Page 21 of Elven Kisses & Winter Wishes

I turn to see Candice grinning from ear to ear, her hands clasped together in excitement. “I knew it,” she says with a grin. “Oh, you two are so cute together.”

I blush but can’t stop smiling.

Throk stands beside Candice, looking approving and amused. “Looks like the Whispering Woods were right about your auras being intertwined.” He bursts into laughter that rumbles through me with its intensity. My cheeks grow hotter, but I’m still smiling.

Frost chuckles, his arm still wrapped around my waist. “Indeed they were. The trees are rarely wrong about such things.”

I look down at the evergreen branch in my hand, its glow now pulsing in sync with my own magical aura. At some point, it disconnected itself from the tree. “We should get this back to the Heart of Haven,” I say, trying to focus on our mission despite the butterflies in my stomach.

Candice nods, her expression turning serious. “You’re right. We don’t have much time left.”

As we prepare to leave the Whispering Woods, I hear a rustling sound. The trees around us seem to bend in, brushing their leaves against each other in a whispered conversation.

“What are they saying?” I ask, looking at Candice.

She tilts her head, listening intently. A smile spreads across her face. “They’re giving you both their blessing and trust that you’ll save our town and Christmas.”

I glance at Frost, who looks both pleased and a little embarrassed. “No pressure or anything,” he says with a wry smile.

We make our way out of the woods, and I’m amazed at how much my life has changed in such a short time. Just days ago, I was a normal human accountant. Now, I’ve learned I’m part fae, tentatively wielding magic, and apparently, destined for a happy future with the handsome fae by my side.

The path back to town seems shorter somehow, as if the woods themselves are eager for us to complete our mission. When we emerge from the tree line, I see the town square inthe distance. The normally bustling area is eerily quiet, and the magical decorations hang limply.

“The Heart’s magic is fading fast,” says Frost, his voice tight with concern. “We need to hurry.”

Chapter 7

I RUSH BACK TO THEtown square with Frost, the three enchanted items clutched tightly in my arms. I’m nervous approaching the Heart of Haven, whose pulsing light grows fainter by the second. The townsfolk gather around, looking worried.

“We’ve got them,” I say, holding up the Christmas Star, Snow Globe, and Evergreen Branch. “What do we do now?”

Frost takes the items from me. “We need to place them around the Heart in a triangular formation. Their combined magic should stabilize the barrier.”

We hurry to position the artifacts. As soon as they’re in place, a surge of energy ripples through the air. The Heart of Haven glows brighter, its light pulsing with renewed strength. For a moment, everything seems perfect.

Then, a loud crack echoes across the square. I look up to see fissures spreading across the dome of the magical barrier, like cracks in a massive eggshell.

“No,” whispers Frost, his face pale. “It’s not enough.”

A strange sensation washes over me, like invisible tendrils of energy pulling at my very being. My skin tingles, and I gasp as an unfamiliar warmth spreads through my body.

“Evony?” Frost turns to me, concern etched on his face. “What’s wrong?”

I struggle to find words as the sensation intensifies. “I don’t know. It feels like...something’s waking up inside me.”

The pulling sensation grows stronger, and I stumble. Frost catches me, steadying me with his strong arms. “It’s your fae heritage,” he says softly. “The Heart is calling to your latent magic.”

I shake my head, overwhelmed by the rush of sensations. “This can’t be happening. I’m just an accountant from Chicago. I can’t have magic.”

Frost cups my face in his hands. “You’re so much more than that. I’ve known it since the moment I first dreamed about you. Your magic has always been there, waiting to be awakened.”

Another crack splits the air, and the barrier flickers ominously. Frost releases me and turns his attention back to the Heart of Haven. He raises his hands, channeling his own magic into the ancient tree. Streams of silvery light flow from his fingertips, enveloping the Heart in a shimmering cocoon.

“It’s not enough.” He grunts, strain evident in his voice. “The damage is too extensive. I can’t hold it alone.”

Without thinking, I step forward, placing my hands on the rough bark of the Heart. The pulling sensation intensifies, and I gasp as energy surges through me. It’s overwhelming, terrifying, and exhilarating all at once.

“That’s it, Evony. Let your magic flow. Connect with the Heart.”

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