Page 63 of Charmed

“Indeed, created just for you to help you feel better.” He cast Mother an uncertain glance. “I should be upfront in warning you that I’m not an expert in healing tonics and would understand if you’re not comfortable in accepting it.”

Mother bit her lip and glanced towards me, but her tension eased at my encouraging nod. “If Mae who is familiar with your magic is confident, that’s enough for me.”

With her permission, Corbin gingerly took the vial and uncorked it; a glistening waft of steam curled upwards from the open rim. For a moment he merely held it in his lap, staring at it with eyes as wide as if viewing a priceless jewel.

“I never thought I’d get to drink a potion like in Mae’s stories. I’m the luckiest boy in the world.”

Alden ruffled his hair, but I detected the apprehension filling the movement. He stiffened further as Corbin took a tentative sip and immediately wrinkled his nose. “I thought magic would taste better.” But he obediently drank the entire draught.

I waited with bated breath for any sign of the potion at work. At first nothing happened, but after a long moment Corbin’s rigid posture visibly eased. “I feel different.” He rested a hand on his forehead as if to check his own temperature; Mother and I rested our hands alongside his. Though still warm, his brow was definitely cooling.

I beamed at Alden. “It’s working.”

His shoulders sank. “I’m so glad.” Even with this success, a healing potion he created, he seemed determined to win one of Corbin’s adorable smiles. He conjured a bit of earth magic, moving his fingers carefully. When the glow subsided, a large toy frog rested in his hands, covered in a smooth, velvety fur.

Corbin’s eyes rounded. “It’s a frog just like in Mae’s fairytale.” He hugged it close to his chest and nestled his face against the plush’s soft fur, giving it a squeeze. A laugh of delight escaped as his fingers sank into the frog’s soft, stuffed body.

Alden cast me a teasing glance; by his twitching lips, he was clearly suppressing his own laugh. “I happen to know your sisteradoresfrogs.”

Corbin cast me an inquisitive look. “Do you, Mae?”

Alden raised his eyebrows in silent challenge. As tempted as I was to beat him at his own game, I couldn’t resist Corbin’s wide, imploring eyes.

I gave him a snuggle. “I’ve grown quite fond of them, but nowhere near as fond as I am of you.”

Corbin’s pleasure lit his entire expression. “Then I like frogs too.” He glanced curiously at Alden. “Do you like frogs, Mr. Wizard?” His arms tightened affectionately around his new toy to hold it closer.

“A certain frog in particular. Adorable creatures, if a bit mischievous and fiercely independent.” He winked at me.

My cheeks warmed. If I didn’t know any better, I’d wonder if the magic-eccentric wizard wasflirting.

Corbin continued to improve as he spent the next several minutes chattering excitedly about the potion, but eventually his chatter wore him out. The magic had not only eased his illness, but calmed him enough to allow him to get more rest.

Mother volunteered to remain by him, allowing me to step outside with Alden. The sun had risen higher, casting a warmth nowhere near as soothing as my relief at Corbin’s progress. Even as my elation soared, I tried to keep it in check, reminding myself that the potion’s effects were temporary, confirming my previous resolution to somehow acquire the healing charm offered only to members of the Enchanters’ Council.

The strength that usually sustained me whenever I tended to my brother suddenly vanished, causing me to slump against Alden. As before, his arm came around me to keep me upright. He anxiously searched my expression and seemed relieved to find me mostly weary from my relief.

“He’ll be alright, Mae.”

“He will for now, thanks to you.” My relieved smile wasn’t near enough to express the depth of my gratitude, nor all I was beginning to realize he meant to me.

His responding grin was bashful but he was undoubtedly pleased. “It felt different performing my magic for the sake of others—more satisfying, making me fear that previously I’d been finding purpose in all the wrong places.”

My heart stirred at his words, expanding with my growing feelings for this dear man. “Because you’re a good person.”

“As are you. I’ve never met someone who serves anyone as faithfully as you serve your brother.”

Perhaps it was the newness of my feelings or the lingering effects brought by my gratitude, the solace I found in his arms, and his support at my side. But at his words my heart opened further, wide enough to allow him a glimpse at the vulnerabilities I’d stubbornly guarded for far too long.

“May we talk?” I asked.

Keeping his arm around me, Alden led me a short distance away, where we settled on a log along the edge of the forest; he angled his body towards me to give me his full attention. I hesitated, held back by the nerves guarding my darkest secret.

“Corbin has been chronically ill ever since his birth. I’ve spent his entire life helping my parents tend to him, taking on more of the burden after my father’s passing. This recent illness was worse than the others. As I sat with him throughout the night, I became consumed by an all-encompassing fear—not just that he would die, but whatI’ddo should he not make it. In my selfishness I wanted him to live, not just for his sake but because without him, I realized I’m left with nothing—no purpose in life, nothing that brings joy and meaning.”

My feelings felt blasphemous against the love I truly felt for my dear brother, but rather than judgment, only understanding filled Alden’s expression.

“I understand the sentiment, for I feel similarly about magic. I can’t even describe the turmoil I experienced when I feared I would be disqualified from the competition, making me realize just how much of myself I’ve devoted to this pursuit. And when I felt my powers drained, it was a terrible sensation; I hated feeling that without magic I’d be left with nothing.” His expression grew sheepish. “I admittedly envy you: despite your common background, you’ve found fulfillment outside magic, something I hope to one day learn myself.”

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