Page 4 of A Second Roar for Love

Ellie was quiet for a moment, weighing his words. Then, slowly, she nodded. “Yes. If there’s dark magic threatening this town, I want to help stop it. And...” She paused, her eyes locking with his. “And I trust you, Reed. I always have.”

Reed felt something stir in his chest at her words, a warmth that had nothing to do with the coffee he’d been drinking. As they stood there, the dead body and the forensic mage fading into the background, he knew this was just the beginning. The beginning of the investigation, and perhaps, the beginning of something else entirely.

But for now, they had work to do. A murder to solve, and a dark magical threat to uncover. Together, the sheriff and the witch, just like old times.

THREE

Ellie jolted awake, her heart pounding as the image of the dead body flashed through her mind. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow on her grandmother’s antique furnishings, but the warmth did little to ease the chill in her bones.

After the mage had confirmed there was no immediate threat in the area, Ellie decided to stay the night at the house instead of going into town for a night or two.

She rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of the restless night, but the resurgence of old feelings for Reed clung to her like a second skin.

With a sigh, Ellie dragged herself out of bed, determined to find answers. She quickly dressed and made her way downstairs, the floorboards creaking under her feet. The house felt different now as if it held secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Ellie headed out, her steps leading her to the local town hall. The building was an impressive structure of red brick and white trim with a clock tower that chimed the hour. As she climbed the steps, the heavy wooden door swung open, revealing a familiar face.

“Ellie Theren!” Molly, the owner of the Bewitched Bakery, stood in the doorway, a basket of pastries in her hand. Her round, rosy cheeks dimpled as she smiled, her curly red hair bouncing as she beckoned Ellie inside.

“I heard about your grandmother’s passing. I’m so sorry for your loss,” Molly said, her voice warm with sympathy. “Here,” Molly held out the basket hanging on her arm, “I usually bring some of my special goodies to our first responders every morning. I have a few extra. They’re infused with a little focus and energy magic—should help sharpen your mind as you sort through all this.”

Ellie accepted the basket gratefully, the scent of warm pastry and cinnamon enveloping her. “Thank you, Molly. That’s very kind of you.”

Molly patted her hand. “Anything for Irina’s granddaughter. She was a special lady, your grandmother. Always had a twinkle in her eye and a trick up her sleeve.”

With a final squeeze of Ellie’s hand, Molly bustled off, leaving Ellie to navigate the halls of the town archives. She found the room dedicated to property records and settled in, the dusty tomes and yellowed papers a daunting task before her.

Hours ticked by as Ellie searched through the documents, her eyes straining in the dim light. Just as she was about to give up, a name caught her eye: Irina Theren. Her grandmother’s name was listed alongside a group of others, all part of something called the Whispering Pines Magical Council.

Ellie’s brow furrowed. She’d never heard of such a council. Her fingers traced the old document, the paper crackling beneath her touch. Suddenly, a surge of energy pulsed through her, a bright light emanating from her hand. Ellie gasped, snatching her hand back as if burned. The light faded as quickly as it had appeared, leaving her staring at her own palm in shock.

“What in the world?” she whispered, flexing her fingers. She’d always had a touch of magic, but nothing like this.

Unnerved, Ellie reached for another book, hoping to find more clues. As she pulled it from the shelf, a stack of papers cascaded to the floor, scattering at her feet. She knelt to gather them, her eyes catching on a word: “Secret.”

With trembling hands, Ellie plucked the paper from the pile. It was a letter, addressed to her grandmother, the script urgent and hurried.

“Irina,” it read, “the secret we buried beneath your house cannot stay hidden forever. The council’s work is unfinished. Be prepared.”

Ellie’s heart raced. Secret? What secret? And what did it have to do with the body in her home?

Head spinning, Ellie made a copy of the letter and tucked it into her pocket and left the archives, stepping out into the sun-dappled streets of Whispering Pines. As she walked, flashes of the past danced before her eyes—ghostly figures in old-fashioned clothes and echoes of laughter and tears long since faded. The town was steeped in history and magic, and Ellie could feel it thrumming through her veins.

Lost in thought, she found herself at the door of the Tomes and Tinctures, the bell jingling as she stepped inside. The shop was a riot of color and scent, dried herbs hanging from the rafters and tinctures lining the shelves. Behind the counter stood a woman with striking violet eyes, her silver-streaked hair pulled back in a loose braid.

“Ah, Ellie,” she said, her voice like honey. “I’ve been expecting you.”

Ellie blinked. “You have?”

The woman smiled, extending her hand. “I’m Luna, an old friend of your grandmother’s. I had a feeling you might need some guidance, especially with your powers starting to manifest.”

Ellie shook her hand, a tingle of recognition passing between them. “How did you know?”

Luna tapped her temple. “Intuition, my dear. It’s one of the perks of being a witch. Now, tell me, what’s been happening?”

Slowly, haltingly, Ellie recounted the events of the past day—the body, the surging magic, the strange visions. Luna listened intently, her eyes never leaving Ellie’s face.

“It sounds like your magic is awakening,” Luna said when Ellie finished. “It’s a powerful thing, the Theren bloodline. Your grandmother was one of the strongest witches I ever knew.”

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