The pressure of the cold water pushed against me. I was getting heavier, my body emptying of oxygen, of life.

Slowly, I felt him taking over, as I was slipping into his world, dying. Resistance was useless. If I didn’t surrender, he would destroy everything and everyone I loved, and then take from me what he had been after: my powers.

I woke up covered in cold sweat.

The clock beside the bed showed two thirty in the morning. I closed my eyes and pushed away the dark images. It’s just a dream. And then the dream disappeared.

I lay awake, sweating under my warm blanket. What had just happened? I couldn’t remember. Oh, I thought; it must have been that memory again.

I got up and walked to the window, moving the curtain away slowly. The streetlight cast thin shadows near the closed restaurant on the other side of the road.

I walked out of the room to the bookshelf, near my humble kitchen. Sometimes, if the memory came during the night, I would find it difficult to go back to sleep. Classical novels, with their simplicity, usually helped me quiet back down and drift into nice dreams.

Alternatively, I could call my dad and see whether he was awake in the middle of a night shift.

I thought of our last conversation.

“You can’t keep it all small and safe, Julie,” he said to me. “Life doesn’t work like that.”

A book would be better.

My dad was right, of course, but he had a choice. I didn’t. I was protecting him.

Part 1 – Mark’s World

Chapter 1

The night I first met Markus Ralston was stormy and icy cold. It was also darker than most nights. A chilling northern wind spread heavy clouds over New York City, with spells of hail and rain that made most people stay indoors. But up at the top of Fifty-Seventh and Broadway, it was shining, bright and warm. In fact, the party was just getting started.

It was one of those parties that you’d only read about in magazines: waiters carried trays of exotic cocktails and fine gourmet food, the jazz band played soft music, and the lights and decorations made it look magical.

But then, I normally knew more about magic than anyone else in the room.

“So…what do you think?” said Kendra, my best friend, and the reason I was here.

“It’s…amazing. Very impressive. Everything looks so beautiful.”

She laughed, proudly. “We worked hard on this one. Some things got booked two months ago. We even hired a decorator to give the apartment a last-minute makeover.”

She was a private events planner, with an ambition to make it at the top end. Her networking talent got her to the right clients, who were usually in the million-dollar market, but tonight was special. The host, owner of a large jewelry company, and her husband, a French film producer, were celebrating their five-year anniversary and re-reading their wedding vows. A few very important people were going to be here and Kendra had to make an impression.

“I’m so glad you came tonight, Julie,” she said. I could tell she was nervous, though she normally hid it well.

Loud laughter came from one of the couches, where a woman held a magazine that had her face on the cover.

From behind the couch, a waiter approached us. “Eduard says we’re ready to serve the canapés.”

“Thanks, Tony,” Kendra replied. “And the candles are all lit around the pool, right?”

By the look on his face, Tony had clearly forgotten about that. “I’m so sorry. I was busy with the wine, and now I need to get back to the kitchen.”

Kendra looked around, but all the staff were occupied. She bit her lip. “The host will be arriving any minute now.”

“I’ll do it,” I heard myself say.

She was surprised. “Really? That would be such a big help!” Then, her expression changed. “It’s by the pool, Julie. Are you sure?”

I thought for a second. “Yeah, I’ll be fine. You just worry about the host.”

“Thank you,” she whispered, holding my hand. Then, she gave Tony instructions, and he led me out of the room.

We walked into a long corridor, up the stairs, and then into a more narrow corridor, which was warmly lit and silent. At the end of it was a double door. Tony opened it and turned on the light.

In front of us was a large room, with a round pool in the middle. Tall mirrors decorated the wide walls. On the floor, near the entrance, were four bags of candles and a box of matches. Tony gave me a printed sheet with a drawing of where to place the candles, and then went back to the guests, leaving the door half open.

I had one more look at the drawing when I was alone, before I walked around the pool, lighting and placing candles on the floor. When I was done, I went to the wall and pushed the switch that said “Lights.” The room went dark, and I could see the effect I had created.

The small flames shimmered, their light doubled by the marble floor, and their reflection in the mirrors gave the illusion of a far wider space.

A soft noise behind me made me turn, and I looked to see the doors close.

Crap. A chill went down my spine. For a moment, an image of being under water came into my mind. I shook it away, rushed to the door and turned the handle, relieved that it opened easily. Then I got out of the room and took a deep breath.

There was a mirror in the corridor, and I stopped there to look at myself. My face was flushed. But the rest of my appearance was fine. My long dark hair, that accentuated my blue eyes, was still pulled back neatly, away from my face. I took another deep breath and headed back to Kendra.

Downstairs, the party was busier than before. The host had arrived and there was a crowd around her; she was smiling and laughing.

Kendra was relaxed now, and the staff was more cheerful.

“Again, thank you,” she said, when I reached her, her voice warm.

“You’re welcome.”

“Was it all right?”

“Of course,” I lied. “Your host seems happy.”

“Yes. She came to thank me personally,” she replied, her bright brown eyes shining. “Oh, and there’s someone I wanted you to meet.” She looked behind me, and I followed her gaze. It landed on a man in a gray suit. She waved to him, and the man waved back. “He’s the catering manager who got me this job. His company did two royal weddings in Asia last month.”

The man picked up three glasses of champagne and walked toward us. There was a natural confidence in his walk, and I suddenly noticed that he was one of the taller people in the room.

“Good evening, my dear.” He smiled, handing Kendra one of the glasses. “I see your friend has arrived.” He handed me the other glass. His voice was deep and something in his manner of speaking made him seem older than his age, which I guessed was late thirties.

Kendra smiled back warmly. “Julie, I’d like you to meet Eduard Davies. He’s the catering genius I told you about. He’s got us a Michelin-star chef tonight!”

Eduard looked at her intently. You could tell he enjoyed the delicate flattery.

“Eduard, this is my friend, Julie, the personal fitness trainer.”

“Nice to meet you, Julie.” He shook my hand. “Kendra mentioned that she’s managed to persuade you to join us tonight.”

“She did,” I answered. “Kendra has been trying for a while to get me to come to one of her events. She says some of her acquaintances are heavily into sports.”

“And I would be one of them. Are you from around here?” he asked.

“Well, not here here.”

Eduard laughed. Few could afford to live in that area of town. “But you do work in the city?”

“Yes.”

“Great. Then I’m in luck.” His smile broadened. He fished into his pocket and pulled out a business card, handing it to me. “I’ve been looking for someone for a while. I don’t suppose you’d mind a client with a long history of laziness, a taste for fatty foods, and a silly sense of humor.”

I laughed and took the card. “I’d love to help.”

“Good. Then give me a call. I’m eager to get started mending my wicked ways.”

He turned to Kendra and they started talking about their next plans. She shined, and I could tell Eduard was fascinated by her ability to network her way so fast into this level of business.

Kendra had that special charm that people loved to be around. She was happy and easygoing. She had long blonde hair, which she always wore up, and she knew how to speak with men in a way that was light without being flirty.

Between the two of us, she had always been the bold one. We’d known each other since grade school, when her family moved to Brooklyn, to the house next to mine. We both went to Manhattan to go to college and stayed because we fell in love with the city. It had everything, at any hour of the night.

For a moment, I recalled our Friday evenings when we were students. We’d go out dancing, then get up late on Saturday morning, make pancakes and talk about guys. This was her forte: organizing social events, networking, getting to know people. She loved to be part of the buzz.

I half listened to her conversation with Eduard now, about the high-end market and the introductions they hoped to make with some of the guests tonight. My attention slowly shifted to the band. They were improvising on the more well-known songs. I was hoping they would play “Lullaby of Birdland.” It was my favorite song, ever since I could remember. I used to believe that one day I’d meet someone special when it played in the background.

The saxophone player finished a solo, and we all stopped talking to clap. Then the tune changed into a more measured beat. I recognized it immediately: “Satin Doll.” They played faster this time, and one of the couples started dancing.

The front door opened, letting in a group of young men. One of them got into the room, walked straight to the band, and shook the pianist’s hand in the middle of the song. He stood at an angle, and I couldn’t see his face. The band continued without the pianist, who had a laugh with the man I was observing.

“I can’t believe he’s here.” I heard Kendra’s voice and turned to see her gaze fixated on the man who spoke with the pianist. She straightened her dress. “Excuse me for a moment,” she said to Eduard and me.

We watched Kendra approach him confidently.

“Your friend has a rare gift.” Eduard winked at me. He observed Kendra, beaming and laughing with the stranger she’d just met, as if they’d known each other for years. A few minutes later, he gave her his business card. Eduard raised an eyebrow.

I laughed.

“Your glass is empty.” He gently took it out of my hand. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.”

The tune ended, and Kendra bent and whispered something to the pianist. He nodded and started to play a new tune. It was rounder, almost sad, and I recognized it: “Lullaby of Birdland.” She turned to me and smiled. I smiled back and then the man she was speaking with turned too, and looked me straight in the eyes.

All of a sudden, I felt dizzy. The room became more noisy. It spun around me, and I felt as though I were taking it all in, in one breath. Eduard was at the other end, walking toward me with glasses, looking as though he was about to tell me something funny. Kendra was close, right next to the band and me, laughing with her new acquaintance. On the right, two waitresses pushed a serving table to another room. Trays were moving, the couple resumed their dance, a bottle fell on the floor, the front door opened, more people walked in.

The colors were mixed, faded. The lamps were too bright and the floor was shaky. I felt very unsteady. Eduard’s face was suddenly serious, looking at me with worry. The light was beginning to become dim, and I couldn’t hear the tune anymore. And then, in a split second, everything went black.

“Are you all right, miss?”

Someone was holding me. Someone with strong arms.

“I’m…fine, I think.”

The large arms were helping me to a chair.

“Sit down.”

I opened my eyes slowly. Two large blue eyes looked at me intently, the same eyes of the man who had just stood next to Kendra. Now that his face was close enough to recognize, I knew I had seen him before somewhere. He looked at me, worried.

Kendra was right beside him. “Thanks for the help, Mark.”

Mark smiled, but kept looking at me. He had a great smile. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine.” I tried to sit up straight, and he helped me. “Thanks.”

There was something special about his face. The short golden hair was a shade I hadn’t seen before. Or had I?

He still looked at me, concerned.

“It’s probably just the wine,” I reassured him. “I hardly ever drink.”

“That’s a very healthy habit.” He smiled again, as if he was almost happy to have been there to help. He also had dimples.

I’d always loved dimples.

I suddenly felt hot. “I’d like to go outside.”

“I can take you.” Mark held his hand out to help me up.

I took it, and I felt a nice warmth spread through his fingers to mine. He held my hand tight and led me out to the balcony, opening the heavy door and helping me through.

Kendra followed.

The rain had stopped and there was no wind. I breathed in the fresh air.

“Are you okay waiting here?” Mark asked. “I’ll go get you a glass of water. Ah…?”

“Julie. I’m Julie.”

“Julie.” He said it so softly. And it sounded like music, when spoken by his voice.

I smiled at him.

“I’ll be right back.” He turned and left us.

I looked at Kendra. She was staring at me. “What?”

“You’re blushing.”

“I’m not blushing.”

“Yes you are.”

“No way. I never blush.”

“I know that. But you are blushing now.”

I stopped. She was right. I was indeed blushing. Not just blushing—I was almost burning up. My pulse raced, too, and it was a bit difficult to breathe. I knew that it was freezing outside, but I felt so hot. “Ahh… Who is that guy Mark? I feel like I’ve seen him before.”

“You must have. That’s Markus Ralston. His company makes software for large corporations.”

“The billion-dollar computer company you want to do events for.”

“Yes. That one.”

“He’s really nice.”

“Yes, he is. But you don’t normally notice that.” She tilted her head.

She was right. I was surprised at myself. I was normally cool around men. Never anything even close to this — I was behaving like a teenage girl around him. I could still feel the exact touch of his fingers on my skin, and my heart wouldn’t quiet down. “Well, maybe he’s special.”

“Special?” Kendra looked at me curiously. “He must be. You’re all red.”

I smiled. I liked being all red for him.

The heavy clouds parted and then Kendra caught my hand. “Julie, look!” she whispered.

The light of the moon shone brightly on the balcony and my hand sparkled in soft blue light where Mark had touched me. You could see his fingerprints. I quickly hid it with the other hand.

A moment later, my life flashed in front of my eyes.

First came the memory of my loving parents, welcoming me, their fifth child. My eldest brother, John, one hundred and ninety years old, holding me. The early years when my magical powers were as hard for me to control as it was to tie shoelaces. Then, the later years spent up in my bedroom, studying the ancient family spell books. And then, that terrible day at the pool, when I was nearly drowned for my powers by someone who wanted to steal them, and the old sorceress who gave me the binding potion. Her words were with me ever since that day: “All witches are Guardians, bound by both destiny and love. When you meet your true love, the man you are destined to protect, your Charge, your powers will return, and you will be a target once more.”

The clouds thickened and the light of the moon disappeared again.

I looked at Kendra, the only friend I had who knew my secret, and the only person outside my family with whom I could openly speak about magic.

“Do you think…?” she said, still looking at my hand, which was now back to normal.

I nodded. I knew exactly what the blue shine had meant — I had been waiting for it, for a long time — the Moon Sign. It happened when a Guardian and a Charge first met. It could not be confused for anything else. “Kendra, he’s…”

“Shh…don’t say anything out loud. You never know who is in the next room and might hear you.”

We turned to look at Mark, getting me water from the other side of the room.

“I need a moment to myself.”

“Right.” Kendra watched him pick up the glass. “You stay here. I’ll go and distract him; give you some time to think.” She turned and walked back into the crowded room.

I watched her through the clear glass, making her way toward Mark. Mark Ralston, my Charge. Dashing. Bright eyes. Strong arms. Great smile. One of the most sought-after men in the city.

I didn’t need time to think. I needed to get out of there as soon as possible.

I looked around. The balcony had a door to another room. I opened it. It was the room where we left all our coats. I quickly found mine and slid my hand into the pocket, finding my car keys and my pepper spray.

There was one other door in the room, leading to the hall and onto the exit. I opened it quietly. Outside, it was busy. I saw Mark speaking with Kendra, perfect Kendra with her long blonde hair. I felt a surge of jealousy and forced myself to look away.

The door to the apartment was right in front of me. I rushed toward it, opened it and got out. A young couple had just walked out of the elevator. I walked in and pressed the button for the ground floor. As the doors closed, I got one last glimpse of Mark, looking away from Kendra and toward the balcony. Looking for me! And then the elevator doors closed, and I could think again.

I was being ridiculous. It would be senseless to try to run. It would be just like trying to defy gravity. Still, I couldn’t deal with it right now. I needed to think.

For eight years, I had hoped that when I met my Charge, it would be someone simple, the boy next door, not someone who was hard to protect.

The elevator reached the ground floor, and outside, it was raining again. In my rush, I had left my bag behind, so I didn’t have my umbrella with me. Or my wallet. My phone was in my coat pocket.

I looked back at the elevator door. No. I decided to keep going. I took out the phone and texted Kendra. “I’m off. I’m so sorry, but I need some space tonight. I left my bag behind. I’ll drop by your place tomorrow, and pick it up?” I clicked the Send button. Then I opened the door and walked out into the street.

It was raining very heavily again and the wind blew loudly. Right outside the front door, I saw Eduard, taking shelter under the balcony of the first floor and attempting to smoke a cigarette.

He looked up and smiled at me. “Going home early?”

“I’m very tired.”

“Are you okay?”

“Oh, I’m fine. Just somehow got a bit distracted up there.”

“Ah, yes, that near faint.”

If only! It would have been actually nice to only worry about fainting. The irony made me laugh.

Eduard looked at me curiously. Then, he joined me in laughing. Easy. Comforting. Light. “You know, you shouldn’t be walking out there on your own. It’s late and horrible outside.”

I smiled reassuringly. “It’s a safe neighborhood.”

“No place in Manhattan is safe at night. Where are you headed?”

“To my car. I parked a few blocks away.” A nearby parking lot was part of Kendra’s arrangement because there were so many of us and the building had no overflow space.

“Do you have an umbrella?”

“Umm…no.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Come.” He tossed his cigarette to the ground. “I’ll walk you.”

“Thanks, Eduard. You really don’t have to do that.”

“I insist.” He opened an enormous umbrella. “I can’t take a chance on my new trainer catching a cold, now can I?”

I smiled. “Thank you. That’s really nice of you.”

We started to walk. Eduard was quiet, and for a few minutes, I just listened to the sound of our feet and the pounding of the rain on his umbrella.

I could almost forget about Markus Ralston. Almost.

“That’s me,” I said, when we reached my black Fiat. I took the keys out of my coat pocket and pressed the button. It beeped. Eduard opened the door for me.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. Just drive safe and keep warm!”

“I will. Thank you for walking me here.”

“You’re welcome, Julie. Sleep well tonight.” He closed the door softly. Then he turned and I watched him walk away, texting on his phone.

I put the key into the ignition, started the engine, and turned the heat down. I was still burning hot. I watched the wipers move away the heavy rain. The parking space in front of me was clear. I could just start the car and go, but I was too excited to drive.

Once again, I remembered the sensation of Mark’s hand on mine. I missed him already. I should have stayed. I should have talked to him, or at least thanked him for helping me. I didn’t even thank him! What was wrong with me? This wasn’t like me at all; none of it.

For a moment, I considered going back to the party. But Kendra must have already told Mark that I went home. I would have to deal with all of this tomorrow. Now, I had to focus on driving.

I closed my eyes and tried to clear my mind. I slowed down my breath until I felt soothed and a little less hot. Then, I tried to think of something simple, practical. In my mind, I ran through my schedule. Tomorrow was Saturday. I was driving to Brooklyn to visit my dad. I had to remember to pick up the dry cleaning, and my bag from Kendra on the way back. The thoughts of everyday errands had relaxed me. I opened my eyes again, ready to go.

I was just about to release the handbrake, when I noticed someone walking toward my car.

It was him! Mark was crossing the road to the parking lot, walking toward me.

Behind him, a white car turned onto the road.

But Mark continued to cross, his umbrella too low to allow him to notice it. His coat was black like the night and the driver clearly couldn’t see him. The car did not slow down.

I got out. “Mark! Behind you!” I shouted as loudly as I could over the noise of the storm.

He didn’t respond. The car was coming closer, but he just kept walking.

“Mark! The car!”

He couldn’t hear it. It was almost as if he couldn’t see me, either. I desperately waved to him with my hands, but he kept walking. The driver saw him now, and pushed hard on the brakes.

“Mark!”

Then, it was as if it all happened right in front of me in slow motion: Mark finally noticing my distress and starting to turn around; the driver of the white car pressing hard on the brakes, causing a squeak; the wheels sliding into a puddle; water spraying; Mark’s face frozen in shock.

I couldn’t move. I wanted to cry. I didn’t know him, but I wanted to be there on the road instead of him.

All I could do was stand still and watch in horror, as the front wheels of the car hit Mark, pushing him to the ground. He fell hard, rolling on his side. The back of the car spun around and the wheels hit him again.

I ran to him, but it was too late. When I got there, his eyes were closed, as he lay motionless and bleeding on the cold, wet road. In his hands, he held my bag. I took his hand in mine to feel his pulse, but there wasn’t any.

Mark. My Mark. The generous man who came for me twice in one night, the one man who finally made me blush again. My one and only chance for love.

And it was my fault. He had brought my bag with him. He was coming to give it to me. If only I had stayed! If I hadn’t gotten scared and run away from him, he’d still be alive.

If only I could save him. But my powers were still gone. There was nothing I could do but watch him lay there, and wonder what it could have been like to fully love. To fully live again. Now, I would never know.

A soft, warm tear made its way down my cheek.

Suddenly, I was back in my own car.

My wipers were washing the rain away. The road in front of me was clear and I saw Mark beginning to cross it toward me, just as he did a few minutes ago, before he died in front of me.

What had just happened? A premonition? I never had a premonition before. It had seemed so real.

I pushed the door open and rushed out. From a corner street, I could see the white car approach. Mark strode toward me and didn’t see the car coming.

And then I felt it. Magic.

It was as if a dam had suddenly lifted and the water rushed through me, spreading instantly from my heart all the way to my fingertips, like a gush of light, charging every part of me. It shook all my cells like an inner earthquake and I felt awakened, my body iron-strong and my feet vibrating as I felt the ground under me all the way to the hot lava core of the Earth. It was a force larger than life, forever bubbling, ready to shoot through my hands and radiate out of me with the power of seven thousand suns. Intoxicating, and swirling with unstoppable motion, clearing everything out of its way in its awful greatness. And most of all, it was mine.

I looked up at the sky. Give me lightning. Give me lightning. I couldn’t let him die. His warm hands, his soft voice. Give me lightning.

A bolt of lightning hit the road in front of us and jumped toward the white car, hitting the tire. It made a loud noise. Mark heard it and stepped back. The car swirled.

Car, go straight! Tire, be fixed! Car go straight; tire be fixed! The wheels of the car straightened and the tire was as good as new.

The car slowed, drove past us without stopping, and turned at the end of the road, disappearing behind one of the buildings.

I had saved him. He was alive! I breathed out in relief.

He came closer, and I had to compose myself.

“Hey, Mark.”

“Hi. What was that about?” He laughed, pointing at the path of the car.

“Strange, huh? Some people really can’t drive in the rain.”

“Yes.” He looked at me, then held up my bag. “You left this. Kendra told me where your car was.”

Of course she did! But I was glad she had. He was here. Again with me. Alive.

“Here.” He handed me the bag and when his hand brushed mine, it was like fire on my skin.

“Thanks.” I looked down, blushing again. “Sorry about having to rush out.”

“I hope it’s not because you’re going to turn into a pumpkin.”

“Hmm…maybe,” I said coyly.

“That would be interesting.” He observed me, head to toe. “Are you sure you can drive?”

“I’m fine. It’s a very short distance.”

From his expression, I could tell he was questioning my words.

“I’m all good, really.”

“Okay.” He smiled that cute dimple smile and I felt my heart miss a beat. He took his wallet out and handed me a business card. “Text me when you get home, so I know you’re safe. And so that I have your number.”