"I can't explain it," Athena muttered, shaking her head in disbelief as she removed her hand from her friend's forehead. "Zoe, you're magic!"
Zoe opened her eyes and blinked in the deserted sitting room's bright lights. "Come again?"
"According to what my reading spell is detecting, you've suddenly been infused by a large dose of wild magic. It's practically boiling out of you!"
"How's that even possible? I never did anything," Zoe held her hands in front of her, as if she could see the magic with her own eyes.
"I can't explain it either. I've never seen such a thing before. Normally, this kind of magic is born in you."
"So, what does this mean?" Zoe asked. "I'm some kind of witch now?"
"Well, if this isn't a weird trick, then you could be if you want. But witch or otherwise, you need training, discipline. And fast. This level of power is very dangerous, especially for you. If it's not directed properly, you may start using it unconsciously. Magic controlled by the subconscious can be disastrous!"
Nervously pulling at her abbreviated jacket, Zoe shuddered. "Do you think I might be the one who changed everyone?"
Athena sighed. "I don't know. From the things you describe, that sort of spell would be pretty sophisticated. Even a strong talent wouldn't be able to pull it off without help, let alone without realizing it. If it really did happen, I'd guess that someone or something else did it, and your talent just happened to allow you to detect it."
"So it's possible what she says?" Zelda spoke up from her place by the door where she kept a lookout. "Could we really have been different before and not even remember it?"
"It's possible, but still hard to believe, even from Zoe." Athena gave Zoe an apologetic glance. "But I'm willing to give it a shot. If Zoe needs answers, then we have to investigate."
Zelda nodded. "Well, I'm game. It'll make this party more interesting, anyway."
"Thank you," Zoe said, following Athena to the door.
