Page 64 of Charmed

“But is it true purpose if it’s not a goal I chose for myself?” I felt torn from the fulfillment of tending my brother and the sense that I was nothing outside of him.

Alden evenly met my gaze. “You are more than your brother’s sister and caretaker…just as I’m more than a Wizard or even the royal title I’ve spent far too much time ignoring. There is so much more to us than that.”

I could see the wisdom of his words, even as I struggled to internalize them. “Even so, it’s been so long that I’ve forgotten who I was or who I wanted to be long before I became his caretaker.” What aspects of my identity remained that weren’t wrapped up in him? While I didn’t resent him for how much his care had consumed my life, I still yearned to also find meaning outside of him.

Alden’s smile was gentle. “Since I need to discover myself outside magic, perhaps it can be a quest we embark on together, just like the competition we’ve already faced.”

Hope stirred my heart that I could find an identity outside of being Corbin’s sister, along with a warm spark as he said the wordtogether. As I stared into Alden’s gentle gaze, I realized just how much I wanted to forge something new withhim, the adventures we embarked on, and the magic we studied together.

Even as I recognized this connection and longed to deepen it, I couldn’t fully escape my guilt at chasing this new purpose. While my magical training had served as a temporary separation from my family that felt like a necessary sacrifice to help my brother, falling in love felt like a selfish whim that would force me to leave them forever, abandoning my duty to them.

Alden belonged in an entirely different world, a glamour far different than the common life I’d be forced to leave behind. Even if I could cross that boundary separating the two, I couldn’t possibly leave my family who needed me.

Part of me was tempted to abandon this path of magic for the one that felt safe in its familiarity…but the part of me that believed in Alden’s success even midst his self doubts compelled me to linger. Should he win, I would be able to receive a healing cure for Corbin far more powerful than my own feeble powers and the best herbal concoctions would be able to conjure. Mother was more than efficient as a nurse, but obtaining a magical cure was something only I could do.

But more than for Corbin, I longed to stay for the sake of my own heart already lost wholly to Alden that needed to remain by his side, a desire far different than what often kept me near my ailing brother. Even though I’d been cursed as a frog, I’d found great fulfillment helping Alden as well as in the days training as his apprentice, a glimpse of a possibility that I’d never imagined for myself until I’d discovered my powers, but which I didn’t want to let go of quite yet.

Alden cradled my hands within his. “Will you stay and help me with the competition? Together I’m sure we’ll not only find a cure for your brother, but help one another discover the new part of ourselves we’re both searching for.”

This time I didn’t hesitate to nod in acceptance to his invitation. If I stayed, I could not only better understand who I was, but fully explore the feelings I harbored in my heart for this dear wizard who’d helped me see this new part of myself…and whom I had no doubt would help me discover more, even as my feelings towards him urged me to do all in my power to help him find himself outside his own greatest passion in return.

CHAPTER20

Alden’s eyes widened with disbelief as he stared at Enchantress Ivy, as if he couldn’t quite believe her assessment. “I can remain in the competition? Truly?”

She took in his rigid posture with a softened expression. “I admire your sense of honor in informing me of the help you’ve received from your apprentice throughout the competition, but it’s my understanding she maintained a solely advisory role. Is that correct?”

Alden gave an uncertain nod, seeming unconvinced his confirmation would be enough to ensure his continued participation. Upon seeing his lingering confusion, Enchantress Ivy offered a reassuring touch on his arm, stilling his nervous fidgeting.

“A position on the Council is not just a role of power—it requires one to be open to receiving advice from all walks of magical backgrounds and ability. Willingness to receive help from others is a strength, not a weakness.”

That had been the very advice I’d imparted. I could only hope that the more times Alden received it, the more inclined he’d be to finally believe it. Though his brow furrowed, he didn’t contradict her words as he’d done so often with me, evidence of his growth.

“I can really stay?” His tone was hesitant with his lingering doubts.

“So long as your apprentice maintains her previous role as a support and every spell is performed by you alone, I see no issues in your remaining in the competition.”

He released a wavering breath. It was all I could do to contain my own swell of relief—not just that he could continue pursuing his dream, but that I wouldn’t have to leave Alden’s side.

With his place in the competition once more secured, Alden submitted his entry for theCursed Relic Challengethat had required him to acquire an ancient relic, break the curse upon it, and create a new one to ensure that as a member of the Enchanters’ Council he had a proper understanding of curses and how to safeguard against them.

Earlier during my breaks from sitting at my brother’s bedside, I’d glimpsed snippets of this complicated work that involved layers of spells whose foundation rested on ancient magical runes. The work had taken him much of the day and resulting night, finishing at the arrival at dawn when Corbin’s improved health allowed me to depart with him to meet with the judges.

Enchantress Ivy cast a spell that created a sheen of protection against her skin so that she could accept the relic without fear of being affected by Alden’s curse. She took several minutes to examine it, often pausing to murmur spells as she tested various aspects of his curse to see how it held. Alden fidgeted as he waited and it was all I could do to resist reaching for his hand in an effort to reassure him.

When Enchantress Ivy finally concluded, she looked up with an approving smile. “Excellent work. You’ve always excelled in runes and theory.”

“An impractical focus compared to other forms of magic,” Alden said.

She shook her head. “Theory makes up the foundation of all spells and is thus an invaluable area to specialize in.” Another question occurred to her, one accompanied by a hint of mischief. “Did you have the opportunity of experiencing the Relic of Clarity’s magic for yourself?”

A blush engulfed Alden’s cheeks, confirmation that left me curious what exactly the magic had illuminated in his understanding. I cast him a puzzled glance, but rather than answer my silent inquiry, he hastily looked away, as if he couldn’t bring himself to meet my gaze.

Amusement twitched Enchantress Ivy’s lips. “Relics are quite powerful.”

She said nothing more on the matter as she handed him the next clue, but as Alden turned to leave, anxious to begin work on the next clue, she reached out to brush his arm, compelling him to pause. Concern furrowed her brow as she examined him closely.

“How are your powers? Does anything seem amiss?”

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