Page 23 of Elven Kisses & Winter Wishes

I shift uncomfortably under her gaze, still not entirely used to the idea of having magical abilities. “I... I just wanted to help,” I stammer.

Santa laughs heartily. “And help you did, Evony. Being connected to the Heart merely means you’ll be contributing to the magic of the town.”

“For as long as you stay,” says Grizelda with a yawn. “The connection will sever when you leave.”

“I...” I’m not sure how I feel about that. The idea of leaving sends a spasm through me, like a physical ache.

As if to emphasize her point, the barrier above us pulses with renewed energy, sending cascades of colorful light dancing across the sky. The townsfolk gasp and point as one of the branches sways toward my direction.

Santa turns back to Frost and me, a knowing smile on his face. “I must say, I’m particularly pleased to see the two of you working together so well. It warms my heart to see new love blossoming on Christmas.”

My cheeks heat up, and I sneak a glance at Frost. He’s looking at me with such tenderness that my pulse drums in my ears like a tribal rhythm.

“Now then,” says Santa, “I believe we have some Christmas magic to share.”

The crowd cheers, and Santa presses his palm against the tree. A surge of power emanates from the Heart, and he visibly glows for a minute. When the wave hits me, I feel invincible for a time, at least until it fades when Santa steps back.

He bows to the crowd. “I have to continue the journey.” With a wave, he returns to his sleigh. “Merry Christmas to all.” With a flick of the reins, the reindeer run a short distance before jumping into the air and taking flight. That same red and green vortex briefly appears as they depart through it, then seals behind them as a phantom, “And to all a good night,” echoes around us.

I stare, still shocked but warmed by the experience, while the rest of the townspeople start to party. As the celebration kicksinto full swing, Frost takes my hand, leading me away from the crowd. We find a quiet spot near the Heart of Haven, which now pulses with vibrant, healthy energy.

“I’m so glad you came here,” he says softly. “Everything has changed, at least for me.”

I look up into his eyes, which are currently dark blue with silver sparkles, seeing the depth of emotion there. “I... I don’t even know how to process everything that’s happened. A week ago, I was just an accountant from Chicago. Now I’m apparently a fae with magical powers, standing in a hidden town full of magical creatures, holding hands with the most incredible man I’ve ever met.”

Frost chuckles, pulling me closer. “I am, aren’t I?” He winks. “Life has a way of surprising us, doesn’t it?”

As snowflakes begin to fall gently around us, he tilts up my chin. Our lips meet in a kiss that sends sparks of magic coursing through my body. It’s tender and passionate, filled with promise and the excitement of new beginnings.

We rejoin the celebration, hand in hand, as I contemplate the twists and turns my life has taken. Who knew that a simple visit to a small town would lead to discovering my true heritage, unlocking magical powers, and finding love?

This Christmas in Evershift Haven has changed everything.

Chapter 8

THE TOWN SQUARE BUZZESwith activity as we rejoin the festivities. Colorful banners and twinkling lights dance through the air, settling into place as if nothing unusual had happened. I stand in the middle of it all, my mind reeling from the events of the past few hours.

Suzette and Throk approach. He has his arm around her, and she’s snuggled close. She grins at me. “Look at you, all magical and everything.” The teasing fades a bit. “How are you handling it?”

“I’m still processing it all,” I say. “Last week, I was crunching numbers. Today, I’m channeling fae magic and helping save magical towns.”

Frost chuckles. “You’ve taken to it remarkably well.”

“I suppose I have,” I say, surprised by my own calm. “It’s like...I’ve finally found a piece of myself I didn’t know was missing.”

Suzette nods. “You’ve been looking for the right thing for a long time.” As Throk takes her hand to pull her into an intricate dance, she waves at me before being swept away.

When it’s just the two of us again, Frost’s expression turns serious. “As you know, I’ve seen your face in my dreams for many years. I’ve been waiting for you.”

I nod. “It sounds crazy, but I believe you.”

He nods. “Thank you, but there’s more.” He pauses, looking pensive. “I think I’m in love with you.”

The world seems to stop. I stare at him, open-mouthed, but no words come out.

“I know it sounds crazy. We’ve only just met technically, but I’ve known you in my dreams for so long, and today, working with you, seeing your courage and your innate connection to magic... Everything we went through confirmed everything I feel.”

I take a step back, overwhelmed. “I don’t know what to say.”

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