Page 24 of Howls & Harvest

I raise an eyebrow. “Lycan stuffing? Should I be worried?”

He laughs, a rich, warm sound that sends a pleasant shiver down my spine. “No need to worry. It’s made with herbs from the Whispering Woods. The trees themselves recommend the best combinations each year.”

As we eat, conversation flows easily. Stories of past Thanksgivings in Evershift Haven are shared, each more fantastical than the last. I learn about the year a flock of enchanted turkeys crashed the festivities, demanding to beguests rather than the main course, and the time when a miscalculation in Grizelda’s enlargement spell resulted in a pumpkin pie the size of a house. They had leftovers until almost Christmas Eve.

Throughout the meal, Ronan watches me. Each time our gazes meet, I’m reminded of our night together, and of the connection that seems to be growing stronger with each passing moment.

As the meal winds down, Suzette tilts her head my way, indicating she wants to talk privately. I excuse myself from the table and follow her to a quiet corner of the square.

“So,” she says, a knowing smile on her face. “Did you have a good night last night?”

My cheeks flush, but I smile. “I did. We got caught in the storm, and...” I waggle my eyebrows to her appreciative giggle.

Her expression turns thoughtful. “Are you planning to return to Chicago next week?”

I hesitate, suddenly realizing I haven’t given much thought to my departure. The idea of leaving Evershift Haven, and Ronan, creates an unexpected ache in my chest. “I’m...not sure yet,” I confess.

Suzette squeezes my hand in a silent show of support. “There’s no rush to decide. Evershift Haven has a way of helping people find their place, even if they didn’t know they were looking for one.”

I nod. “It’s just...everything here is so different, and so magical. Part of me can’t imagine going back to my old life, but another part is terrified of such a big change.”

Her expression softens. “I get it. I felt the same way when I first arrived, but I’ve never seen you look as happy or as alive as you do right now. Maybe that’s worth exploring?”

Before I can respond, Ronan appear beside us. “Everything okay?” he asks with concern.

I nod, offering him a reassuring smile. “Everything’s fine. Suzette and I were just catching up.”

She gives my hand one last squeeze and opens her mouth to say more, but Mayor Ambrosius’s voice booms across the square, calling everyone to attention.

“Friends, neighbors, and honored guests,” he says, his long white beard now impeccably groomed. “We gather today to celebrate not only the bounty of our harvest but the spirit of community that makes Evershift Haven so special.”

As the mayor continues his speech, I can’t look away from Ronan. He stands tall and proud, his powerful frame a stark contrast to the delicate china he’s carefully arranging as we pitch in to help with the quiet transition from savory to sweet during the speech. When he catches me looking, he winks, sending a thrill through me.

When the speech ends, the dessert buffet begins in earnest, and I’m swept up in a whirlwind of flavors, laughter, and conversation. As I take my first bite of Grizelda’s pumpkin pie, a wave of pure joy washes over me. It’s not overwhelming or artificial, but a gentle warmth that spreads from my chest to the tips of my fingers and toes. I look up, catching her gaze across the table. She gives me a knowing smile and a thumbs-up.

“Good, isn’t it?” asks Ronan, leaning close. His breath tickles my ear.

“It’s incredible,” I say, offering him a forkful. “Here, try some.”

He opens his mouth, allowing me to feed him the bite of pie. As he savors it, his eyelids close in bliss, and I’m struck by how natural this feels—sharing food, sharing joy, and sharing a moment of quiet intimacy amid the bustling celebration.

As the evening wears on, I’m drawn into conversations with various townsfolk. Each has a story to tell, or a bit of magic to share. Puckley shares tales of talking vegetablesand mischievous weeds. Bella from “The Enchanted Espresso” demonstrates her ability to create latte art that moves and changes based on the drinker’s mood.

Through it all, Ronan remains at my side. He fills in gaps in my knowledge, introduces me to people I haven’t met, and keeps my glass full. His attentiveness warms me more than any magical brew ever could.

As the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow over the square, Throk stands and raises his glass. “A toast,” he calls out, his deep voice carrying easily over the chatter. “To new friends and old, to the magic that binds us, and to the love that sustains us.”

“Hear, hear,” echoes the crowd before glasses clink all around.

I raise my own glass, meeting Ronan’s gaze over the rim. Surrounded by the warmth and wonder of Evershift Haven, I realize I’m facing a choice. The life I’ve known in Chicago seems a world away, while this new reality—full of magic, adventure, and the promise of something deeper with Ronan—beckons enticingly.

As the feast winds down, I’m caught in a whirlwind of emotions. The magic of Evershift Haven surrounds me, from the twinkling lights that dance in the air to the laughter that seems to shimmer with its own enchantment. I’m lost in thought when his gentle touch on my arm brings me back to the present.

He smiles at me. “Care for a walk?”

My heart beats erratically. There’s something in his tone, a hint of significance that makes me suspect this isn’t just a casual stroll. I nod, unable to find my voice for a moment.

We slip away from the crowd, and I notice the enchanted cornucopia still glowing steadily at the center of the feast table. Its warm light seems to follow us. The evening air is crisp with the scent of fallen leaves and distant bonfires.

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