Chapter 23: Floating Fiasco
Joy felt a surge of exhilaration as they floated in midair, the room transformed into a whimsical space where gravity had no hold. Carter twisted and turned like a kid on a carnival ride, his laughter echoing in the dimly lit room. Dani was calm but couldn't hide the amusement in his expression as he casually flipped upside-down, smirking at Joy.
"This is the most fun I've had in ages!" Carter exclaimed, spinning in slow circles, his excitement infectious.
Joy chuckled, feeling freer than she had in a long time. It was a fleeting escape from the weight of her mother's demands and the looming marriage arrangement.
But their laughter was cut short by the sharp creak of the door opening. A housemaid stepped in, her eyes widening in shock at the sight of the three of them floating midair amidst glowing, rainbow-colored fish.
"What in the world-!" she gasped, dropping the tray she was holding.
The spell shattered like glass, and gravity snapped back with an unforgiving pull. Joy, Carter, and Dani all flopped unceremoniously to the ground with a collective thud, landing in a tangled heap of limbs and groans.
"Are you all alright?" the maid stammered, her voice high-pitched as she took in the chaotic scene.
Carter, sprawled on the floor and rubbing his shoulder, was the first to respond, his grin undeterred. "That was awesome. Painful, but awesome."
Dani winced, sitting up and brushing off his sleeves. "Guess I should've set a gentler landing."
Joy groaned, clutching her elbow as she untangled herself from the others. "You think?" she muttered, though her lips quirked in a reluctant smile despite herself.
The maid was still frozen in place, torn between outrage and confusion. "I... I'll inform Mrs. Eesome that you're all-"
"No!" Joy interrupted, scrambling to her feet. "There's no need to disturb her. We'll clean this up ourselves."
The maid hesitated, her gaze flitting from Joy to the glowing fish still lazily swimming around the room. Finally, she gave a tight nod and backed out, muttering something about needing a strong cup of tea.
As the door clicked shut behind her, Carter burst into laughter, clutching his side. "Well, that's one way to make an impression. I think I'll be feeling that landing tomorrow, though."
Dani smirked, rubbing the back of his neck. "Next time, I'll add a cushion spell. Or maybe just warn everyone first."
Joy shook her head, laughing softly despite herself. The pain of the fall was already fading, replaced by the rare lightness of camaraderie. For a moment, the storm of expectations weighing on her didn't seem so unbearable.
As the three of them dusted themselves off, Joy took a moment to glance at the glowing fish that still floated serenely around the room. They seemed oblivious to the chaos, their gentle light casting dancing shadows on the walls.
"What do we do about those?" she asked, pointing at the magical creatures.
Carter tilted his head, watching one fish bob toward him. "I say we keep them. They're kind of pretty."
Dani gave him a flat look. "And when they wander into another room and give someone else a heart attack?"
"Good point," Carter admitted, though he looked reluctant.
Joy sighed, extending her hand toward the fish. Closing her eyes, she murmured a spell under her breath, the words flowing easily like water over stones. The fish began to shimmer, their light dimming as they dissolved into soft bursts of glittering energy.
