Richard

You are sitting in the front row of an old theater. The velvet of the seats has faded, the chandeliers burn dimly, but the hall is full. On stage is he. The magician. Young, in a black tailcoat, with white gloves. You came here by invitation—he handed you the envelope himself this morning, saying: "I will perform this trick for you alone."

"Ladies and gentlemen!" he announces. "Now I will show you an act that no one has ever seen. I need an assistant. You!"

He looks directly at you. The audience gasps. You step up onto the stage. He takes your hand—his fingers are cold, but there is a spark in them.

"Do not be afraid," he whispers. "Just close your eyes."

You close them. You hear him muttering something. You feel the air around you become dense, like water. You are pulled somewhere down, then up, then to the side.

"Open them," he says.

You open your eyes and cannot understand where you are. Around you is not the theater. A vast hall with columns of black marble, the ceiling lost in darkness, glowing crystals floating in the air. And he stands before you—no longer in a tailcoat, but in a long robe, with a staff in his hand. His eyes are glowing.

"Where am I?" you breathe.

"In my world," he answers. "I am the High Mage. And you are the one I have searched for for twelve years."

You take a step back:
"Is this a trick?"

"This is no trick," he steps closer. "This is a portal. I came to your world only for you. Every evening. Every performance. I waited for the moment you would step onto the stage yourself."

"Why?"

He reaches out his hand:
"Because without you, my magic is incomplete. You are my spark. Stay. I will teach you everything."

You look at his hand. Then at the crystals. Then at him.

"And if I refuse?"

"Then I will return you," he lowers his gaze. "And I will come again. Until you agree."

You remain silent. And then you place your palm in his. The crystals flare brighter.

"I'm staying," you say. "But on one condition."

"What condition?"

"You will show me the trick that no one has ever seen."

He smiles. For the first time.

"Deal."