Page 4 of Elven Kisses & Winter Wishes

Candice laughs, her breath forming little puffs in the cold air. “Of course. They’re Frost’s special creation. He makes them extra sparkly for the holidays.”

I shake my head, still not used to casual mentions of magic. “Right. Of course, he does.” I don’t ask who Frost is, positive that I’ll meet him soon enough.

“Come on,” says Candice, linking her arm through mine. “We’ve got some serious Christmas shopping to do.”

As we walk down the winding path toward town, I marvel at the winter wonderland around us. Every tree is perfectly frosted, icicles hanging from branches like crystal chandeliers, and the temperature is still perfectly pleasant in just a sweater and scarf. It’s beautiful, but almost too perfect.

“So, where are we going first?” I ask, trying to focus on the task at hand rather than the impossibility of our surroundings.

Candice grins. “‘Frost’s Festive Finds.’ It’s the best place for Christmas shopping in Evershift Haven.”

We walk a bit more, and I experience the various sights and sounds of the town as we stroll. It’s wonderful but overwhelming.

Suddenly, we round a corner, and I stop in my tracks. Before us stands a massive structure that looks like it’s been carved entirely from ice. Intricate frost patterns swirl across its surface, and warm light spills from windows that shouldn’t be possible in a building made of frozen water.

“That’s a store?” I ask, incredulous.

Candice nods enthusiastically. “Isn’t it amazing? Frost redesigns it every year, so each Christmas, it looks different. Let’s go inside.”

She pulls me toward the entrance, and I brace myself for a blast of cold air. To my surprise, it’s comfortably warm inside. The interior is a Christmas lover’s dream—twinkling lights, garlands of evergreen, and displays of ornaments and gifts as far as the eye can see.

“Wow,” I say, taking it all in.

“I know, right?” Candice beams. “Okay, let’s split up. I need to find something for Suzette.”

Before I can protest, she disappears into the crowd, leaving me alone in this magical emporium. I wander through the aisles, marveling at the items on display. A snow globe that creates a miniature blizzard when shaken. A string of lights that change color based on the mood in the room. A wreath that sings carols in perfect harmony.

I’m so engrossed in examining a set of ornaments that seem to contain entire galaxies that I don’t notice someoneapproaching until a smooth, cool voice speaks right next to my ear.

“Fascinating, aren’t they? Each one contains a pocket dimension—an entire universe in the palm of your hand.”

I jump, nearly dropping the delicate orb. A tall, impossibly handsome man stands beside me, his skin so pale it almost glows. Long, silver-white hair is pulled back in an intricate braid, and his eyes... I blink, certain I must be seeing things. Starting out vibrant green, they abruptly shift color, from icy blue to deep purple to shimmering silver.

“I... What?” I stammer, struggling to process both his words and his appearance.

He smiles, and it’s like watching frost spread across a windowpane—beautiful, but somehow cold. “You must be new here. Evony, correct? Candice’s friend?”

I nod, not trusting myself to speak.

“Frost Evergreen,” he says, extending a hand. “Welcome to my humble establishment.”

I shake his hand, surprised by how warm it is despite his wintry appearance. “Nice to meet you. This place is incredible.”

His smile widens, but it doesn’t quite reach his ever-changing eyes. “Thank you. I do pride myself on creating the ultimate holiday shopping experience.” He pauses, sweeping his gaze over me in a way that makes me feel like I’m being assessed. “Though I must say, I’m not sure we need yet another human tilting the magical balance around here.”

I bristle at his words, opening my mouth to retort, but before I can speak, he winks at me. The gesture is so unexpected, so at odds with his aloof demeanor, that I’m left speechless.

“Of course,” he continues smoothly, “Who am I to argue with the will of the ley lines? If they’ve drawn you here, there must be a reason.”

I find my voice at last. “Look, I don’t know anything about ley lines or magical balance. I’m just here to do some Christmas shopping with my friend, who invited me to this crazy town.”

He chuckles, and the sound is like icicles tinkling in the wind. “Of course, you are. Well, don’t let me keep you. Do let me know if you need any assistance finding the perfect gift. I have an eye for these things, you know.”

With that, he glides away, leaving me staring after him in confusion. What a strange, infuriating man. Elf. Whatever he is.

I shake my head, trying to clear it, and return my attention to the shelves around me. I still need to find gifts for my family back in the “real world,” as Candice calls it. How am I supposed to explain any of these magical items to them?

As I browse, I try and fail not to notice Frost moving through the store. He straightens displays that are already perfect, advises customers with an air of superiority, and generally acts like he’s the king of Christmas itself. It’s irritating, but I also can’t seem to take my gaze off him.

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