Page 55 of Enchanting the Alpha

They made their way to the central pavilion where an eager crowd had gathered. The morning sun caught the crystalline archways, sending rainbow refractions dancing across upturned faces. Witch and shifter families mingled, their magical auras creating fascinating light shows where they intersected.

Xabir stepped forward, his alpha presence drawing all eyes. “Welcome to Mystic Hollow’s first united Mystic Market Food Fair. Today, we celebrate not just our culinary traditions, but our shared future.”

Romi joined him, her magic harmonizing with his energy in a way that made nearby lanterns pulse. “Let this fair be a testament to what we can create together. May every bite bring us closer as a community.”

The enchanted ribbon cut itself, showering the crowd with silver sparkles. Cheers erupted as stall owners unveiled their magical offerings. The air filled with enticing aromas: Felix’s spicy creations, Clover’s herb-infused pastries, and countless other magical delicacies.

For several hours, everything ran perfectly. Xabir watched with satisfaction as witches and shifters shared tables, swapped recipes, and laughed together. Even the most traditional members of both communities seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Then the world shattered.

A blast of dark magic, cold as the void between stars, ripped through the fair’s protective barriers. The attack struck Romisquare in the back as she helped a young witch with an unstable spell. Her scream of agony tore through Xabir’s soul.

Time fractured into crystalline moments of horror. Romi’s body hit the ground with a terrible finality. The magical stars in her hair extinguished one by one like dying constellations. Her usually vibrant magic flickered dangerously, a candle guttering in a killing wind.

“ROMI!” The sound that erupted from Xabir’s chest wasn’t human. Pure terror clawed through him as he raced to her side. Her skin had taken on an ashen gray tone, her pulse threading weakly beneath his trembling fingers.

“No, no, please.” He gathered her into his arms, her body terrifyingly limp and cold. “Stay with me, sweetheart. Please don’t leave me.”

Monroe’s, Bastian’s grandfather, laughter cut through the chaos like a poisoned blade. “How fitting. The witch who dared to rise above her station, struck down by superior magic.”

FIFTY-TWO

Rage exploded through Xabir’s veins. His alpha power surged outward in a visible wave that made the ground tremble. Nearby vendors stumbled back, their magical items rattling in their stalls. Even the elders paused, stunned by the raw fury emanating from their usually controlled alpha.

“Neve!” His voice cracked with desperation. “Help her!”

The elder witch was already moving, Madame Zephyrine and Isolde Frost flanking her. They formed a triangle around Romi’s prone form, their magic weaving together in an intricate healing matrix.

“Her life force is failing,” Neve’s voice was tight with concentration. “The dark magic is spreading too quickly.”

“Fight, little witch.” Madame Zephyrine’s hands glowed with therapeutic energy. “Your story isn’t finished yet.”

Isolde’s ice-blue magic joined the others, forming protective barriers against the corruption. “She’s strong, but we need more power.”

Other witches rushed forward, adding their strength to the healing circle. The air hummed with magical energy as they fought to pull Romi back from death’s edge. Xabir held her hand,his entire world narrowed to the weak flutter of her pulse against his fingers.

“Fight this,” he whispered, throat raw. “I can’t lose you. Please, Romi.”

Monroe chose that moment to strike again, dark magic gathering around his hands like toxic smoke. But this time, the elders were ready. Bella and Felix moved as one, their combined power creating a barrier that absorbed his attack.

“Enough games!” Monroe snarled, his form blurring as he shifted into his wolf shape – massive and gray, battle-scarred and terrible. “Let’s settle this the old way, Alpha.”

Xabir looked down at Romi’s pale face, then at Neve, who nodded grimly. “We’ll keep her safe. End this.”

His shift was explosive, fueled by rage, fear, and love. His black wolf form towered over Monroe’s, alpha power radiating from every muscle. Their clash echoed through the fair like thunder.

Monroe fought with decades of experience, targeting vulnerable spots with ruthless precision. His teeth snapped for hamstrings and throat, trying to disable and destroy. But Xabir’s fury made him unstoppable, his every move driven by the primal need to protect his mate.

Blood matted their fur as they grappled in a lethal dance. Monroe’s tactical expertise showed in every strike, but Xabir’s alpha strength proved overwhelming. With a decisive move, he pinned the older wolf, teeth at his throat, victory thrumming through his powerful frame.

Monroe thrashed once, then went still, defeat evident in every line of his body. When they shifted back, his face twisted with impotent hatred.

“The council has arrived.” Otis’s voice cut through the tension. Behind him stood Aurora Vale, the High Councilwoman, her expression grave.

“Monroe Presley.” Her voice rang with ancient authority. “Your actions today constitute a grave violation of our most sacred laws. You and your grandson Bastian are hereby stripped of all magical abilities beyond your natural shifter form.”

Words of power filled the air as Aurora and Otis performed the binding ritual. Monroe’s howl of rage turned to one of agony as his extra magical abilities were torn away, leaving him just a shifter – powerful, but no longer capable of the dark magic he’d wielded.

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