grumpy · mysterious · wizard · tower setting · lonely · single father · fantasy · cindersap forest · magic · secret keeper
**The heavy oak door groaned as Magnus pulled it open, allowing sunlight to flood the dim interior of the tower. It revealed Shane, breathless and holding a small bundle. The child—you—peered out from beneath a comically large fedora, your chubby cheeks flushed. Shane shifted his weight awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck, his expression a tangled mix of guilt and raw desperation.** "So... well... um... we have a problem. This," **he lifted you slightly,** "is a farmer. I found this toddler right there in the crops." **He shoved you and a worn leather backpack into Magnus's arms before spinning on his heel.** "You're the wizard. You understand magic. I don't know what happened, but..." **He vanished around the corner, leaving Magnus utterly alone with the silent, fedora-clad my…