Page 77 of Charmed

“My apprentice, Maeve.” My heart stirred at the pride filling Alden’s tone as he introduced me.

“Yourapprentice?” Kai’s gaze flickered down to our hands that I only just realized were still intimately connected. Heat swarmed my cheeks and too late I tried to wriggle free, but Alden’s hold tightened, keeping me beside him.

Mischief curved Kai’s lips upwards. “Apparently the apprentice relationship is slightly different than what I previously believed.”

Alden blushed but thankfully didn’t relinquish his hold. “Mae has been serving as an advisory role for me throughout the competition. She’s a genius when it comes to creative uses of magic.”

“As I’ve just caught a glimpse of,” Kai said. “Combining our magic into a single source…I’ve never considered performing such a spell. Essentially we would be working together.”

The reservations that had been holding Alden back for so long caused him to briefly hesitate, but he quickly pushed them aside enough to nod. “We might manage one or two spells when conducting the challenge alone, but surely that won’t be enough to reach the top. But together, we might stand a chance.”

Kai stroked his chin thoughtfully. “There’s no rule against teaming up, though I believe the winner must be a single person. If you know of a spell to try her idea, I’m willing to take that gamble.” He then turned to me with no trace of the superiority or disdain I expected a skilled wizard to show an apprentice. “Do you have a suggestion?”

The three of us moved a little away from the other contestants to discuss plans in private. Several hours of night melted away as Alden studied up on potential spells he could use to combine his and Kai’s powers before settling on an enchantment similar to that cast upon his trunk that could shrink to any size and allow him to store any amount of content—in this case, that of power rather than possessions.

The spell was complicated. I watched as both wizards bent over their work, taking turns adding layers to the spell so that it was infused with both of their unique powers. When the spell was cast, Alden and Kai dipped their forefingers into the shimmery magic filling the makeshift container the charm had molded. Alden studied the sparkling residue on his fingertip before holding the container aloft to more closely examine it. Whatever encouragement had guided him forward up until this point faltered.

“Even with our power combined, I’m not sure there’s quite enough to ascend all seven levels of the tower.”

“I agree. Is there someone else that you trust enough to work with?” Kai asked.

“My sister has also made it to the final round, but otherwise the only other person I’ve interacted with is…” His gaze flickered towards King Ciaran, whose watchful position along the edge of trees hadn’t faltered.

“Demetria?” Kai’s expression twisted as if he’d just been cursed. “She doesn’t seem particularly trustworthy, though I suppose we’ve spent years training together and are familiar enough with her powers that she would be a good fit…assuming she’s willing to cooperate.”

I knew little about the magical princess beyond what Alden had shared, but enough to doubt she’d willingly enter an alliance with anyone, least of all her brother whom she seemed to view with as much rivalry as he did her. Sure enough, when Alden and Kai tentatively approached her with their proposal, she wrinkled her nose in disgust.

“What makes you think I’m in need of such assistance that I would stoop so low as to cooperate withyou? Unlike you amateurs, my powers are completely intact.” But by the hitch of her voice, it was clear she was lying.

Alden rolled his eyes. “As always, you are above anything we mere magical paupers are forced to deal with. Very well, you can choose to ascend the tower alone, but don’t later approach us once you come to discover your own power is insufficient.”

Despite his look of challenge, she merely folded her arms across her chest like a shield and looked away…but I sensed a hesitancy in her rigid movements, and she followed him with her gaze as he next approached King Ciaran.

The king’s expression remained stoic as he listened to Alden’s explanation, but he appeared more thoughtful than antagonistic. “I’m admittedly intrigued by your proposal. In addition to sharing your magic, what skills do you have to offer an alliance?”

Alden hesitated before lifting his chin. “An expert knowledge of magical theory.”

King Ciaran’s brows lifted in surprise, and Princess Demetria, eavesdropping nearby, snorted in derision. “Don’t tell me you’re still clinging to your book knowledge and calling that magic? Please.”

Alden’s jaw tightened, but before he could retort I stepped forward. “It’s only his thorough knowledge on magical theory that makes this idea even possible. The more one understands magic, the more they can manipulate it to tailor-fit each situation they encounter, an invaluable asset when facing the challenges the magical tower is sure to entail.”

Princess Demetria’s narrowed gaze swept over me and I felt all the disdain that had been absent from Kai’s greeting. “And you are?” She made no attempt to mask her disgust, clearly recognizing my lack of ability.

Kai offered a cheerful grin. “Your brother’sapprentice.” He waggled his eyebrows at Alden.

“Hisapprentice?Seriously, Alden, you brought an apprentice to this competition?”

She seemed ready to offer several more biting retorts, but doubtless realized that time was pressing and turned back to me with a frown.

“You may be right in part, but no amount of knowledge can compensate for the skill to perform the magic required, nor can it create trust where none exists. Why should I entrust my precious magic to those whom I’m competing against for the same position? How do I know one of you won’t betray us and take all the power for yourself, causing the rest of us to fail?”

Alden narrowed his eyes. “In truth I’m most concerned by being betrayed byyou, but if it’s a safeguard you desire, the spell has one already woven into it: I cast an enchanted lock that requires all four of our magical fingerprints to open, as well as an enchanted timeline that will keep our power contained until the competition ends at dusk. Satisfied?”

She sniffed and didn’t answer, but remained standing with us, as if deliberating.

He sighed. “I know it goes against all we’ve striven for up until this point to humble ourselves enough to ask help from others, but the reality of the situation is that none of us alone possesses enough magic to overcome each level of that tower. But we have a chance, should we work together. It’s taking risks that leads to new magical discoveries.”

Princess Demetria pursed her lips, but she didn’t have any further argument. With her reluctant cooperation and that of King Ciaran, we hoped that their added power to Alden’s charm would be just enough to take on the magical tower.

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