Page 7 of Barbells, Broomsticks & A Baby

“Pregnancy magic,” he says calmly, reaching up to pluck the levitating weights from the air one by one. “Perfectly normal in the third trimester and happens to many magical mothers.”

“It most certainly does not,” says Mom. “I carried Grizelda for nine months without a single magical mishap.”

“Perhaps our little one has a unique magical signature.” Atlas catches the last dumbbell before it can collide with a passing client’s head. “A blend of witch and troll magic might manifest differently in utero.”

My mother purses her lips but doesn’t argue. The sparks around my hands gradually fade, and I release a tense breath. “Sorry,” I whisper to Atlas as my mother moves ahead to examine the refreshment bar.

“Nothing to apologize for,” he says with a wink. “Your magic is simply expressing your inner feelings. What did the dumbbells represent, I wonder? A desire to throw heavy objects at your mother, perhaps?”

Despite my fatigue and frustration, I laugh. “You know me too well.”

“I should hope so, after all we’ve been through together.” He places a gentle hand on my belly. “How are you feeling, really?”

“Like I’m going to be pregnant forever.” I groan. “And my mother’s constant judgment isn’t helping.”

“She’s from a different generation,” he says diplomatically, “And she’s worried about you, in her own way.”

“Her own highly critical, passive-aggressive way,” I mutter.

“She loves you despite her manner.”

I snort.

“Understanding her perspective might make her presence more bearable.” He kisses my forehead. “Besides, she’ll only be here until the baby arrives.”

“At this rate, that could be years.” I sigh heavily.

My mother returns from inspecting the refreshment bar, looking marginally less disapproving. “The herbal selection is adequate,” she concedes, which from her, is practically a rave review.

“Thank you,” he says with a gracious nod. “We work closely with local magical herbalists to ensure quality and potency. One of our local sun witches, Talia Brightwell, grows many of the herbs we use, and some of our special blends come from Zelda’s shop.”

My mother raises an eyebrow. “Is that so?”

“Atlas has been a wonderful supporter of my business. He recommends my remedies to his clients with various magical ailments.”

“Hmm.” My mother doesn’t comment further, but I can tell she’s mulling over the information. Perhaps she’s finally recognizing Atlas is more than just a gym-owning troll.

“Ms. Greenwarth, would you care to observe one of our specialized classes? The Advanced Magical Core Strengthening session is about to begin. Many participants report significant improvements in their spellcasting accuracy afterward.”

My mother hesitates, then gives a curt nod. “I suppose I could spare a few minutes.”

As we make our way to the classroom, another contraction seizes me. It’s stronger than a Braxton Hicks but still not quite labor. I grasp a nearby wall for support, and the stone ripples beneath my fingers, responding to my uncontrolled magic.

“Zelda?” Atlas is instantly at my side.

“I’m okay.” I breathe in and out as the pain subsides. “Just another false alarm.”

When I look at the wall, I see I’ve left a handprint embedded in the stone, glowing with purple magical energy. Around it, small vines sprout from the previously smooth surface, flowering with tiny purple and white blossoms.

“Impressive,” says my mother, sounding reluctantly impressed. “You haven’t had this kind of elemental manifestation since you were a teenager throwing tantrums.”

“Imm not throwing a tantrum,” I say with irritation, mortified as several gym patrons stop to stare at my magical handiwork.

Atlas rests his hand on the altered wall. “It’s an improvement. Adds character.” His own earth magic flows into the stone, stabilizing the change and making it look like an intentional decorative element. “Perhaps you could add these throughout the gym, Zelda, as a signature magical touch from the co-owner.”

My mother’s head whips around. “Co-owner?”

“Not officially,” I say quickly. “Atlas is just being generous.”

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