Page 19 of Elven Kisses & Winter Wishes

Candice grins. “Oh, you’re going to love this. The Whispering Woods are amazing. The trees here are total gossips. They know everything that happens in Evershift Haven.”

Throk chuckles, which sounds like a deep rumble emerging from his chest. “Just don’t believe everything they tell you. Trees tend to exaggerate.”

As we step into the woods, I hear a faint rustling that sounds almost like whispers. Frost takes my hand, sending warmth through me despite his cool touch.

“Ready for another magical adventure?” he asks, his eyes twinkling.

I squeeze his hand, feeling a surge of excitement. “Lead the way.”

As we step into the Whispering Woods, a hush falls over our group. The trees tower above us, swaying their branches gently in a breeze I can’t feel. There’s an energy here, a presence that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

Candice looks around, her eyes wide with excitement. “Oh, they’re so happy to see us. Can you hear them, Evony?”

I shake my head, straining my ears. All I hear is the rustle of leaves. “I don’t hear anything.”

Candice looks disappointed but nods as Frost squeezes my hand. “It’s okay. Most humans can’t hear the trees. Just try to sense their mood.”

I close my eyes, focusing on the energy around me. There’s a welcoming feeling that washes over me. “They seem...friendly?”

Throk nods, his deep voice rumbling. “They are. The Whispering Woods love visitors.”

We walk deeper into the forest, the path winding between ancient trunks. Suddenly, Candice stops, holding up a hand.

“What is it?” I ask.

She tilts her head, listening. “The trees say we can’t go any farther. The sacred tree with the evergreen bough is off-limits.”

Frost frowns. “We need that bough to save Evershift Haven. Can you explain our situation to them?”

Candice nods, then turns to face the nearest tree. She speaks in a language I don’t understand, and her voice is melodic. The leaves rustle in response.

“What are they saying?” I whisper to Throk.

He chuckles. “They’re reciting poetry. They’re quite the romantics.” He laughs again. “Their encouragement got Suzette to kiss me for the first time.”

Candice’s eyes widen abruptly, and she claps a hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle.

“What?” asks Frost, looking between Candice and Throk.

Throk grins. “The trees are teasing you and Evony about new love. They say your auras are intertwined.” He wags his eyebrows suggestively. “In a certain way...”

Heat rushes to my cheeks. Frost coughs, looking anywhere but at me.

Candice turns to us, her expression revealing surprise and delight. “You two? Really? When did this happen?”

“It’s...complicated,” I mutter, not ready to explain Frost’s dream prophecy. “We were trapped in a bubble, and...” I clear my throat. “I’ll tell you later.”

Frost clears his throat too. “Perhaps we should focus on the task at hand. Evony, why don’t you try connecting with the trees?”

I blink at him. “Me? But I can’t even hear them.”

“Trust your instincts,” he says softly. “Your fae blood gives you a connection to nature. Just reach out with your feelings.”

Candice seems startled to hear that about my heritage, and her questioning look prompts me to nod, silently indicating I’ll tell her everything later.

With a deep breath, I step forward, placing my hand on the rough bark of the nearest tree. At first, I feel nothing but wood beneath my fingers. Then, slowly, warmth spreads through my palm. It’s like a pulse, steady and strong. “I think I feel something,” I whisper.

Frost moves behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders. “Good. Try to explain our situation. Tell them why we need the evergreen bough. Picture it in your mind.”

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