Page 2 of The Purrfect Rival

“Because last time I practiced with you, you kept interrupting to suggest I add ‘dramatic pauses’ and ‘meaningful eye contact with Elder Nightbourne.’”

“Which would have worked! Vampires love that intense staring thing.”

Their banter continued through lunch, easing Kalyna’s nerves. By the time Lucella left to oversee the afternoonchildren’s reading circle, Kalyna felt steadier, the fae-enhanced scone working its subtle magic.

Hours slipped away as she finalized her notes. When she next glanced at the clock, she jolted upright. The council meeting started in twenty minutes.

“Fox-fire!” she swore, gathering her materials. The renovation sketches, budget proposals, and engineer’s assessment tumbled together as she rushed to organize them.

A sudden fluttering sound made her look up. Along the back shelves, books were spontaneously opening, their pages turning as if caught in a strong breeze.

“Not now,” she muttered, her fox magic leaking out in response to her spike of anxiety. This happened when her emotions ran too high—her power manifesting in these small, uncontrolled bursts.

TWO

Kalyna abandoned her papers and hurried to the shelves, pressing her palms against the fluttering books. “Settle down,” she whispered, more to herself than the books. “Just pre-council nerves.”

The pages gradually stilled, though a faint crimson glow lingered around her fingertips. Kalyna took several deep breaths, centering herself the way her grandmother had taught her decades ago. Focus on the senses—the leather beneath her fingers, the scent of old paper and binding glue, the distant murmur of Lucella reading to children.

When her magic receded to a manageable simmer, she returned to her desk and finished organizing her materials. Ten minutes to reach town hall. Cutting it closer than she liked, but still doable.

She swept through the main room, catching Lucella’s eye over the heads of enthralled children.

“Council time?” Lucella mouthed.

Kalyna nodded, holding up her folders.

“Knock ’em dead!” Lucella called, then lowered her voice as the children turned to look. “But not literally. We need their approval.”

Autumn air greeted Kalyna as she stepped outside, crisp with pine and the faint sweetness of the magical falls that gave the town its name. Golden afternoon light bathed the cobblestone streets of Enchanted Falls where supernatural beings of all varieties went about their daily business, but seldom mixed except for polite greetings. The library was one of the few places where every species came to share resources without discrimination.

She strode quickly past Honeycrisp Bakery where Tilly waved from behind a counter of floating pastries. The half-fae baker called out, “Good luck, dear!” without breaking concentration on her hovering creations.

“Thank you!” Kalyna called back, not slowing her pace.

Her mind raced ahead to the council chamber, rehearsing key points about the library’s structural needs. So focused was she on her mental preparation that she nearly collided with Sheriff Ironclaw at the corner of Moonstone Avenue.

“Whoa, there, Ms. Foxworthy,” the wolf shifter said, steadying her with a weathered hand. “Town hall emergency?”

“Council presentation,” she explained. “The library’s west wing?—”

“Ah, say no more.” He nodded sympathetically. “Those support beams finally giving out?”

“You know?”

“Been a lawman long enough to spot structural problems before they become criminal matters.” He tipped his hat. “You got my vote for whatever needs fixing. Can’t have our librarian crushed by falling rafters.”

“Appreciate the support,” she said with a grateful smile, continuing her brisk pace.

As she approached the town square, Enchanted Falls Town Hall loomed ahead, its stone façade and ancient timber frame radiating quiet power. Runes carved into the doorways glowedfaintly—protective wards established by the town’s founders centuries ago.

Her steps slowed as she drew nearer, anxiety fluttering in her chest. Through the stained-glass windows, shadowy figures moved within the council chamber. She was cutting it close.

A voice called her name, and she turned to see Lucella sprinting across the square, a folder clutched in her hand.

“The structural engineer’s report!” Lucella gasped, pressing the document into Kalyna’s hands. “You left it behind.”

“You’re a lifesaver.” Relief washed through her. Without the engineer’s assessment, half her presentation would have fallen flat.

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