The Price of Magic

JACK CLIMBED OUT OF bed and reached for her hand. She spun to face him. “You never asked me about the time I spent with her.” He gazed into her eyes. Nicole leaned against him. “I don’t need to know. I trust you.” Jack slid his arms around her narrow waist. “There is only one woman I want in my bed until I breathe my last breath, and that’s you. There is no evil, no magic in this world that could ever change that.” She kissed his neck and sighed, “The day you take your final breath haunts me. It will come far too soon.” Jack pulled back to gaze down at her. “I’ve made peace with that. You should as well. You were transformed into an elf as we entered this world. I remained human. That’s the hand we were dealt. There’s nothing we can do about it.” She searched his eyes. “But what if there were? Sarah is a human, but she’ll live a thousand years because of her magic.” Jack shook his head. “All magic has a price. Even Sarah had to pay it. She lost Hopper. It’s just too risky, Nicole. I’m not willing to risk everything that we have for a few more years of life. It’s not worth it.” Nicole’s eyes filled with tears. “I want more time.” Jack nodded. “I’m human. I’m as mortal as they come. You’ll live to see a thousand years, and I’m fortunate enough to be able to share a portion of that with you.” She buried her face in his chest. “I want to share all of it with you.” He tilted her face up to his and added, “I promise you, we’ll make enough memories to last a lifetime. I’m counting on you and the twins to carry on my legacy. Maybe name a grandkid after me. So, let’s not dwell on the distant future. Let’s focus on here and now. The future will come soon enough. Don’t let it taint our happiness.” A knock came at their door and Jack called out, “Naked!” Jordan’s young voice grumbled back at them, “You’re always naked! Get dressed; Cabal and Sarah are here.” Missy’s giggles floated down the hall behind Jordan as their footsteps disappeared. Jack chuckled and winked at Nicole. “We’re always naked.” **********