Jacob James, a 16-year-old with striking red hair, stands in the center of the yard waving his hand exuberantly. With every flick of his wrist, ordinary objects morph and twist: a garden chair becomes a barking dog, a football floats lazily as a cloud, and multi-colored sparks rain down on the scene. The air smells faintly of ozone, and the sky is a perfect blue, as if nothing could ever go wrong on such a day.
Wyatt Greg, a 10-year-old with a perpetually frazzled look, suddenly bursts from behind a bush, his hair sticking out at odd angles. He plants his feet, face flushed with exasperation as magical energy still clings to his clothes. "I have had enough of this reckless magic you're doing, Jacob! You turned me into a chair, a table, a TV, a horse, a house, a boat, and even a pair of shoes! And then you turned me into a pig who nearly got caught by a butcher!"
Jacob laughs sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Wyatt, you were the one who asked to be my test subject. Besides, you signed the unbreakable contract—one whole year!" He produces a crumpled parchment, its edges glowing faintly red.
Wyatt scowls, stomping the ground. "I'm quitting! I can't take it anymore. You can't curse me either, because you signed it too!" His voice cracks with frustration, but determination glimmers in his green eyes.
James Greg, Wyatt’s older brother, looks up, his smile lazy but affectionate. "James, please! Curse Jacob for me! I’ll give you all my pocket money for a year!" Wyatt pleads, voice shaking.
"Wyatt, just wait the year out. Jacob is my favorite person and my role model. You signed the contract after reading it, remember? He’s right. Plus, I don’t think Jacob even cares what he gets turned into," James replies, voice calm but firm.
Wyatt grows more desperate, pushing coins towards his brother. "Please, James. Do it, and I swear I’ll give you everything I get for a year!" James, against his better judgment, agrees and utters a quiet spell. A shiver passes through the room.
But as the days pass, Wyatt fails to keep his promise. James feels the weight of his decision, knowing he’s broken another agreement. The parchment pulses ominously in Jacob’s hands.
Jacob studies the glowing documents, concern clouding his face. "James, you put your name down as responsible if Wyatt broke your bargain. I have the right to use you as a slave, but I don’t want that. Let’s just talk about what’s bothering you. Maybe we can make a new agreement," he says gently.
James nods, relief softening his features. But the magic is strict—unbreakable contracts require a hefty price: blood. Wyatt shudders, realizing the seriousness of what he’s done. "If we break the contract, we have to give blood? How much?"
Jacob answers quietly, "Enough that if we use it to break the contract, we’ll switch bodies permanently. That’s the price the magic demands." Wyatt and James exchange anxious glances, realizing that magic, like promises, is never as simple as it seems.
As the three boys sit together, the weight of their choices pressing on them, they begin to talk honestly about their fears and frustrations. The room, once heavy with tension, slowly warms with understanding. In the end, they decide to work together to find a new way—one that honors their friendships, their promises, and the true cost of magic.
