Page 65 of Magical Mischief

My words continued, and I let the words sink into my soul, fueling each syllable with genuine longing.

A faint glow radiated, and the air recognized my renewed focus.

My heart pounded as I pictured my dad shrinking. Images of his form deflating from monstrous to familiar ran nonstop as I imagined the outcome so vividly I could almost hear the gentle patter of his normal-sized paws on the snow.

When I didn’t see anything, I didn’t give up.

I repeated the incantation with a low but steady voice.

Each word dripped with warmth and intent.

Suddenly, the air sparked.

A gust of wind kicked up and stirred my dad’s fur. He lifted his giant head in half-sleepy confusion, his enormous eyes flicking around the yard.

For a moment, everything hung suspended. Even the entire forest held its breath.

My wand glowed.

This time, let it work. Let him shrink.

Dad gave a low, rumbling whine as his giant muzzle shook enough to rattle a few tree branches.

Time seemed to slow.

My dad released a startled bark, and its roar echoed off the trees.

I blinked against the burst of light and ignored the stinging wind that whipped my hair with bits of snow in all directions.

Please let it work. Let me see him normal.

The air fell into a hush as the glow receded.

Snow drifted slowly, and I squinted, trying to see my dad through the lingering shimmer.

Behind me, Stella breathed, “Did it…did it work?”

Twobble huffed. “I can’t see. Too many spots in my eyes from that flash.”

Bella half-yipped. “Give it a second. The illusions are dissipating.”

Keegan stepped forward, shading his eyes.

“Maeve?” he called, voice laced with cautious hope. “Do you see him?”

I swallowed as adrenaline coursed through me.

I inhaled sharply with uncertainty.

Behind me, Twobble gave an impatient grunt. “What the heck. Is he a teeny-tiny dog now, or is he still the Hulk of canines?”

Keegan’s footsteps crunched closer, reaching my side. Stella drifted next to me, biting her lip. Bella hovered near the forest.

All eyes were fixed on the hazy space where my dad should be.

I stepped forward and squared my shoulders.

Finally, the fog and magic drifted away.