Page 62 of Charmed

“You cared more about checking on me than your greatest ambition?” My rebellious heart fluttered at the thought.

A blush caressed his cheeks as he hastily looked away…but it seemed he couldn’t keep his gaze averted for long before he cast me another shy sidelong glance. Concern furrowed his brow upon noticing the dark circles beneath my eyes.

“Have you slept at all?”

“I’ve managed to capture pockets here and there since I’ve been home, but otherwise I haven’t had time.”

Worry tugged on his frown. “How is your brother?”

“Doing better than I initially feared. He’s still sick, but should pull through.” Yet that didn’t lessen the anxiety pressing against my shoulders, a weight that suddenly grew too heavy to bear any longer.

My legs collapsed from beneath me as my exhaustion overcame me. Alden lurched forward with speed that could only be explained by magic. He caught me before I could fall, his firm arms secure around my waist as he held me close.

The pinprick of sense my fatigue hadn’t smothered protested the embarrassing arrangement, yet no force—magical or otherwise—felt strong enough to compel me to leave the security of Alden’s comfortable embrace.

In his arms I realized what I’d been missing in all my years of tending my brother—someone to be by my side so I didn’t need to endure it alone. I had Mother’s support, but there was only so much she could offer when she bore the same burden.

Alden held me a moment that wasn’t near long enough before gently tilting my face upwards so he could search my expression. “Are you alright, Mae?” His pale gaze seeped deeply into mine.

My heart that already beat frantically by his proximity sped up further at the nickname. “Mae?”

Crimson tinged his cheeks, but even midst his fluster he thankfully didn’t pull away. “I know that was the name you supplied for when you were a frog…but it suits you.”

“It’s a common nickname for mine and is what my family often calls me. I don’t mind if you use it.” It made me feel a more intimate connection with him, a thread that drew us closer even when circumstances prevented anything deeper from developing between us.

He shook his head. “I can’t believe I didn’t notice the similarity between the two names and realize you were my apprentice all along. I must be daft.”

“I’m sure you had other subjects to concern yourself with during your education than common female nicknames.” The familiar banter provided a much-needed layer of security for my anxiety, yet another confirmation of how deeply I’d missed the eccentric wizard.

He chuckled but quickly sobered to hook his fingers beneath my chin, a gesture that robbed me of breath. “You never answered my question: are you alright?”

His touch not only seized all the air in my lungs but every word, rendering even my thoughts entirely still of everything save for the heated sensation created by his touch. I managed a nod, a gesture that didn’t seem to be enough to satisfy him.

“Are you certain?” he prompted.

In truth I’d never beenlessalright, even as the comfort provided by his embrace exceeded everything else. “I’m glad you’re here.”

His lips curved up. “I am too. I’ve brought you something.” He procured a vial containing a familiar bubbly liquid.

My breath caught. “The healing tonic?”

He nodded. “I took Enchantress Ivy’s feedback into account and brewed this one much more carefully. It may not work as effectively as one from a certified healer, a reason in addition to my previous inexperience being why I never brewed a healing tonic for you sooner. Technically I’m not at liberty to give such a potion without proper training…but there’s a loophole for family and friends, if you’re willing to try—”

I snatched the potion from him before he could finish. “I trust you, Alden.”

Even with my assurances, he seemed inclined to expand upon his disclaimer as he followed me into the house, an anxious crease marring his brow. “It likely won’t cure whatever chronic condition he suffers from—only the powerful healing charm offered as a reward to those on the Enchanters’ Council can do that—but I hope it’ll at least be strong enough ease his current illness.”

At the moment that was more than enough.

Both Mother and Corbin had awoken in the time I’d stepped outside, my brother only managing to capture a few minutes of sleep as was all too common. Upon noticing my worry, he bravely squared his shoulders and offered his usual cheerful smile.

“I’m alright, Mae. I’ve gotten plenty of rest—” He caught sight of Alden standing in the doorway and his expression lit up. “Mr. Wizard! You came to visit me.”

A dimple appeared in Alden’s cheek. He took Corbin’s enthusiasm as permission to step further into the room, declining the chair Mother offered as she hastily stood with a shake of his head, instead joining me to perch on the edge of Corbin’s bed.

“I brought something for you.”

Corbin’s eyes widened as Alden held up the potion. “Is that bottled magic?”

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