Chapter 12

Celeste walked through the quiet forest, the soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds her only companions. She was returning to her training spot to find out what had happened last night with her magic. Why had it bound her when she was trying for something not even close to a binding spell?

She had to get ahold of her power if she was going to be of any use to Kade.

As she reached the small clearing, she closed her eyes, feeling the familiar hum of energy coursing through her veins.

She began to weave a complex spell, her hands moving in intricate patterns as tendrils of light danced around her. Lost in concentration, Celeste failed to notice the shifter emerging from the shadows behind her.

“Who’s there?”

“Your assassin. Damien sent me to finish you off to not waste his time.” Damien was the shifter who had been plotting against Whispering Pines. The lackey stepped into the clearing, his eyes glinting with malice.

Celeste spun around, her heart racing as she faced her adversary. “Good luck with that,” she growled, her eyes narrowing. “I won’t let you harm anyone in Whispering Pines. Your reign of terror ends today.”

As Celeste squared her shoulder to the enemy, the air crackled with tension, the very essence of magic pulsating around them like an electric storm. She held her hands aloft, thrumming with power, ready to defend Whispering Pines with every ounce of her being.

“You think you can stop me? You’re nothing more than a weak, amnesia-ridden witch playing at heroism,” he sneered, his voice dripping with hatred. ”You”re too late to stop us. The darkness has already taken root, and nothing you do can change that.”

With a swift motion, the unnamed shifter transformed into his fearsome wolf form, his eyes gleaming with feral hunger. Celeste”s heart hammered in her chest as she threw out a magical shield just in time to deflect his vicious assault. The impact sent shockwaves through her body, but she gritted her teeth and stood her ground.

”Tell Damien he underestimates me,” Celeste retorted, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins. ”I may not remember everything, but I know enough to recognize evil when I see it. And I won”t let it consume this town.”

The wolf attacked again, dodging closer and closer, trying to get at her. Celeste danced between the shadows, her movements fluid and graceful as she countered each attack with defensive spells.

As the combat raged, Celeste felt her strength waning. Every spell she cast drained her more, and the shifter showed no signs of slowing. Desperation clawed at her throat, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.

With a fierce cry, Celeste summoned the last reserves of her power, channeling it into a blinding burst of pure light. The spell engulfed the wolf, sending him hurtling backward with a deafening roar. He crashed into a tree with bone-crushing force.

Breathing heavily, Celeste approached cautiously, her next spell held at the ready. The wolf shifted into his human form and Damien’s man lay motionless, his chest rising and falling in shallow gasps. She hesitated for a moment torn between mercy and justice before she finally lowered her hands.

”Tell Damien to give up his feud with us,” she said, her voice tinged with sadness. ”He’s caused enough pain and suffering.”

Blood bubbled out of his mouth as he spoke. “The war…is coming—” Air rushed out of his lungs, his chest collapsed, and his eyes unfocused. He was dead. He wouldn’t be telling Damien anything.

It was then that Celeste noticed the searing pain in her side. Looking down, she saw deep claw marks, the result of a vicious swipe that had managed to breach her defenses. Blood soaked through her tattered shirt, and she felt a wave of dizziness wash over her.

Gritting her teeth, Celeste summoned the last of her strength and limped back toward Whispering Pines. Each step was agony, but she pushed forward, driven by the knowledge that her town was safe, and that Kade and her loved ones were waiting for her.

As she stumbled into the outskirts of the town, Celeste’s vision began to blur. She heard distant shouts and the pounding of footsteps growing closer. Just before she lost consciousness, she felt strong arms wrap around her, and a familiar voice filled with worry and love whispered in her ear.

“I’ve got you, Celeste. You’re safe now.”

With a final, exhausted smile, Celeste allowed herself to sink into the comforting darkness, knowing she had defended her home and the people she cherished most.

Celeste openedher eyes to find herself lying on Kade’s bed. She groaned but didn’t feel as much pain as she had before.

“You’re awake, good. Drink this,” Luna ordered.

She did as she was told and then lay back on the bed. “Where’s Kade?”

“Losing his mind with worry in the kitchen. He decided to make you soup even though he knows you don’t like it. So then he decided to make some chocolate thing you supposedly love but he won’t sit still. He’s making everyone crazy with his grouchiness.”

Celeste grinned. “I’m okay.”

Luna smiled and squeezed her hand. “You most definitely are. What you did out there was beyond brave. Damien and his people are a powerful group who like to practice the dark arts. But with one more out of the way, we stand a better chance.” She patted Celeste’s arm. “Thank you.”

“No need to thank me. This town is my home too.”

“I knew you coming back was going to be a great thing.”

Celeste chuckled and winced at the slight discomfort. “At least one of us thinks so.”

“She’s awake,” Luna hollered.

The sound of Kade’s deep booming steps filled the air. He was there by her side instantly. “How do you feel, love? Are you hungry? Do you need anything?”

“Kade, why don’t you just let her rest? Watch a movie and cuddle the woman. She’s been through enough.” Luna winked and walked out.

Kade lay next to her on the bed, carefully pulling her into his arms. “Don’t ever put yourself in danger like that again. It was one of Damien’s men, wasn’t it?”

She heard the fear, frustration, and love in his voice and smiled. “Yes, and I won’t.”

“Good.”

“I would kill for some chocolate.”

He glanced down at her a smile on his lips. “Are you just saying that?”

“Nope. Chocolate has healing properties. It’s my go-to when I need something to make me feel better.”

He lowered down and kissed her. The kiss was so sweet it made her heart clench. “Be back in a sec.”

She sighed at the love filling her heart. There was no question that Kade was the man for her. Now, all she needed was for them to keep their town safe as well as each other.