Page 20 of Elven Kisses & Winter Wishes

I close my eyes, concentrating on the pulse beneath my hand. In my mind, I form an image of Evershift Haven, of the flickering Heart of Haven at its center. I think of the danger, of the barrier failing, and of the magic faltering in this wonderful place I’vejust discovered. Lastly, I imagine the disappointed children all over the world.

The pulse beneath my hand quickens. The leaves above us rustle more intensely, and a warm breeze caresses my face. When I think of the children, the pulse intensifies, and I almost hear the trees moan.

Candice gasps. “They’re listening to you, Evony. They can sense your intentions.”

Encouraged, I press on. I picture the evergreen bough, imagining its power helping to stabilize the Heart of Haven. I think of the joy and wonder I’ve experienced since arriving in this magical town, and how devastated I’d be to see the town at risk.

The forest around us seems to come alive. The trees sway, their branches reaching toward each other. A shower of golden leaves rains down on us.

“What’s happening?” I ask, opening my eyes.

Throk’s expression is one of awe. “They’re clearing the path. You’ve earned their trust.”

Sure enough, the trees in front of us are parting, revealing a narrow path that wasn’t there before. At the end of it, I can see a massive tree, its trunk wider than any I’ve ever seen. One of its branches glows with a soft, green light.

Frost squeezes my shoulders. “You did it, Evony. That’s the sacred tree with the evergreen bough.”

I lean back against him, suddenly exhausted. “I can’t believe that worked.”

“I can,” he says softly. “You’re more powerful than you know.”

Candice claps her hands. “This is amazing. The trees are so impressed. They say they haven’t felt such devotion in centuries. They say you have strong fae magic.”

I look at her, startled. “Fae magic? But I’m human.”

Frost chuckles. “Mostly human, perhaps, but there’s definitely fae blood in your veins, as everyone around you keeps saying.”

I shake my head, trying to process this new information. “This is all happening so fast. First, I discover magic is real. Now I’m part fae?”

Throk pats my shoulder gently. “Welcome to Evershift Haven, where nothing is quite what it seems.”

Frost takes my hand, his touch sending a spark through me. “We should get that evergreen bough to save our town and Christmas.”

As we walk down the newly revealed path, the trees seem to whisper around us. I can’t hear their words, but I can feel their approval and acceptance. I feel like I truly belong.

The sacred tree is just ahead, its presence both comforting and intimidating. The glowing branch seems to pulse with energy, calling to something deep within me. I approach the sacred tree, its massive trunk dwarfing everything around it. The enchanted evergreen branch glows with a soft, ethereal light, beckoning me closer. As I reach out, I feel a resistance, like an invisible barrier pushing against my hand.

“It’s protecting itself,” says Frost softly beside me. “You’ll need to use your magic to harmonize with it.”

How am I supposed to do that? I don’t bother to ask. Acting on instinct, I focus on the energy flowing through me. It’s still new and unfamiliar, but I can sense it thrumming just beneath my skin. I close my eyes, picturing the magic as a gentle stream flowing from my core to my fingertips.

The air around me shifts, and Candice gasps. “Oh, Evony, you’re glowing.”

I open my eyes to see a soft, golden light emanating from my skin. It pulses in rhythm with the glow of the evergreen branch.Slowly, the resistance fades, and I’m able to wrap my fingers around the branch.

As soon as I touch it, a surge of power rushes through me. It’s overwhelming, like trying to contain an ocean in a teacup. My knees buckle, and I stagger backward.

Frost catches me in his strong arms, steadying me against his chest. “I’ve got you,” he murmurs, his cool breath tickling my ear.

The world spins around me, the colors blurring and swirling. I cling to him, grateful for his solid presence. Gradually, the dizziness subsides, and I become acutely aware of how close we are. I turn in his arms, looking up into his now-cool blue eyes. While I watch, they darken to a stormy gray, filled with concern and something else—desire. The air between us crackles with energy.

Without a word, he bends down and captures my lips with his. The kiss is gentle at first, a soft brush of lips, but it quickly deepens. I melt into him, tangling my free hand in his hair. The braid is almost entirely unwoven now, so I wrap strands around my fist. The evergreen branch in my other hand pulses with energy, as if approving of our connection.

When we finally pull apart, I’m breathless. Frost’s eyes are wide with wonder as they become a gentle green, and a dusting of snowflakes falls from his hair.

“Completely...” I trail off, unable to find the right words.

“Magical.” He smiles at me, as if I’m the only person in the whole world besides him. I feel that too until a squeal of delight breaks the moment.

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