Nightmare at Arcana Academy

Stevie Milan, still reeling from a brutal attack by Professor Phaines, attempts a sleeping spell to find peace. Instead, she's thrust into a vivid nightmare where Arcana Academy is a war-torn wasteland. She witnesses friends dying, students and professors battling a mysterious enemy, and the four Princesses—her magical affinities—leading her through a misty, symbolic landscape. The dream turns darker as she encounters the rebirth and destruction of the Fool, a monstrous druid, and the terrifying Judgment of the Dark Arcana. The nightmare blurs into reality when Stevie awakens to find her feet bloodied and a charred holly branch in her room, signaling that the dream's threats are bleeding into her waking life.

Shadows of the Past

Baz Redgrave, one of Stevie's protectors and a member of the Arcana Brotherhood, is haunted by the reappearance of Janelle Kirkpatrick, a manipulative figure from his youth. Janelle's presence at the Academy stirs up old wounds—her predatory behavior, her control over Baz's fate, and her connection to his imprisoned brother. The tension between Baz and Janelle is palpable, as she insinuates herself into Academy affairs and threatens Stevie's safety. Baz's internal struggle between fear, anger, and the need to protect those he cares about sets the stage for the complex web of relationships and secrets that define the Brotherhood.

Fractured Trust, Fragile Bonds

Stevie's relationships with Baz, Kirin, Ani, and Doc are strained by recent betrayals and withheld truths. The Brotherhood, bound by magical oaths, is fractured by the secrets they kept from Stevie about her destiny and the dangers she faces. As they attempt to rebuild trust, the group grapples with the aftermath of Phaines's attack, the intrusion of Janelle, and the emotional fallout of their interconnected feelings. Stevie's need for autonomy clashes with the Brotherhood's protective instincts, highlighting the delicate balance between love, loyalty, and the right to choose one's own path.

Assembly of Secrets

Headmistress Trello convenes a mandatory assembly to address the recent attack and the growing unrest in the magical and mundane worlds. The introduction of APOA agents—ostensibly to protect the Academy—raises suspicions, especially as Janelle Kirkpatrick is installed as the new librarian. The assembly exposes the Academy's vulnerability, the escalating violence outside its walls, and the administration's reluctance to share the full truth with students. Stevie, still recovering, feels the weight of being both a target and a symbol, as the Academy's leadership struggles to maintain order amid chaos.

New Threats, Old Wounds

Rumors swirl, and the Academy tightens security as more attacks occur—students are targeted, their magical abilities stolen, and fear spreads. Stevie's nightmares intensify, blurring the line between dream and reality, and she discovers that her visions may be prophetic warnings. The Brotherhood investigates the connection between the attacks, the Dark Arcana, and the legendary magical objects said to be hidden on campus. Old wounds resurface as Baz's and Kirin's pasts collide with present dangers, and the group must decide whom to trust as enemies close in from within and without.

The Queen's Prophecy

Stevie meets with Professor Maddox, who reveals herself as her mother's best friend and delivers a cryptic prophecy from the four Queens of Tarot. The message, meant only for Stevie, hints at alliances, betrayals, and the need to discern friend from foe. This prophecy becomes a guiding thread, urging Stevie to seek out her magical roots, trust her intuition, and prepare for sacrifices ahead. The encounter deepens Stevie's connection to her mother's legacy and the larger destiny awaiting her at the heart of the Arcana conflict.

Dreamscapes and Waking Fears

Stevie's dreamworld grows more perilous as she realizes that injuries and objects from her nightmares manifest in reality. With Doc's guidance, she learns that the boundaries between realms are thin, and that the Dark Arcana may be using the astral plane to attack her. The Brotherhood debates how to protect Stevie, knowing that sleep itself is now a battlefield. The group's research into dream magics, protective amulets, and the nature of the Arcana objects intensifies, as they race to understand the true scope of the threat.

The Brotherhood's Oath

The Brotherhood gathers in their secret cave, reaffirming their blood oath to protect Stevie and each other. They share food, laughter, and vulnerability, but also confront the pain of past betrayals. Stevie forgives the group, but insists on honesty and unity moving forward. Together, they devise a plan: Kirin and Stevie will focus on translating her mother's prophecies and researching the Arcana objects; Ani will map the campus for magical hotspots; Baz will monitor Janelle; and Doc will use his influence to keep curious students and faculty at bay. The Princesses of Tarot appear, signaling their approval and protection.

Enemies Within and Without

Janelle's machinations intensify as she attempts to spy on Stevie and manipulate events at the Academy. APOA's presence grows more intrusive, with security sweeps and curfews, and suspicions arise that their investigation is a cover for a deeper agenda—possibly the search for the Arcana objects. Attacks on students escalate, with victims losing their magic, and the administration's secrecy breeds resentment and fear. The Brotherhood realizes that the greatest threats may come from those who claim to protect them, and that the lines between ally and enemy are dangerously blurred.

The Sword and the Wand

Guided by visions, research, and the Princesses, Stevie and the Brotherhood search for the legendary Sword of Breath and Blade and the Wand of Flame and Fury. Their quest leads them to hidden chambers, ancient rituals, and magical hotspots on campus. Each object is tied to an elemental affinity and a member of the Brotherhood, and their discovery is crucial to stopping the Dark Arcana's plans. The group experiments with dreamwork, shared visions, and magical spells to bridge the gap between realms and uncover the objects' true locations.

Forgiveness and Fire

Stevie's relationships with Baz and Kirin reach new depths as they confront their feelings, past traumas, and the complications of love within the Brotherhood. Baz confesses the truth about his family, Janelle's hold over him, and his fear of losing Stevie. Kirin reveals the curse of his Tower Arcana and his terror of destroying what he loves. Through honesty, vulnerability, and forgiveness, the group finds strength in their bonds, even as they acknowledge the risks of loving in a world on the brink of war.

The Dreamer's Grimoire

Professor Maddox gifts Stevie a mysterious grimoire said to have been dreamed into existence by her mother. The book, written in unknown runes and symbols, may hold the key to recreating the spells needed to reveal the Arcana objects. Stevie, with the help of her friends, begins to unlock its secrets, blending dreamwork, Tarot, and ancestral magic. The discovery of the grimoire marks a turning point, offering hope and a new strategy in the fight against the Dark Arcana.

Confessions and Consequences

Stevie confides in Isla and Nat, breaking the Brotherhood's code of secrecy but gaining loyal allies. The risk pays off as the group expands its circle of trust, but also draws the attention of enemies. Janelle and the Claires eavesdrop, and the threat of exposure looms. Meanwhile, the Brotherhood must contend with the consequences of their choices—balancing the need for secrecy with the necessity of building an army to face the coming war. The cost of trust, and the danger of betrayal, become ever more apparent.

The Gathering Storm

A series of coordinated attacks rocks the Academy—students are stripped of their magic, a bar is bombed, and curfews are imposed. The Brotherhood and their allies realize that the Dark Arcana's plans are accelerating, and that the Academy's leadership is either complicit or powerless to stop it. The group races against time to complete the ritual that will allow them to enter the dream realm and retrieve the Arcana objects. The sense of impending doom is palpable, as friends and enemies alike are drawn into the conflict.

Betrayal at the Stones

At the standing stones, the Brotherhood and their allies prepare a ritual to enter the dream realm and retrieve the Sword. But they are ambushed by Casey and Janelle, both possessed by Dark Arcana entities. With guns drawn and threats made, the ritual proceeds under duress. Professor Broome and Maddox work to protect the group, while Stevie, Baz, and Kirin are forced to trust in their bond and the power of the ritual. The revelation that possession and dark magic are at play raises the stakes, and the line between friend and foe is shattered.

Into the Dream Realm

Stevie, Baz, and Kirin enter the dream realm, guided by the ritual and their unbreakable bond. Their mission: to find the Sword of Breath and Blade and return before their bodies are lost or destroyed. The dream realm is a place of shifting realities, dangers, and temptations, where the Dark Arcana's influence is strong. The group must rely on their love, trust, and the lessons of the past to navigate the dreamscape, confront their deepest fears, and seize the power needed to save the Academy and the magical world.

Hope in the Darkness

As the Brotherhood faces their greatest challenge yet, the power of hope, forgiveness, and unity becomes their greatest weapon. The lessons of the Star—Stevie's Arcana—shine through: healing, compassion, and the refusal to give in to despair. The group's willingness to trust, to love, and to fight for each other offers a beacon of light in the encroaching darkness. The story ends on the precipice of a new battle, with the promise that together, they may yet turn the tide against the Dark Arcana and reclaim their destiny.

Characters

Stevie Milan

Stevie is the heart of the story—a young woman thrust into the world of Arcana magic after a lifetime of denial and loss. As the emanation of the Star card, she embodies hope, healing, and the power of forgiveness. Her empathic abilities allow her to sense the emotions and intentions of those around her, making her both vulnerable and uniquely powerful. Stevie's journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to trust her instincts, embrace her magical heritage, and navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and destiny. Her relationships with the Brotherhood are central—each man representing a different facet of her growth and the challenges of trust, autonomy, and sacrifice. Stevie's development is marked by her willingness to forgive, her courage in the face of darkness, and her unwavering belief in the possibility of redemption.

Baz Redgrave

Baz is a complex figure—tough, sarcastic, and fiercely loyal, but deeply scarred by a traumatic past. Raised by the manipulative Janelle Kirkpatrick after witnessing his brother's crime, Baz is both a survivor and a protector, driven by guilt and the need to keep those he loves safe. As the Devil Arcana, he is attuned to the pleasures and dangers of the material world, struggling with obsession, desire, and the temptation to self-destruct. His relationship with Stevie is passionate and tumultuous, marked by confessions, vulnerability, and the slow work of healing old wounds. Baz's journey is one of learning to trust, to let go of shame, and to accept love without fear of loss.

Kirin Weber

Kirin is the scholar of the Brotherhood, a researcher and translator obsessed with the mysteries of the Arcana. As the Tower, he is both a catalyst for change and a figure haunted by the fear of destroying what he loves. Kirin's relationship with Stevie is fraught with longing, regret, and the terror of intimacy—he believes his power is a curse that will inevitably harm those closest to him. His development is a slow reckoning with his own worth, the possibility of love, and the need to embrace both the light and dark within himself. Kirin's bond with Stevie is intellectual, emotional, and deeply spiritual, rooted in shared loss and the search for meaning.

Ani (Ansel)

Ani is the embodiment of light, laughter, and optimism. As the Sun Arcana, he brings warmth and hope to the Brotherhood, often serving as the glue that holds the group together. His fire affinity makes him adventurous and passionate, but also prone to masking pain with humor. Ani's feelings for Stevie are genuine, and his willingness to support her—whether as a friend, lover, or comrade—reflects his deep capacity for love and acceptance. Ani's journey is about finding his place in the group, embracing vulnerability, and learning that joy can coexist with sorrow.

Dr. Cassius Devane (Doc)

Doc is the eldest and most reserved member of the Brotherhood, a professor of mental magicks and the Moon Arcana. He is a figure of authority, wisdom, and emotional depth, often struggling to balance his protective instincts with the need to let Stevie and the others make their own choices. Doc's past is marked by loss and regret, and his feelings for Stevie are complicated by the boundaries of age, power, and propriety. His development centers on learning to trust, to forgive himself, and to accept the possibility of happiness even in the face of overwhelming darkness.

Janelle Kirkpatrick

Janelle is a master manipulator, using her wealth, influence, and magical knowledge to control those around her. Her history with Baz is abusive and predatory, and her arrival at the Academy signals a new wave of danger. Janelle's true motives are shrouded in secrecy, but her willingness to use dark magic, possession, and betrayal make her a formidable enemy. Her relationship with her daughter Carly is fraught with competition and disappointment, and her pursuit of the Arcana objects threatens to unravel the fragile peace at the Academy.

Casey Appleton

Casey is an APOA agent and Kirin's long-lost sister, drawn into the Academy's crisis by duty and family ties. Initially an ally, Casey becomes a tragic figure when she is possessed by a Dark Arcana entity, forced to act against her will and endanger those she loves. Her struggle reflects the broader theme of trust and betrayal, as well as the dangers of power unchecked. Casey's presence forces Kirin to confront his past, his family, and the limits of forgiveness.

Professor Kelly Maddox

Kelly is a vibrant, eccentric professor and shop owner, deeply connected to Stevie's mother and the mysteries of the Tarot. She serves as a guide and confidante, delivering prophecies, magical tools, and crucial wisdom at key moments. Kelly's role is that of the wise mentor, helping Stevie unlock her potential and navigate the labyrinth of magical and emotional challenges before her.

Professor Kate Broome

Professor Broome is a gentle, supportive presence, skilled in potions and protective magic. She is a link to Stevie's parents and a source of maternal comfort, offering guidance, healing, and practical solutions. Her expertise becomes vital as the group faces attacks, possession, and the need for powerful rituals.

Headmistress Anna Trello

Trello is the headmistress of Arcana Academy, tasked with maintaining order amid chaos. Her decisions are often driven by fear, bureaucracy, and the desire to avoid panic, leading to secrecy and mistrust. Trello's inability to adapt to the changing threat landscape makes her both a hindrance and a tragic figure, caught between the old ways and the new dangers facing her students.

Plot Devices

Dream Realm as Battleground

The story's central device is the permeability of the dream realm, where nightmares, visions, and magical attacks bleed into the waking world. Stevie's prophetic dreams, the ability to bring objects and injuries back from the astral, and the use of dreamwork rituals to access hidden knowledge and objects all serve to heighten the stakes and blur the boundaries between inner and outer conflict. The dream realm becomes both a source of danger and a path to salvation, requiring the characters to confront their deepest fears and desires.

Tarot Archetypes and Magical Affinities

Each major character embodies a Tarot archetype, with corresponding magical affinities (earth, air, fire, water) and psychological traits. This structure allows for rich symbolism, foreshadowing, and thematic resonance, as the characters' strengths and weaknesses mirror the cards they represent. The interplay of light and dark aspects, the potential for both heroism and destruction, and the need for balance are woven throughout the narrative.

Prophecy and Cryptic Messages

Stevie's mother's prophecies, the Queen's message, and the mysterious dream grimoire provide both guidance and obstacles. The characters must interpret cryptic verses, symbolic dreams, and magical omens to uncover the truth about the Arcana objects, the Dark Arcana's plans, and their own destinies. This device drives the plot forward, creates suspense, and reinforces the theme of seeking meaning in chaos.

Brotherhood Oath and Found Family

The blood oath of the Brotherhood, the rituals of trust and forgiveness, and the expansion of the circle to include new allies highlight the power of chosen family. These bonds are both a source of strength and a point of vulnerability, as betrayal, secrecy, and the fear of loss threaten to tear the group apart. The narrative structure alternates between moments of unity and division, emphasizing the ongoing work of building and maintaining trust.

Possession and Hidden Enemies

The use of possession—signaled by the scent of Fairy's Breath and changes in behavior—serves as both a plot twist and a metaphor for the insidious nature of evil. Friends become foes, and the true enemy is often hidden in plain sight. This device heightens tension, creates paranoia, and forces the characters to question their perceptions and alliances.

Escalating Stakes and Timed Rituals

The narrative is structured around escalating attacks, tightening restrictions, and the need to complete rituals before it's too late. The use of curfews, magical lockdowns, and the threat of losing magic or life creates a sense of urgency and momentum. The climactic ritual at the standing stones, conducted under duress, serves as both a literal and symbolic crossing into the unknown.

Analysis

Sarah Piper's Spells of Breath & Blade is a deftly woven tapestry of magical intrigue, psychological depth, and emotional resonance. At its core, the novel explores the interplay between destiny and choice, the light and dark within every soul, and the power of found family to heal even the deepest wounds. The Tarot framework provides a rich symbolic structure, allowing each character's journey to mirror the archetypal struggles of hope, temptation, destruction, and renewal. The blurring of dream and reality not only raises the stakes but also serves as a metaphor for the internal battles we all face—where our fears, desires, and traumas shape the world we inhabit. The novel's insistence on forgiveness, vulnerability, and the necessity of trust in the face of betrayal is both timely and timeless, offering a blueprint for resilience in a world beset by chaos. Ultimately, Spells of Breath & Blade is a story about the courage to love, the wisdom to forgive, and the hope that even in the darkest night, the light of the Star can guide us home.

Last updated: October 23, 2025