Page 8 of Fired Up Love

“Am I?” Noven laughed. “I’ve never seen you this interested in a council inspection. It’s... refreshing.”

Before Xai could formulate a suitably cutting response, a soft voice interrupted them.

“Elder Emberwylde.”

They turned to find Willow Waters regarding them with knowing eyes. The elder witch who represented Enchanted Falls’s magical practitioners stood in the arched doorway of the council chamber, her silver-white hair arranged in an intricate braid that cascaded down one shoulder. Despite her apparent age, her eyes shined with vibrant energy.

“Elder Waters,” Xai inclined his head respectfully. “I trust the ward reinforcement proposal met with your approval?”

“Indeed.” She moved toward them with a grace that belied her years. “Your modifications to the eastern boundary were particularly insightful. The hawthorn anchor points should strengthen the barrier considerably during the next equinox surge.”

“The previous configuration was fundamentally unstable,” Xai said. “We were fortunate no humans breached the perimeter during the last three cycles.”

Willow’s gaze drifted to the file in his hand, her expression turning thoughtful. “Ah, you’re heading to inspect young Zina’s establishment.”

SEVEN

Xai’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Yes. A standard review of safety protocols and magical containment measures.”

“Of course.” A faint smile touched Willow’s lips. “She’s done remarkable work with that old Victorian. The magical architecture alone is worthy of study—integrating modern therapeutic techniques with traditional ley line management.”

“You’ve visited?” Noven asked.

“For a preliminary blessing last week. The girl has her mother’s eye for detail and her father’s sense of responsibility.” Willow’s gaze returned to Xai, suddenly penetrating. “She’s quite unique, our Zina.”

Something in her tone made Xai study the witch more carefully. Elder Waters had a reputation for foresight that went beyond mere intuition. “You approve of her venture, then?”

“I find it... providential,” Willow replied enigmatically. “Particularly in light of recent... developments in our community.”

“You mean Severin Madrigal’s expanding influence,” Xai stated flatly.

“Among other things.” She reached out, touching his forearm lightly. “Judge her on her own merits, Xai, not on centuries of clan prejudice or current political maneuvering. You might find she surprises you.”

With that cryptic advice, Willow departed, leaving Xai to wonder what, exactly, the witch had foreseen.

“Well,” Noven said after a moment. “That wasn’t ominous at all.”

Xai grunted noncommittally, but his mind was already turning over the implications of Willow’s words. The elder witch rarely offered such direct counsel, preferring to let events unfold without her interference. For her to speak so plainly suggested something significant about Zina Parker or her spa—perhaps both.

They exited the town hall into the bright afternoon sunlight. Spring had fully claimed Enchanted Falls with cherry blossoms and dogwoods painting the town in shades of pink and white. The air carried the scent of new growth and possibilities.

“Car or walk?” Noven asked.

Xai considered the distance to Willow Lane. “Walk. I could use the fresh air.”

“Translation: you need to cool down before meeting the proprietress of Purrfect Oasis,” Noven teased, deftly sidestepping Xai’s half-hearted attempt to step on his foot.

They made their way through the town square where supernatural beings in human form went about their daily business. A group of young fae flitted around the central fountain, their laughter carried on the breeze. An elderly werewolf couple nodded respectfully as Xai passed, while a trio of witch apprentices hurried by with arms full of herb bundles.

This was what he protected—this peaceful coexistence, this sanctuary hidden from human eyes. Whatever his frustrations with council politics, the preservation of Enchanted Falls and its inhabitants remained his primary duty as dragon elder.

“You’re brooding again,” Noven observed.

“Dragons don’t brood,” Xai replied automatically.

“Right. You’re contemplating with draconic intensity. My mistake.”

Despite himself, Xai huffed out a laugh. “Remind me why I keep you around.”

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