Page 75 of Charmed

All sign of humor vanished as he stared into the flames once more. “Because the change in my perception was figurative, not the result of a real spell.”

“Yet that doesn’t limit our use of a real spell to transform it back.”

His brow furrowed. “I’m not sure magic works that way.”

“In my experience magic seems more flexible than you’re giving it credit for. It appears the prince is in need of a review of magical theory.”

My lighthearted teasing hit a nerve, as I suspected when poking fun at his pet subject. His posture went rigid, his expression disgruntled.

“You’re suggesting that the student with the highest marks this past century in the field of magical theory needs areview?”

I shrugged. “No one is infallible, even in knowledge of their favorite subject, and you have a tendency to separate bookish knowledge from practical use in the real world. What is the definition of transformative magic?”

“A thorough and dramatic change in appearance and form.” His recitation was like a memorized entry from an encyclopedia, which with his habits wasn’t outside the realm of possibility.

“So by definition, using transformative magic to alter your perception would be transforming one form into something new…correct?”

His eyes bulged, and rather than respond, for a moment he could only stare at me in wonder. “You possess a unique way of seeing the world and I’m all the stronger for it.”

My heart swelled, even as the familiar thrill lit my mind to stoke not only my curiosity, but allow it to grow and expand in new ways so I could explore the possibilities that existed around me. It was a trait I’d always possessed, but it wasn’t until meeting Alden and finally having a chance to exercise it that I recognized my strength, a prize I would be able to bring back from our time together.

Alden’s expression was pensive as he examined his hands. “Perhaps we’ve already cast a transformation spell of sorts, for our time in the hamlet today felt like the first time since I can remember that I was able to experience the same wonder I did with magic as a child rather than simply as a means in a pursuit of a goal. For far too long I’ve lost sight of what’s truly important, forgetting that for all the joy my powers bring me, there’s more to life than magic. It’s ironic that I should make this discovery when expending the last of my powers.”

As if voicing his realization acted as its own spell, at his words the magic that had been trapped behind whatever barrier the dark force had erected between him and his powers suddenly sparked to life.

We startled in unison, staring at each other. “Was that—”

Alden flexed his hand, exploring the sensation. “I’m…not sure. Itseemslike magic, but I’m almost afraid to test it in case there’s a limit to whatever power has returned.” Perplexity furrowed his brow. “Receiving even a portion of my stolen magic goes against the properties that comprise the theory of the siphoning force I believed to be responsible for their loss, but I can’t think of any other spell that would be powerful enough to rob everyone of their magic.” Yet another clue to the mystery, even if it came too late to do much with.

“How much of your powers have returned?” I asked.

“Enough that perhaps I could perform a few spells, should I be required to.”

“Does that you mean you possess enough for the final competition?”

Hope glistened in his eyes at my tentative inquiry, but the spark was dim, as if he was afraid to stoke it. I leaned in and rested my hand over his.

“So long as you possessanymagic, you must continue to fight. You’re too close to give up; remember that you’re competing not only for your own hopes but to aid your entire kingdom.”

His fingers slowly curled around mine. “My usual fears are trying to seduce me down that path by persuading me it’s not worth the fight…but they have less power since our time together.” He straightened with resolve. “If I don’t make at least one final attempt, I’ll spend the rest of my life wondering. Regardless of my weakened powers, I want to at least try to qualify.”

He flexed his fingers again, and I could see his hope and longing as he yearned to make use of the familiar power. After a moment he sighed and lay down, though I wondered if he’d be able to sleep with the new developments and lingering questions about the future.

He glanced towards where I lay, still watching him, and smiled.

“Thank you for helping me see what I probably never would have noticed without you, for bringing me hope at my lowest point and showing me what truly matters.”

My heart swelled as we both nestled into our blankets, warmed by the fire and the sweetness of our friendship. Time would tell if the portion of Alden’s magic that had returned would be enough for whatever challenges lay ahead.

* * *

Without Alden’sability to create a portal we were forced to travel to the location of the final challenge without magic. We alternated between walking and accepting rides from friendly farmers in their wagons whenever the opportunity arose. It took three days before we finally arrived to the location, on the eve of the deadline.

The long journey had at least been helpful in giving us abundant time to discuss the challenge. Though Alden wasn’t completely satisfied with what we’d finally settled on and worried that the spell he’d crafted to entertain the children we encountered on our journey that transformed the rocks strewing the path into a swarm of butterflies was clumsy and risked not fully working, he seemed eager to return to the competition.

Aside from the judges, only a handful of witches and wizards filled the cramped clearing, evidence of how much each challenge had filtered the original pool of contestants. Enchantress Ivy stood in the center, wringing her hands as she looked out across the small crowd, her usual mask of composure missing. Upon spotting Alden, her tension relaxed into relief and she hurried over.

“You’re here. I was worried you wouldn’t make it.”

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