"Oh my god," Mandy breathed, her eyes widening. "It's like the TARDIS!"
A delighted smile spread across Jacinth's face as she bobbed her head in agreement. "So you're a Whovian? That's precisely what it's like."
Mandy giggled and nodded, but her mind moved on from the Doctor Who reference, too excited by the possibilities. "So I could have different sections for different types of clothes?"
"Absolutely." Jacinth nodded, clearly enjoying Mandy's enthusiasm. "And since it exists in… well… you could call it a pocket dimension, although that's not exactly it, but anyway, you can make it as elaborate as you like without affecting your actual apartment space."
Mandy focused her magic once more, picturing her mermaid tail back on its hooks. After three attempts, the beautiful silicone creation finally settled perfectly in place, the blue and purple scales catching the afternoon light. She closed her eyes, visualizing her favorite soft yoga pants and oversized t-shirt. The magic responded more readily this time, wrapping her in comfortable cotton.
"OMG! Jacinth, look! I did it!" She bounced on her toes, delighting in how natural her clothes felt. No awkward bunchingor twisted seams like she'd half-expected from magical clothing changes.
"Come on!" Her heart racing with excitement, Mandy spun toward her bedroom. "I want to try making my new closet now!" She hurried down the short hallway, Jacinth's musical laugh following behind her. Mozart and Bach watched from their perch on the cat tree, seemingly unimpressed by the magical wardrobe changes.
The plain white door of her walk-in closet stood open, revealing the familiar cramped space with its single rod and shelf. Mandy paused in the doorway, her heart racing with anticipation. The familiar space seemed to hum with potential.
"Take it slowly," Jacinth's musical voice came from just behind her shoulder. "You don't need to create anything elaborate right away - you can always expand it later. For now, focus on visualizing just one room."
Mandy nodded, drawing a deep breath. She closed her eyes, picturing a simple rectangular space with ivory walls, and a thick carpet of a soft gold color. Plenty of natural light streamed in from somewhere above, though she didn't worry about the exact source. Along one side she imagined a row of elegant brass rods for hanging clothes, with built-in shelves and drawers opposite, and a full-length mirror flanked by a comfortable armchair on the far wall.
"Okay, I see it," she said.
"Perfect," Jacinth murmured. "Now reach for your magic, just like we practiced. Let it flow naturally into your visualization."
The warm power responded eagerly to her call, rushing through her like a summer breeze. Mandy directed it toward her mental image, feeling the energy build and build until...
A soft gasp escaped her as she felt the magic surge outward. The air around her seemed to ripple and shift, carrying thefaintest scent of jasmine - that telltale sign of Djinn magic at work.
"Open your eyes," Jacinth whispered.
Mandy's jaw dropped as she stepped into the transformed space. The warm golden carpet cushioned her feet, exactly as she'd imagined. Ivory walls stretched upward to a ceiling that somehow captured perfect natural lighting. The brass clothing rods gleamed, her clothing hanging there just as they had been in the old closet.
"Oh my god, it worked!" She spun in a slow circle, taking in every detail. "I can't believe it - it's exactly like I pictured!"
Her fingers traced the smooth wood of the built-in shelves, marveling at how solid and real everything felt. The full-length mirror reflected her amazed expression, framed perfectly by elegant brass sconces. Even the comfortable armchair looked inviting, its upholstery matching the warm tones of the carpet.
"This is incredible!" Mandy bounced on her toes, unable to contain her excitement. "I made this! With magic!" She ran her hand along one of the brass rods, delighting in its cool smoothness. "It's real - all of it's real!"
Bach sauntered in behind her, immediately claiming the armchair as his new favorite spot. Mozart followed more cautiously, whiskers twitching as he investigated every corner of the expanded space.
"Even the cats approve," Mandy laughed, watching them explore. She turned to Jacinth, her eyes shining. "I actually did it!"
Jacinth reached out and gently tapped Mandy's nose with her finger. "You are magical now," she said, her musical voice filled with warmth and mischief.
"I am," Mandy replied, feeling her heart almost burst with joy. "I really am."
Jacinth's dark eyes softened as she watched Mandy. "You know, I've never seen Kieran so... content. The way he looks at you when you're practicing magic, how his whole demeanor changes when you're near..."
Heat crept up Mandy's cheeks. Yes, there had been kisses, tender moments that made her heart soar. But to hear Jacinth speak of it so directly... "We're still figuring things out," she murmured.
"Are you?" Jacinth's musical voice carried a note of gentle challenge. "Because I think you're his Chosen."
Mandy twisted her fingers together in her lap, a smile tugging at her lips. "He... he asked me. To be his Chosen." The words came out in a rush, joy bubbling up as she finally shared the secret. "He said he wants to court me properly, to give me time to be sure."
Jacinth's delighted squeal echoed off the walls. "I knew it! Oh, Iknewit!" She grabbed Mandy's hands, practically bouncing with excitement. "When did he ask? What did you say? Tell me everything!"
The word hung in the air between them. Mandy sank onto the plush carpet, her thoughts churning. "It's only been a week... he told me that first day, when I woke up in Qaf."
"Time doesn't matter when it comes to finding your Chosen." Jacinth's voice softened. "When you know, you just know."
