How does magic work?

In the reality of the Metaframe, magic is possible.

A magic adept is able to modify reality in the following ways.

1. Temporarily*
2. Locally

By means of partial access to the Metaframe.

In the first scene of "A Subtle Agency", it is revealed that Chloe Armitage has been bound by magic to not harm her master, Cornelius Crane.

The first scene can be read at the Goodreads preview at

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

* The caveat on "temporarily" is that if only a single person is involved - duration can be extended indefinently.

I.e. A lifetime curse is possible.

Magic is as rare as the adepts who practice it.