Page 12 of Shamrocks & Second Chances

A fight we had in the Moonlit Inn library just a few days before I made the painful decision to leave. She’d wanted to meet my family, and when I put her off, she’d accused me of bein ashamed of her. I hadn’t denied it quickly enough—though I was never ashamed of her. Just worried about my family’s response to our relationship. Those few seconds had led to a big argument.

The next memory is of us making up, but even in that memory, I see the anguish on my face as I hold her back then. I remember being sick to my stomach because I knew we couldn’t really be together. It seemed so clear back then.

Funny how two years can drastically change a perspective. I’m willing to face all the consequences, including being banished and cut off from my fae family, if she’ll just give me another chance.

Each memory flows into the next, creating a tapestry of our relationship. I guide Bella through a gentle turn, and the floor shows us sitting by Luminous Lagoon, skipping stones across the glowing water.

“You made that stone skip seventeen times,” she says, her voice softer now.

“Leprechaun magic.” I wink. “Though your thirteen wasn’t bad for a witch.”

The waltz continues, our bodies remembering the rhythm even as our minds process the flood of memories. I notice Bella’sresistance fading, and her movements become more fluid and in sync with mine.

The final memory appears as the music reaches its crescendo. It’s our last night together before I left. We’d danced in her apartment, no music except what we hummed together. The image shows us holding each other close, unaware of what the next day would bring.

A slight awareness had been in the back of my mind that our happiness couldn’t last, but I hadn’t expected a binding spell to yank me from Evershift Haven either, barely leaving me time to write the letter and put it in the book she’d been reading. I’d been so sure she’d come back for it.

Bella’s grip tightens on my hand. I meet her eyes, finding them shimmering with unshed tears.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper.

The music ends, and the floor returns to solid wood. Fergus applauds enthusiastically.

“Marvelous. Simply marvelous.” He wipes away a fake tear. “Such emotion. Such grace. You pass the first challenge.”

Bella steps back from me, composing herself. “What’s next?”

“The Jig of Joy.” Fergus says as the lights shift to vibrant yellow. “This dance tests your harmony and ability to move as one.”

New music erupts, this time a lively Irish jig that makes my feet itch to move. This is my heritage, the music of my people, and I grin.

“I don’t know how to do a jig,” says Bella, looking faintly alarmed.

“Don’t worry,” I say, taking her hands. “Just follow my lead. It’s all in the footwork.”

The stage floor begins to glow again, this time with patterns of light that move and shift. I recognize the enchantment. The floor will guide our steps if we pay attention.

“Trust me,” I say, looking into Bella’s eyes. “Just for this dance.”

Something in her expression softens. She nods once.

I launch into the steps, keeping them simple at first. Bella watches my feet, then begins to mirror my movements. The patterns on the floor pulse beneath us, encouraging certain steps and discouraging others.

“That’s it.” I laugh as Bella catches on quickly. “Now faster.”

The music accelerates, and we move together, following the glowing patterns. Our feet tap and stomp in perfect rhythm, creating a percussion that adds to the music. I spin Bella, and she follows the movement naturally, her green hair whirling around her face.

For a moment, it’s like no time has passed. We’re just Seamus and Bella again, dancing without care, enjoying each other’s company. Her genuine and unguarded smile makes my heart soar.

The floor beneath us shifts colors with each correct step. Green to gold to silver and back again. When we move in perfect harmony, sparks of magical energy rise around us, creating a dazzling display.

“We’re doing it.” Bella laughs, her eyes bright with excitement.

“We always did make a good team,” I say, spinning her again.

The jig reaches its climax, and I lift Bella in a final flourish. She lets out a surprised yelp that turns into laughter as I set her down gently. The music ends with a triumphant note, and the floor beneath us glows solid gold.

“Spectacular.” Fergus claps wildly. “The Jig of Joy approves of your harmony. Two challenges complete.”

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