Page 9 of Howls & Harvest

We get out of the truck and walk between the rows of pumpkins. I’m amazed by their unusual sizes and colors. Someare as small as my fist, while others are larger than Ronan. They come in every shade imaginable, from deep purple to shimmering gold.

Out of habit, I lean down to examine a particularly vibrant orange pumpkin. “Aren’t you a beauty,” I murmur, running my hand over its smooth surface.

“Why, thank you, darling,” says a gravelly voice . “You’re not so bad yourself.”

I jerk back my hand, stumbling and nearly falling. Ronan steadies me with a strong hand on my arm. “Did that pumpkin just...talk?” I ask, squeaking.

Ronan chuckles. “Yep. Gourdian’s pumpkins are known for their sass. It’s part of what makes them so flavorful.”

I stare at the pumpkin, which seems to be vibrating slightly, as if laughing. Cautiously, I bend forward again. “Um, hello. I’m Candice. I’m helping plan the Thanksgiving feast.”

The pumpkin’s voice softens slightly. “Ah, a newbie. Honey, if you’re looking for the best pies, you’ll want my cousin over there.” A vine points to a plump, pale orange pumpkin a few rows over. “She’s got the perfect balance of sweet and spice.”

“Thanks,” I say, still somewhat dazed. I turn to Ronan. “Is this normal?”

He grins, sharp canines glinting in the sunlight. “For Evershift Haven? Absolutely.” We make some selections, and the farmer promises to deliver them in plenty of time for the feast. When we’re done, Ronan says, “Let’s check out the next farm.”

We continue our tour, visiting fields of corn that whisper secrets as we pass, and apple orchards, where the ripest fruit practically leaps into our baskets. At each stop, I’m increasingly fascinated by the magical properties of the produce. I’ve always loved gardening, but this is something else. So amazing.

In a field of giant sunflowers, I reach out to touch a golden petal. The flower leans into my touch, humming contentedly.

“Oh, my,” I say. “They’re so alive.”

He nods, a soft smile on his face. “Everything here is alive in its own way. That’s why we treat the land and its bounty with such respect.”

We walk through a patch of enormous, iridescent squash, and I ask, “How does all this magic work with farming? It seems so different from what I’m used to.”

Ronan’s expression turns thoughtful. “It’s a partnership, really. The farmers here use their magic to nurture the land, and in return, the plants share their own kind of magic with us. It’s a delicate balance.”

I nod, scribbling notes in my book. “And how does this affect the Thanksgiving feast?”

Ronan plucks a shimmering purple squash from a vine before answering. “The magical properties of the produce make for some pretty spectacular dishes. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried Caelan’s color-changing pumpkin pie.”

I laugh, imagining a slice of pie shifting through a rainbow of colors. “I can’t wait to see it all come together.”

As the sun begins to set, painting the sky in brilliant hues of pink and orange, Ronan drives back toward town. “We’ve got one more farm. Puckley’s. It’s the heart of Evershift Haven’s agricultural magic.”

I perk up, remembering the small, moss-covered woman I met when I first arrived. “Puckley? The earth sprite?”

He nods. “That’s her. Her farm is something special, even by Evershift standards, but,” He adds with a wink, “That’ll have to wait for tomorrow. It’s getting late, and Puckley’s farm deserves a fresh start.”

I look at him, curiosity burning in my eyes. “What makes it so special?”

His grin widens, showing off his sharp canines. “You’ll see. Trust me. It’s worth the wait.”

As we turn back toward town, I’m filled with anticipation for tomorrow’s visit to Puckley’s farm, and not just to see how it functions. I’m enjoying spending time with Ronan. Despite my initial skepticism, I’m becoming more and more fascinated by the magic of Evershift Haven. The talking plants, the shimmering barriers, the vibrant colors—it’s all so far removed from my usual world of corporate events and spreadsheets.

I glance at Ronan, his powerful form silhouetted against the setting sun. There’s something about him, about this place, that makes me feel more alive than I have in years. I’m glad Suzette invited me into this magical world.

Chapter 4

SOFT LIGHT FILTERSthrough the mushroom house’s quaint windows when I wake. The events of yesterday still swirl in my mind like a fantastical dream, but the earthy scent of the room grounds me in this new reality. Magic is real, and I’m smack-dab in the middle of it.

A gentle knock at the door pulls me from my reverie. “Candice? Ronan’s here to pick you up,” says Suzette.

I hop out of bed, quickly pulling on a flowy bohemian dress and my favorite crystal necklace. As I step outside, he greets me with a smile that makes my toes curl.

“Morning, Candice. Ready for another magical farm tour?” He extends a clawed hand, helping me into the passenger seat.

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