Serpent & Dove
Angelica’s Ring: Lou
by Mahurin, ShelbyLou narrowly escapes the Chasseurs by using Angelica’s Ring, a magical artifact that renders her invisible when placed in her mouth. Despite the physical strain of climbing down a townhouse with broken fingers and the constant fear of being discovered, she manages to evade capture. The ring’s power confirms the Chasseurs’ suspicions of her witchcraft, forcing her into hiding. As she regains her visibility, she encounters Coco, a fellow witch, who reveals that the Chasseurs are still searching for her but are distracted by ransacking the townhouse.
The conversation shifts to the significance of Angelica’s Ring, which Lou explains is a revered relic among witches. She recounts the tragic legend of Angelica, a witch whose grief over her knight’s death created the Wistful Waters. The ring, infused with magic after her suicide, symbolizes both love and sorrow. Coco, a Dame Rouge, expresses skepticism about the ring’s importance compared to other magical objects, highlighting the cultural divide between their witch factions. Lou’s reverence for the ring contrasts with Coco’s pragmatic view, underscoring their differing backgrounds.
Their discussion is interrupted by passing men, prompting them to hide. Lou then questions Coco about her escape, learning that the constabulary saw her, confirming her identity as a witch. This revelation heightens the danger for both of them, as the Chasseurs will now hunt them relentlessly. Lou urges Coco to flee the city immediately, but Coco insists Lou accompany her to seek protection from her aunt. Lou hesitates, fearing betrayal from Coco’s coven or the Dames Blanches, who view her as a threat.
The chapter ends with tension as Lou grapples with her limited options. While Angelica’s Ring offers some advantage, she recognizes the need for allies. Coco’s insistence on joining her aunt’s protection presents a risky but potential lifeline. Lou’s internal conflict reflects her precarious position—caught between the Chasseurs, rival witch factions, and her own survival instincts. The chapter leaves their fate uncertain, emphasizing the high stakes of their choices in a world where magic and danger intertwine.
FAQs
1. How does Angelica’s Ring function, and why is it significant to Lou and the witches?
Answer:
Angelica’s Ring grants invisibility when placed in the mouth, as demonstrated when Lou escapes the Chasseurs by removing it from her finger and holding it between her teeth. The ring holds deep cultural significance for witches, particularly Lou’s kin, as it originates from the tragic legend of Angelica, a witch whose grief created the Wistful Waters (L’Eau Mélancolique). Infused with magic after her death, the ring symbolizes both love and sorrow. Lou reveres it not only for its power but also for its connection to her heritage, while other witches might covet it for its legendary status and magical properties (pp. 66–69).2. Compare and contrast the magical practices of Dames Blanches and Dames Rouges as depicted in the chapter.
Answer:
Dames Blanches (Lou’s kin) adhere to structured magical laws requiring balance, whereas Dames Rouges (like Coco) use blood magic that is “wild, unpredictable,” and unrestricted by rules. Coco’s scars and fresh cut illustrate the physical toll of her magic, which relies on blood as a key ingredient. Lou criticizes Dames Blanches as “filthy hypocrites,” implying their magic, though rule-bound, can be equally dangerous. This contrast highlights tensions between the groups: Dames Rouges are viewed as reckless, while Dames Blanches are seen as rigid or hypocritical (pp. 68–69).3. Analyze the escalating dangers Lou and Coco face after their encounter with the Chasseurs.
Answer:
The Chasseurs now know Lou’s identity (thanks to Bas) and suspect her of witchcraft after her disappearance, while the constabulary has seen Coco, confirming her as a witch. Both are at risk of pursuit by the Chasseurs and potentially Lou’s own coven, who might betray her to La Dame des Sorcières. The ring’s discovery compounds the threat, as its power could draw more dangerous adversaries. Coco urges Lou to flee with her, but Lou fears Coco’s aunt or coven members might kill her, reflecting their precarious position (pp. 67–70).4. How does the legend of Angelica mirror Lou’s current predicament?
Answer:
Angelica’s story—a witch who loved a knight but met a tragic end—parallels Lou’s fraught relationship with authority (the Chasseurs) and the emotional stakes of her survival. Like Angelica, Lou is isolated by her magic and grief (implied by her reverence for the ring). The “beautiful, terrible” Wistful Waters symbolize the duality of Lou’s situation: the ring empowers her but also makes her a target. This foreshadows potential sacrifice or peril, echoing Angelica’s fate (pp. 68–69).5. Evaluate Coco’s loyalty to Lou and its implications for their future.
Answer:
Coco demonstrates steadfast loyalty by waiting to ensure Lou’s escape, despite the risk, and offering refuge with her aunt. Her willingness to defend Lou (“I won’t let her [kill you]”) contrasts with Lou’s distrust of other witches. However, Lou’s refusal highlights their ideological divide: Coco believes her aunt would protect Lou from the Dames Blanches, while Lou fears betrayal. This tension suggests future conflict, as Coco’s optimism clashes with Lou’s pragmatism (pp. 69–70).
Quotes
1. “One second, I’d been trapped on the roof, and the next, Angelica’s Ring had burned hot on my finger. Of course. In my panic, I’d forgotten what the ring could do. Without stopping to think, I’d slid the ring off my finger and stuck it in my mouth. My body had vanished.”
This moment reveals the magical properties of Angelica’s Ring and Lou’s quick thinking in a life-threatening situation. It introduces a key magical artifact that becomes central to the chapter’s plot and themes of survival.
2. “She was really just a lonely witch who fell in love with a knight. He gave her this ring as a promise of marriage… then he died. Angelica was so devastated that her tears flooded the land and created a new sea.”
This quote provides the tragic backstory of Angelica’s Ring, explaining its emotional significance and magical origin. The legend ties into broader themes of love, loss, and the powerful magic born from intense emotions.
3. “Unlike Dames Blanches, they weren’t bound to any laws or rules. Their magic didn’t demand balance. It could be wild, unpredictable… and some of my kin even called it dangerous. But I’d seen what the Dames Blanches themselves could do. Filthy hypocrites.”
This passage highlights the complex dynamics between different witch factions and Lou’s cynical perspective. It reveals important world-building details about magic systems while showing Lou’s distrust of established witch hierarchies.
4. “You need protection. Come with me. My aunt will—’ ‘Kill me.’ ‘I won’t let her.’”
This tense exchange demonstrates the dangerous alliances forming around Lou and the difficult choices she faces. It encapsulates the chapter’s central conflict about trust, survival, and the risks of seeking help from potentially hostile forces.