A Darker Shade of Magic

Kell helps a reluctant Rhy practice elemental magic. The prince has always struggled with magic, and Kell suspects that something else is bothering Rhy as well, but Rhy brushes off his questions about Holland’s unexpected visit. When Rhy loses control of a fire, Kell is forced to use blood magic to extinguish it, which leaves the magician weary. Just as the apologetic prince suggests that they find a tavern to relax in, the king arrives with a letter for the rulers of White London. Red London feels guilty and responsible for White London because Red London chose to seal itself off centuries ago when Black London fell. This forced White London to fight off the dark magic that consumed Black London by itself, and White London became “a place torn by violence and power” (84).

Kell journeys to the grim and chill world of White London. To comfort himself, he chants Red London’s motto, “Power in Balance. Balance in Power” (86). While the people of Red London respect magic, White London sees magic as something to be dominated. However, the more they seek to conquer magic, the more it withdraws from them, leaving their world drained of life and color.

The twins