Chapter 1

I GRIP THE STEERING wheel of my red convertible as I approach the shimmering barrier surrounding Evershift Haven. Candice practically bounces in the passenger seat, her excitement obvious. She’s been like this ever since she met me a few minutes ago, on the outskirts of this mysterious town to where she and her sister, Suzette, have moved.

“Come on, Evony. Just drive through. It’s perfectly safe, I promise.”

I roll my eyes. “Right. Because driving through an invisible wall is totally normal.” Nothing about this visit is normal, and I’m worried for my friends. Candi though Suz might be mixed up in a cult when she came to visit, and then she invited me. I’m wary, to say the least.

“It’s not invisible,” says Candice. “Look at how it sparkles.”

I squint, and sure enough, there’s a faint shimmer in the air, like heat rising from hot pavement. “This is insane,” I mutter, but I press the gas pedal anyway. The barrier flashes as we pass through, and a tingling sensation washes over my skin. I blink rapidly, disoriented.

“See? Told you it was fine.” Candice grins.

I shake my head, trying to clear the lingering dizziness. “Okay, so we made it through your magic forcefield. Now what?”

“Now,” says Candice, practically vibrating with excitement, “We drive to my new place. You won’t believe it, Ev. It’s amazing. We moved Ronan’s cabin and added a...special addition.

I arch a brow, wondering what’s so special about it Oh, right, magic. My friend is either crazy or in a cult.

While driving, I notice the landscape changing. The trees seem...greener somehow, their leaves shimmering with an otherworldly light. There’s snow in the air and on the ground, as one would expect in Montana at Christmastime, but there are also flowers blooming in impossible colors. I swear I see one turn to follow our car as we pass.

“Candice,” I say slowly, “What’s going on with the plants?”

She laughs. “Oh, that’s just the enchanted flora. Wait till you see the talking sunflowers. Or the gourds. I could spend hours talking to them.”

I grip the steering wheel tighter. “The what-now?”

Before she can answer, we round a bend, and I slam on the brakes. A massive, glittering unicorn stands in the middle of the road, munching on what appears to be a bush made of cotton candy. “What the actual f—”

“Language,” says Candice, looking dismayed. “Unicorns are very sensitive to swearing.”

The unicorn turns its head, fixing us with an imperious stare. It snorts, tossing its mane, before trotting off into the woods.

I turn to Candice, my mouth hanging open. She just grins and points ahead. “Keep driving. We’re almost there.”

Numbly, I put the car back in gear and continue down the winding road. My mind races, trying to make sense of what I’m seeing. Fairies flit around the windshield. A gnome waves cheerfully from his front yard. A group of what can only be described as walking, talking mushrooms crosses the street in front of us.

“Candice,” I say, my voice strained, “I think I’m having a mental breakdown.”

She pats my arm. “Nope. You’re just experiencing magic for the first time. Isn’t it wonderful?”

I don’t answer, too focused on not crashing as we navigate through this impossible landscape. Finally, we pull up to a clearing, containing a cabin attached to a...giant onion?

“We’re here.” Candice leaps out of the car before I’ve fully stopped.

I park and slowly get out, staring at the enormous vegetable before me. It’s easily the size of a small house, its papery skin a soft golden color. A door and windows have been carved into its side, and smoke curls from a chimney poking out of the top.

“You live...in an onion?” I ask, incredulous.

“Grizelda designed it for us to expand the cabin’s size when we moved to Ronan’s land so I could start my farm. Oh, so much to tell you.” Candice beams. “Isn’t it perfect? Come on, I’ll give you the tour.”

She grabs my hand, pulling me toward the onion-house. I dig in my heels, resisting.

“Candice, wait. What is all this? What’s going on?”

She turns, her expression softening. “Oh, Ev. I know it’s a lot to take in. I thought Suzette was in a cult when she told me about it, remember?” She giggles.

“I’m not convinced you both haven’t fallen victim to a cult,” I say bluntly.

She shakes her head, not looking offended. “Evershift Haven is a magical town, hidden from the rest of the world. Remember all those stories we used to read as kids? The ones about fairies and unicorns and magic? They’re all real.”

I shake my head. “That’s impossible. Magic isn’t real. This has to be some kind of... I don’t know, mass hallucination or elaborate prank or—”

“Or magic,” she says gently. “I know it’s hard to believe, but you’ve seen it with your own eyes. The barrier, the plants, the unicorn—”

“That could all be special effects or holograms or—”

Candice sighs, then snaps her fingers. Instantly, her hair begins to change color, cycling through a rainbow of hues before settling back to its natural blonde.

I stumble backward. “How did you do that?”

She grins. “Magic. I’ve been practicing. Cool, right?”

I stare at her, my mind reeling. Everything I thought I knew about the world is crumbling around me. “This can’t be happening,” I whisper.

She takes my hands in hers. “I know it’s overwhelming, but think about it, Ev. You’ve been searching for your ‘thing’ for so long. Maybe this is it. Maybe magic is what you’ve been missing all along.”

I look around the clearing, taking in the impossible sights. The flowers popping out of the snow, the shimmering air, and the giant onion house. Part of me wants to run screaming back to the barrier, to the safe, logical world I’ve always known.

But another part, a part I’ve kept buried for years, feels a spark of excitement. Of wonder. Of possibility. “Okay,” I say slowly. “Let’s say, hypothetically, that I believe you. That all of this is real. What does that mean for me?”

She smiles. “It means you get to explore a whole new world. There’s so much to see and learn here, and who knows? Maybe you’ll discover your own magical talents.”

I raise an eyebrow. “You think I might be magical?”

She shrugs. “Only one way to find out. So, what do you say? Want to give Evershift Haven a chance?”

I inhale sharply before exhaling, looking from Candice to the onion house to the magical forest beyond. Everything in me screams that this is crazy, impossible, and dangerous, but there’s a flicker of excitement. “All right,” I say, squaring my shoulders. “Show me this magical world of yours.”

Candice squeals, pulling me into a tight hug. “You won’t regret this, Ev. Come on, let’s start with a tour of my onion.”

As she leads me toward the improbable vegetable dwelling, I wonder what other impossibilities await me in Evershift Haven. For better or worse, it seems my life is about to change dramatically.

And honestly? I’m kind of looking forward to it.

I approach the giant onion house, my eyes wide with disbelief. The golden, papery skin shimmers in the sunlight, and I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve stumbled into some bizarre fairytale.

“Welcome to our humble abode,” Candice says, gesturing grandly at the oversized vegetable. “Grizelda really outdid herself with this one.”

“Grizelda,” I repeat, trying to keep my voice steady. “The town witch, who apparently grows houses from produce?” I think that’s what she told me in her email.

“She also keeps the barrier between us and the human world standing...most of the time.” Candice laughs. “She’s amazing, isn’t she? Come on, let’s go inside.”

Nearing the entrance, a faint, familiar scent wafts through the air. I wrinkle my nose. “Is that...”

“Onion?” Candice finishes. “Yep, but don’t worry. It’s not overwhelming. Just a little reminder of our home’s origins.”

She pushes open the door, and I step inside, bracing myself for... I don’t know what. The interior is surprisingly normal at first glance—a cozy living room with comfortable-looking furniture and warm, earthy tones, but as I look closer, I notice the subtle details that betray the house’s unusual nature.

The walls curve gently, following the natural shape of the onion. Light filters through the papery skin, creating a golden glow throughout the space. In one corner, a small fountain bubbles, the water a pale purple color.

“That’s onion juice,” she says, noticing my stare. “It’s great for purifying the air and keeping away pests. Plus, it makes the whole place smell amazing.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Amazing” isn’t the word I’d use to describe the scent of onions, but I have to admit, it’s not unpleasant. It’s more like a hint of savory warmth in the air.

She leads me through the living room and into the kitchen. Here, the onion theme is more pronounced. The countertops are a pale, creamy color with subtle striations that mimic onion layers. The light fixtures are shaped like onion blossoms, casting a warm, diffused light.

“Check this out,” says Candice, opening a cabinet. Inside, rows of jars filled with various-colored liquids line the shelves. “Onion preserves. They’re not just for eating—some have magical properties. This red one here? Great for soothing burns, and the green? Helps plants grow faster.”

I nod, pretending this is all perfectly normal. “Of course. Magical onion juice. Why not?”

Candice grins, either missing or ignoring my sarcasm. “I know, right? It’s amazing what you can do with a little magic and a lot of onions.”

We continue the tour, moving into a small study. Bookshelves line the walls, filled with tomes on subjects I never knew existed. “A Beginner’s Guide to Magical Farming,” “101 Uses for Enchanted Produce,” and “The Secret Language of Vegetables” are just a few of the titles I spot.

“This is where I do most of my research. Magical farming is fascinating, but there’s so much to learn. I’m lucky my mentor, Puckley, is as eager to share her knowledge as I am to acquire it.”

I pick up a book titled “Communicating with Your Crops: A Comprehensive Guide.” “You actually talk to your plants?”

Candice nods enthusiastically. “Oh, yes. They have so much to say once you learn how to listen. The tomatoes are terrible gossips, and the carrots tell the best jokes.”

I set down the book carefully, wondering if I’ve finally lost my mind. “Right. Talking vegetables. Got it.”

We move on to the bedroom, which is surprisingly normal compared to the rest of the house. A large, comfortable-looking bed dominates the space, with soft, cream-colored linens. The only hint of the room’s unusual location is the curved ceiling and the faint, oniony scent that permeates the air.

“And here’s my favorite part,” says Candice, leading me to a spiral staircase in the corner of the room. We climb up, emerging into a small, circular space at the very top of the onion.

The room is entirely enclosed in the thin, translucent skin of the onion. Sunlight filters through, bathing everything in a warm, golden glow. A comfortable-looking chair sits in the center, surrounded by potted plants of all varieties.

“This is my meditation space. It’s perfect for connecting with nature and honing my magical abilities.”

I walk to the edge of the room, placing my hand against the onion skin. It’s surprisingly sturdy, with a slightly waxy texture. “This is incredible. I still can’t believe it’s real, but it’s incredible.”

Candice beams. “I’m so glad you like it. Want to see how it connects to Ronan’s cabin?”

We descend the stairs and exit the onion house through a different door than we entered. This one leads directly into a more traditional log cabin. The transition is jarring—from the whimsical, vegetable-inspired decor to rugged, masculine furnishings.

“This is Ronan’s place. We moved the whole cabin here when we decided to combine our living spaces.”

I look around, taking in the sturdy wooden furniture, the pelts on the walls, and the enormous fireplace. “You moved an entire cabin? How is that even possible?”

She shrugs. “Magic, of course. Grizelda and some of the other witches helped. It was quite a spectacle—the whole cabin floating through the air like a giant Monopoly piece.”

I shake my head, trying to picture it. “And Ronan was okay with attaching a giant onion to his home?”

“Oh, he loves it.” She grins. “He says it adds character. Plus, the onion juice really helps with the wet dog smell when he comes back from a run.”

I blink. “Wet dog smell?”

Candice’s eyes widen. “Oh, right. I forgot to mention Ronan’s a lycan. You know, a werewolf, kind of, except he doesn’t shift. More like a wolfman, I guess? He’s a perfect gentleman though. Most of the time, anyway.” She waggles her eyebrows suggestively and flushes, transmitting when she appreciates him not being a gentleman.

I sink into the nearest chair, my head spinning. Magic, talking vegetables, onion houses, and now werewolves...er, wolfmen? It’s too much to process.

Candice kneels beside me, her expression concerned. “I know it’s a lot to take in, but isn’t it exciting? A whole new world of possibilities.”

I look at the woman who’s been my friend for years. She seems so at home here, so happy. Part of me wants to run screaming from this insanity, but another part...is curious. Excited, even.

“Okay,” I say slowly. “I’m not saying I believe all of this yet, but I’m willing to keep an open mind. Tell me more about this magical farming you’re getting into.”

Her smile widens. “Let me show you the plans for my enchanted vegetable garden. Did you know that with the right spells, you can grow watermelons that never run out of fruit? Or tomatoes that change flavor based on your mood?”

As she launches into an enthusiastic explanation of magical agriculture, I’m fascinated despite my skepticism. Maybe there’s more to this world than I ever imagined. Perhaps, in this strange town of Evershift Haven, I might discover a part of myself I never knew existed.

THE NEXT MORNING, AFTER meeting Ronan and having dinner with Suzette and Throk as well, who joined us in the onion house, I’m no longer able to disbelieve in magic. How can I after meeting a lycan and an orc?

Still somewhat in a daze, I step out of Candice’s onion house, blinking in the bright winter sunlight. Snowflakes dance in the air, each one a perfect, glittering crystal. The sight is breathtaking, but something’s off about them.

“Are these snowflakes...magical?” I ask, eyeing them suspiciously.

Candice laughs, her breath forming little puffs in the cold air. “Of course. They’re Frost’s special creation. He makes them extra sparkly for the holidays.”

I shake my head, still not used to casual mentions of magic. “Right. Of course, he does.” I don’t ask who Frost is, positive that I’ll meet him soon enough.

“Come on,” says Candice, linking her arm through mine. “We’ve got some serious Christmas shopping to do.”

As we walk down the winding path toward town, I marvel at the winter wonderland around us. Every tree is perfectly frosted, icicles hanging from branches like crystal chandeliers, and the temperature is still perfectly pleasant in just a sweater and scarf. It’s beautiful, but almost too perfect.

“So, where are we going first?” I ask, trying to focus on the task at hand rather than the impossibility of our surroundings.

Candice grins. “‘Frost’s Festive Finds.’ It’s the best place for Christmas shopping in Evershift Haven.”

We walk a bit more, and I experience the various sights and sounds of the town as we stroll. It’s wonderful but overwhelming.

Suddenly, we round a corner, and I stop in my tracks. Before us stands a massive structure that looks like it’s been carved entirely from ice. Intricate frost patterns swirl across its surface, and warm light spills from windows that shouldn’t be possible in a building made of frozen water.

“That’s a store?” I ask, incredulous.

Candice nods enthusiastically. “Isn’t it amazing? Frost redesigns it every year, so each Christmas, it looks different. Let’s go inside.”

She pulls me toward the entrance, and I brace myself for a blast of cold air. To my surprise, it’s comfortably warm inside. The interior is a Christmas lover’s dream—twinkling lights, garlands of evergreen, and displays of ornaments and gifts as far as the eye can see.

“Wow,” I say, taking it all in.

“I know, right?” Candice beams. “Okay, let’s split up. I need to find something for Suzette.”

Before I can protest, she disappears into the crowd, leaving me alone in this magical emporium. I wander through the aisles, marveling at the items on display. A snow globe that creates a miniature blizzard when shaken. A string of lights that change color based on the mood in the room. A wreath that sings carols in perfect harmony.

I’m so engrossed in examining a set of ornaments that seem to contain entire galaxies that I don’t notice someone approaching until a smooth, cool voice speaks right next to my ear.

“Fascinating, aren’t they? Each one contains a pocket dimension—an entire universe in the palm of your hand.”

I jump, nearly dropping the delicate orb. A tall, impossibly handsome man stands beside me, his skin so pale it almost glows. Long, silver-white hair is pulled back in an intricate braid, and his eyes... I blink, certain I must be seeing things. Starting out vibrant green, they abruptly shift color, from icy blue to deep purple to shimmering silver.

“I... What?” I stammer, struggling to process both his words and his appearance.

He smiles, and it’s like watching frost spread across a windowpane—beautiful, but somehow cold. “You must be new here. Evony, correct? Candice’s friend?”

I nod, not trusting myself to speak.

“Frost Evergreen,” he says, extending a hand. “Welcome to my humble establishment.”

I shake his hand, surprised by how warm it is despite his wintry appearance. “Nice to meet you. This place is incredible.”

His smile widens, but it doesn’t quite reach his ever-changing eyes. “Thank you. I do pride myself on creating the ultimate holiday shopping experience.” He pauses, sweeping his gaze over me in a way that makes me feel like I’m being assessed. “Though I must say, I’m not sure we need yet another human tilting the magical balance around here.”

I bristle at his words, opening my mouth to retort, but before I can speak, he winks at me. The gesture is so unexpected, so at odds with his aloof demeanor, that I’m left speechless.

“Of course,” he continues smoothly, “Who am I to argue with the will of the ley lines? If they’ve drawn you here, there must be a reason.”

I find my voice at last. “Look, I don’t know anything about ley lines or magical balance. I’m just here to do some Christmas shopping with my friend, who invited me to this crazy town.”

He chuckles, and the sound is like icicles tinkling in the wind. “Of course, you are. Well, don’t let me keep you. Do let me know if you need any assistance finding the perfect gift. I have an eye for these things, you know.”

With that, he glides away, leaving me staring after him in confusion. What a strange, infuriating man. Elf. Whatever he is.

I shake my head, trying to clear it, and return my attention to the shelves around me. I still need to find gifts for my family back in the “real world,” as Candice calls it. How am I supposed to explain any of these magical items to them?

As I browse, I try and fail not to notice Frost moving through the store. He straightens displays that are already perfect, advises customers with an air of superiority, and generally acts like he’s the king of Christmas itself. It’s irritating, but I also can’t seem to take my gaze off him.

There’s something magnetic about him, a charisma that draws the eye despite his cold demeanor. He helps an elderly woman select a scarf that changes pattern to match her outfit, and his movements are graceful and precise. When he smiles at her, it’s warmer than the ones he gave me, and I feel an inexplicable pang of...something. Envy? Ridiculous.

I force myself to focus on my shopping, selecting a few “normal” items that won’t raise suspicion back home. A cozy sweater for Mom, a leather-bound journal for Dad, and some artisanal chocolates for my sister. I find a collection of stationary for my grandmother. As I make my way to the counter, I’m face-to-face with Frost once again.

“Find everything you were looking for?” he asks, his tone polite but distant.

“Yes, thank you,” I say, trying to match his coolness.

He begins ringing up my purchases, moving his long fingers with inhuman speed and grace. “No magical items?” he asks, raising an eyebrow. “How...quaint.”

I bristle at his condescending tone. “My family doesn’t know about all this,” I gesture vaguely around us, “And I’d like to keep it that way.”

He pauses, fixing me with those mesmerizing, color-shifting eyes. “Ah, yes. The great secret. Tell me, Evony, how long do you think you’ll be able to keep this world hidden from them? Magic has a way of seeping through the cracks.”

His words make me shiver. “What do you mean?”

He smiles enigmatically. “Oh, nothing to worry about, I’m sure. That’ll be forty-seven fifty.”

I hand over the money with a frown. As he gives me my change, our fingers brush, and I swear I feel a spark of...something. Magic? Static electricity? My imagination running wild?

“Thank you for your patronage,” he says, his tone formal once again. “Do come again. Who knows? Perhaps next time you’ll be ready for something a bit more enchanting.”

As I turn to leave, I catch sight of my reflection in a nearby mirror. For just a moment, I could swear I see a faint shimmer around me, like the air itself is sparkling. I blink, and it’s gone.

LATER THAT EVENING , accompanying Candice and Ronan, I step into the town square, marveling at the transformation unfolding. Just earlier today, Evershift Haven was awash in the warm hues of autumn. Now, it’s morphing into a winter wonderland right before my gaze.

Snowflakes materialize in the air, each one a perfect, unique crystal. They dance on an unfelt breeze, swirling in intricate patterns before settling on the ground. The cobblestones, previously dry and warm, now sparkle with a light dusting of snow that doesn’t melt.

“How is this possible?” I whisper, watching as bare tree branches suddenly sprout evergreen needles.

Candice grins beside me. “It’s the seasonal shift. Evershift Haven has a mind and magic of its own and seems to know innately when it’s time to change—though it can also change for random reasons, like a welcoming ceremony, or a baby shower. Grizelda’s just officiating it.”

As if on cue, Grizelda appears in the center of the square. In a way, she looks exactly like I’d expect a witch to look, with silver-streaked purple hair and seafoam green skin, but she’s pretty. Not a wart in sight. Her wild mane of hair seems to move of its own accord, and her vibrant purple eyes glow with an inner light. She raises her arms, and the air around her shimmers.

“Hello, citizens of Evershift Haven.” Her voice rings out, magically amplified. “It’s time to welcome the winter season and especially, Christmas.”

With a dramatic flourish of her hands, a wave of magic ripples outward from the center of the town, near her but clearly not originating from her. I gasp as it passes through me, leaving a tingling sensation in its wake. The transformation accelerates.

Pumpkins on doorsteps morph into perfectly round snowmen, complete with coal eyes and carrot noses. Piles of gourds decoratively arranged transform into ornate ice sculptures. Autumn leaves still clinging to trees change into delicate icicles that chime softly in the breeze.

Storefronts shift before my eyes. “The Enchanted Espresso’s” exterior turns a crisp white, with peppermint-striped awnings appearing over the windows. “Frost’s Festive Finds,” already Christmas-themed, grows even more elaborate. The ice structure seems to expand, sprouting delicate spires and arches.

“This is incredible,” I say, turning in a slow circle to take it all in.

Candice nods enthusiastically. “Wait until you see the best part.”

As if on cue, the massive oak tree in the center of the square—the Heart of Haven, Ronan tells me as an aside—begins to change. Its bare branches fill out with lush evergreen needles. Twinkling lights appear, wrapping around the trunk and spiraling up into the branches. Ornaments in every color imaginable materialize, hanging from the boughs.

“Citizens,” says Grizelda, “I’m pleased to report our protective barrier remains strong and stable. We can look forward to another peaceful holiday season in Evershift Haven.”

The crowd cheers, but I notice something off about Grizelda. Her skin, previously a seafoam green, suddenly looks pale and washed out. She sways slightly, and Atlas, her towering troll husband, moves to support her.

“Candice,” I whisper, nudging my friend. “Is Grizelda okay? She doesn’t look well.”

Candice’s eyes widen. “Oh, I forgot you didn’t know. Grizelda’s pregnant.”

I blink in surprise. “Pregnant? But she looks...well, older.”

Candice giggles. “Grizelda’s over a hundred years old, but that’s not too old for a witch. This pregnancy has been causing some magical mayhem though. Last week, all the books in the library started reading themselves out loud. The week before that, every mirror in town only showed people’s auras instead of their reflections.”

I shake my head, still struggling to process the idea of magical pregnancy side effects. My attention is drawn back to the Heart of Haven. The massive tree seems to pulse with an inner light, but something about it seems off. The glow flickers erratically, like a faulty light bulb.

“Candice, what’s happening with the tree? Is it supposed to do that?”

Before Candice can answer, a cool voice speaks from directly behind me. “No, it most certainly isn’t.”

I whirl around to find Frost standing there, his silver-white hair gleaming in the magical light. His eyes, currently a stormy gray, are fixed on the Heart of Haven with a look of concern.

“What do you mean?” I ask, my heart racing at his sudden appearance. “What’s wrong with it?”

He shifts his gaze to me, and I suppress a shiver. “The Heart of Haven is more than just a tree, Evony. It’s the magical core of our town, and the anchor point for the protective barrier that keeps us hidden from the human world.”

I glance back at the flickering tree. “And it’s not supposed to flicker like that?”

“No. The Heart should pulse with a steady, constant light. This erratic behavior is...concerning.”

Candice frowns. “But Grizelda just said the barrier was stable.”

His expression darkens. “Grizelda has been...distracted lately. Her pregnancy is affecting her magic in ways we didn’t anticipate. I fear she might be overlooking signs of trouble.”

A chill runs through me that has nothing to do with the magical winter around us. “What kind of trouble?”

He opens his mouth to respond, but before he can, a loud crack echoes through the square. We all turn to see a large branch from the Heart of Haven crash to the ground, scattering ornaments and sending a shower of sparks into the air.

Gasps and murmurs ripple through the crowd. Grizelda stumbles forward, her face ashen. “It’s fine,” she calls out, her voice shaky. “Just a bit of magical overflow. Nothing to worry about.”

As I look from Grizelda’s pale face to Frost’s concerned frown to the flickering, damaged Heart of Haven, I think there’s plenty to worry about indeed.