Page 38 of Howling Holidays

Chapter sixteen

Emily

Thewindblowsominouslythrough the trees as the witches continue chanting, their voices melding together in a harmonious yet eerie chorus. Dark clouds gather overhead, casting sinister shadows across the snow-covered ground. As the ritual progresses, I can't shake the feeling that something isn't quite right.

"Logan," I murmur, my grip tightening around his hand. "Do you feel that?"

He furrows his brow, trying to discern what he's sensing. His wolf instincts seem to pick up at my awareness, and I realize that the energy within the heart of the forest is shifting, growing darker and more volatile by the second. "Yes," he admits quietly. "We need to finish the ritual quickly."

"Stay focused, everyone," Bonnie commands, her voice wavering with urgency. "We're almost there."

As the witches recite the lines of the incantation, the ground beneath us trembles violently. The trees surrounding us begin to sway and groan, their branches twisting into gnarled shapes before our eyes. Panic rises within me, but I force myself to remain composed for the sake of the group.

"Gran!" Callie shouts, her young face pale with terror. "What's happening?"

Bonnie's eyes are wide with alarm, but she fights to maintain control. "I don't know, but we must complete the ritual!"

"Stay strong, everyone!" Logan encourages, his voice strained with determination. "We can do this!"

I glance around at the faces of the townsfolk and witches, their expressions etched with determination. I can feel my heart racing beneath my ribs, pounding in time with the thrum of life that pulses through the very roots of Everwood. The weight of my grandmother's legacy, as well as that of the pack and countless others who came before us, bears down on me – and yet, there's a flicker of hope burning deep within.

"Circle around!" Bonnie instructs, her ageless wisdom shining through her words. The wolves step forward, forming a circle around the witches surrounding Logan and me, their hands linked together as they prepare to call upon the forces that have shaped Everwood since time immemorial.

"Remember, Emily," Bonnie says, her eyes meeting mine, "it is your love and connection to this land that will guide you through the ritual. Embrace it and trust in yourself."

I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. As much as the thought of breaking the curse terrifies me, the knowledge that my love for Logan and Everwood is the key to our salvation fills me with a newfound sense of purpose. I can't let fear hold me back – not when there's so much at stake.

"Ready," Logan murmurs, his voice a low rumble that sends warmth coursing through me. He squeezes my hand briefly, offering reassurance and support.

"Okay," I whisper, taking a deep breath as I brace myself for what's to come. "I'm ready."

As the witches’ melodic voices rise and fall, weaving an intricate tapestry of power through the air, I can feel the energy around us building, pulsing like a living, breathing entity. The very essence of Everwood seems to reach out, calling to the magic within me, urging me to join in the ancient dance that has bound this land together for generations.

Logan's presence beside me is like a steady rock, anchoring me to the moment. His amber eyes burn with determination and a hint of apprehension, echoing my own feelings. I can't help but wonder if he's thinking about the weight of what we're about to do – the lives that hang in the balance, the future of Everwood resting on our shoulders.

He nods, his jaw clenched. " I'm right here with you, Emily. We do this together."

"Thank you," I say, my voice barely audible above the sound of the chanting and wind rustling through the trees. "I don't think I could do this without you."

Bonnie steps forward, her eyes locked on ours.

"Cut your hands," she instructs, "and let your blood mingle as one over the moonstone. It is a symbol of your unity, your commitment to breaking the curse. Your love for one another and for Everwood will fuel the ritual."

My hand shakes slightly as I take the knife, glancing over at Logan. He gives me a reassuring nod, his grip on the blade steady and sure. We both lift our knives, the gleaming steel catching the moonlight as we prepare to make the sacrifice that could change everything.

"Here goes nothing," I murmur, my eyes locking onto Logan's one last time before I steel myself for the pain and the unknown that lies ahead.

Taking a deep breath, I brace myself for the pain. I press the knife into my palm, my eyes fixed on Logan as he does the same. I wince as the blade cuts into my skin, but I don't look away. His gleaming amber eyes are filled with determination, and in this moment, I find strength in his gaze.

"Are you okay?" he asks, concern lacing his voice as blood drips from our clasped hands.

"Never better," I reply, forcing a smile. "Let's do this."

The witches surrounding us keep chanting the incantation, their voices rising and falling in a melodic rhythm that fills the forest. The air around us seems to vibrate with power, and the hairs on my arms stand on end. I can't help it - I shiver.

"Stay strong," Logan urges, his grip tightening around mine. "We can do this together."

"Right," I nod, swallowing hard. "Together." My heart races, pounding in my ears, drowning out everything but the sound of the incantation.

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