Chapter 2

Awakened by a loud knock at the door, Maxi groggily raised her head. She had stayed up all night studying books on magic until her eyes were bloodshot, and the tiredness now weighed on her. Not wanting to get up, she lay curled under the blanket for a while longer before drawing back the thick curtains.

The brightness of high noon was blinding. Groaning, Maxi rubbed her throbbing eyes. The banging on the door grew impatient, and she slowly sat up.

"A m-moment, please!" she stammered.

Despite her request, the knocks did not cease. Maxi pulled her slippers out from under the bed and put them on. When she flung open the door, she found herself face-to-face with an irritated Miriam.

"Have I not warned you I would skin this wretched creature if it ever entered my workshop again?" Miriam snarled, dangling a black cat between them.

Jolting awake, Maxi let out a shriek. "Roy!"