Arrested by Magic Police

Kit Morris, a young psychic with a checkered past, finds himself handcuffed in a MagiPol (MPD) interrogation room, facing Captain Blythe and Agent Lienna Shen. The world he thought he knew is upended: magic is real, policed, and he's in deep trouble for his role in a rogue psychic guild. Kit's charm and sarcasm are no match for Blythe's telekinetic intimidation or Lienna's abjuration sorcery. As the layers of his past are peeled back, Kit realizes he's not just facing criminal charges—he's at the mercy of a secret world's justice system, and his only hope may be to cooperate with the very people who want to lock him away.

Riot in the Precinct

During Kit's tense interrogation, a magical riot explodes in the precinct, triggered by his empathic ex-guildmate Quentin. The holding spells fail, unleashing a storm of mythic violence. Lienna's quick thinking and magical artifacts save Kit from a fire-wielding volcanomage, but the chaos spreads. Kit's own psychic abilities are suppressed by anti-magic cuffs, leaving him vulnerable. As they navigate the melee, Kit's survival instincts clash with a growing sense of responsibility, and he's forced to choose between escape and helping Lienna restore order. The riot exposes the volatile underbelly of the mythic world—and the unpredictable power of emotions.

Bargaining for Survival

After the riot, Kit is back in custody, facing a daunting list of charges. He's offered a deal: help the MPD recapture Quentin, the dangerous empath, in exchange for leniency. Kit's street smarts and knowledge of his former guild make him valuable, but he's wary of being used and discarded. He bargains for better terms, insisting on being part of the hunt with Lienna. The uneasy alliance is forged out of necessity, not trust. Kit's motivations are tangled—self-preservation, guilt, and a flicker of loyalty to his old friend. The stakes are clear: help catch Quentin, or face a lifetime behind bars.

Reluctant Partners

Outfitted with a magic-suppressing necklace and under Lienna's watchful eye, Kit is released from custody to help track Quentin. Their partnership is fraught with tension—Kit's irreverence and Lienna's by-the-book attitude clash at every turn. Yet, as they navigate Vancouver's magical underworld, a grudging respect begins to form. Kit's unique psychic abilities—warping perceptions, creating hallucinations—prove invaluable, while Lienna's discipline and magical prowess keep them alive. Each is forced to confront their preconceptions about the other, and the line between captor and ally starts to blur.

Diviner's Secrets

Kit leads Lienna to the Kitsilano Klairvoyant, a diviner who once advised Quentin. Through a cryptic bibliomancy reading, they learn that Quentin is seeking "smoke"—a clue pointing to the secretive Blue Smoke group within Kit's old guild. The diviner's warnings are layered with symbolism: allies, danger, and the importance of wisdom. Kit receives a secret note, hinting at escape, but also at the interconnectedness of their fates. The encounter deepens the mystery around Quentin's motives and the true nature of the artifact he seeks, while also sowing seeds of trust between Kit and Lienna.

Escape Plans and Pursuit

As Kit and Lienna leave the diviner, they're tailed by a pair of telekinetic thugs from Kit's past. A high-speed chase through Vancouver's streets ends in a violent confrontation in a parking garage. Kit's psychic warping and Lienna's combat magic barely save them. In the aftermath, Kit's escape instincts flare—he seizes a chance to slip away, but is recaptured. The episode tests their partnership and exposes the reach of Blue Smoke. Kit's internal conflict intensifies: he's torn between running for freedom and facing the consequences of his past.

Old Enemies, New Threats

Investigating the ruins of his former guild, Kit reveals the existence of Blue Smoke—a clandestine group within KCQ, tasked with stealing a powerful artifact from the security guild Cerberus. Lienna and Kit brave magical traps and a deadly alchemical flood in the secret vault, barely escaping with their lives. The ordeal forges a deeper bond between them, built on mutual trust and shared trauma. Kit's knowledge and quick thinking save them, but the true danger is only beginning: Quentin is after the artifact, and Blue Smoke's legacy threatens to ignite a new crisis.

Acid, Antidote, and Trust

Trapped in a room filling with flesh-melting alchemical acid, Kit and Lienna must rely on each other to survive. Their escape is a harrowing dance of trust, quick thinking, and physical closeness. The ordeal strips away their defenses, revealing vulnerability beneath Kit's bravado and Lienna's stoicism. In the aftermath, they share a rare moment of levity and connection, hinting at a growing attraction. Yet, the specter of Kit's criminal past and the looming threat of Quentin keep them from fully embracing their feelings. Survival, for now, means sticking together.

Apartment Confessions

Lienna allows Kit a detour to his apartment, where he retrieves personal mementos and shares pieces of his history. The comfort of home brings out Kit's softer side, and he confides in Lienna about his orphaned childhood and longing for belonging. Their banter turns intimate, culminating in a shared movie night—an oasis of normalcy amid chaos. The boundaries between captor and captive blur further, as trust and affection deepen. Yet, Kit's guilt over his past and uncertainty about his future cast a shadow over their fragile connection.

The Empath's Web

The hunt for Quentin intensifies as Kit and Lienna track down Maggie, a former Blue Smoke member. Kit uses his psychic warping to orchestrate a meeting, but Quentin's empathic powers ensnare Maggie, turning her into a pawn. Kit's own emotions are manipulated, blurring the line between real and artificial feelings. The web tightens as Quentin's plan to access the artifact vault becomes clear. Kit's sense of responsibility grows—he realizes that only he can counter Quentin's power, but doing so may cost him his freedom, or worse.

The Artifact Heist

Kit, forced to flee, teams up with Vera, a smuggler and seer, to recover stolen artifacts from the dealer Faustus Trivium. Their partnership is transactional but effective—Kit's warping powers and Vera's foresight make them a formidable team. The heist is a chaotic blend of illusions, violence, and narrow escapes, culminating in a confrontation with Faustus's gang. Kit pushes his abilities to the limit, discovering new facets of his magic—and the cost of overexertion. The experience cements his role as both a survivor and a reluctant hero.

Hallucinations and Hallways

Exhausted and hunted, Kit uses his warping abilities to evade bounty hunters and the MPD. His powers, once a tool for mischief, become a lifeline—but also a burden. Encounters with Vera and the Crow and Hammer guild force Kit to confront the consequences of his actions and the limits of his magic. Dreams of his foster mother Gillian remind him of the compassion he's tried to bury. As the final confrontation with Quentin looms, Kit must decide whether to keep running or stand and fight for something greater than himself.

Smuggler's Bargain

With a chance to escape Vancouver forever, Kit faces a moral crossroads. Memories of Gillian and the realization of Quentin's impending threat to the world force him to reconsider. Despite every instinct to run, Kit chooses to return and warn Lienna, sacrificing his freedom for the greater good. The decision marks a turning point—Kit is no longer just a survivor, but someone willing to risk everything for others. The stage is set for a final showdown, with Kit's fate hanging in the balance.

The Artifact Dealer

Kit and Lienna race against time to reach the Blue Smoke vault, only to find Faustus and his gang already there. Kit's warping powers are pushed to their limits as he creates illusions to mislead the criminals and buy time. The arrival of the Crow and Hammer guild tips the scales, leading to a chaotic battle of magic, violence, and shifting alliances. Kit's ingenuity and Lienna's magic are tested as they fight to reach the vault before Quentin—and before Faustus's men can kill them all.

The Crow and Hammer

The Crow and Hammer guild, once Kit's enemies, become unexpected allies in the fight against Faustus's gang. The battle is fierce and chaotic, with Kit's warping magic and Lienna's abjuration spells turning the tide. The cost is high—injuries, betrayals, and the ever-present threat of Quentin's empathic manipulation. As the dust settles, Kit and Lienna descend into the vault, knowing that the true confrontation—with Quentin and the artifact—awaits below. The lines between friend and foe, right and wrong, blur in the heat of battle.

The Final Confrontation

In the vault, Kit and Lienna face Quentin and Maggie. Quentin, wielding the artifact, amplifies his empathic powers to godlike levels, overwhelming everyone with a tidal wave of emotion. Kit, wounded and desperate, uses his warping magic in a last-ditch effort to disrupt Quentin's control. The battle is both physical and psychological, with Kit's compassion and ingenuity pitted against Quentin's raw power. In a moment of clarity, Kit warps reality itself, transforming the artifact and breaking Quentin's hold. The cost is high—Kit is gravely injured, and the aftermath leaves scars on everyone involved.

Judgment and New Beginnings

Recovering in the hospital, Kit faces the consequences of his choices. The MPD prepares to sentence him for his crimes, but Captain Blythe offers a lifeline: join the MPD as an agent, using his unique powers for good. Kit's journey from criminal to hero comes full circle—he's no longer running from his past, but embracing a new future. Lienna's support and the promise of partnership hint at healing and hope. The story closes with Kit stepping into his new role, ready to face whatever challenges the magical world throws at him next.

Characters

Kit Morris

Kit is a young, orphaned psychic whose life has been shaped by abandonment, foster care, and a desperate need to belong. His primary ability—psycho warping—allows him to manipulate perceptions, create hallucinations, and, ultimately, warp reality itself. Kit's humor and sarcasm mask deep insecurities and a fear of rejection. His relationships are complicated: loyalty to his old guild, guilt over past crimes, and a growing affection for Lienna. Over the course of the story, Kit evolves from a self-serving con artist to a hero willing to risk everything for others. His journey is one of self-discovery, redemption, and the reclaiming of compassion he thought he'd lost.

Lienna Shen

Lienna is an abjuration sorcerer and MPD agent, tasked with keeping Kit in line and bringing Quentin to justice. She is methodical, principled, and initially distrustful of Kit's motives. Her magical expertise and calm under pressure make her a formidable ally. As she works alongside Kit, Lienna's rigid worldview is challenged—she learns to see the gray areas in morality and the value of compassion. Her relationship with Kit deepens from adversarial to intimate, marked by mutual respect, vulnerability, and a hint of romance. Lienna's growth is defined by her willingness to bend the rules for the greater good.

Quentin Bianchi

Quentin is Kit's former guildmate and the most powerful empath in the city. His ability to sense and manipulate emotions makes him both a valuable asset and a dangerous threat. Quentin's motivations are complex—part ambition, part desperation, part genuine belief in his own superiority. His manipulation of Maggie and pursuit of the artifact reveal a willingness to sacrifice anyone for his goals. Quentin's downfall is rooted in his inability to distinguish real connection from manufactured emotion, making him both pitiable and terrifying. His relationship with Kit is fraught with betrayal and twisted loyalty.

Captain Blythe

Blythe is the formidable captain of the Vancouver MPD precinct, wielding both magical and bureaucratic power. Her telekinesis is matched only by her icy demeanor and unyielding sense of duty. Blythe is a master of manipulation, using threats and incentives to get what she wants. She sees potential in Kit, but is unafraid to use him as a tool. Beneath her stern exterior lies a pragmatic understanding of the system's flaws—and a willingness to bend the rules when it serves her interests. Blythe's role as judge, jailer, and eventual redeemer makes her a complex figure in Kit's journey.

Maggie Cook

Maggie is a freelance alchemist with a quirky, compassionate nature. Her involvement with Blue Smoke is reluctant, driven by a desire to help rather than harm. Quentin's empathic manipulation turns her into an unwitting accomplice, blurring the line between agency and victimhood. Maggie's relationship with Kit is one of genuine friendship and trust, making her betrayal and suffering all the more poignant. She represents the collateral damage of unchecked power and the importance of empathy in a world of magic and violence.

Vera

Vera is a tough, streetwise smuggler with the ability to see the future. Her pragmatic approach to life contrasts sharply with Kit's idealism. Initially motivated by self-interest, Vera becomes a crucial partner in Kit's quest to recover stolen artifacts and evade the MPD. Her foresight and combat skills complement Kit's warping magic, creating a dynamic partnership. Vera's cynicism masks a deep sense of loyalty and a willingness to help those she deems worthy. Her presence challenges Kit to think beyond his own survival.

Faustus Trivium

Faustus is a sinister figure in Vancouver's magical underworld, dealing in illegal artifacts and surrounding himself with dangerous mythics. His obsession with collecting power and controlling others makes him a formidable antagonist. Faustus's geometric appearance and cold demeanor reflect his inhuman detachment. He is both a symbol of the corrupting influence of magic and a catalyst for Kit's growth. His confrontation with Kit and Lienna forces them to confront the darker aspects of the mythic world.

Duncan

Duncan is Kit's cellmate—a middle-aged, unassuming man with a chilling capacity for violence. His hydromancy is used for murder, and his casual attitude toward death unsettles Kit. Duncan serves as a dark reflection of what Kit could become if he surrendered to cynicism and self-interest. Their interactions highlight the thin line between survival and monstrosity in the mythic world.

The Crow and Hammer Team

The Crow and Hammer guild, once Kit's adversaries, become crucial allies in the final battle against Faustus and Quentin. Their members—Tabitha, the hydromage, the sorceress, and the sword-wielding barbarian—bring discipline, power, and a sense of community. Their intervention underscores the importance of collective action and the possibility of redemption, even for those with checkered pasts.

Gillian

Gillian appears in Kit's dreams and memories as the one person who truly cared for him. Her warmth, acceptance, and wisdom shape Kit's conscience and guide his choices. Gillian's influence is the thread that ties Kit's journey from self-preservation to self-sacrifice, reminding him of the promise to never lose his compassion.

Plot Devices

Psycho Warping (Hallucination Magic)

The central plot device is Kit's rare psychic ability—psycho warping—which allows him to manipulate the perceptions of others, create convincing hallucinations, and, ultimately, alter reality itself. This power is both a tool for survival and a source of existential danger. It enables Kit to escape, deceive, and fight, but also forces him to confront the ethical implications of manipulating others. The gradual revelation of the true extent of his abilities mirrors Kit's journey toward self-acceptance and responsibility.

Empathic Manipulation

Quentin's empathic abilities serve as a plot engine, driving conflict and raising the stakes. His power to influence emotions creates chaos, incites riots, and turns allies into enemies. The feedback loop of emotion—input and output—serves as a metaphor for the contagious nature of feelings and the dangers of unchecked influence. Quentin's manipulation of Maggie and Kit blurs the line between free will and control, forcing characters to question the authenticity of their relationships and choices.

Magical Artifacts and Alchemy

The pursuit of the Cerberus artifact—a wand capable of amplifying psychic powers—serves as the story's MacGuffin. Magical artifacts, alchemical traps, and enchanted objects create obstacles, opportunities, and moments of revelation. The artifact's ultimate transformation by Kit's warping magic is both a plot twist and a symbol of his growth.

Narrative Structure and Foreshadowing

The story is structured around interrogations, flashbacks, and dream sequences that gradually unveil Kit's past, motivations, and psychological wounds. Foreshadowing is used to build suspense—diviner readings, cryptic warnings, and symbolic dreams hint at future events and character arcs. The interplay between present action and past trauma deepens the emotional resonance and stakes.

Moral Ambiguity and Redemption

The plot is driven by moral ambiguity—Kit's criminal past, Lienna's rigid adherence to rules, Quentin's tragic villainy, and Blythe's pragmatic authoritarianism. Redemption is a recurring theme: Kit's journey from self-interest to self-sacrifice, Lienna's evolution from enforcer to ally, and the possibility of forgiveness for those manipulated or coerced. The story challenges the notion of absolute good and evil, emphasizing the complexity of human (and mythic) nature.

Analysis

Warping Minds & Other Misdemeanors is a fast-paced urban fantasy that explores the intersection of power, morality, and identity in a hidden magical world. At its core, the novel is a story of redemption—of a young man who, shaped by abandonment and survival, must confront the consequences of his choices and the true nature of his abilities. Kit's psycho warping is both a metaphor for the masks we wear and a literal tool for navigating a world where perception is reality. The book interrogates the ethics of manipulation, the dangers of unchecked authority, and the importance of compassion in the face of cynicism. Through Kit and Lienna's evolving partnership, the narrative champions trust, vulnerability, and the courage to change. The story's humor and irreverence balance its darker themes, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Ultimately, the novel suggests that true power lies not in magic or manipulation, but in the willingness to stand up for others—even when it means risking everything.

Last updated: January 31, 2026