Bewitched Chapter 34: Chapter 32 Summary & Analysis

⚠️ 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

Selene sits at her desk, overwhelmed by her overdrawn bank account. Memnon enters without knocking, exploiting their bond. He teases her about being in denial over their connection and references their past life: when he hunted her, he made her his bride and queen. Now he demands answers about the previous night’s attack. Selene tells him she accepted a magical gig to pay for Nero’s food, but it turned into a trap with masked witches and a spell circle. Memnon asks her to show him where the circle was. As they walk through the house, Selene notices other witches eyeing Memnon and feels possessive. He calls her “mate” and notes her possessiveness. She denies the bond but admits her jealousy.

Key Events

Selene discovers her bank account is overdrawn, worrying about feeding Nero.
Memnon enters her room unannounced, claiming their bond makes knocking unnecessary.
He reminds her of their past life together, calling her Roxilana.
Selene recounts the spell circle attack from the previous night.
Memnon demands to be taken to the site of the spell circle.
While walking through the house, Selene feels jealousy when other witches look at Memnon.
Memnon comments on her possessiveness and reaffirms the “mate” connection.

Character Development

Selene: Her financial desperation becomes tangible, motivating her acceptance of dangerous gigs. She continues to deny the bond but shows signs of emotional reliance on Memnon (his presence feels like a “rudder”). Her jealousy indicates growing attachment, even as she resists.
Memnon: He is patient yet demanding, pushing for answers while also offering subtle support. His amusement at Selene’s jealousy reveals his confidence in their connection. He remains mysterious about his knowledge of modern currency, hinting at his magical surveillance capabilities.
Nero: The panther familiar is briefly highlighted as a burden (expensive to feed) and a comfort (accepting Memnon’s petting), reinforcing Selene’s responsibility and love for him.
Kasey: Mentioned as one of the masked witches, now missing — this deepens the betrayal and danger within the coven.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Denial vs. Reality: Selene repeatedly insists the bond isn’t real, but her actions (listening to Memnon, feeling possessive) contradict her words.
Possessiveness and Jealousy: Selene’s instinctive magical reaction to other witches looking at Memnon underscores her primal attachment, a motif common in fated-mate narratives.
Financial Strain: The overdrawn account symbolizes her precarious life and the sacrifices she makes for her familiar, heightening tension.
Trust and Vulnerability: Sharing the full story of the attack with Memnon marks a step toward trust. His demand to see the spell circle shows his protective role.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens the romantic tension by moving Selene’s denial into open conflict with her emotions. It also advances the plot: Memnon finally learns the details of the attack and is now positioned to investigate the spell circle, which may lead to uncovering the masked witches’ identities. Selene’s financial troubles add a realistic pressure that drives her risky decisions. The chapter sets the stage for a more collaborative dynamic between Selene and Memnon, even as she continues to resist the mate bond.

Study Questions

Why does Selene initially refuse to admit the bond with Memnon, and how does Memnon challenge her denial?
Answer: Selene claims the bond is not real because she does not want to accept a connection with a dangerous sorcerer she mistrusts. Memnon challenges her by pointing out their history, using terms like “denial,” and reaffirming his knowledge of her possessiveness, which she cannot deny.
How does Selene’s financial situation influence her actions in this chapter?
Answer: The overdrawn account forces her to take risky magical gigs, like the one that led to the trap. Her worry about feeding Nero makes her vulnerable and explains her desperation. Memnon’s awareness of the problem suggests he may use this as leverage or aid.
What does Selene’s jealousy reveal about her true feelings toward Memnon?
Answer: When other witches show interest in Memnon, Selene’s magic involuntarily thickens in the air, and she glares at them. Although she verbally denies the mate bond, her possessive reaction signals subconscious attachment and emotional investment, aligning with the fated-mate trope.