When Magic Flows

A HOUSE IN THE WOODS

Allegra POV

“Allegra? What are you doing here?” Nicholas asked me, appearing out of nowhere. 

“What are you doing here?” I asked him back. Oh, where were my manners? I would definitely blame the shock for it. “Oh, sorry! It’s good to see you again” I smiled trying to fix my lack of politeness.

“Are you kidding? I live close by.” He told me, enchanted. “It seems that the first time I came to you and the second time, you come to me. Anyways, is very good to see you again, Allegra. But it didn’t respond to my question. What are you doing here? And why do you seem so troubled?”

I wasn’t completely sure if I wanted to share my mom’s dilemma with him yet. So, I told him: “Oh, never mind. What really matters is that here we are!” I tried to sound bubbly, but apparently, it didn’t work because he looked at me reprehensively, and my smile faded. 

“Please, cut the crap, Allegra. Even if I don’t know you very well yet, I know you’re lying. If you don’t want to tell me what’s going on, fine, although I told you my darkest secret.” He crossed his arms on his large chest and laughed but the smile didn’t get to his eyes. I sighed. He was right. I’ve heard his story. Time for him to hear mine.

“Well, fine. I needed time away from everyone in my coven because I couldn’t stand their interference over my life. The newest they invented for me involves choosing my life partner for me. Could you imagine that?” I knew I was sounding a little pitchy, but I was still nervous about the previous discussion with my mom. Besides, no witch in any coven should face what they were making me do. 

He seemed a little shocked about it: “What? How is this happening?”

“Well, they didn‘t give me a deadline, but they are willing to open a contest over my hand, so every warlock that thinks is suitable to be my husband could enter the contest and try to win my hand. Where is my freedom? I am the one who will have to live with a partner that I don’t even know if I want to live with.” Maybe it was him, or maybe all I needed was to grizzle about it because although I was talking about something that really annoyed me, I was feeling better by the moment. 

Now it seemed that it was his time to be annoyed by this story. “I don’t even know them, but I already have the impression that I wouldn’t like them. Are you a toy so they can make wherever they want and choose you a husband?” I could see that he was getting uncommonly furious about it, but he continued: “Is this contest happening soon?”

“Unless I come home with my life partner,” I told him expectantly. I was probably out of my mind right now, because I barely knew him, and a reasonable witch would be more aware of his grey warlock status, but I couldn’t help imagining arriving home hand in hand with him and presenting him as my life partner. This would definitely give the elders an impression. Probably the worst one, but this was just my wildest dreams getting to the surface momentarily, right?

I could see that the thought crossed his mind too, but he showed more maturity than me at the moment: “You can’t simply come home with a random guy just to get rid of the contest, Allegra. The elders would see right through you. You should know that”

“Yeah, you’re right, Nicholas. What do you think I should do, then?”

“First of all, I would spend the day off with a handsome guy who lives in the forest.” He told me smiling charmingly. I liked this idea. “And then, you can finally give your number to the mentioned guy,” which was another good idea, “and then at least, calm down to think what you could possibly do to not face the contest or how you could prevent it to happen.” Seemed another good idea, although I wouldn’t know how to make it happen yet. 

Even though I was still reluctant, I had to agree with him that all his suggestions were better than just storm through the front door and run away like a rebel child. The first two parts of his plan were perfectly practical. How would I do the third one, I had no idea yet. 

“Fine, you won. Your ideas sounded better than mine. So, what are we going to do today? What would you do if I hadn’t interrupted you so abruptly?” I asked him, up to (almost) everything he would purpose. 

“I was going to pick some herbs for potions and other ingredients in the forest. You just caught me leaving home, actually.” He told me.

“And where exactly is your home?” I had to ask him because I couldn’t see anything but the trees around us. 

“Oh, sorry.” He told me realizing that his home was still cloaked. Then he waved his hand in a complex gesture and there it was a cozy cabin with a smoking chimney. You clearly would say that it lacked some color or a more delicate touch, but still, it seemed an ok place to live. “Now you are allowed to visit us whenever you want. Would you want to come in?”

He caught my curiosity with this complex spell. He actually looked so young for this level of witchcraft that this really impressed me.

“So, what kind of cloaking spell was this?” I asked him as we started to walk toward his home.

“It confounds intruders to get the impression that they got lost in the forest and as you could see, or better not, turns our home invisible and soundproofed.”

“Well, that is impressive!” I told him, as we entered the cabin. It was a much smaller place than my home but living my whole life in the main facility of the coven has its perks. Everything looked clean and organized, and it was a comfortable place for two men. “And this is nice.” I praised it. 

“Well, thanks,” he responded a little embarrassed. 

“Is your dad home?” I asked again.

“Oh, no, he left for the day. Don’t worry.” He told me and a shadow crossed his face.

Seeing him worried had an effect on me. I wish I could make his taunting smile permanent on his face. I was progressing in my knowledge, but I knew it still wasn’t enough to help him. I could sense the unease in his movements. I saw that he was not comfortable with me there, so I thought that leaving his place would be the best for now. 

“Okay, let’s go gather some herbs and spices.” I tried the joke to break the ice and it did work. His smile came back to his face. 

“Alright, let’s go.” He grabbed my hand and led me to the forest again.