Page 24 of Elven Kisses & Winter Wishes

He reaches for my hand, and I let him take it. His touch sends a spark of heat through me. “I’m not asking you to feel the same way yet,” he says softly. “I just wanted you to know, and I don’t want to rush you for an answer, but I hope you’ll stay in Evershift Haven to explore this connection between us, to learn more about your magic, and be open to the future I’ve foreseen.”

I look around the square, at the impossible beauty of this hidden world. Then I look back at Frost, and the hope shining in his eyes. “What about my life back home? My job, my apartment, my family...”

“We can figure all that out. The town has ways of smoothing over absences in the human world, and your family can visit. I know in my heart you belong here. You must feel it too.”

I do feel the magic thrumming through my veins, and the sense of rightness I’ve experienced since arriving here, but it’s all so sudden, so overwhelming. I’m risking a lot just imagining the idea of staying. “I need to think.”

Frost nods. “Of course. Take all the time you need.”

I walk away, my mind a jumble of thoughts and emotions. I end up at the edge of The Whispering Woods, the leaves rustling with secrets, and recall their earlier teasing, relayed through Candice and Throk.

“What should I do?” I ask the trees, not really expecting an answer.

To my surprise, a gentle voice whispers back. “Follow your heart, child of two worlds.”

I laugh, shaking my head. Now I can hear them? I guess the extra magic I absorbed during the healing spell for the Heart of Haven made the difference.

I think about my life back in the “real” world. My tidy apartment, my predictable job, and my routine. It was comfortable, but was it fulfilling? Here in Evershift Haven, in just a day, I’ve experienced more wonder and excitement than in years of my old life.

And then there’s Frost. The connection between us is undeniable. The way my magic responds to his, and the electricity I feel when we touch. It’s too soon to call it love, but it’s definitely something worth exploring. Just thinking about making love with him again is almost enough to persuade me to stay, and that’s before I factor in emotions.

I make my way back to the town square, where he anxiously awaits. He looks tentatively hopeful when I reappear, giving me a small smile.

“I’ve made my decision.” I give him a big smile.

Frost’s smile grows. “And?”

“I want to stay. I want to learn about my magic, about this world, and...” I look into his eyes, currently a warm brown, like pools of melting chocolate. “I want to see where this thing between us goes.”

His face becomes radiant in his joy. He pulls me into a hug, lifting me off my feet and spinning me around. When he sets me down, we’re both laughing. “You won’t regret this. I’ll show you wonders beyond your wildest dreams.”

“I’m counting on it,” I say, grinning. “Not every day has to be a big adventure though. Just being here with you, getting to know you better, is more exciting than anything waiting for me in the human world.”

He leans in, and this time, I meet him halfway. Our lips touch, and it’s like a fireworks display behind my eyelids. I feel our magic intertwining, creating something new and beautiful.

When we break apart, we’re both breathless. “Wow,” I whisper.

Frost grins. “That was...”

“Magical?” I suggest, laughing.

He joins in my laughter. “Exactly.”

The party continues, and Grizelda looks better and better. After about twenty minutes, her complexion brightens as the pallor of magical lethargy fades from her green skin. Her wild purple hair seems to regain some of its usual vibrancy, swirling gently around her face as if caught in an unseen breeze. The symbiotic magic exchange between Santa and Evershift Haven has clearly worked wonders.

She and Atlas are quietly arguing about her need to rest. She’s insisting she won’t need an entire week, and he’s adamant. When she seems to continue resisting, he picks her up and puts her back in the bed still in the town square. I can’t help laughing, which catches her attention.

Grizelda’s eyes twinkle mischievously as she turns to me. “Hello, Evony. It seems we have quite the fae prodigy in our midst.”

I feel my cheeks warm. “I’m still not sure I believe all this.”

“Oh, trust me, darling. That magic you wielded? Pure fae energy.” Grizelda winks. “You should stick around. Frost could use someone to balance out that icy personality of his.”

Frost raises an eyebrow. “I resent that implication.”

I glance between them, uncertain. “I... I am staying. At least for a while.”

Grizelda claps her hands together, her eyes lighting up. “Wonderful. We must get you settled properly. How about Iwhip up a little house for you? Something cozy... Perhaps a charming daffodil cottage?”

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