Page 38 of Sleigh Bells and Dragon Spells

The day unfurled like a gift being unwrapped. They helped string fresh garlands across the square, Falkor’s height proving particularly useful for reaching high places. At Bewitched Bakery, they sampled Molly’s latest creation—gingerbread cookies spelled to roar like tiny dragons when bitten.

Children dragged Falkor into a snowball fight, and Briar’s heart melted watching him carefully calibrate his throws to match their abilities. His deep laugh rang out more freely with each passing hour.

As afternoon softened toward evening, they found themselves beneath the orphanage’s outdoor Christmas tree. Its magical lights cast ever-changing patterns on the snow around them.

“I can’t believe how much has changed,” Briar mused, leaning against him. “When I first arrived, I hoped to find a place to belong. Now I have a home, friends who’ve become family, and you.” She looked up at him. “Especially you.”

Falkor’s arms tightened around her. “I never imagined I could have this,” he admitted. “For centuries, I thought power meant having control, staying distant. But real power is in connection. In community. In love.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “You’ve given me so much more than freedom from my past. You’ve given me a future worth living.”

“We’ll make it wonderful,” she promised. “Create new traditions, blend old ones. Dragon-themed stockings, maybe?”

“As long as you don’t try to put antlers on my dragon.”

“No promises.”

Fresh snow began to fall, fat flakes drifting lazily through the glow of Christmas lights. Somewhere nearby, carolers sang, their voices rising sweet and clear in the evening air. Briar snuggled closer to Falkor, savoring his warmth.

They’d faced darkness together and emerged stronger. Found love in unexpected places. Built bridges between past and future, between solitude and connection, between ice and fire.

And as they stood wrapped in each other’s arms, watching their town sparkle beneath gentle snow, Briar knew this was only the beginning of their story.

THIRTY-NINE

The community center sparkled like a winter wonderland. White lights draped from exposed beams created a canopy of stars overhead, while paper snowflakes danced from silver threads. Briar paused in the doorway, drinking in the transformation Luna had created. Christmas trees dotted the space, each uniquely decorated, their bases piled with brightly wrapped gifts.

“Luna outdid herself this time,” Daisy declared, appearing beside Briar with a box of what appeared to be ghost-shaped cookie cutters. Her pink hair caught the twinkling lights. “Though I still say we should’ve included a séance station.”

“Because nothing says ‘cozy winter night’ like summoning spirits,” Briar teased, following her friend inside. The scent of gingerbread and sugar cookies mingled with fresh pine, creating an intoxicating holiday perfume.

Activity stations had been set up around the room. A long table held supplies for gingerbread house construction while another displayed rows of sugar cookies waiting to be decorated. Easels formed a half-circle near the windows, each equipped with a blank canvas and paints.

“Over here!” Molly waved from the refreshment area where she’d arranged towers of holiday cupcakes alongside steaming carafes of hot chocolate. Next to her, Ivy had created an elaborate tea service complete with delicate snowflake-shaped cookies and petit fours.

“Is that... breakfast for dinner?” Briar’s eyes widened at the spread of waffles, pancakes, and French toast.

“Luna said comfort food brings people together.” Celeste approached, already munching on a piece of bacon. “And nothing’s more comforting than breakfast food.”

The room filled quickly as more women arrived. Mari and Tabitha headed straight for the painting station while Ellie and Fia claimed spots at the gingerbread table. Elsie settled into a cozy armchair, knitting needles already clicking away as she supervised the festivities.

“Before everyone gets too busy,” Luna called for attention, her silver-streaked hair gleaming in the magical light, “I have something for each of you.” She began distributing small packages wrapped in shimmering paper.

Briar opened hers to find a delicate crystal vial filled with swirling golden liquid. “Dragon’s tear essence,” Luna explained. “For when you need to understand what can’t be said with words.”

“Speaking of dragons,” Daisy piped up, icing smeared across one cheek, “how’s yours doing? We noticed the cabin’s looking a bit empty lately.”

Heat crept into Briar’s cheeks. “We decided he should move into my house in town. The cabin can be our getaway spot when we need peace and quiet.”

“Or when his dragon side needs to stretch its wings?” Ivy suggested with a knowing smile.

“That too.” Briar grabbed a waffle to hide her grin. “Though he’s getting better at being around people. Yesterday he actually volunteered to help decorate the town square.”

“Volunteered, or you volunteered him?” Ellie asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Same difference.”

Laughter rippled through the group. “You’ve worked miracles with that one,” Elsie commented, her knitting needles never pausing. “When he first came to town, he barely spoke two words to anyone.”

“He needed someone to believe in him,” Briar said softly. “To show him that love isn’t weakness.”

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