Page 31 of Howling Holidays

"Let's not forget about weapons," Ethan chimes in. "The shadow shifters won't go down without a fight."

"Right," Logan nods. "We'll need silver-tipped arrows for the archers and silver blades for those who prefer close combat."

"Perhaps we should establish a watch schedule, too," suggests Iris. Her age had done nothing to diminish her sharp mind and keen instincts. "We can't afford to let our guard down."

"Great idea," Logan agreed, his voice steady and strong. I could tell that he was grateful for the support and expertise of those around him. "Ethan, can you work with Iris on coordinating that?"

"Of course, Alpha," Ethan responds, giving Logan a respectful nod.

"Bonnie, what about magical protection?" Logan asks, turning to the elder witch. "Anything we can do to ward off the shadow shifters?"

"Callie and I have been working on a protective charm," Bonnie answers. "It should help shield us from their dark magic. But it won't be perfect—we must still remain vigilant."

"Alright," Logan says, looking around the room once more. "We've got a lot of work ahead of us, but together, we'll make it through this. We're stronger as one, united against the darkness." The determination in his voice is palpable, and I feel my heart swell with love for this man who has shown me that there is so much more to life than I've ever known.

As the energy in the town hall intensifies, Bonnie steps forward, her gaze sweeping across the gathered crowd. The room quiets as she begins to speak, her voice steady and strong.

"Over three hundred years ago," she started, her words weaving a spell of their own, " In the late 1600s, Everwood began as a small frontier farming settlement tucked within a remote forest valley. The brutal winter conditions proved extremely harsh for the human settlers. In desperation, the town leaders sought the help of a reclusive group of witches living deeper in the forest. The witches took pity on the struggling villagers and offered to give select individuals supernatural gifts to help them survive and thrive as wolf shifters. The enhanced speed, strength and stamina allowed the shifters to better hunt game, ward off threats, and endure the harsh winters. In exchange, the shifters vowed to use their abilities to protect the settlement and keep it hidden from the outside world. Together with the witches, the shifters would be the guardians of our beloved Everwood. Eventually, one of the first shifters went rogue and his human lover was found slain. The rogue shifter vanished and hasn’t been seen since, though some say he lurks about the forests of Everwood waiting to attack again.

I can feel goosebumps rising on my skin as Bonnie continues her chilling tale.

"To prevent any further bloodshed, the witches cast the curse over Everwood’s shifters preventing them from revealing their true nature to humans and banishing them to reside on the outskirts of town. The curse also created shadow shifters to guard it and the town’s secrets. If any of the wolves threatened the curse, the shadow shifters would come, seeking retribution, and we would be powerless to stop them. The wolves have been forced to protect our town from the outside without ever being fully accepted, still paying the price for the crime of one rogue shifter."

Bonnie's expressive eyes seem to darken as she speaks, and I shiver, feeling the weight of the curse pressing down on all of us.

"Until now," Logan interjects, his voice firm with resolve. "We will break this curse, together. We will protect our town, our people, and our future." He looks around the room, making eye contact with each person gathered. "Thank you, all of you, for standing with us. As your alpha and leader, I promise I will do everything in my power to see us through this."

The sincerity in his words rings true, and there is a murmur of agreement throughout the crowd. Encouraged, I find my own voice, determined to contribute to our shared cause.

"Logan's right," I offer, my heart pounding with newfound purpose. "We can't change the past, but we can shape our future. Together, we'll find a way to break this curse and bring peace back to Everwood."

"Well, let's get to work, then," he concludes, and the town hall erupts into activity once more with renewed determination. As I watch everyone collaborating and preparing, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude. These people—wolves, witches, and humans alike—have welcomed me into their lives, and together, we’re going to face an unimaginable challenge. But as I look over at Logan, his eyes meeting mine with a fierce intensity, I know that nothing can stand in our way.

I watch Logan move through the crowd, speaking with individuals and groups alike—offering reassurances, answering questions, and providing guidance. Each interaction serves as a reminder of his role as alpha and leader, and my admiration for him continues to grow.

Despite the task that lay ahead, I feel a sense of hope coursing through me. We have come together in the face of darkness, united by our common goal. And with Logan as alpha, guiding us forward, I believe we can overcome anything—even an ancient curse.

The moment of unity is shattered by a sudden, guttural howl that pierces the air. All eyes instantly turn toward the town hall entrance, where the doors suddenly burst open, and shadows gather and coil with malevolent intent. The atmosphere grows thick with tension, and I feel my pulse quicken in alarm. In an instant, the lights cut out and several panicked shrieks ring out.

"Shadow shifters," Logan growls, his eyes narrowing as he assesses the threat. "They must've caught wind of our plan."

"Everyone, prepare yourselves!" Bonnie cries out, her voice steady despite the darkness that looms before us.

With lightning speed, chaos erupts in the town hall. The wolf shifters' forms blur, shifting seamlessly into their lupine counterparts, while the witches begin murmuring incantations under their breaths. The townspeople grab whatever makeshift weapons they can find—chairs, brooms, even fire pokers from the hearth.

"Stay close to me, Emily," Logan growls, his muscles tensing as he prepares for battle.

"Logan, be careful," I warn, my heart pounding in my chest.

"I will," he promises, flashing me a brief, reassuring smile before shifting into his large grey wolf and jumping into action.

As the shadow shifters surge forward, a cacophony of snarls and hisses fill the room. Suddenly, the whispers we heard before begin again and grow in intensity until they’re a scream in our ears. The first wave of shadows crashes against Logan and the other wolves, who meet them head-on with vicious determination. Teeth flash and claws strike, a blur of fur and shadow locked in fierce combat.

"Bonnie, we need a barrier!" I shout over the ruckus, my own fear momentarily forgotten as I focus on the safety of those around me.

"Already working on it," she replies, her fingers drawing intricate patterns in the air as she chants.

I watch in awe as a shimmering, translucent barrier materializes around the perimeter of the town hall, momentarily halting the influx of shadow shifters. But it won't hold forever, and I know we have to act quickly.

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