Chapter 34: Baz Faces Daphne at the Smith-Richards Meeting
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
At a crowded hall, Baz forces himself and Simon through the audience to reach his stepmother Daphne. She greets him warmly but quickly makes clear she will not leave Smith-Richards’ movement. Daphne argues that she is doing what is best for her children by becoming magically stronger, even though her absence hurts them now. Simon feigns enthusiasm for Smith-Richards’ spell, and Daphne reveals that the “first miracle” was Jamie Salisbury, a previously weak magician who now commands powerful magic. Baz presses her to at least unblock his texts, but she will not promise to come home. The chapter ends with Baz and Simon leaving the meeting; Simon suggests they get takeaway and go to his flat, and Baz agrees.
Key Events
- Baz spots Daphne in the audience and rushes over before she can slip away.
- Daphne embraces Baz but refuses to return home, insisting her children will not remember her short absence.
- Simon asks questions about Smith-Richards’ spell, pretending to be impressed to help Baz’s cover.
- Daphne identifies Jamie Salisbury as Smith-Richards’ first successful subject, a former weak magician now capable of great feats.
- Baz asks Daphne to unblock his texts for emergencies; she agrees but forbids him from telling his father.
- Baz and Simon exit the meeting, and Simon offers to get Nando’s and go to his flat, which Baz accepts.
Character Development
- Baz (Basil Grimm): Shows loyalty and concern for his family, especially his half-sisters. He is frustrated by his inability to reason with Daphne, and his own sense of powerlessness is exposed—he is powerful magically yet cannot convince his stepmother. His vulnerability is also hinted at when Daphne alludes to his hidden nature (vampire) and sexuality.
- Daphne Grimm: Fully committed to Smith-Richards, she rationalizes her abandonment of her children as a temporary sacrifice for long-term empowerment. She is blind to the cult’s danger and deflects criticism with emotional appeals. Her love for Baz is genuine, but her judgment is compromised.
- Simon Snow: Demonstrates maturity and teamwork by playing the part of a captivated follower to aid Baz. He remains calm and supportive, even though he clearly distrusts Smith-Richards. His suggestion to go to his flat signals growing trust and intimacy between him and Baz.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Cults and Manipulation: Smith-Richards’ movement uses a spell that promises to elevate weak magicians, appealing to their insecurities. Daphne’s repetition of “Smith’s message” and her refusal to consider her family’s needs show how such movements replace critical thinking with devotion.
- Family Obligation versus Self-Improvement: Daphne frames her stay as self-improvement for her family’s sake, but Baz insists that her children need her now. The tension between immediate emotional needs and abstract future rewards is central to this chapter.
- Appearance versus Reality: Simon’s pretended admiration of the spell contrasts with his true feelings. Baz’s observation that Smith-Richards looks “more Simony than Simon” highlights the falseness of the cult leader’s image—he is a glamorous copy, not the real thing.
- Power and Helplessness: Despite his magical strength, Baz is powerless to change Daphne’s mind. Daphne, in turn, feels she is powerless without Smith’s spell. The chapter explores how even the powerful can feel inadequate and seek external solutions.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter advances the cult subplot by showing the true hold Smith-Richards has over his followers; Daphne is not a villain but a desperate mother who believes she is making the right choice. It also deepens Baz’s character arc—his confrontation with Daphne is a rare moment of vulnerability, as he fails to protect his family from a threat he cannot fight with magic. Simon’s support and the intimate ending (“We could get Nando’s and take it to my flat”) reinforce the growing emotional bond between the two protagonists, setting up a pivotal turning point in their relationship.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Daphne refuse to return home with Baz?
Daphne believes that staying with Smith-Richards will make her magically stronger, allowing her to be a better mother in the long run. She argues that her children are so young they will not remember her short absence, and she prioritizes the permanent empowerment Smith-Richards promises over her immediate family duties.
2. How does Simon help Baz during the conversation with Daphne?
Simon pretends to be deeply impressed by Smith-Richards’ spell and asks leading questions that prompt Daphne to reveal details about the cult—for example, that Jamie Salisbury is the “first miracle.” Simon’s acting maintains Baz’s cover and keeps the conversation flowing without raising suspicion.
3. What does Baz mean when he says, “I think you know that’s not true” to Daphne?
Baz is alluding to the fact that Daphne knows he is a vampire and also knows he is gay—both traits that make him an outsider in the magical world. He is pointing out that he too has struggled to live up to expectations and that her assumption he has always been powerful is inaccurate.