Summary

Chapter 6 begins again with Alex’s introduction to magic. Darlington and Alex set off to help with an Aurelian ritual, the society that specializes in word magic. Darlington and Alex’s job is simply to stop ghosts from interrupting the ritual. However, Alex looks afraid at Darlington’s mention of ghosts.

At the ritual, Darlington introduces Alex to Amelia, the ritual supervisor. They begin their preparations and Darlington shows Alex how to make a protective circle to keep ghosts away. He warns Alex that if the ghosts do get in, the magic could backfire and kill someone. Darlington advises her to use “death words” (99), phrases that remind ghosts of death, if any of them get too close.

The subject of the ritual, Zeb Yarrowman, walks in and begins the ceremony. Amelia unrolls a scroll onto the ritual table. Darlington informs Alex to watch...