Page 24 of Howling Holidays

"Logan," Emily says softly, reaching out to touch my arm, "we're going to break this curse. Together."

I look into her eyes, seeing not just determination but also a fierce love that matches my own. "Together," I agree, sealing our oath with searing kiss.

Chapter twelve

Emily

Iwaketothecomforting warmth of the fireplace, the soft crackling of logs like a gentle lullaby in the cozy cabin. The scent of burning wood fills my nostrils as I stretch beneath the thick, plush blankets. Morning light filters through the frost-lined windowpanes, infusing the cabin with an ethereal glow. The monumental events of yesterday seem more like a dream than reality in this tranquil haven. Yet my spirit feels unburdened and hopeful, sensing the ancient curse's malignant hold over Everwood has weakened. Darkness will always threaten balance, but its tides no longer seem so unconquerable.

"Morning," Logan's deep voice greets me as I make my way into the kitchen, his amber eyes meeting mine with a mix of determination and frustration.

"Good morning," I mumble back, sleepily rubbing my eyes. We sit together at the kitchen table, steaming cups of coffee in hand, our minds focused on the task before us. Logan places the heavy obsidian stone reverently upon the table. We study its jagged surface with foreboding. So much power contained in such a small vessel. We can feel the energy emanating from inside.

"Have you found anything new about the ritual?" I ask, my fingers idly tracing the rim of my mug.

Logan sighs, running his hand through his tousled chestnut hair. "No, it seems like we've hit a dead end. My pack has searched high and low, but there's nothing."

"And the witches? Have they made any progress?" I inquire, trying to keep the desperation out of my voice.

"Is it weaker outside the caves, do you think?" I ask, turning my gaze back toward the stone. Its energy pulses sluggishly rather than humming with dark intent.

"It's possible,” Logan replies. “The earth's power probably magnified the curse in those caverns."

I blow out a shaky breath. "Then destroying it won't unleash chaos upon Everwood, I hope." Logan squeezes my shoulders, knowing that fear plagues us both. "Let’s hope not. But first we have to figure out how to use it to break the curse." Tonight, we rest. Tomorrow, we pick back up with researching this mysterious ritual.

I take Logan's hands, drawing his troubled gaze down to mine. "No matter what comes, we’re going to save your people. Wearegoing to find a way to break this curse. I promise." Logan tightens his hands over mine, drawing tangible strength from my steadfast faith. We are partners now, shedding light together into even the bleakest midnight. Whatever comes our way, we face it together.

The creaking of the cabin floor interrupts our intense conversation, and I glance over to see Iris, Logan's wise and knowledgeable grandmother, entering the room. Her silver hair is pulled back in a loose bun, and there's a knowing smile on her wrinkled face as her eyes twinkle with curiosity.

"Good morning, you two," she greets us warmly, making her way towards the coffee pot. "I couldn't help but overhear the tail end of your discussion. Seems like you've hit a bit of a roadblock, hm?"

Logan rubs the back of his neck, looking slightly sheepish. "Yeah, Grandma. We're trying to figure out how to break the curse, but we've come up short."

Iris listens solemnly as we recount the cavern's omens over breakfast, brow creased in deep contemplation. As alpha, the fateful choice of how to proceed falls solely on Logan's shoulders. My role is support and compassion, not counsel, so I let him take the lead. This new world must be built in trust by those who suffer most beneath the curse's heel.

When Logan concludes our tale, Iris speaks gently.

"Sometimes, the answers we need aren't hidden away in caves or ancient texts," Iris says sagely. "They might be right under our noses, within the people around us. The collective knowledge and wisdom of our community could be the key to unlocking this mystery."

"Are you suggesting we reach out to the town council?" Logan asks, brows furrowed as he considers the idea.

"Perhaps," Iris replies cryptically, her smile widening just a fraction. "But first, I think it's time to consult with the pack – after all, they're your family, and they've been through this journey with you. They deserve to know what's at stake, and who knows? Maybe one of them holds the missing piece to this puzzle."

Logan looks torn between hope and concern, but there's a newfound determination in his eyes. With a nod, he resolves to heed his grandmother's advice.

“Someone must have information on this ritual. Have courage and listen to your heart's wisdom." Iris concludes as she stands to start clearing the table.

Logan meets my gaze firmly. "I’ll call the pack to council tonight after work. I want to brief them on the situation and see if they can help before we make a decision." Iris and I nod. As an outsider, it’s my job to support Logan through this task however I can. I hope my presence at his side provides at least some comfort through this, and that we find a way through this challenge destiny lays before us now.

Night falls, and Logan's pack gathers at their sacred stone in the forest. The cold wind whips around me, biting at my exposed skin as Logan and I stand before the gathered pack. Snow-dusted trees encircle us, forming a natural barrier that seems to heighten the tension in the air. I wrap my arms around myself, trying to ward off the chill, but I can't help it: I'm shivering on the inside too. Some of the younger guys in the pack finally make a fire to keep us warm as we all gather around.

"Thank you all for coming," Logan begins, his voice steady and strong. "We need your help, your experiences, and your wisdom. Together, we have the power to break this curse and protect our home."

As I watch these extraordinary beings come together, united by a common purpose and bound by their love for one another, I can't help but feel humbled. My heart swells with hope – not just for the answers we seek but for the future that lies ahead, where the mysteries of Everwood may finally be unraveled, and the bonds of family and love will guide us through whatever challenges we face. I listen intently as Logan recounts recent events, reading the different reactions in their eyes - hope and fear, devotion, and hesitation. Tonight, we stand at a decisive crossroads together.

As Logan finishes speaking, I watch emotions war across his face. How solitary weighs the responsibilities of leadership and guardianship. My heart aches to help him with this burden so that he doesn’t have to shoulder it alone.

"The curse has weakened, but is not fully broken," he says finally. "Hiding isn’t going to serve us anymore. I believe we must step into the light, share our truth, and finally reunite with the townspeople. Emily already knows about our pack, so revealing our true nature to the town can only help our cause. Surely someone in town has the information we need about this ritual." His voice swells with conviction. "But I can’t make this decision alone. I ask for wisdom, not blind obedience. I want everyone to feel free to share their thoughts."

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