
This vivid description of Morgane’s entrance establishes her as both majestic and terrifying. The juxtaposition of beauty and horror perfectly encapsulates her character’s essence and the dark magic central to the story.
3. “‘Dead?’ Morgane supplied helpfully, nudging Gaby’s face with her boot. Gaby moaned in response. ‘Not yet, but soon. With my daughter’s help, of course.’”
This chilling exchange demonstrates Morgane’s cruelty and psychological manipulation of Lou. It represents a critical turning point where the stakes become painfully personal, raising the emotional intensity of the confrontation.
4. “‘Where is your huntsman, Louise? I had hoped he would join you. I have much to discuss with him, you see. A male witch! You cannot imagine my surprise after the little trick he pulled at Modraniht.’”
This quote reveals Morgane’s interest in Reid and introduces new complications to the plot. It serves as both a threat and an exposition device, hinting at Reid’s significance while maintaining suspense about his whereabouts.