Page 12 of Howls & Harvest

Caelan’s eyes light up—literally, as small flames dance in his pupils. “Ooh, yes. And we could enchant the stew to change flavors with each bite. Brilliant.”

While we continue discussing the menu, I notice Ronan watching me with curiosity. “I’ve never met a vegetarian before other than some of the sprites and pixies. Is it a common practice in the human world?”

I nod. “It’s becoming more popular, yes. Some people do it for health reasons, and others for ethical or environmental concerns.” I frown. “I do it because I got a tick bite when I was little that made me allergic to certain proteins. Most meat literally makes me sick.”

Ronan looks thoughtful. “Interesting...and sorry about that. In lycan culture, meat is a crucial part of our diet. We need the protein to maintain our strength, especially during transformations.”

As if to emphasize his point, he reaches into a nearby cooler and pulls out a raw steak. Without hesitation, he takes a big bite, sharp teeth tearing through the meat.

I stare with fascination and horror coursing through me. The sight of blood dripping down his chin makes my stomach churn, but I also recall the taste of a hamburger sharper than I have in years and wish I could have one. Alas, it’s not worth the illness that follows when a portobello burger is a reasonable substitute.

Ronan notices my expression and quickly wipes his mouth. “Sorry,” he says, looking sheepish. “I forget that can be off-putting to humans.”

“It’s okay,” I say, trying to sound nonchalant. “You’re probably an obligate carnivore, right? Like a cat or a dog?”

The moment the words leave my mouth, I realize how they might sound. Ronan raises an eyebrow, and I giggle at the absurdity of the situation.

“I mean, not that you’re like a pet or anything,” I quickly add, my cheeks burning as I imagine him curled up on my lap watching a movie. There’s nothing fuzzy or platonic about that image. “I just meant... oh, never mind.”

To my relief, he chuckles. “I understand, and you’re not entirely wrong. Lycans do have certain dietary needs that are closer to wolves than humans. Dogs aren’t obligate carnivores either, by the way, but they do need most of their diet to come from protein. Same for lycans.”

Our gazes meet, and for a moment, I forget about the raw meat and the dietary differences. Instead, I’m wondering what other differences there are between lycans and humans. My gaze wants to dip...southward...but I fight the urge and makemyself maintain eye contact. There’s warmth in Ronan’s gaze that makes my heart skip a beat and almost makes me forget my curiosity about his anatomy.

Almost...

Caelan’s voice breaks the moment. “All right, you two. Less chatting, more sorting. We’ve got a feast to prepare.”

We both jump slightly, turning our attention back to the task at hand. As we continue working, I keep stealing glances at Ronan. Despite our differences, there’s something about him that intrigues me.

The outdoor kitchen buzzes with activity while we prepare for the feast. Caelan orchestrates the chaos like a maestro, his fiery hair flickering with excitement. I focus on preparing the vegetarian dishes, determined to show plant-based food can be delicious.

As I chop some color-changing squash, Ronan watches me. He’s preparing a marinade for the roast beast, his powerful hands mixing herbs with practiced ease. He tells me more about the people around us and the town while we work. until a loud pop on the other side of the kitchen interrupts our conversation.

We turn to see Caelan frantically waving his hands over a pot that’s emitting rainbow-colored smoke. “Oops,” he says, grinning sheepishly. “Looks like the flavor-changing enchantment was a bit too strong. This might go from blueberry to beets. That’s too much, but don’t worry. I’ll fix it.”

I laugh at the sight of the normally composed fire demon chef looking so flustered. Ronan joins in, his deep chuckle harmonizing with my giggles. As the day progresses, I enjoy the preparations. The magical ingredients are fascinating to work with, and there’s a sense of community in the kitchen that warms my heart. Even Caelan’s occasional magical mishaps add to the charm of the experience.

By late afternoon, the feast is starting to come together. The air is filled with mouth-watering aromas, both familiar and exotic. I’ve just finished putting the final touches on a shimmering salad when Ronan approaches me again.

“Candice,” he says, looking a bit nervous. “I was wondering if you’d like to take a break and go for a walk? There’s something I’d like to show you.”

I glance at Caelan, who waves us off with a flaming hand. “Go, go. You’ve both earned a break. I won’t need you again until dinner, when we feast.”

We step away from the bustling outdoor kitchen, and I realize how much I’ve been enjoying my time in Evershift Haven. Despite the initial shock, and the occasional clashes of culture, there’s something magical about this place that goes beyond the obvious enchantments.

“Where are we going?” I ask, curiosity getting the better of me.

He smiles, a hint of mystery in his blue eyes. “You’ll see. It’s a special place that I think you’ll appreciate, especially given your connection to nature.” Ronan leads me toward the edge of town, where the Whispering Woods begin. The trees seem to sway toward us as we approach, rustling their leaves with what sounds suspiciously like whispered greetings.

When we walk deeper into the woods, the air grows thick with an otherworldly energy. I strain my ears, catching whispers that sound eerily like voices. “Ronan,” I say, my voice hushed. “Are the trees...talking?”

He nods with a smile. “They are. Listen closely.”

I concentrate, and suddenly, the whispers become clearer. To my amazement, I hear snippets of conversation and...poetry?

“Fair maiden with hair of gold,

In our woods, a story unfolds.

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