Once upon a time, or perhaps in a distant land, there were some people living there. Wait, wait, I saved the best for last: if you behave well, you might see the Smurfs, but if you get caught up in the tricks of Gargamel, even if you are bad, the Smurfs will find you, and that is also a possibility. Anyway, I would have liked to make such a legendary introduction and tell a wonderful story, but this is about wolves, about magic, and it’s actually about my understanding of what power is.

I had planned to win him over with a few flowers; in fact, all those flowers I had chosen with great thought could have been a part of my magic. Each passing day was becoming more complex, more difficult, and more puzzling than the last. One night, while he was training to hunt, on another night we were just sitting in the forest meditating. When I asked him how these rests would help me develop, he said, "The main purpose is not for it to develop you; on the contrary, you do this to stay calm and to tame yourself."

Tame myself? He must have been joking. I felt like I was drifting away from who I was. And it started to seem like he was responsible for that. Whenever I suggested a solution, he would respond with things like, "No, Harley, we must find a solution without causing pain, no, Harley, it won't work that way, Harley, enough, get a grip, you will kill him." Even while practicing with a Karsaray, he would say, "We are not going to kill him; we are testing how quietly you can approach," while I wanted to latch onto his neck and hunt him.

I had gotten used to living in such a way, more like a fox than a wolf. I had started to drift apart from my brother; I couldn't hang out with the wolves like before, and I couldn't celebrate as I used to. Most of my time was spent meditating in the forest with this fool. One afternoon, I gathered Potentiam Sigillare and took the brightest one with me as I headed to the place where we would train.

I used to love this flower; its scent reminded me of my childhood, my memories with my mom and dad, and the moments when I was innocent. I wasn't so innocent anymore. As I walked down the road, I couldn't help but focus on the sounds around me. For example, I could hear the sound of a sparrow, but I could only decide whether it was a male or female based on how high the sound was, just by thinking about it. Therefore, I manipulated the sounds according to the melody that formed in my head at that moment; sometimes a completely positive melody would play, while at other times it sounded like something out of a horror movie.

After walking slowly for a while, I had arrived at the old hunter's cabin. Electric currents spilling out from inside and a series of angry shouting voices had risen. My curiosity had grown, so I changed my viewpoint and hid behind a tree, focusing on the inside of the cabin.

At that moment, inside was Merlin;

M: Damn it! How did I fall for this cursed game! I can't believe it... (starts to cry)

He had sat down on the floor and started to cry. I couldn't resist...

I entered cautiously and confidently.

H: Hey, are you okay?

M: Oh *surprised* you came? I forgot we were supposed to have training today, I'm sorry.

H: Hey, it's okay, we don't have to train. Do you want to talk?

M: I don't think so, Harley. These topics are beyond both you and me.

H: Stop seeing me as a child! *gets angry*

M: Calm down, no one is treating you like a child.

H: Why do you think I wouldn't understand? What makes you think that?

M: Are you trying to read my mind, just like you have no opinion on the subject?

H: W-well, I um *gets scared*

M: I'm impressed; this is a sign of progress. At least one of us can be happy.

I'm not used to seeing her like this. I've been spending time with her for eight weeks, and she has always been very smart, witty, and a bit arrogant, but she was a good person. I couldn't help but wonder what could have happened to make her so sad. On the other hand, she had also shut her mind off; I couldn't tell what she was thinking. I quietly sat next to her and offered her the flower I was holding.

H: Well, I may not understand what you're going through, but I got this flower for you. It seemed like you liked the last one, of course, if you accept it?

M: Oh, my ruthless but thoughtful fox.

H: You can't stop being arrogant without giving compliments.

M: Why shouldn't I? Does it bother you? The meaning of the flower you gave me made me think you liked me. *grins*

H: *stands up* Ahahaha, you're as funny as you are arrogant. Merlin, is it really that easy for you to play with my feelings for you?

M: Smart girl, why should I make an effort for you to like me? *laughs and stands up to approach*

H: Smart boy, are you scared of me liking you or something? *laughs*

M: Of course not, I'm ready for any challenge and competition. Let the rules and conditions begin. *looks confidently and determinedly*

H: Is that so? *smiles* Then rule one: you can push boundaries everywhere except for a herd.

M: Accepted. Rule two: you must always stay ten centimeters away from me. *starts to pace*

H: Simple enough. Rule three: you must accept every flower I give you and take care of them carefully.

M: But that's unfair; you don't have such a responsibility.

H: Could it be because you haven't shown me that kind of chivalry yet?

M: Fair point, we can adjust that. If the rules are done, shall we get to the winner?

H: Go ahead, you first.

M: If I win, you will admit that you are in love with me and declare it in the square.

H: And what if I win?

M: Nothing you want can defeat me; you're free to do as you wish.

H: This is going to be a very fun challenge then. I prefer to say it when I win; a little tension is needed.

M: Of course, it has officially started. *raises her hand and snaps her fingers, pushing Harley ten centimeters away*

H: Hahaha, really? If that's the case, I'm quite sure I can charm you from this distance.

M: Then let your first move be.

H: *takes a small step* Reach out your hands.

M: No using powers; let that be our last rule. If you make me do something with power, it won't mean anything.

H: So you were that scared? *grins*

M: No. I think it's nicer for him to feel something real.

H: Well, let it be what you want. Now give me your hands and focus on what I'm going to make you feel.

M: What exactly is that?

H: When I came here, you were angry and unhappy, but you're not anymore. I want to make you feel happiness, so give me your hands.

Merlin extended his hands to me, and I held them tightly, starting to direct my energy towards him. Whatever I felt, he felt too. You can think of it this way: if I imagine that I'm being tickled and as a result, I'm laughing, he feels that reaction in the same way I feel it and laughs too. At first, I was making him laugh, then I made him feel a bit of calmness and peace, and I was making him experience the warmth of sitting in front of a fireplace with a hot chocolate in hand, enjoying the happiness of that moment. His hands were warming up, a half-smile appeared on his face, and he was approaching me with small steps.

H: Do you remember this warmth? The huge fire we lit in the middle and the wolf pack gathered around it, the hot chocolate in their hands, and the old wolves telling legends. *He gently brings his hands closer to Merlin's cheeks.*

M: *Kissing the palm of Harley's hand while holding it* I always watched that environment from afar. Actually, we did this more with Alvin and Alpha, and we talked about our childhood memories. Those times were beautiful, and I'm grateful to you for reminding me of those lovely memories.

H: You're welcome. Seeing you happy excites me.

M: No, it comes from my charisma, darling. *Looks at his watch* It's almost midnight; let's get you home.

H: What about you? What will you do?

M: If you're so curious, you can stay over one night and watch.

H: Eww, that's so gross, you naughty wizard.

M: Hahaha, so it turns out I'm not the scared one, and by the way, thank you for the flowers. If you stay over one night, I'll show you where I put them.

H: *smiles* Deal, Casanova.

He threw his arm over my shoulder and pulled me close, kissing my forehead. I was happy, and my hands were trembling with excitement. He walked me home quietly through the forest. We said our goodbyes, and I entered the house.

Two Weeks Later

Give flowers, make gestures, be submissive, obey everything they say, stay quiet, be good, and it's enough that they still see you as a little girl in return. Even if it's just to win this bet, I will use my powers to prove this! I'm so tired of being at their command!"