[ WP ] In a world where male virgins who reach the age of 30 turn into powerful wizards , a 29 year old 's birthday fast approaches .

“ But, but I thought you loved me? ” 
 
 Her eyes were trying to hold back her sadness, but she was unable to and a fat tear streamed down her face. It was dark in the cave they were hiding out in, but the firelight illumined the path the salty water took down her cheek. She brushed the tear and turned away from Adam. 
 
 “ Charlotte, I DO love you. I love you more than the world itself. Where would I be without you? Please don ’ t think I ’ m ungrateful for the things that you ’ ve done for me ” 
 
 And he was grateful. He truly was. Most virgins didn ’ t make it past the age of 28. They were hunted and executed without mercy by those who could wield the power. Without Charlotte ’ s help, Adam would never have been able to escape the city. 
 
 “ Oh, you love me, but not enough to show me. I see how things are ”, Charlottte ’ s voice was filled with contempt. And rightfully so thought Adam. This women had risked her life for their love, left everything she had and everyone she knew. And now here he was, spitting on her sacrifice. 
 
 “ Charlotte, my birthday is in 2 days; if we could just wait until then… ” 
 
 But Charlotte cut him off, “ So you can get your precious powers and then LEAVE ME! Don ’ t lie to me Adam, I ’ ve seen the way you look at other women. Once you have the power and no longer need me you ’ ll just cast me off to the side. I can ’ t believe I was so stupid. I should have never let myself be this vulnerable ”. Charlotte was shaking her head and sobbing. 
 
 “ No, I don ’ t even really care about the powers. I just… ” 
 
 But Charlotte shot a glare at him and once gain interrupted, “ Adam, I don ’ t care about the powers either. I just want to live a happy and simple life. I want to wake up next to you and fall asleep next to you. I want to laugh and grow old with you. I ’ m not saying what we have will be perfect. But I think it can be perfect for us. ” She turned away again and the firelight let off a soft glow against the profile of her face. Her big and beautiful wet eyes were glistening. Her chest quivering in obvious pain beneath her simple white dress. 
 
 Adam was at a loss for words. Since his mid 20s, he had made the decision to abstain until he had the gift bestowed upon him. Charlotte was the only woman he had ever met who made him question his choice. She was beautiful, but more than that she understood Adam. When he was with her, he felt.. he felt at home. He knew he wouldn ’ t leave her once he got his powers, but Adam was also starting to see her point. He sat in cold silence for a while. The minutes seemed to stretch on for hours. Charlotte remained quiet, save the occasional sobs that escaped from her. 
 
 Adam firmly came to a decision. He knew what he wanted in his life and he knew what was truly important. He stood up and walked around the fire pit to Charlotte ’ s side. 
 
 “ I love you Charlotte, and I will do anything to prove my love to you ”. 
 
 Adam grabbed her face and kissed her deeply. Charlotte broke away and looked up at him. The edges of her mouth slowly turned up. She smiled at him, and once again Adam was home. They embraced each other, made gentle love and fell asleep in each other ’ s arms. 
 
 *** 
 
 The next day Adam awoke with a start. He was cold and saw that the fire had reduced to smoldering coals during the night. I must get some more firewood he thought as he sat up. 
 
 He jumped. There was a man sitting in the cave. On a golden throne. Adam had no idea how that could have gotten there, and he had no idea how this man had found him; but he instantly recognized him. 
 
 Baltazar was sitting in a forest green silk robe. His long blonde hair cascaded behind his back. A glow of warmth surrounded him despite the chill that the cave gave off. This man radiated authority and a stern, yet smug smile was etched on his face as he stared at Adam. A white raven sat perched on Baltazar ’ s shoulder also stole a glance at Adam and gave a short caw. 
 
 But the Baltazar wasn ’ t alone. Behind him was another person. She was robed in a tight black dress which showed off her bodice. A wicked sneer grew upon her face as Adam awoke and saw her. She had an arm wrapped over Baltazar ’ s shoulder and her hand was lying on his chest, caressing it. Charlotte ’ s beauty was amplified as she stood next to the great Wizard and a sinking feeling began to rise in Adam ’ s stomach. 
 
 Baltazar spoke, his deep voice echoing throughout the cave, “ Good Morning Adam ” 

