Page 34 of Sleigh Bells and Dragon Spells

Ellie’s flames danced between her fingers as she took up position near the children, while Tabitha’s battle potions clinked ominously at her belt. Their shifter partners moved with practiced coordination—Kade’s massive wolf form taking point while Bram’s bear bulk guarded their flank. Even Jasper’s ghostly form provided tactical advantage, passing through walls to scout enemy positions.

“They’re targeting the tree,” Briar called out over the chaos. “If it falls, the orphanage’s protective wards fall with it!”

“Not happening,” Celeste growled, her magic turning the orphanage’s decorative potted plants into thorny weapons.

The battle transformed the once-peaceful hall into magical mayhem. Spells crackled through the air like bottled lightning. Ice shattered against shields. Children huddled closer as Briar split her focus between maintaining their protection and launching her own attacks.

Heat suddenly rolled through the room as a massive shape darkened the broken windows. Dragon fire melted waves of ice creatures, and Falkor burst through the opening in human form, landing in a graceful crouch beside her.

“Glad you decided to join us,” Briar called out.

“Couldn’t let you have all the fun,” he said, golden eyes scanning the room for threats.

Before he could continue, Sophie screamed. The protective barrier flickered, weakening under the relentless assault. Cracks spread like spider webs through the magical shield. Beyond it, a new wave of ice creatures surged forward, their forms larger and more monstrous than before.

Morganna’s cruel laugh echoed through the hall. “How touching. My son playing protector to a bunch of orphans.” Her spirit materialized near the Christmas tree, frost spreading from her ethereal feet. “Always so desperate to save everyone except yourself.”

THIRTY-FIVE

Falkor’s expression hardened. “Get the children out,” he told Briar. “I’ll hold her off.”

“What?” Horror dawned as she realized his intent to become a martyr. “No?—”

“It’s the only way.” His eyes met hers, filled with a warmth that made her heart stutter. “I should have told you this sooner, but... you’ve made me want to be better. To feel again. To know hope.” He smiled—soft and real and heartbreaking. “Thank you for that gift.”

Before she could move, he spun away from her, flames wreathing his body as he charged his mother’s spirit. The temperature plummeted as Morganna unleashed her full power. Ice daggers filled the air like lethal rain.

“No!” Briar’s scream tore from her throat as Falkor disappeared in a maelstrom of frost and shadow. Her magic exploded outward, fueled by something deeper than mere power—by the sudden, terrifying realization that she couldn’t lose him. Not now. Not ever.

Golden light blazed from her hands, cutting through Morganna’s darkness. The spirit’s attack faltered as Briar’smagic wrapped around Falkor like a shield, pulling him back from the brink of sacrifice.

“You don’t get to leave,” she told him fiercely, grabbing his arm. “Not when I just found you.”

His eyes widened. “Briar?—”

“I care about you, you stubborn dragon.” Tears froze on her cheeks. “So no more noble sacrifices. We fight together or not at all.”

For a moment, the battle seemed to pause as something shifted between them. Then Falkor’s hand found hers, their fingers intertwining as their magic merged—fire and light combining into an unstoppable force.

“Together,” he agreed softly.

Their combined power surged through the hall in waves of golden flame. Ice creatures shattered. Morganna’s spirit reeled back, her form flickering as their united magic pushed her away from the children, away from the tree, away from everything they both held dear.

“This isn’t over,” she snarled as she faded.

“No,” Briar agreed, squeezing Falkor’s hand. “But when it is, we’ll end it together.”

Sunlight pierced the dark clouds, streaming through the broken windows. The Christmas tree’s lights steadied, glowing with renewed warmth. Children cheered, the sound sweeter than any holiday carol.

Briar turned to Falkor, her heart too full for words. But he seemed to understand, pulling her close as their friends began clearing the debris and comforting the children.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured against her hair. “I thought sacrifice was strength.”

“Loveis strength.” She pressed her hand over his heart, feeling its steady beat. “And you’re not alone anymore.”

Around them, the orphanage hummed with renewed life and magic. Morganna’s final battle still loomed ahead, but in that moment, holding each other while children’s laughter filled the air, they had already won something precious—the courage to choose love over fear, hope over darkness, together over alone.

And that victory tasted sweeter than any other could.

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