Page 32 of Howling Holidays

"Logan!" I call out, my eyes searching for him amidst the chaos. I feel him nudge my arm from behind, reassuring me of his presence while darting from an attack.

"Emily!" Callie’s voice rings out, strained but determined. "We've got them cornered near the fireplace—now's our chance!"

"Right," I nod, steeling myself for what is to come. As the witches continue to fortify our defenses and the townspeople fight back with everything they have, Logan and his pack press the advantage.

"Stay strong, everyone," I murmur, my thoughts a whirlwind of fear, hope, and determination. "We can't let them win!"

In that moment, I know we are all fighting not just for ourselves, but for the future of Everwood—for the promise of unity and peace that has bloomed within us all. And as I watch Logan lead the charge against the malevolent forces threatening our home, I can't help but feel a fierce surge of pride and love for the man who has captured my heart.

He lets out a loud, angry growl, amber eyes blazing with resolve.

Suddenly, a group of shadow shifters breaks away from the main battle and charge in my direction. My heart races as I assess the situation, realizing that I am standing near several injured townspeople who are trying to escape the fray.

"Stay back!" I shout at them, forcing myself to remain calm even as fear gnaws at me. I may not be a wolf shifter or a witch, but I can't just stand idly by while these monsters threaten the people I've come to care for.

"Emily, watch out!" Callie yells, her eyes wide with concern. But before I can react, one of the shadow shifters lunges at me, its claws sharp and deadly.

With a strength born of desperation, I dodge the attack and grab a fallen chair leg, swinging it at the creature's head. The impact sends it reeling, giving me a momentary reprieve.

"Thanks, Callie," I pant, gripping my makeshift weapon tighter. "I'll be okay. Just help the others!"

"Be careful," she warns, before returning her attention to casting spells alongside Bonnie.

"Emily! Get down!" Logan's voice cuts through the chaos, and without hesitation, I drop to the floor, feeling the rush of air as something large hurtles past me.

"Stay behind me," he orders, his eyes never leaving the advancing shadow shifters. As the alpha, his protective instincts are fierce, but I can't let him face this danger alone, especially since he shifted back into his human form.

"Logan, we fight together," I insist, holding my ground beside him. He hesitates, then nods grimly, understanding that I won't back down.

Together, we battle the shadow shifters, our movements synchronized by the unspoken bond between us. The sounds of battle fill the town hall – cries of pain, shouts of defiance, and the clash of magic against dark forces.

Finally, with a howl of triumph from Ethan and the last flicker of Bonnie's barrier, the remaining shadow shifters retreat, their sinister forms disappearing into the shadows.

As the dust settles, we look around at the aftermath. The town hall is in shambles, furniture and decorations strewn about haphazardly. People nursing injuries, some more severe than others, but all of us are still alive.

"Is everyone okay?" I ask, my voice shaking slightly.

"Thanks to you," Bonnie replies, her eyes full of gratitude. "You showed great bravery, Emily."

"Any one of us would've done the same," I reply, feeling humbled by her praise.

"Emily," Logan whispers, pulling me close, my body trembling with the intensity of the battle. "You were incredible. Thank you for helping protect the townspeople."

"Always," I promise, wrapping my arms around him, drawing strength from our embrace. We fought back the darkness, and for now, Everwood is safe.

Despite the injuries and the chaos around us, the people of Everwood gather closer together, their faces resolute. Bonnie's voice rings out, strong and clear. "This attack will not deter us. Our determination to break this ancient curse is unwavering."

"Bonnie's right," Logan adds, his amber eyes fierce with conviction. "We've faced dark forces before and won. Together, we will triumph again."

I look at the faces surrounding me – wolf shifters, witches, and ordinary townspeople – all bound by a common purpose. The unity I witness is overwhelming, and I feel a renewed sense of commitment to the cause.

"Emily," Iris says gently, her wise eyes meeting mine, "you've shown great courage today. We're grateful for your help in breaking this curse."

"Thank you, Iris," I reply, touched by her words. "But I couldn't have done it without everyone here. We're stronger together."

"Indeed, we are," Ethan agrees, grimacing as he flexes his injured arm. "We'll be ready to face anything that comes our way."

Listening to their voices, I think about my life before Everwood – my bustling career, the city lights, and the constant distractions. At that time, I felt disconnected from my roots and had no idea what truly mattered. Yet, here in this small town, I’ve found something worth fighting for.

---