Bewitched Chapter 38: The Burning of Selene’s Records

⚠️ 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 returns to her room to find her notebooks reduced to ash. The photos have melted and the writing is illegible. Only her oldest journals survived somewhat intact. Sitting on her bed, Selene decides to rewrite everything she can remember. She takes a fresh notebook and records personal details, and a stark warning about Memnon: he burned her journals, he believes she is his dead wife, and he will betray her again. She also writes down the Samhain Ball date with a note that Memnon wants her to attend. A knock at the door interrupts her. An officer is waiting for her downstairs. Officers Howahkan and Mwangi examine the destroyed notebooks. Selene tells them Memnon did it, but she cannot provide his contact information. She asks if magic can restore the notebooks, and Officer Howahkan says it might be possible. The officers have already checked her phone; they find no evidence to clear her but decide not to arrest her yet.

Key Events

Memnon burns Selene’s journals; the flames reduce most to ash.
Selene inspects the ruined notebooks; she notes the oldest volumes fared best.
Nero returns and rubs against Selene, sensing her sadness.
Selene begins writing a new notebook with essential personal information and a warning about Memnon.
She marks the Samhain Ball on her calendar and notes Memnon’s demand that she attend.
Police officers arrive and question Selene about the burned notebooks.
Selene explains Memnon’s role, but she cannot provide his surname, address, or contact number.
She asks if a spell can restore her notebooks; Officer Howahkan says “Maybe.”
The officers reveal they have already searched her phone and found no exculpatory evidence.
They tell Selene they will not arrest her “today.”

Character Development

Selene moves from grief to determination. Despite her tears, she resumes control by writing down what she can remember. Her decision to document a warning about Memnon shows her growing resolve to protect herself and plot revenge. She also becomes more savvy about the police investigation, recognizing how her story appears.

Officer Howahkan and Officer Mwangi remain skeptical but professional. They follow procedure and give Selene a chance to explain, yet their questions reveal the case’s weakness from the police perspective.

Nero returns as a comfort, but his earlier passivity in the burning scene leaves Selene calling him a traitor. Their bond is tested.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Memory and Identity – The destruction of her journals threatens Selene’s sense of self. Her immediate act of rewriting core facts underscores how fragile personal history is and how writing can anchor identity.
Revenge as Motivation – Selene’s fury and vow to make Memnon pay become a driving force, warming her “cold, dejected heart.” The theme of vengeance intertwines with her desire for justice.
Magic and Record-Keeping – The existence of a restoration spell (suggested by Officer Howahkan) introduces the possibility that even destroyed records might be recovered, balancing the earlier theme of irrecoverable loss.
Power Imbalance – Selene has no contact information for Memnon, yet he can enter her room and destroy her belongings. The police investigation highlights her vulnerability and the limits of institutional help.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 38 deepens the conflict with Memnon by making his cruelty tangible—he personally burns Selene’s precious notebooks. The chapter also escalates the police subplot: the officers are now actively investigating Selene, and their presence signals that public suspicion is mounting. Selene’s decision to write down a warning and mark the Samhain Ball moves the plot toward a critical social event. The chapter balances despair with renewed determination, setting the stage for Selene’s active resistance.

Study Questions

Q: Why does Selene write a warning note to herself about Memnon immediately after the fire?
A: She realizes her memory is vulnerable and that Memnon might manipulate or gaslight her. Writing the warning is an attempt to preserve her own truth and remind herself of the danger.
Q: How do the officers’ reactions reveal the legal pressure Selene is under?
A: They express disappointment that the notebooks were burned, imply the destruction looks incriminating, and mention they reviewed her phone without finding proof of innocence. Their statement “not today” leaves open the possibility of future arrest.
Q: What role does magic play in this chapter beyond the fire?
A: Selene hopes a restoration spell can reverse the damage, suggesting that magic can repair physical records. Also, Memnon’s ability to enter her room “with magic” emphasizes that supernatural forces bypass ordinary security.