Page 26 of A Snowstorm & A Stronghorn

“What was that?”

Bram laughs, shaking his head. “It seems Mom couldn’t resist adding a final touch to your welcome party. Those are her famous mood fireworks. They reflect the emotions of those nearby.”

I watch as another firework bursts overhead, this one a swirling mix of pink and gold. “They’re beautiful. What do the colors mean?”

Bram coughs, suddenly looking a bit flustered. “Oh, um, well...pink often represents affection or, uh, romantic feelings, and gold is for joy and new beginnings.”

My cheeks warm as I process this information. Could the fireworks be reflecting our emotions? The thought sends a thrill through me.

“We should probably head inside,” he says, gesturing toward the cabin. “It’s getting cold out here.”

I nod, following him up the path. As we reach the porch, another firework explodes, bathing us in a soft blue light.

“What does blue mean?” I ask.

Bram pauses, his hand on the doorknob. He turns to me, his expression soft. “Blue represents trust, loyalty, and...home.”

Our gazes meet, and I know I’ve made the right decision. Evershift Haven isn’t just a magical town – it’s where I belong. I’ve found a new beginning.

Chapter 8

THE NEXT MORNING, BRAMand I make our way to the town hall. The cobblestone streets shimmer with an otherworldly iridescence, and the air hums with magic. My heart races with anticipation.

“Ready to make it official?” Bram asks.

I nod, unable to contain my smile. “More than ready.”

The town hall stands before us, an impressive structure that seems to shift and change as we approach. One moment it’s a grand Victorian mansion, the next a whimsical gingerbread house. I blink, and it settles into a stately colonial building with gleaming white columns.

“It adapts to reflect the current needs of the town,” Bram explains, noticing my wide-eyed wonder.

We climb the steps, and the massive oak doors swing open of their own accord. Inside, the foyer bustles with activity. Magical memos zip through the air, and a harried-looking elf juggles an armful of scrolls.

“This way.” He guides me to a ornate desk where a quill pen scribbles furiously on a stack of parchment, seemingly of its own volition. The mayor is standing there as though he’s been waiting for us.

“Mayor Spellbinder.” Bram greets him with a respectful nod.

“Bram.” He nods in return before smiling at me. “I understand you wish to become a permanent resident of our fair town?”

“Yes, sir. I’ve never felt more at home anywhere else.”

Mayor Spellbinder’s smile widens. “Excellent! Let’s make it official, shall we?”

He gestures to the desk, where the quill pen has paused its frantic scribbling and now hovers expectantly in the air.

“Simply sign your name in the town registry,” the mayor instructs, “And Evershift Haven will recognize you as one of its own.”

I step forward, my hand trembling slightly as I reach for the quill. It’s warm to the touch, almost alive. Taking a deep breath, I press the nib to the parchment and sign my name: Fiona MacLean.

The moment I finish the final stroke, a wave of warmth washes over me. The air around me shimmers, and I gasp as I feel the town’s magic embrace me like a comforting hug. It’s as if every building, every tree, and every cobblestone is welcoming me home. “Oh, my.” I’m nearly overwhelmed by the sensation.

Bram places a steadying hand on my shoulder. “It’s quite something, isn’t it?”

“Congratulations, Fiona.” Mayor Spellbinder beams. “You are now officially a citizen of Evershift Haven.”

As if on cue, the town outside the windows begins to transform. The buildings shift and change with colors becoming brighter, flowers blooming in window boxes that weren’t there a moment ago. The snow is gone for the moment as if it never existed. Even the air seems to sparkle with newfound vibrancy.

“The town is celebrating your arrival,” says the mayor.

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