Page 16 of The Baker and the Wolf

Rina’s eyes squint into glittering arches. “May I touch you, Cerise? I can examine your magic more easily through physical contact.”

I nod. “All right.”

Her fingers are cool around my wrists. She faces me, closing her eyes. I close mine too. I hear the fire crackle on the hearth, and I notice a kind of hum. It seems familiar, yet I cannot place it.

Then I realize that I don’t hear it with my ears. Ifeelit. Deep inside me.

Magic. As soon as I recognize it, a wave of emotion nearly crushes me. All this time— Oh, how I’ve missed it!

“Yes, child. Accept it. Claim it. Your birthright. Your gifting. It is as much a part of you as your red hair and blue eyes.”

As Rina holds me, I begin to sense her magic as well. It is intense, potent, and her grasp seems to fill me with strength. “What are you doing?” My eyes fly open.

“I’m replenishing your depleted stores, my dear. You might say I’m nourishing your magic.”

As my magic builds and revives, I experience it in the same way I would sense my lungs expanding with fresh air or my heart swelling with joy. The power fills a void in my spirit, a lack—a loss—that I’d never been able to identify.

“But how could my magic be depleted? I didn’t even remember that I had it, so how could I use it up? Did it shrivel because I haven’t used it?”

“No.”

I frown. “Someone really stole it?”

Lines appear between my grandmére’s brows, and her eyes open. “I have never personally encountered magic theft before, but in your case it is the only logical conclusion. The thief also blocked your memories of using magic. Do you have any idea who might be responsible?”

A sick sort of feeling makes me sway. “I don’t.”

She releases me and takes a step back. “Here, take this chair, child, before you fall down.”

I obediently sink into the offered armchair, tip my head back, and close my eyes, willing the dizziness away. Now I can sense the magic of this place—powerful magic. The room and its contents feel real and solid, yet they are sustained by magic in a way I can’t begin to comprehend.

“Better?” Rina presses a warm cup into my hand. “Just relax and sip this. I added honey—it always helps stabilize me.”

“Thank you.” The tea is exactly the right temperature. “It’s delicious.” After a few more sips, my eyes pop open. Ordinary amber liquid meets my curious gaze. “It does help. I don’t feel so woozy.”

“That’s the honey at work. Bees and honey are magical in their own way, you know.”

I relax and feel my mouth curve. Another surprise. With one hand, I touch my lips, feeling the smile. “It really must be magical,” I murmur.

“Hmm.” Rina gives me a penetrating look. “If one smile on your face surprises you, the thief has robbed you of much more than magic and memories. Once you’ve recovered sufficiently, we will work on methods to prevent more such theft.”

She doesn’t push me, so I savor the sweet tea and allow its magic to fortify my spirit. When the cup is empty, I look up with a sense of hope. “I’m ready now.”

“You might as well remain seated.” Rina pulls another chair close to mine. “Do you trust me to enter your mind for a few moments?”

I nod without fully comprehending her question. “Yes.”

“Close your eyes.”

I do, and she takes my face between her palms. Suddenly, I feel her presence in my head and my body reflexively spasms. “Relax, child.” My ears hear nothing, yet I know her voice and gradually relax. “Good girl. Now, focus on my voice and on your magic. Can you feel both?”

“I can.” It takes me a moment to notice that my mouth didn’t move.

“First, claim your magic. Take hold of it and never let go.”

I vaguely realize that if I think too much about what I’m experiencing, it’ll make no sense. I recall the connection I felt when she revived my magic, and I try to go there.

But it’s even simpler than that: I’m already there. My magic is woven into the fabric of me: body, soul, and spirit. Only now do I begin to realize how incomplete I’ve been for years.

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