Page 100 of Impractical Magic

Scarlett focused her mind, slowly letting go of all the worries and fears that had plagued her for so long. She visualized her thoughts as leaves floating down a gentle stream, each one drifting away until her mind was clear and still.

As she sank deeper into her meditation, Scarlett felt a tingling sensation spread through her body, starting at the base of her spine and radiating outward. It was as if every cell in her being was awakening, alive with her own power. She embraced the feeling, letting it fill her until she felt like she was glowing from within. I can do this, she told herself.

Hours passed, and the world outside the inn faded away until there was nothing but the steady rhythm of her breath and the hum of magic in her veins. When she finally opened her eyes, Scarlett was shocked to see that the room was dark, the candles long since burned out. Luna snored gently in the bed across from hers.

Scarlett rose to her feet, stretching her stiff muscles as she made her way to the window. The inn was quiet, the guests long since retired to their rooms. Her stomach grumbled, annoyed at having been ignored for so many hours.

Making her way down the dark staircase toward the kitchen, she was flooded with memories. Of the countless times she and her sisters had raced up and down these stairs, giggling and shouting as they played. Of the sleepless nights when she would sneak downstairs, only to find her father already there, a mug of hot chocolate waiting for her. They would sit together in the dim light, talking about everything and nothing until the first rays of dawn crept through the windows.

It was a relief to remember happy things about her father. Over the past decade, most of her thoughts had not been so sweet. Ten years ago, she had gone to the grove to cast a spell, and instead, she had lost the most important person in her life. And her own carelessness was the cause.

Then, just a few days ago, she’d returned to the grove and messed up yet again. And now here she was, going back for a third try.

Well, she thought to herself as she passed through the lobby, maybe the third time will literally be the charm. And if not, at least this time, the only person I’m going to destroy is me.

Scarlett was startled to see her mother pulling leftovers from the refrigerator. The kitchen was dimly lit, the stainless steel appliances gleaming in the low light. It was a space designed for bustling activity and the clatter of pots and pans, but in the stillness of the night, it felt strangely intimate.

Mama looked up, somehow not at all surprised to bump into her daughter in the kitchen at three o’clock in the morning. She gestured for Scarlett to sit. They dug into some of Zahir’s leftovers—a hearty stew, the rich aroma of herbs and spices filling the air as they ate in silence.

Finally, Scarlett broke the quiet. “How was Pirates of Penzance?”

Mama sighed, shaking her head. “Frederic was all right, I suppose. But the major general was a disaster. He didn’t come close to what Mandy would have done with the role.”

“So you and Mandy, huh?” She whistled suggestively. “I had no idea.”

“Oh, stop,” Mama rolled her eyes. “Delilah has no idea what she’s talking about. She vastly exaggerates the whole thing.”

“Well . . . maybe I can meet Mandy if he comes next year.”

“Maybe you can.”

Mama’s words hung heavy in the air. They both knew that if Scarlett’s spell went badly, she might not have a next year.

They lapsed into silence once more, the only sound being the clink of their spoons against the bowls. Scarlett took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation she knew she had to have.

“Mama, listen . . .” she began, choosing her words carefully, “I respect your feelings about the transformation spell. But it’s happening. Luna and I are going out to the grove tomorrow, and we’re going to try. And the fact is—”

Mama raised her hand, silencing her daughter. Without a word, she rose from her seat and fetched two wineglasses and a bottle of merlot. She poured generously, the dark liquid swirling in the glasses as she handed one to Scarlett.

“Continue,” she said, taking a sip.

“The fact is, Luna conjured an entire zoo’s worth of animals, and not one of them would eat the dragonflies. Me, first time out, I made a starling and it worked.” Scarlett swallowed hard, the wine warming her. “And then there’s what Louise Demain said about my destiny.”

“Bah. Louise Demain is an absinthe-addled gooney bird.”

“Definitely,” Scarlett conceded, “but has she ever been wrong?”

Mama sighed. “Never.”

“So there you are. I understand your point of view, I swear. And God knows you have every reason to doubt my abilities. But—”

“What are you talking about?” Mama interrupted, her voice sharp. “I don’t doubt your abilities, not for one moment. This was never about that.”

Scarlett scoffed, muttering, “Well, that’s stupid.”

“Excuse me?!”

“Honestly, Mama? You should worry! You should worry very much about my powers. You’d still have a husband if it weren’t for my powers.”