As we reached the rooftop, I could see the excitement in Timothee’s eyes. I led him to the center, where I had carefully arranged a collection of colorful butterflies. With a wave of my hand, I brought the illusion to life, each delicate insect appearing to dance and flutter around us. Timothee gasped in awe, reaching out to touch the mesmerizing display. I could tell that this magical moment would be etched in his memory forever.
“Check out how cool this is.” Timothee exclaimed, his eyes filled with wonder and amazement. He watched in awe as the butterflies gracefully twirled around him, their vibrant colors shimmering in the sunlight.
I couldn’t help but smile as I saw the joy on his face, knowing that this surprise had been a success. It was a moment of pure magic, a memory that would undoubtedly stay with both of us for a lifetime.
“Also this.” I deftly made a looping knot that could release a long clump of flowers. I held it up high, releasing the flowers one by one, allowing them to gently fall towards us.
As the flowers cascaded down, Timothee stood there, completely captivated by the beauty of the moment. “What are you going to do now?”
I didn’t answer, but the magic butterfly naturally carried the flower tendrils until it formed a swing. I quickly climbed onto the swing.
Timothee’s face was very stiff when he saw me. “That’s a bit dangerous.”
“No, it’s not. Just watch.”
The butterfly knocked me down, I groaned in pain. Timothee rushed to my side, concern etched on his face. “I told you it was dangerous. we should be more careful next time.”
“Nah, it’s just beggining of the magic show. Calm down.” I said with a reassuring smile.
Timothee snorted with disbelief, so I left him standing in solitude. The enchanting butterflies circled back to me, creating a splendid set of ethereal and shimmering wings. I gracefully rose into the air, my body floating effortlessly as I joined the butterflies in their aerial dance.
“Barbara, it’s a bit dangerous. You should be careful,” Timothee called out, his worry evident in his voice.
But I ignored his concerns, fully immersed in the enchantment of the moment. I continued to soar through the sky, feeling the wind in my hair and the pure exhilaration of being surrounded by such beauty.
“Cool!” Someone shouted and it was Fae Aurora looking at me on the first floor. She stood there in awe, her eyes wide with amazement. I giggled and covered my face with my hands.
As the butterflies began to wink out one-by-one, I allowed the illusory wings to gently lower me back to the rooftop. Timothee was at my side in an instant, relief and exasperation mingling on his features.
“You brilliant, reckless girl,” he murmured, cupping my face almost reverently. “You could have been hurt!”
I covered his hand with my own, feeling his fingers tremble ever so slightly.
“But I wasn’t,” I said softly. “You have to trust me, Timmy.”
He exhaled shakily, pulling me into a tight embrace. “I think you nearly stopped my heart with that stunt.”
Pressing my face into the curve of his neck, I smiled against his skin. “Worth it for that look of amazement?”
Timothee drew back just enough to meet my gaze, his thumb lightly tracing my cheekbone.
“You know you never have to prove yourself to me. Your magic is...” He shook his head in wonder. “Well, it’s magic.”
Fae’s breathless voice piped up from behind us. “Barbs, that was incredible! You have to teach me that spell!”
I laughed, burrowing back into Timothee’s arms as his chest rumbled with shared mirth. “Maybe after you master levitating pencils, mom.”
The joyful moment was interrupted by the arrival of a flustered guard. “Sir Timothee! You’re needed in the war room immediately.”
Timothee tensed, his expression hardening as he pulled away from our embrace. In that moment, the carefree man from moments ago was replaced by the steadfast leader.
“What’s happened?” he demanded, all business now.
The guard swallowed nervously. “It’s Master Darrius. He’s...gone missing.”
A heavy silence fell over the rooftop. I exchanged a worried glance with Fae, my heart dropping at the implication. Darrius was one of the eldest and most respected among the guardians. For him to disappear...
“Gather the others,” Timothee said grimly. “We’ll convene and get to the bottom of this.”
As the guard hurried off, Timothee turned to me, his jaw set in a tight line. “Barbara, you should go - “
“Don’t even try it,” I interrupted, taking his hand and lacing our fingers together. “We’re in this together, remember?”
His gaze softened briefly before he gave a curt nod. Turning to Fae, he said, “Alert your mother. We may need her insights.”
Fae nodded solemnly. “I’m on it. Just...just be careful, okay?” She bit her lip, looking far younger than her years.
“Always.” Timothee squeezed my hand meaningfully before letting go. “I’ll send word as soon as I can.”
With one last charged look between us, he strode away, his footsteps determined. I watched him go, a knot of dread and resolve settling in my chest. Whatever darkness was unfolding, we would meet it head-on - together.
Fae looped her arm through mine. “He’ll be okay, Barbs. He’s the strongest, bravest guy I know.”
I managed a tight smile for her benefit. “You’re right. Now c’mon, we’ve got work to do ourselves.”
As we hurried back inside, I couldn’t shake the feeling that nothing would ever be the same again. But one thing was certain - I would use every ounce of my magic to protect those I loved, no matter what threat arose.
The battle lines had been drawn, and I was ready. But as Fae and I rushed down the corridors, a terrible feeling gripped my heart. What if our combined efforts weren’t enough this time? What if the darkness we faced was more insidious than anything we’d encountered before?
I clenched my fists, calling forth the familiar thrum of magic. My powers had grown exponentially, but would that be enough to protect those I loved most? Timothee’s face flashed before my eyes - his warm smile, the tender way he looked at me. A lump formed in my throat. I couldn’t lose him, not when we were just beginning.
Steeling my resolve, I quickened my pace. There was no time for doubts or fears. Darrius’s disappearance was only the beginning, I could feel it deep in my bones. This was bigger than any of us could have imagined.
But I would be ready. For Timothee. For my family. For all those who stood at my side.
The shadows were closing in, but I would meet them head on, magic blazing. After all, what choice did I have?