Page 36 of Howling Holidays

Emily's hand tightens around mine, and I can feel the strength of her faith – a fire that burns brightly within her soul. She has come so far from the city life she once knew, embracing the magic and mysteries of Everwood with courage and tenacity.

"Whatever happens, Logan," she says, her blue eyes shining with determination. "We'll face it together."

I nod, my heart swelling with pride and love for this incredible woman by my side. Together, we will conquer the darkness that threatens our town and forge a new path, one where love and hope triumph above all else.

"Always, Emily," I promise, my voice ringing with conviction. "Together."

The air feels colder as we venture deeper into the forest, and a shiver runs down my spine. We're determined to break the curse that has plagued Everwood for generations, but the path before us is treacherous and uncertain. The shadows loom closer, their dark tendrils reaching out as though trying to ensnare us in their icy grip.

"Stay close," I order, my voice a low growl as I lead Emily and the others through the maze of towering trees and tangled undergrowth hidden under new snow. My senses are heightened, my instincts guiding me like a compass towards our destination. Ethan, Bonnie, Callie, and Iris follow closely behind along with the witches and townsfolk, their eyes darting warily to every shadow and crunch of snow.

"Watch out!" Callie warns, just in time for me to snatch Emily back from the edge of a hidden pitfall, its gaping jaws waiting to swallow us whole.

"Thanks," Emily breathes, her eyes wide with fear, but her grip on my hand remains firm. I squeeze her fingers reassuringly, feeling the steady beat of her pulse beneath my fingertips.

"These traps get worse as we venture on," I explain, my gaze sweeping over our surroundings. "We have to be careful."

"Understood," Ethan confirms, his eyes narrowed in concentration as he scans the area alongside me.

"Stay alert," I command, and we press forward.

Navigating through the remaining obstacles proves no easy task, but our determination remains unwavering. We climb over fallen logs and fight our way through thickets of thorns, the dangers that lie ahead only fueling our tenacity.

"Logan, are we close?" my grandmother asks, her aged eyes shining with hope despite the exhaustion that lines her face.

"We're getting there," I assure her, my own heart pounding with anticipation. I can feel the power emanating from the heart of the forest, a force that both beckons and repels us. It's an unsettling sensation, like the calm before a storm.

"Logan," Emily says, her voice trembling slightly as she clutches my arm. "I don't know what we'll face when we get there, but I trust you and I’m here for you."

"Thank you, Emily," I reply, my chest swelling with pride and gratitude for her unwavering faith in me. With every step we take, our bond grows stronger, and I know without a doubt that we can overcome any challenge together.

“Shit. Logan, do you have the moonstone?” Emily asks, a panic creeping up in her voice.

“No, I thought it was in your pocket.”

“It’s not there,” she replies. “I think the shadow shifters must have taken it earlier. Dammit.”

“Okay, let’s stop and come up with a plan for a minute.” I motion for everyone to catch up and gather around, trying to think of where the shadow shifters might have retreated to.

“Did anyone see which way the shadow shifters went?” I ask as everyone rests for a minute.

“No, it was like they suddenly vanished into thin air.” Callie replies.

“Well, they couldn’t have gone too far, the energy in the air still feels thick. Bonnie, do you think one of the witches could try a locator spell?” I ask quickly.

“Yes that could work, we could use a bit of blood from Emily’s wound on her leg for the spell.” She replies, heading to Emily’s side to collect the blood for the spell.

Bonnie and Callie hold hands and close their eyes as they speak the incantation for the spell. Without opening her eyes, Bonnie speaks to Emily.

“When the spell is done, you’ll feel a magnetic pull drawing you to whoever hurt you. There we should find what we seek.”

They finish the spell and we turn toward Emily, who begins walking down a different path than the one we’d been on.

“I feel like I’m being drawn this way,” she says as she motions down the dark path. We follow her carefully, making sure not to catch our feet on the thick brush tangled up beneath the snow. This path seems more dangerous than the one we’d been on, though I’m sure its no sweat for the shadow shifters who seem to float on air. We walk for what feels like hours under the silver moonlight, following Emily’s lead.

At last, we come to a shallow cavern hidden in the side of a hill. Emily and I peer inside and in the center, we see the moonstone glistening by the light of our flashlights.

“Let’s grab it and get out of here before they return,” Emily says.

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