Chapter 5

I STEP INTO “MYSTIC Melodies,” and tinkling wind chimes announce our arrival. The shop’s interior is a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds, with instruments of all shapes and sizes lining the walls and floating in mid-air. Frost follows close behind, his cool presence a stark contrast to the warm, vibrant atmosphere of the store.

“Hello?” I call out, my voice echoing through the shop. “Anyone here?”

A flash of bright feathers catches my eye, and suddenly, a large, colorful parrot swoops down from a high perch, landing on a nearby display case. His iridescent plumage shimmers in the soft light of the shop.

“Hmm...” The parrot squawks, cocking his head to the side. “What do we have here? A frosty fellow and a...hmm, interesting spark.”

I blink, taken aback by the talking bird. “Did that parrot just—”

“Speak? Of course I did, darling,” interrupts the parrot, ruffling his feathers. “The name’s Paulie, and I’m not your average squawker.”

Frost steps forward, his expression serious. “Paulie, we need the Snow Globe of Eternal Winter. It’s urgent.”

Paulie hops from one foot to the other, his beady eyes fixed on me. “Urgent, you say? Isn’t that exciting, but tell me, frosty one, have you noticed anything unusual about your companion here?”

I shift uncomfortably under the bird’s scrutiny. “We don’t have time for games. The Heart of Haven is failing, and we need that snow globe.”

“Oh, ho.” Paulie cackles, spreading his wings. “She’s got fire, this one. Or should I say...magic?”

“What are you talking about?” I ask, my patience wearing thin.

He ignores my question, instead addressing Frost. “You feel it too, don’t you? That hidden spark. It’s quite electrifying.”

Frost glances at me, his currently-navy eyes scrunched by a frown. There’s a question in his gaze that makes my palms sweaty.

“Enough riddles,” says Frost, turning back to Paulie. “Will you give us the snow globe or not?”

The parrot preens, clearly enjoying our frustration. “Where’s the fun in just handing it over? I propose a challenge. Solve my riddle, and the snow globe is yours.”

I sigh, running a hand through my curls, which are starting to tangle. “Fine. What’s your riddle?”

Paulie clears his throat dramatically. “I am not alive, but I grow. I don’t have lungs, but I need air. I don’t have a mouth, but water kills me. What am I?”

I furrow my brow, considering the clues. Not alive but grows, needs air, water kills it... “Fire,” I say confidently. “The answer is fire.”

Paulie’s eyes widen in surprise. “Aren’t you the clever one? Perhaps that hidden spark of yours is brighter than I thought.”

“What do you mean by ‘hidden spark?’” I demand, growing frustrated with the bird’s cryptic comments.

The parrot cocks his head, regarding me with an almost pitying look. “Oh, sweetie. You really don’t know, do you? There’s magic in you, clear as day to those who can see it. Right, Frosted Flake?”

Frost shifts uncomfortably beside me. “Paulie, that’s enough. We solved your riddle. Give us the snow globe.”

But I’m not ready to let this go. “Frost? What is he talking about?”

He hesitates. “I... I’ve sensed something different about you since we met. A kind of energy, but now’s not the time to discuss it. We need to focus on saving Evershift Haven.”

Paulie cackles again. “Oh, this is too good. The elf can see it, but the girl’s in denial. Trust me, honey, that spark in you is just waiting to ignite. You might want to look into that elvish grandmother of yours.”

“Elvish grandmother?” I repeat, my mind reeling. “That’s impossible. My family is completely normal.”

“Is it now?” Paulie asks, tone dripping with sarcasm. “I suppose those pointed ears you’re sprouting are just a fashion statement, then?”

My hands fly to my ears, and to my shock, I feel the slightest point at the tips. “What’s happening to me?”

Frost places a comforting hand on my shoulder, causing a jolt of electricity from his touch. “We’ll figure this out, but right now, we need that snow globe.”

I nod, trying to push aside the whirlwind of questions in my mind. “Right. The snow globe. Paulie, we solved your riddle. Please, give us the Snow Globe of Eternal Winter.”

Paulie cackles, flapping his wings dramatically. “Congratulations, clever ones. You’ve earned passage to the next challenge. Prepare yourselves for a magical obstacle course like no other.”

“Next challenge? You said—” Being swallowed in a flash of light distracts me from finishing the sentence. In a blink, we’re transported to a whimsical landscape. Floating platforms hover in the air, connected by shimmering bridges of light. Colorful creatures dart between the platforms, shifting and changing their forms as they move.

“This is certainly different,” I say, taking in our new surroundings.

Frost nods, also scanning the area. “We need to be careful. These pocket dimensions can be unpredictable.”

“I hope there are no floffels.”

We start making our way across the first bridge, its surface rippling beneath our feet like water. When we reach the first platform, a small, imp-like creature appears before us.

“Riddle me this,” it squeaks, its voice high-pitched and mischievous. “I have cities, but no houses. I have mountains, but no trees. I have water, but no fish. What am I?”

I furrow my brow, considering the clues. “A map.” I respond with confidence.

The imp grins, revealing pointed teeth. “Correct. Proceed, clever ones.”

We continue through the course, solving riddles and navigating increasingly bizarre obstacles. At one point, we have to cross a chasm by stepping on musical notes that appear in the air, each one playing a different tone when we touch it.

Midway through the course, we reach a platform that seems to pulse with energy. As soon as we step onto it, a shimmering bubble forms around us, lifting us high into the air. “What’s happening?” I ask, pressing my hands against the translucent surface. It’s surprisingly sturdy.

Frost frowns, tracing patterns on the bubble’s interior. “It seems the enchantment has glitched. We’re trapped until I can figure out how to dispel it.”

I turn to face him, suddenly aware of how close we are in this confined space. We touch, and a jolt of electricity runs through me. “So,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady, “I guess we have some time to kill.”

His lips quirk into a small smile. “It appears so. Perhaps we could use this opportunity to...talk?”

I raise an eyebrow. “Talk? About what?”

He takes a deep breath. “About what Paulie said. About the magic within you.”

I shake my head, laughing nervously. “That’s ridiculous. I’m just a normal human. There’s nothing magical about me.”

He reaches out, brushing his cool fingers against my cheek. “I’ve sensed it since the moment we met. There’s something extraordinary about you.”

My heart races at his touch. “How is that possible? My family is completely ordinary.”

He shrugs. “Magic can sometimes skip generations. It’s possible you have magical ancestry of which you’re unaware.”

I lean closer to him, drawn by an invisible force. “And what if it’s true? What does that mean for me?”

His eyes become bright pink as his gaze drops to my lips. “It means you belong in our world, Evony. In Evershift Haven. With...”

He trails off, but I understand what he’s not saying. With him.

I close the distance between us, pressing my lips to his. The kiss is electric, sending sparks of magic coursing through my body. Frost responds with intensity, wrapping his arms around me as he deepens the kiss.

The bubble around us pulses with energy, responding to our connection. Colors swirl in the air, creating a dazzling light show.

When we finally break apart, both breathless, he looks at me with a mixture of desire and uncertainty. “I... I haven’t allowed myself to feel this way in a very long time.”

I smile, running my fingers through his silver-white hair. “Maybe it’s time to start.”

He hesitates for a moment, then pulls me close, capturing my lips in a passionate kiss. The bubble around us glows brighter, enveloping us in a cocoon of light and magic. I lose myself in the sensation, letting go of all doubt and fear.

I weave my hand into the intricate braid confining his hair, loosening a few silvery-white strands in the process. He shudders when I brush my fingertips over his ears. They’re elongated and pointed, and he shivers when I stroke the pointed tips. “Do you like that?” I ask.

His eyelids flutter shut as he nods. “Yes. Very much.”

I continue exploring his sensitive ears, delighting in the sounds he makes as I caress them. He leans into my touch, his breathing growing ragged.

“Are your ears always this sensitive?”

He shakes his head. “No. Only when I’m aroused.”

I grin, feeling bolder. “Let’s see what else we can do to make you even more aroused.”

I move my hands lower, trailing them down his chest and abdomen, longing to feel the skin underneath. He’s wearing a white button-down shirt and a green velvet vest with a green and gold tie. I slowly undo the buttons of his vest before moving on to his shirt. When I get to the last one, I push aside the fabric and gasp at the sight of his bare chest.

He’s muscular and toned, with pale skin that seems to glow in the dim light of the bubble. I trace my fingers over his defined abs, marveling at the smoothness of his skin. He inhales sharply as I explore his body, his muscles tensing under my touch.

“You’re beautiful,” I whisper, leaning forward to press a kiss to his collarbone.

He groans softly, tilting his head back as I trail kisses down his neck and across his chest. “So are you,” he says hoarsely.

I look up at him, smiling mischievously. “Why don’t you show me how beautiful you think I am?”

He doesn’t hesitate, pulling me into another passionate kiss while tugging at the hem of my shirt. We break apart long enough for him to pull it over my head, tossing it aside. He deftly unclasps my bra, freeing my breasts.

He cups them gently, brushing his thumbs over my nipples. I moan, arching into his touch. “Oh, yes.”

He continues teasing my dark nipples until they’re hard peaks, then bends down to take one into his mouth. I cry out, tangling my fingers in his hair as he sucks and licks my sensitive flesh. “More,” I beg. “Please, Frost.”

He obliges, switching to my other breast while sliding a hand down my stomach and into my leggings. He finds my clit easily, pressing down on it with his thumb and gliding over the sensitive nub through the silk of my white panties. Thank goodness I’m not wearing granny panties today. They aren’t sexy—just hip-hugging briefs—but they aren’t ginormous either.

I grind against his hand, desperate for more friction. He chuckles, releasing my nipple with a wet pop. “I’ll give you more, Evony, but first, I want these off.” He hooks his fingers into the waistband of my pants and tugs them down. I help him remove them after sliding out of my sneakers, kicking them away impatiently.

He kneels before me, gazing up at me with lust-filled eyes now a simmering deep purple shade. “Now, let’s see what we have here.” He slides my panties down my legs, exposing my slick folds. He runs a finger through my pussy lips, gathering some of my juices before bringing it to his mouth. He closes his eyelids, savoring the taste of me. “Delicious,” he whispers.

My cheeks flush hotly as he drops to his knees. The bubble flexes around his new position, still encompassing us. Escaping is a problem to solve for future-us. Right now, I need him to touch me again.

He spreads my thighs wide, burying his face between them. I cry out as he laps at my slit, tracing circles around my clit with his tongue. He teases me mercilessly, alternating between slow, broad strokes and quick flicks of his tongue. My hips buck involuntarily each time he hits my clit just right, sending shivers of pleasure through my entire body.

“Frost.” I gasp, gripping his hair tightly. “That feels so good.”

He hums in agreement, continuing his ministrations. I’m already close to coming when he presses his tongue flat against my clit and begins vibrating it rapidly. I explode instantly, screaming his name as I ride out my orgasm.

He pulls back slightly, grinning up at me. “Did you like that?”

I nod weakly, struggling to catch my breath. “Yes...very much.”

He stands up, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “Good.” He draws out the word as he reaches for me, pulling me into his arms. “Because I’m not done with you yet.”

The bubble won’t expand enough for us to lie down, but the walls are sturdy enough to allow me to slump backward against one. He lifts me effortlessly, wrapping my legs around his waist. His cock strains against his pants, pressing against my pussy, and reach down to free his cock, stroking it slowly.

“Evony...”

I smile wickedly, running my thumb over the tip. “What is it, Frost? Do you want something?”

His eyes flash with desire. “You know what I want.”

I continue stroking him, enjoying the feeling of power it gives me. “Tell me.”

He grits his teeth, thrusting into my hand. “I want to join with you.”

My eyes widen as I stroke down his shaft, discovering elves are anatomically different from human men. There are two ridges on the underside of his cock, which seem to pulse and throb under my touch. “Oh, my god,” I whisper. “You’re double-ridged.”

He smirks. “Is that a problem?”

I shake my head vigorously. “Not at all. Just surprised.”

He leans forward, capturing my lips in a fierce kiss as I explore further—discovering he also has no testicles. They must be inside him. Without that impediment, I can grasp the full base, but my fingers don’t reach. He’s tapered too. “This is intriguing and a little alarming,” I say with a hitch in my breathing.

“Alarming?” His voice is husky with arousal.

“How big are you?”

He laughs softly. “Bigger than any human man.”

I swallow hard, wondering how I’ll fit him inside me. “Are you going to hurt me?”

He shakes his head. “No, Evony. I’d never hurt you.”

I look into his eyes, searching for the truth. “Promise?”

He nods solemnly. “I promise.”

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what’s about to happen. “Okay, then. Let’s do this.”

He smiles, kissing me gently. “Relax. There’s no rush.”

I nod, trying to calm my racing heart. “Right. No rush.” Except we have to find the magical items to reinforce The Heart of Haven before midnight, but...

I lose the train of thought when he lifts my thigh to wrap my leg higher around him, opening me more to his cock. He slides the tip through my folds, coating himself in my wetness. I moan softly as he rubs against my clit, sending ripples of pleasure through me.

“Do you want me, Evony?” he asks with desire.

I nod eagerly. “Yes, Frost. I want you.”

He grins, positioning himself at my entrance. “Then take me.”

With those words, he pushes into me slowly, allowing me to adjust to his size. I gasp as he stretches me open, filling me completely. It’s almost overwhelming, but in a delicious way. I’ve never felt so full before, and I love it.

As he bottoms out, I let out a long sigh of satisfaction. “You feel amazing.”

He chuckles. “So do you.”

We stay like that for a moment, savoring the connection between us. Then he begins to move, thrusting in and out of me with slow, deliberate strokes. My body responds instantly, arching toward him as I seek more friction. He obliges, picking up the pace until he’s pounding into me with wild abandon. I cling to him, riding the waves of ecstasy that wash over me with every thrust. It feels incredible, and I never want it to end.

Where he was once cool and aloof, he burns now. He’s still icy in a magical way, but it’s the kind of ice that feels warm to the touch, not cold. As he fucks me, I feel like I’m melting into him, becoming part of him. It’s both terrifying and exhilarating, and I can’t get enough.

I dig my nails into his back, urging him on. “Harder,” I beg. “Please, Frost. More.”

He growls, gripping my hips tightly as he slams into me. The force of his thrusts sends shock-waves through my entire body, and I cry out in pleasure. I’m so close to the edge, teetering on the brink of oblivion. All it takes is one final push to send me tumbling over the precipice into blissful release as I sag back against the bubble wall.

Frost follows soon after, burying himself deep inside me as he comes with a roar. We collapse together against the bubble wall, panting and spent. For a few moments, there’s only silence as we catch our breath.

Then Frost speaks. “Evony...”

I turn to face him, unable to hide the smile on my face. “Yes?”

His expression is serious, but there’s a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. “That was...unexpected.”

I laugh softly. “It certainly was.”

He pauses, considering his next words carefully. “Would you be amenable to doing it again sometime?”

My grin widens. “Absolutely.”

He gives me a satisfied smirk.

As the afterglow fades, a thought occurs to me. I prop myself on one elbow against the bubble wall. “Can elves and humans... I mean, is it possible for them to...”

He seems to understand my unfinished question. “To conceive? Yes, it’s possible. Though rare.”

I think about Grizelda, so ill from her magical pregnancy. “And would it be dangerous? Like with Grizelda?”

He shakes his head. “Grizelda’s situation is unique. A witch carrying a child who is half mountain troll is far more magically taxing than an elf-human pregnancy would be.”

His words make me pause, and I realize my ears are tingling again. I reach up to touch them. To my shock, they feel longer and even pointier than before. “Frost,” I say, my voice shaking slightly, “I think Paulie might have been right about my heritage.”

He sits up, examining my ears with a mixture of surprise and wonder. “It appears the parrot was more perceptive than we gave him credit for. I believe you may indeed have elven ancestry.”

I stare at him, my mind reeling with the implications. “But what does this mean? For me? For us?”

Frost takes my hand, intertwining our fingers. “It means your adventure in Evershift Haven is only just beginning.”

I gaze at him, my heart still racing from our intimate encounter. The iridescent bubble surrounding us pulses with magical energy, a constant reminder of our predicament. “We need to figure out how to get out of here,” I say, running my fingers through my tousled locks.

He nods, his silver-white braid disheveled now. “You’re right. There must be another riddle or puzzle to solve.”

We examine the bubble’s surface, searching for clues. As my hand brushes against it, I notice a faint shimmer. Leaning closer, I see words etched in glowing script.

“To break free from this magical sphere,

Unite your strengths, both far and near.

One of logic, one of frost,

Combine your gifts or remain lost.”

I read the riddle aloud, and he nods. “It’s asking us to work together,” he says. “Your logical mind and my frost magic.”

“But how?” I ask, frowning. “I don’t have any magical abilities.”

Frost takes my hand. “You do. You just haven’t fully awakened them yet. Trust your instincts.”

I close my eyes, focusing on the energy I can sense humming around us. “Okay,” I say, taking a deep breath. “Let’s try something.”

I place my palm against the bubble’s surface, concentrating on the logical patterns I can discern in its magical structure. “Frost, can you channel your magic through me?”

He nods, positioning himself behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist. I gasp at a surge of icy power flowing through my body. It’s exhilarating and terrifying all at once.

“Now,” he whispers in my ear, “Visualize the bubble’s structure breaking down. Use your analytical mind to find its weak points.”

I focus intently, imagining the bubble as a complex equation. I can almost see the variables and constants, the intricate interplay of magical forces. With Frost’s power augmenting my own nascent abilities, I begin to unravel the spell.

The bubble shimmers and vibrates. Cracks appear in its surface, spreading like a spider web. With a final push of combined energy, it shatters into a shower of glittering particles.

We fall, landing on a soft pile of cushions in a corner of “Mystic Melodies.” The magical parrot, Paulie, flutters down to perch on a nearby shelf, looking entirely too pleased with himself. “Well done.”

I blink, still processing what just happened. “Did we just...use magic together?”

Frost helps me to my feet, a proud smile on his face. “We did. You were incredible, Evony.”

Before I can respond, a shimmering object catches my eye. On a pedestal near where we landed sits an exquisite snow globe. Inside, a miniature winter wonderland swirls with perpetual snowfall.

“The Snow Globe of Eternal Winter. We found it.”

I reach out to take it, marveling at its delicate beauty. As my fingers close around the globe, I feel a surge of magical energy. The snowfall inside intensifies, and for a moment, I swear I can hear the faint tinkling of sleigh bells.

“It recognizes you,” he says, his eyes wide with wonder. “Evony, I think this confirms it. You must have elven blood.”

I stare at him as myriad emotions swirl inside me. “But how is that possible, Frost? My family is completely ordinary.” I keep saying that, but is it true?

Paulie cackles, flapping his wings. “Ordinary? Ha. There’s more to your family tree than meets the eye, dearie, but that’s a mystery for another time.”

I nod, tucking the snow globe safely into my bag. As we turn to leave “Mystic Melodies,” Frost is watching me with a soft expression I’ve never seen before. He reaches out, tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear—my slightly pointed ear, I realize with a start.

“You’re amazing,” he says softly. “I’ve never met anyone quite like you.”

I blush. “You’re pretty incredible yourself, Frost.”

He smiles, a genuine, unguarded expression that makes my heart skip. Taking my hand, he leads me toward the shop’s exit. “Come on,” he says. “We have one more item to find.”