Contents
Chapter Twenty-Seven. Snowdrops
Overview
Walden uncovers a concealed, luring curse embedded in Mark’s umbrella, confirming deliberate demon provocations on school grounds. Realizing Mark is likely reporting on her control of the Phoenix for an outside organization, she rejects calling authorities and confronts him directly. The encounter reframes Mark as a calculated threat within Chetwood.
Summary
Walden discreetly asks Annie if Mark is on site, then searches the coach park. In a rotting tree bole, she discovers the school umbrella she once lent Mark, now ruined and embedded with a subtle instantiation ward that lures demons. When the Phoenix snaps the umbrella through Walden’s hands, the lure breaks, confirming deliberate provocation.
Haunted by the London incursion and the minibus attack, Walden wrestles with the implication that Mark engineered demon incursions to endanger her and the school. Despite knowing she should alert authorities, she suppresses caution, driven by territorial fury amplified by the Phoenix.
As she walks toward Scrubs amid winter snowdrops, Walden reflects on Chetwood’s layered history and her lifelong entanglement with the institution, feeling its continuity strengthen her resolve. A speeding van falters behind her, hinting at the Phoenix’s ambient menace.
Walden sees Mark leaving Scrubs with the besotted Lilly Tibbett, recognizing his duplicity in both romance and work. She questions who he works for; Mark deflects, but Walden infers a deniable organization interested in her unprecedented command of the Phoenix. She concludes Mark has been testing her power and reporting findings.
At the old cricket pavilion site—still scarred by past magic—Walden embraces her authority over Chetwood. With the Phoenix’s predatory certainty aligning to her purpose, she rejects Mark’s familiarities and, smiling, tells him, “I’m afraid not,” initiating a direct, personal confrontation.
Who Appears
- Dr Sapphire WaldenHead of magic at Chetwood; discovers Mark’s luring curse, deduces his covert agenda, and confronts him, asserting territorial authority.
- Mark DauberySecurity contractor and magician; concealed a demon-luring curse, likely tests/reports on Walden’s Phoenix, and is caught two-timing Lilly.
- The PhoenixHigher demon bound to Walden; snaps the cursed umbrella, urges predation, intensifies Walden’s territorial resolve.
- Lilly TibbettNewly qualified teacher; seen leaving Scrubs with Mark, besotted and unknowingly part of his duplicity.
- AnnieSchool receptionist; confirms Mark signed in, signaling his presence on site.