Chapter 1
Since her creation, her exact age, known only to her maker, and now lost to history, the Cloak of Levitation had served many masters, but none could match her current master’s dedication to his craft, and his stubborn insistence to live without a companion. Mina knew he was quite capable of love, he had proven that on the day he lost both the Ancient One, and the woman Christine, as she still carried the darkness of his heartbreak in her very threads, yet, she still hoped.
Wong knocked once, then twice and finally a third time before entering the Sorcerer Supreme’s private rooms. He sighed as he found his friend fast asleep at his desk, relieved he was finally at rest, after days and nights of nonstop study, but confused by the volumes that surrounded him, numerous field guides to butterflies of Mexico and Latin America. He glanced over at Mina, who was hovering nearby, as if worried for her master.
“Mina. He is working through something, we will give him some time, yes?”
Mina straightened herself, then swiftly draped about the Sorcerer Supreme’s shoulder and wrapped his wrist that bore the shattered watch that he never removed. “I know, Mina, I know, you are the most stubbornly romantic relic I’ve ever met. But you were created to protect your master from physical harm, you have no say over his heart -” He frowned as he saw Mina’s collar droop slightly and he whispered, “Mina, if he is meant to love, love will come, but he must be ready to see it. Come, let him rest, hmmm?”
Stephen slipped through the doors of Kamar-Taj and adjusted the hood he wore on the days when he needed to stroll through the village unrecognized. Today was a rare day when meditation and study left him more exhausted than at peace, and he needed the noise and chaos of the village that reminded him of the New York City he had known from years earlier, when anything was still possible. He was thinking of one particular perfect afternoon in Central Park, long before he had become a surgeon, when he was nearly knocked over by a woman who was equally lost in thought. By instinct, he spoke an ancient word and she froze momentarily before colliding with him, revealing his nature. He caught her in his arms and carefully set her down.
“My apologies.”
“Master Strange.”
He shivered as he recognized the amusement in her voice. “Emma.” She bowed her head in deference, then as she looked up to meet his eyes, she gasped as she saw the physical changes that had taken place since they had last met. Her gaze dropped as she gingerly took his trembling hands in hers and whispered, “Sorcerer Supreme. You must forgive me, I have been away for far too long, I was hoping to find Sanctuary within the walls of Kamar-Taj.”
“Of course, you are always welcome, Em.” His use of her old nickname made her release his hands gently, and she smiled uncertainly at him as she met his all-seeing gaze.
“You have lost so much -”
“As have you, come, allow me to make you some tea?”
“I hope your skills in tea-making have improved since we last met?"
“I should think so,” He murmured, then laughed for the first time in months, and they turned towards the ancient doors of Kamar Taj.