Page 39 of Christmas with a Cursed Werewolf

But for now, I simply hold him close, breathing in his familiar scent as the castle's magic pulses around us. Each breath feels like a gift, each heartbeat a victory against the darkness that tried to separate us.

We're together. We're alive.

And nothing—not curses, not darkness, not even death itself—will tear us apart again.

The Goddess's words echo in my mind as Ronan's lips find mine in a desperate kiss:souls paired before they connect with their bodies. No wonder finding him felt like coming home.

He was always mine.

I was always his.

And now, with the blessing of powers beyond our understanding, we'll face whatever comes next—together.

Merry Christmas

RONAN

The soft light of Christmas morning filters through the tall windows of Frostspire Keep, illuminating the grand hall with a gentle glow that seems to dance with its own magic.

The air feels fresh and invigorating, humming with renewed energy that courses through the castle's very stones. Gone is the heavy stillness that marked our cursed existence—replaced by a vibrancy that makes every corner of the Keep feel alive.

I awaken in the warmth of my bed, and for the first time in years, I feel completely at peace. No weight presses on my chest. No darkness lingers just out of sight.

The curse's shadows have lifted, leaving behind a lightness I'd almost forgotten could exist. Through our bond, I can feel the castle's magic singing—a joyous melody that echoes the happiness in my heart.

The air carries the rich scents of pine and fresh-baked pastries—a Christmas feast being lovingly prepared by my staff. But there's something else too—a subtle fragrance of magic, clean and pure, like fresh snow and starlight. The castle itself seems to be celebrating, its restored magic manifesting in gentlepulses of warmth and light that make the holiday decorations glow with supernatural radiance.

My heart races as I turn to see Briar lying beside me, her face serene and peaceful in the morning light. The mark on her neck glows with a soft, steady luminescence—no longer the desperate flare of a curse-bound connection, but the warm, constant reminder of our soul-deep bond. Her magic mingles with the castle's now, creating an atmosphere of such profound rightness that it nearly takes my breath away.

I reach out, brushing my fingers against her cheek. Her skin is warm, alive with the magic that now flows freely through her veins. My touch elicits a small sigh, and her lips curve into a soft smile—even in sleep, she responds to me, our connection humming between us like a perfectly tuned chord.

"Briar," I whisper, emotion threatening to overwhelm me as I watch the woman who saved not just me, but all of Frostspire Keep. "Wake up, love."

Her eyelids flutter open, revealing those beautiful green depths that have become my anchor. They shine with newfound power now, hints of gold threading through the emerald—a visible sign of her awakened abilities as an arcanist. In that moment, gratitude floods through me so intensely it's almost painful. This remarkable woman fought through death itself to return to me, faced down a goddess for our love.

"Merry Christmas," I murmur, my voice thick with emotion. "You're my gift today."

She blinks, awareness dawning in her eyes as she takes in the transformed room around us. The darkness that once clung to every corner has been replaced by warm, golden light. The air itself seems to shimmer with possibility.

"Ronan," she breathes, and the warmth of her smile ignites a fire in my chest. Her hand comes up to cup my cheek, and I feelher magic brush against mine—a gentle caress that makes my wolf stir contentedly. "It's Christmas."

"Yes," I say, a laugh of pure joy bursting free. "And we are free."

The word 'free' rings through the air like a bell, and the castle's magic surges in response. The curtains flutter without wind, and the crystal chandelier above us chimes softly, as if Frostspire Keep itself is celebrating our liberation.

At that, her smile widens, and the light in her eyes brightens with joy. She sits up slowly, and I watch in awe as her magic unfurls around her like invisible wings. The transformation within her is breathtaking—no longer just my brave, beautiful Briar, but a powerful arcanist coming into her own. The shadows of the past seem to melt away under her gaze, and I can't help but marvel at how fortunate I am to have her by my side.

Briar stretches, a soft laugh escaping her lips as she takes in the grandeur of our transformed bedroom. The once-oppressive space now feels warm and welcoming, with morning light streaming through frost-free windows. Delicate ice crystals dance in the air, catching the light and throwing rainbow prisms across the walls—a playful display of the castle's restored magic.

"Look," she whispers, pointing to where the crystals are forming intricate patterns. "The castle is showing off."

I chuckle, recognizing Arcanum's touch in the display. "She's happy. We all are."

Through our bond, I feel Briar's wonder and delight mixing with my own contentment. The connection between us feels stronger than ever, refined by our trials and tempered by our love. When she turns those brilliant eyes to me, I see everything I've ever wanted reflected in their depths—love, acceptance, understanding, and a fierce determination to face whatever comes next together.

"We did it," she whispers, the wonder in her voice echoing my own thoughts. Her hand finds mine, our fingers intertwining naturally. Where our skin touches, tiny sparks of magic dance between us.

I nod, feeling my heart swell with pride for what we've accomplished together. "Together. Always." The words carry the weight of a vow, and I feel the castle's magic surge in response, as if recording our promise in its very foundations.

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