Assassin's Bullet Misses Alex's Head

On Hampstead Heath, Alex Verus, a diviner mage, narrowly escapes an assassination attempt. His precognition alerts him just in time to dodge a sniper's bullet. The open meadow offers little cover, but Alex's quick thinking and ability to foresee the sniper's next moves allow him to evade further shots. As he takes cover, he contemplates the identity of his would-be assassin, suspecting it might be linked to his recent involvement with a dangerous Dark cabal. This attempt on his life signals that he's become entangled in a deadly game, and he must uncover who is behind it before they succeed in killing him.

Mysterious Meredith Seeks Alex's Help

Alex's evening takes an unexpected turn when Meredith, a stunning enchantress, bursts into his shop, pursued by a deadly construct. Alex's quick reflexes save her, and they manage to destroy the construct. Meredith reveals she is being hunted by a group of Dark mages after a failed negotiation involving a powerful ritual. She seeks Alex's help, knowing his reputation as a skilled diviner. Despite his reservations about getting involved, Alex agrees to assist her, setting conditions that she must be truthful and that he will avoid direct confrontations. Meredith's presence and charm complicate Alex's life, but he can't ignore her plea for help.

Luna's Dangerous New Ally

Luna, Alex's apprentice, introduces Martin, a new friend who has come into possession of a dangerous imbued item known as the monkey's paw. Despite Alex's warnings about its perilous nature, Martin and Luna believe they can use it safely. Martin's first wish has granted him protection from magic, allowing Luna to touch him without her curse affecting him. Alex is skeptical and concerned about the potential consequences, but Luna is determined to explore the paw's possibilities, seeing it as a chance to control her curse. The situation strains Alex's relationship with Luna, as she seems to drift away under Martin's influence.

Belthas's Offer and Dark Secrets

Alex meets with Belthas, a powerful Light mage, who offers him a lucrative contract to investigate a Dark cabal involved in a dangerous ritual. The cabal has discovered a method to drain magic from creatures, potentially adapting it for humans. Belthas wants Alex to find the cabal's base and gather intelligence, promising significant rewards. Despite his mistrust of Belthas's motives, Alex agrees, driven by the need to stop the cabal's threat to magical creatures. Meredith, who has been working with Belthas, is reluctant but agrees to assist Alex, knowing the cabal won't stop hunting her.

Fire Mage's Fiery Ambush

While at Meredith's flat, Alex and Meredith are ambushed by Cinder, a fire mage from the Dark cabal. Cinder's initial attack is a devastating blast of fire, but Alex's quick thinking and Meredith's charm magic allow them to evade the worst of it. As the flat becomes an inferno, Alex calls on Starbreeze, an air elemental, to whisk them to safety. The encounter confirms Cinder's involvement and the cabal's determination to eliminate them. Alex realizes the danger is escalating, and he must act quickly to counter the cabal's plans.

Warehouse Hunt for Dark Mages

Alex and Meredith spend a cold night searching for the Dark cabal's base, eventually discovering a suspicious warehouse. Using his divination, Alex confirms the presence of Cinder and Rachel, another Dark mage. He hesitates, recalling past encounters with them, but ultimately decides to alert Belthas. Belthas's strike team, led by Garrick, prepares to raid the warehouse. Alex and Meredith watch from a distance as the operation unfolds, knowing that the outcome could determine the fate of the cabal's dangerous ritual and their own safety.

Battle's End and Uncertain Silence

The battle at the warehouse concludes with a tense silence as Belthas's men secure the area. Alex and Meredith watch from a distance, knowing the outcome could determine their fate. The wounded are evacuated, and Rachel is captured, but Cinder escapes. Alex decides against confronting Belthas, wary of the potential danger. As the vans drive away, Alex and Meredith leave the industrial park, contemplating their next move. The silence stretches, leaving Alex restless and uncertain about the future.

Belthas's Men and Hidden Motives

As Belthas's men begin looting the warehouse, Alex observes their actions, noting the lack of pattern in their choices. Among the items taken are mysterious spikes that catch Alex's attention. Rachel is wheeled out unconscious, guarded by Garrick and others. Alex realizes that with Rachel captured and Cinder gone, Belthas's men have no reason to remain silent. He decides not to confront Belthas, suspecting ulterior motives and preferring not to give him an opportunity to act against him.

Alex's Restless Search for Answers

Back at his flat, Alex is restless, haunted by nightmares and unanswered questions. He reviews messages from Belthas and Sonder, but finds no comfort. His shop offers little distraction, and he struggles with the feeling that something is wrong. Alex's divination magic, usually a source of clarity, offers no solutions. He reflects on the assassination attempts and the involvement of various players, but the pieces don't fit. The realization that someone else may be targeting him adds to his unease.

Luna's Elsewhere and Inner Demons

In Elsewhere, Luna faces a landscape shaped by her fears. She encounters her parents, who offer comfort, but Alex warns her they are illusions. Luna struggles with the temptation to believe, but ultimately rejects the false reality. She confronts a creature representing her curse, realizing it is a part of her. By accepting it, she gains control, breaking free from the illusions. Luna's journey in Elsewhere is one of self-discovery, facing her inner demons and emerging stronger.

Confrontation with Belthas's Ritual

Alex, Luna, and Cinder infiltrate Belthas's manor to stop his ritual. They face guards and a mantis golem, but manage to reach Belthas's sanctum. Belthas is protected by a powerful ritual circle, but Alex uses a dragon's fang to transport them to a cavern. The dragon intervenes, destroying Belthas with a single blow. The ritual is disrupted, saving Arachne. The confrontation reveals the lengths Belthas would go for power and the strength of Alex's resolve to protect his friends.

Dragon's Judgment and New Beginnings

In the cavern, the dragon acknowledges Alex's actions, granting him another fang. Back in London, Alex reflects on the events and the choices he's made. Luna becomes his official apprentice, marking a new chapter in their journey. The experience has changed them both, deepening their bond and understanding. As they move forward, Alex is aware of the challenges ahead but is determined to face them with Luna by his side. The dragon's intervention serves as a reminder of the mysterious forces at play in their world.

Characters

Alex Verus

Alex is a diviner mage with the ability to foresee possible futures, which he uses to navigate the dangerous world of mages. Unaffiliated with any faction, he often finds himself caught between Light and Dark mages. Despite his reluctance to engage in combat, his sense of justice and empathy for those in need often draw him into conflicts. His relationship with his apprentice, Luna, is strained as she becomes involved with a dangerous imbued item. Alex's past as a Dark apprentice haunts him, influencing his cautious approach to trust and alliances.

Luna Mancuso

Luna is Alex's apprentice, an adept with a curse that redirects bad luck to those around her. Her desire to control her curse leads her to trust Martin and the monkey's paw, straining her relationship with Alex. Luna is determined and independent, often challenging Alex's protective instincts. Her involvement with Martin and the paw represents a potential turning point in her life, as she seeks a way to live without endangering others. Luna's journey is one of self-discovery and the search for belonging in a world that fears her power.

Meredith

Meredith is a beautiful and skilled enchantress who seeks Alex's help after being targeted by a Dark cabal. Her charm magic makes her both alluring and potentially manipulative, leaving Alex uncertain of her true intentions. While she appears vulnerable and in need of protection, her past involvement with powerful mages suggests she may have her own agenda. Meredith's presence complicates Alex's life, as he must navigate his feelings for her while questioning her loyalty and the secrets she may be keeping.

Martin

Martin is a sensitive who has come into possession of the monkey's paw, an imbued item with dangerous potential. His charm and confidence attract Luna, and together they explore the paw's capabilities, believing they can use it safely. Martin's first wish grants him protection from magic, allowing him to be close to Luna without harm. However, his lack of understanding of the magical world and the paw's true nature makes him a potential liability. Martin's influence on Luna creates tension with Alex, as he represents a path that could lead to disaster.

Belthas

Belthas is a senior Light mage with significant influence in the Council. He recruits Alex to investigate a Dark cabal, offering substantial rewards and promising to eliminate the threat they pose. While he presents himself as a rational and capable leader, Alex senses that Belthas may not be revealing his full intentions. His willingness to engage in direct conflict with Dark mages suggests a confidence in his abilities, but also raises questions about his true goals and the lengths he will go to achieve them.

Cinder

Cinder is a fire mage and member of the Dark cabal, known for his lethal combat skills. He is relentless in pursuing his targets, as demonstrated by his fiery ambush on Alex and Meredith. Cinder's past encounters with Alex have been marked by violence and betrayal, yet there is a complex history between them that complicates their enmity. His partnership with Rachel, another Dark mage, makes him a formidable adversary, and his actions suggest a willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve the cabal's goals.

Rachel (Deleo)

Rachel, also known as Deleo, is a water mage and former apprentice of the same master as Alex. Her descent into madness and alignment with the Dark cabal make her a dangerous and unpredictable foe. Rachel's history with Alex is fraught with rivalry and conflict, yet there remains a connection from their shared past. Her involvement in the cabal's ritual and her willingness to kill without hesitation highlight her instability and the threat she poses to anyone who crosses her path.

Garrick

Garrick is a skilled operative working for Belthas, leading the strike team against the Dark cabal. His calm demeanor and proficiency with weapons suggest a background in military or covert operations. While he appears to be a loyal ally, his interactions with Alex hint at a deeper understanding of the dangers they face. Garrick's presence adds an element of unpredictability, as his true loyalties and objectives remain unclear, leaving Alex to wonder if he can be trusted.

Plot Devices

Monkey's Paw

The monkey's paw is an imbued item capable of granting wishes, but with a reputation for disastrous consequences. Its true nature is shrouded in mystery, as it seems to take rather than create, leading to unintended and often tragic outcomes. Luna and Martin's belief that they can use it safely sets them on a perilous path, as they seek to harness its power without understanding the potential costs. The paw's influence on their lives and its connection to Alex's past make it a central element in the unfolding conflict.

Divination Magic

Alex's divination magic allows him to see possible futures, giving him a unique advantage in avoiding threats and making strategic decisions. While it provides valuable insights, it also presents challenges, as the multitude of potential outcomes can be overwhelming. Alex's ability to foresee danger is both a blessing and a curse, as it forces him to confront the myriad ways in which events could unfold, often leaving him with difficult choices and the burden of knowing what might have been.

Harvesting Ritual

The harvesting ritual, developed by the Dark cabal, is a method of draining magic from creatures, potentially adaptable to humans. Its existence poses a significant threat to the magical world, as it could lead to the exploitation and destruction of magical beings. The ritual's potential to grant immense power makes it a coveted prize, driving the conflict between Belthas and the cabal. The ethical implications and the risk of insanity for those who attempt it add layers of complexity to the struggle for control over this dangerous knowledge.

Dragon's Fang

The dragon's fang is a magical item given to Alex by a dragon, capable of transporting him and others to a distant cavern. Its true purpose is revealed during the confrontation with Belthas, as it serves as a means to summon the dragon's intervention. The fang's power and the dragon's involvement highlight the mysterious forces at play in the magical world and the potential for unexpected allies.

Elsewhere

Elsewhere is a dreamlike realm where travelers confront their inner fears and desires. Luna's journey in Elsewhere forces her to face her fears and accept her curse, granting her greater control and confidence. The realm's ability to reflect the traveler's psyche makes it a powerful tool for self-discovery and growth. Elsewhere's influence on the characters highlights the importance of understanding oneself in the face of external challenges.

Ritual Circle

The ritual circle is a powerful magical construct used by Belthas to drain energy from Arachne. Its intricate design and the energy it channels make it a formidable barrier, protecting Belthas during the confrontation. The circle's destruction by Cinder's fire magic disrupts the ritual, saving Arachne and highlighting the dangers of tampering with forbidden magic. The circle's role in the story underscores the ethical implications of using magic for personal gain.

Analysis

"Cursed" by Benedict Jacka delves into the complex interplay of power, morality, and personal growth within a magical world fraught with danger. Through Alex Verus's journey, the narrative explores the ethical dilemmas faced by those with the ability to foresee the future and the burden of making choices that could alter the course of events. The story highlights the consequences of unchecked ambition, as seen in Belthas's pursuit of power through forbidden rituals, and the importance of self-discovery and acceptance, exemplified by Luna's journey in Elsewhere. The novel underscores the value of loyalty, trust, and the courage to confront one's fears, ultimately suggesting that true strength lies in understanding oneself and the willingness to protect others, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Last updated: March 26, 2025