I opened the ink and Max handed me a pen. I observed Max’s circle, drawn in dirt on the ground. Then went to draw the same thing— And let out a yelp, tumbling backward. As soon as I touched the pen to paper, a shock ran up my hand, releasing a puff of sparks and smoke and slapping me in the face with a force that I was thoroughly unprepared for. By the time I got my bearings again, the first thing I heard was Max’s laughter. I glowered at him. “Thank you,” I sniffed sarcastically. “You’re so very welcome.” Max composed himself, though the laughter remained in his eyes long after it faded from
  
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