Page 53 of Rewitched

They walked in pleasant silence, enjoying the hot food and the extra warmth of each other’s company.

“If you’re going to walk me home in the dark, then I should probably know a little more about you, Rune Dunstan. Aside from the fact you’re a man who can’t pull off a dramatic entrance to save his life.”

“What exactly would you like to know?”

“Maybe we could start with the ‘centuries of magic’ part.” He was quiet for a fraction too long.

“Slip of the tongue.”

She blew on a chip, smiling smugly. “Really.”

“Don’t you know it’s rude to ask a warlock how old he is?”

“I think those airs and graces go out the window as soon as you take the cauldron pledge.”

Rune sniffed. “No need to say it with such disapproval.”

“I don’t mean to judge.” Her feet scuffed satisfyingly on crunching leaves. “Each to their own when it comes to unnaturally enchanting a lifetime to span several centuries.”

“Not something that’s on your horizon, I take it?” Rune took a chip for himself. “Assuming the opportunity remains, post EquiWitch.”

Belle shook her head, scoffing. “Hard no. There’s a lot about Selcouth that I don’t understand, but the pledge is maybe top of the list. I can’t believe anyone takes it.”

“Maybe that’s because you haven’t yet delved into the true potential of your magic,” Rune said.

“Even if I discover that, by some miracle, my magic is in fact a force to be reckoned with, the world does not need several hundred years of Belle Blackthorn.” She laughed. “What made you take it?”

“Hard to explain. As soon as I came of age for my powers, they were the most intoxicating, inspiring drive for me. Everything else sort of paled in comparison. When the time came to decide, I knew I would always want more time with them to see what I could achieve.”

Belle nodded in silence, contemplating the weight of the choice this man had made. “And what’s the best thing you’ve done with it so far?”

“I’m sure you wouldn’t be impressed.”

“Try me.”

He shrugged, giving Belle the impression he was absolutely playing down the work he did. “Made some discoveries along the way, a lot of focus on the brink between what can be considered good and bad magic. Key factors and ingredients that differentiate the two. It’s a fine line that I like to look at more closely, trying to find the snap point from one to the other.”

“Well, that sounds…very noble.”

“I don’t know about that.”

“So it really is magic above all else for you? You’ve outlived friends, loved ones, watched the world change for longer than a human ever should. All for magic?”

“You make it sound like a hollow choice.”

“Isn’t it?”

“The opposite,” he said, defensive. “Someone has to take the pledge, be willing to take one for the coven. After a while, you simply learn to live a more solitary life. It’s easier that way.”

There was only one question she really wanted to ask. “How long is a while?”

He didn’t answer for a moment, thumbing his brow as he thought. “Lost count, to be honest. Somewhere near a couple of centuries at this point. I think.”

Belle choked on a chip. “Two hundred?”

“I don’t look a day over it, right?” He laughed grimly.

Silence passed between them for a moment. “And has it been worth it?”