Page 25 of Enchanted Hero
“Great.” His expression sobered as he turned to Alexander. “Why do I get the feeling you don’t believe in magic?”
When Alexander inclined his head, his smile returned. “I’ll just have to convince you.” Before he could respond, an assistant gestured to them. “It’s time for the show. I’ll see you soon.” Then, Max put a hand on her shoulder.
Alexandergrowled.
An assistant led them back down the hallway to a pair of reserved front row seats. While Everleigh sat on one of the hardback chairs, Alexander followed the official to the stage. Even more people entered the already full room, gushing over the magician’s accolades, including success on a popular television talent show. Perhaps he would surprise her, after all.
A loud boom made her jump, from a massive drum bearing a ten-foot image of the magician. Faster and louder beats followed, set to beams of multicolored light. In an instant it stopped, and a single spotlight focused on Alexander. The crowd cheered.
“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen!” Alexander’s voice boomed, and the applause grew even louder. “Do you believe in magic?”
The crowd hooted and hollered as Alexander launched into the script. He was a natural orator, captivating them with ease. After a brief biography and a few parting words, he left to hearty applause. As he sat down next to her, Everleigh leaned in. “You’d think you were the main attraction by how they cheered.”
“I’ll leave the magic to someone else.”
The music rose once more, vibrating the chairs, the ground andheras white mist blanketed the stage. It twirled and twisted under the purple lights, tinting the air with coolness and eliciting goosebumps her skin. In a blinding flash, the mist dissipated, and Mr. Sage stood, tall, dark and handsome in the bright lights. The crowd roared.
Next to her, Alexander shifted. Everleigh forced her attention to the stage, yet six-foot-three of muscle next to her stole her attention. Likely she wouldn’t notice if the magician performed actual magic. Perhaps a little retribution was in order for the distraction – and for earlier. “I understand why they’re excited. He’s quite handsome.”
Alexander frowned. “If you like mysterious men.”
She did.Yet it wasn’t the man on stage who drew her. “Of course, I do.”
His frown deepened.
“Welcome.” The chairs vibrated with the sound system. “I’m Max Sage, the world’s only true wielder of magic. Who believes in enchantment, not tricks and ruses by amateurs, but actual true-to-life magic?”
Most of the audience raised their hands, including Everleigh. Of course, Alexander remained still and stoic.
“I’ll make believers out of each and every one of you,” Sage promised. “After today, other magic shows will seem like preschooler fare. Now who wants to be cut in half?”
The crowd clapped its approval. Max’s gaze lingered on Alexander, but he passed over him to choose a woman frantically gesturing from the third row. It was a standard magic show trick, but true to his boast, he performed it with meticulous expertise. People gasped as he sawed the box with a gleaming metal sword, looming over the cringing volunteer. There was no obvious trick as the woman, whole and hale, rose from the table. She accepted a rose he pulled from his hat.
Sage moved on right away. “For my next trick, I’m going to make people soar through the sky. Who wants to fly?”
Like before, numerous volunteers raised their hands, excluding Alexander, of course. Only this time Max pointed straight at him. “How about our guest of honor, Alexander Stone, and his lovely business associate, Everleigh Lacey?”
Everleigh smiled and stood up, but Alexander remained seated, even as the crowd chanted his name. “Come on, Alexander,” she whispered. “Are you afraid of a little magic?”
“Magic can be dangerous.” Yet he stood and took her hand, leading her to the stage.
“And how about you?” Max pointed to a teenage girl jumping up and down and waving. Her friends cheered as she galloped to the front. “Thank you to our brave volunteers. Tell me, have you ever flown?” He held out the microphone to Everleigh.
She grinned. “Only domestic.”
Max sported a matching smile. “Saucy! I like it.” He turned to Alexander and shoved the microphone in his face. “What about you, Mr. Stone?”
“Not today,” Alexander replied dryly.
“Not me!” the teen exclaimed.
Max stepped forward. “You’re in for a real treat. Everyone look to the stage. Do you see any hidden wires?” The audience was quiet for a second, then shouted a chorus of nos. Alexander squinted, then shook his head ever-so-slightly. Did he see something?
“There are no hidden wires, because this is not a trick. It’s an authentic true to life demonstration of actual magic. These peoplewillsoar through the sky as if they had real magical powers. Let’s begin!”
Everleigh, Alexander and the teen followed Max to three slabs with short rails on the sides. The magician lowered the rails and indicated for them to lie down. Everleigh and the girl did so immediately; after a brief hesitation, Alexander joined them.
“First, our lovely lady.” Soft music strummed as the lights flashed. Max spent a moment lifting and arranging the rails. “This is very important,” he murmured. “You mustn’t move, and above all, only look up. Anything else could disturb the magic.”
