Page 6 of Elven Kisses & Winter Wishes

I shake my head, still struggling to process the idea of magical pregnancy side effects. My attention is drawn back to the Heart of Haven. The massive tree seems to pulse with an inner light, but something about it seems off. The glow flickers erratically, like a faulty light bulb.

“Candice, what’s happening with the tree? Is it supposed to do that?”

Before Candice can answer, a cool voice speaks from directly behind me. “No, it most certainly isn’t.”

I whirl around to find Frost standing there, his silver-white hair gleaming in the magical light. His eyes, currently a stormy gray, are fixed on the Heart of Haven with a look of concern.

“What do you mean?” I ask, my heart racing at his sudden appearance. “What’s wrong with it?”

He shifts his gaze to me, and I suppress a shiver. “The Heart of Haven is more than just a tree, Evony. It’s the magical core of our town, and the anchor point for the protective barrier that keeps us hidden from the human world.”

I glance back at the flickering tree. “And it’s not supposed to flicker like that?”

“No. The Heart should pulse with a steady, constant light. This erratic behavior is...concerning.”

Candice frowns. “But Grizelda just said the barrier was stable.”

His expression darkens. “Grizelda has been...distracted lately. Her pregnancy is affecting her magic in ways we didn’t anticipate. I fear she might be overlooking signs of trouble.”

A chill runs through me that has nothing to do with the magical winter around us. “What kind of trouble?”

He opens his mouth to respond, but before he can, a loud crack echoes through the square. We all turn to see a large branch from the Heart of Haven crash to the ground, scattering ornaments and sending a shower of sparks into the air.

Gasps and murmurs ripple through the crowd. Grizelda stumbles forward, her face ashen. “It’s fine,” she calls out, her voice shaky. “Just a bit of magical overflow. Nothing to worry about.”

As I look from Grizelda’s pale face to Frost’s concerned frown to the flickering, damaged Heart of Haven, I think there’s plenty to worry about indeed.

Chapter 2

I’VE BEEN IN EVERSHIFTHaven for a whole week now, and I’m still adjusting. It’s Christmas Eve, and the bell above “The Enchanted Espresso’s” door chimes a festive tune as I step inside with Suzette and Candice. Holiday garlands wrap the exposed wooden beams, and the scent of peppermint and chocolate fills the air.

“Welcome.” Bella waves from behind the counter, her curly hair sparkling with what appears to be actual snowflakes. “You’re just in time to try our December special—the Reindeer’s Delight.”

“What’s in it?” I eye the drink she’s preparing, which sparkles and shifts colors like the northern lights. Suzette mentioned bunny ears before we stopped in, so I’m wary.

“Hot chocolate infused with winter magic, topped with whipped cream that tastes like fresh snow, and a sprinkle of enchanted cinnamon.” Bella’s eyes twinkle. “It used to give people temporary elf ears, until Frost complained it was ‘culturally insensitive.’ Now, it just gives you adorable reindeer antlers for an hour.”

“Antlers?” I raise an eyebrow. “You’re joking.”

“Not at all.” Candice bounces on her toes. “Watch this.” She takes a sip of her drink, and small, velvet-covered antlers sprout from her blonde hair almost immediately. “See?”

“This town gets weirder by the day,” I say but accept the mug Bella hands me. The drink tastes like childhood winter memories and cozy fireside evenings. A warm tingling spreadsacross my scalp. I touch my head, finding small antlers growing. “This is ridiculous.” I’m grinning as I say it though.

“Speaking of winter magic,” Bella leans across the counter, “We need everyone’s help decorating the town square today. Evershift Haven’s magic handles most of it, but there are always gaps to fill in.”

“Gaps?” asks Suzette.

“The town’s magic creates most decorations, but sometimes, it misses spots. That’s where we come in—hanging extra lights, adding ornaments, and making sure every corner sparkles.”

“The whole town helps?” I ask.

“Everyone pairs up and takes a section.” Bella grins. “In fact, we should head over now. The assignments are about to start.”

The town square buzzes with activity when we arrive. Frost stands in the center, directing people with precise gestures. His silver hair catches the winter sunlight, and his pointed ears peek through the intricate braid.

“Ah, perfect timing.” He spots our group. “Evony, you’ll work with me on the central display.”

I open my mouth to protest, but he’s already walking away, expecting me to follow.

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