Chapter 8

THE TOWN SQUARE BUZZES with activity as we rejoin the festivities. Colorful banners and twinkling lights dance through the air, settling into place as if nothing unusual had happened. I stand in the middle of it all, my mind reeling from the events of the past few hours.

Suzette and Throk approach. He has his arm around her, and she’s snuggled close. She grins at me. “Look at you, all magical and everything.” The teasing fades a bit. “How are you handling it?”

“I’m still processing it all,” I say. “Last week, I was crunching numbers. Today, I’m channeling fae magic and helping save magical towns.”

Frost chuckles. “You’ve taken to it remarkably well.”

“I suppose I have,” I say, surprised by my own calm. “It’s like...I’ve finally found a piece of myself I didn’t know was missing.”

Suzette nods. “You’ve been looking for the right thing for a long time.” As Throk takes her hand to pull her into an intricate dance, she waves at me before being swept away.

When it’s just the two of us again, Frost’s expression turns serious. “As you know, I’ve seen your face in my dreams for many years. I’ve been waiting for you.”

I nod. “It sounds crazy, but I believe you.”

He nods. “Thank you, but there’s more.” He pauses, looking pensive. “I think I’m in love with you.”

The world seems to stop. I stare at him, open-mouthed, but no words come out.

“I know it sounds crazy. We’ve only just met technically, but I’ve known you in my dreams for so long, and today, working with you, seeing your courage and your innate connection to magic... Everything we went through confirmed everything I feel.”

I take a step back, overwhelmed. “I don’t know what to say.”

He reaches for my hand, and I let him take it. His touch sends a spark of heat through me. “I’m not asking you to feel the same way yet,” he says softly. “I just wanted you to know, and I don’t want to rush you for an answer, but I hope you’ll stay in Evershift Haven to explore this connection between us, to learn more about your magic, and be open to the future I’ve foreseen.”

I look around the square, at the impossible beauty of this hidden world. Then I look back at Frost, and the hope shining in his eyes. “What about my life back home? My job, my apartment, my family...”

“We can figure all that out. The town has ways of smoothing over absences in the human world, and your family can visit. I know in my heart you belong here. You must feel it too.”

I do feel the magic thrumming through my veins, and the sense of rightness I’ve experienced since arriving here, but it’s all so sudden, so overwhelming. I’m risking a lot just imagining the idea of staying. “I need to think.”

Frost nods. “Of course. Take all the time you need.”

I walk away, my mind a jumble of thoughts and emotions. I end up at the edge of The Whispering Woods, the leaves rustling with secrets, and recall their earlier teasing, relayed through Candice and Throk.

“What should I do?” I ask the trees, not really expecting an answer.

To my surprise, a gentle voice whispers back. “Follow your heart, child of two worlds.”

I laugh, shaking my head. Now I can hear them? I guess the extra magic I absorbed during the healing spell for the Heart of Haven made the difference.

I think about my life back in the “real” world. My tidy apartment, my predictable job, and my routine. It was comfortable, but was it fulfilling? Here in Evershift Haven, in just a day, I’ve experienced more wonder and excitement than in years of my old life.

And then there’s Frost. The connection between us is undeniable. The way my magic responds to his, and the electricity I feel when we touch. It’s too soon to call it love, but it’s definitely something worth exploring. Just thinking about making love with him again is almost enough to persuade me to stay, and that’s before I factor in emotions.

I make my way back to the town square, where he anxiously awaits. He looks tentatively hopeful when I reappear, giving me a small smile.

“I’ve made my decision.” I give him a big smile.

Frost’s smile grows. “And?”

“I want to stay. I want to learn about my magic, about this world, and...” I look into his eyes, currently a warm brown, like pools of melting chocolate. “I want to see where this thing between us goes.”

His face becomes radiant in his joy. He pulls me into a hug, lifting me off my feet and spinning me around. When he sets me down, we’re both laughing. “You won’t regret this. I’ll show you wonders beyond your wildest dreams.”

“I’m counting on it,” I say, grinning. “Not every day has to be a big adventure though. Just being here with you, getting to know you better, is more exciting than anything waiting for me in the human world.”

He leans in, and this time, I meet him halfway. Our lips touch, and it’s like a fireworks display behind my eyelids. I feel our magic intertwining, creating something new and beautiful.

When we break apart, we’re both breathless. “Wow,” I whisper.

Frost grins. “That was...”

“Magical?” I suggest, laughing.

He joins in my laughter. “Exactly.”

The party continues, and Grizelda looks better and better. After about twenty minutes, her complexion brightens as the pallor of magical lethargy fades from her green skin. Her wild purple hair seems to regain some of its usual vibrancy, swirling gently around her face as if caught in an unseen breeze. The symbiotic magic exchange between Santa and Evershift Haven has clearly worked wonders.

She and Atlas are quietly arguing about her need to rest. She’s insisting she won’t need an entire week, and he’s adamant. When she seems to continue resisting, he picks her up and puts her back in the bed still in the town square. I can’t help laughing, which catches her attention.

Grizelda’s eyes twinkle mischievously as she turns to me. “Hello, Evony. It seems we have quite the fae prodigy in our midst.”

I feel my cheeks warm. “I’m still not sure I believe all this.”

“Oh, trust me, darling. That magic you wielded? Pure fae energy.” Grizelda winks. “You should stick around. Frost could use someone to balance out that icy personality of his.”

Frost raises an eyebrow. “I resent that implication.”

I glance between them, uncertain. “I... I am staying. At least for a while.”

Grizelda claps her hands together, her eyes lighting up. “Wonderful. We must get you settled properly. How about I whip up a little house for you? Something cozy... Perhaps a charming daffodil cottage?”

I blink, trying to picture living inside an oversized flower. At least it would smell better than an onion. “That’s very kind, but—”

“You aren’t building houses or doing anything else for at least a week, love,” says Atlas firmly. His voice sounds like two rocks rubbing together.

“She can stay with me,” Frost interjects smoothly a beat after Atlas. “I have plenty of room in my poinsettia house.”

My eyes widen. “Your what now?”

His lips curl into a smile. “My home. It’s made from a poinsettia. A gift from Grizelda years ago. Would you like to see it?”

Curiosity gets the better of me. “I... Yes, actually. I would.”

Grizelda waggles her eyebrows suggestively. “Ooh, moving in together already? My, how things progress quickly around here.” She titters. “Like the town evokes love and magic.” She winks at me.

My cheeks are hot. “I...”

“Don’t tease,” says Frost, his cool hand finding mine. The touch sends a shiver of magic up my arm. “Evony is still figuring out everything.”

Grizelda’s knowing smile widens. “Of course. Don’t let me keep you lovebirds. Go on, enjoy the rest of the celebration. Oh, Evony?” Her expression softens. “Welcome to Evershift Haven. Truly. I’m always available to build a house if—”

“After next week,” says Atlas.

The witch gives him an exasperated look and rolls her eyes, but she doesn’t argue.

I imagine he’s going to have his hands full trying to keep her from overdoing it again. I nod as a lump forms in my throat. “Thank you.”

Frost gently tugs my hand, leading me away from Grizelda and back into the heart of the festivities. The town square is alive with music and laughter. Fairies dart between floating lanterns, their wings leaving trails of sparkling dust. A group of elves harmonize near the Heart of Haven, their voices weaving a spell of joy and contentment over the crowd.

“This is incredible,” I whisper, taking it all in.

He squeezes my hand. “It gets better every year. Though I must say, this is the most exciting Yuletide I’ve experienced in centuries.”

I turn to him, curiosity piqued. “How old are you exactly?”

He grins, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Old enough to know better, but young enough not to care. Let’s just say, I’ve seen my fair share of Christmases.”

We weave through the crowd, stopping occasionally to sample magical treats or admire enchanted decorations. I try a mug of “Reindeer Radiance” hot chocolate that makes my nose glow red for several minutes. Bella tells me it’s a tweak on her previous recipe. It tastes more like raspberry than mint as an undertone, and I nod my approval.

By the time the glow fades, Frost introduces me to a group of ice sprites, who create intricate frost patterns on my skin with a touch of their fingers.

As the night wears on, I start getting tired. The adrenaline of the day’s adventures is finally wearing off, leaving me pleasantly exhausted.

Frost notices my fatigue. “Ready to call it a night?”

I nod, stifling a yawn. “I think so. It’s been quite a day.”

He smiles softly. “That it has. Let’s slip away. I’ll show you to my home.”

I should protest, since I have a room at the “Moonlit Inn,” but I’m dying to see his poinsettia house—and be alone again with him. We make our way to the edge of the square, bidding goodnight to those we pass. As we leave the bustle of the celebration behind, a hush falls over us. The streets of Evershift Haven are quieter now, lit by softly glowing lanterns that float alongside the path.

“It’s not far,” he says, leading me down a winding lane. “Just behind the ice shop.” The houses we pass are a whimsical assortment of shapes and sizes. I see dwellings that resemble everything from acorns to miniature castles.

We round a corner, and I gasp. Before us stands a house unlike any I’ve ever seen. It’s shaped like an enormous poinsettia, its vibrant red petals forming walls and roof. The windows glow with warm light, and a wreath of holly adorns the door.

“Welcome to my home,” he says, a hint of pride in his voice.

“It’s beautiful,” I say, taking in every detail.

He leads me up the path, waving his hand to open the door. As we step inside, I’m enveloped in warmth and the scent of cinnamon and pine, with the faintest hint of a floral note, probably from the poinsettia. The interior is cozy yet spacious, with high ceilings that mimic the curve of poinsettia petals. Furniture of polished wood and soft fabrics in shades of green and gold fill the space. The walls are petals but hard, like Candice’s onion house.

“This is amazing,” I say after dropping my hand from the nearest wall to turn in a slow circle to take it all in.

“Let me give you the grand tour,” he says, leading me through the living room. “This is where I spend most of my free time.”

A massive fireplace dominates one wall, its mantle adorned with intricate ice sculptures that don’t seem to melt. Bookshelves line another wall, filled with tomes both ancient and modern.

“The kitchen,” he says, gesturing to an open space, where copper pots hang from the ceiling, and a large island stands in the center. “I’m not much of a cook, but the appliances are enchanted to follow recipes perfectly.”

We move upstairs, where Frost shows me a guest room and his study. Finally, we reach the master bedroom. It’s a large, circular space that forms the center of the poinsettia. The domed ceiling is enchanted to show the night sky, stars twinkling above us.

“And this is my room,” he says softly, looking at me.

The air between us suddenly feels charged with electricity. I take a step closer to him, drawn by an irresistible force. “It’s beautiful,” I whisper.

Frost’s hand comes up to cup my cheek. “Not as beautiful as you.”

Our lips meet, and it’s like fireworks exploding behind my eyelids. I feel our magic intertwining, creating something new and beautiful. Frost’s arms wrap around me, pulling me closer, and I melt into his embrace.

“We should slow down,” I whisper against Frost’s lips, but my fingers are already working at his shirt buttons.

“Should we?” His voice is husky as he walks me backward toward the bed, scattering kisses along my neck. My sweater drops to the floor, followed by his shirt. Each step leaves a new piece of clothing behind like breadcrumbs.

When my fingers trace his chest, his skin is deliciously cool, making me gasp. “You’re so cold.”

“And you’re burning up.” He traces my collarbone, leaving a path of sparks that makes me shiver. “So beautiful,” he murmurs, mapping my body as if for the first time. His touch is delicate, purposeful—featherlight caresses that leave trails of tingling magic skittering across my skin.

When we come together, stars explode behind my eyes. Our magic weaves together, gold and silver strands braiding in the air around us, amplifying every caress, every sensation. I open my eyes to see the enchanted ceiling transforming—ribbons of green and purple aurora dance overhead, shooting stars streak past, matching the rhythm of our movements.

“Look,” whispers Frost against my ear, and I watch as constellations rearrange themselves, creating patterns I’ve never seen before. The magic builds between us like electricity, like starlight, or like the first snow of winter meeting the last warm day of fall.

The stars above us shift and dance, creating new patterns I’ve never seen in any astronomy book. My magic mingles with Frost’s, creating swirls of gold and silver light that spiral upward toward the enchanted ceiling. The sensation is indescribable—like diving into a pool of starlight.

“The constellations.” I gasp when his cock swells as he pumps deeply into me while still watching as they form intricate designs. “They’re beautiful.”

He traces a path down my neck with his lips, each kiss leaving a trail of cool fire. “They’re responding to our magic.” He slides his hands down my sides, leaving trails of sparks in their wake. “Watch.”

As he sinks into my pussy again, I lift my hips to meet him. When we move together, the stars above pulse in rhythm. Gold and silver strands of magic weave through the air around us, creating a cocoon of light. The temperature in the room fluctuates—my heat meeting his coolness in perfect balance.

“I never knew it could be like this,” I whisper, arching into him as pleasure builds. Even the time in the bubble wasn’t this intense. It was before my magic fully awakened. The aurora overhead intensifies as ribbons of green and purple dance across the ceiling.

He threads his fingers through my curls, which are surprisingly warm now despite his natural coolness. “Neither did I. Our magics are perfectly matched.”

Each touch sends new sparks of power through me. The stars overhead spin faster, creating spirals of light that mirror our movements. My skin tingles everywhere we connect, magic flowing between us like electricity as we thrust against each other, straining for fulfillment.

“Open your eyes,” he murmurs against my lips. “Look at what we’re creating.”

I do and gasp at the sight. The entire room glows with our combined magic. Frost’s silver light twines with my golden power, creating patterns that pulse with each shared breath. Above us, the constellations have formed into shapes I recognize from ancient texts—the eternal lovers, the twin flames, and the sacred union.

He slides his hand down my back, leaving trails of frost that my inner fire instantly melts. Steam rises where our skin meets, adding to the otherworldly atmosphere. The magic builds higher and stronger until it’s hard to tell where his power ends and mine begins.

“You’re incredible,” he says against my neck, grazing my skin with his teeth and sending new shivers of pleasure through me. “So responsive to magic.”

I run my fingers through his silver hair, watching as golden sparks follow my touch. “It’s you,” I say. “You make me feel...” Words fail as another wave of sensation washes over me.

The aurora overhead brightens, casting multicolored light across our skin. Where the light touches, our magic responds, creating swirls of power that dance across our bodies. The temperature continues to fluctuate—hot and cold, fire and ice, perfectly balanced.

Frost captures my lips again, and I taste winter—crisp and clean like fresh snow. His tongue slides against mine as our magic surges higher. The stars above spin faster, creating a vortex of light that mirrors the building pleasure.

“Look,” he whispers again, breaking the kiss to direct my attention upward. The constellations are moving more rapidly now, forming new patterns with each passing second. “They’re showing us our future.”

I watch, transfixed, as the stars form images—two figures intertwined, surrounded by swirling magic. The vision shifts, showing scenes I can barely comprehend before they change again. Through it all, our bodies move together, magic building between us like a gathering storm.

The room fills with our combined power, golden light mixing with silver until it’s impossible to tell them apart. Each touch brings new sensations—frost melting against fire, winter meeting summer in perfect harmony. The pleasure builds higher, stronger, until I think I might shatter from the intensity. When we come simultaneously, the light show flares like the Big Bang, so bright I have to close my eyelids and look away even as pleasure consumes me.

Afterward, we lie tangled together, our breathing slowly returning to normal. Frost traces patterns on my skin, leaving little trails of frost that quickly melt away.

“I never... That was...” I trail off, unable to find words adequate to describe the experience.

Frost chuckles softly. “Magic?”

I laugh, snuggling closer to him. “That’ll do, but somehow, it’s still not a strong enough descriptor.”

He nods before we lie in comfortable silence for a while, basking in the afterglow. The events of the past few days swirl through my mind—discovering magic, saving Evershift Haven, and now, this connection with Frost. It’s all so overwhelming, yet it feels right.

“Frost?” I say softly.

“Hmm?”

I prop myself up on one elbow. “I can see myself being very happy here.”

His expression brightens with joy. “Really?”

I nod, a smile spreading across my face. “Really. This place, this magic, you... It all feels like home somehow. Like I’ve found a part of myself I never knew was missing.”

Frost pulls me closer, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “I’m so glad to hear that. I’ve waited centuries for you.”

“Centuries,” I say, tracing the line of his jaw. “I still can’t wrap my head around how old you are.”

He grins mischievously. “Age is just a number when you’re magical, as you’ll discover. I expect you’ll stop aging now that your magic has awakened, and you’re in Evershift Haven. Don’t worry about being with an older man though—I promise, I’ve got the energy of someone much younger.” He winks.

I laugh, swatting his chest playfully. “I don’t doubt that for a second.”

We fall into comfortable silence once more, the enchanted ceiling above us now showing a peaceful forest scene. Moonlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows across the bed.

“So,” I say after a while, “What happens now?”

Frost props himself up, looking down at me with a mixture of excitement and tenderness. “Now, we start your magical education in earnest. There’s so much for you to learn, and so many wonders to explore, and I’ll be right here beside you every step of the way.”

The prospect sends a thrill through me. “I can’t wait.”

Frost’s eyes twinkle with mischief. “First, how about another lesson in fae magic and consummation energy?”

I grin, pulling him down for another kiss. “I thought you’d never ask.”

MUCH LATER, I NESTLE deeper into Frost’s embrace. The events of the day swirl through my mind—discovering my magic, saving Evershift Haven, and now this incredible connection with Frost. My eyelids grow heavy, and I drift off to sleep, lulled by the steady rhythm of his breathing.

In my dream, I’m in a sun-dappled meadow. Wildflowers of every color imaginable sway in a gentle breeze, their petals shimmering with an otherworldly iridescence. The air is filled with the tinkling laughter of children.

Two small figures dash through the tall grass, their giggles echoing across the field. As they draw closer, my breath catches in my throat. They’re twins—a boy and a girl, no more than five years old. The boy has Frost’s silver-white hair and my warm brown eyes, while the girl sports my dark curls and Frost’s changing eye color. Their skin tone is light brown, and a perfect blend of both of us.

“Mama? Papa?” they call out in unison, racing toward us.

I glance to my left and see Frost standing beside me with joy. He kneels down, arms outstretched to catch the children as they launch themselves at us.

“There are my little snowflakes,” he says, scooping them up and spinning them around. The twins shriek with delight, their laughter like music.

I reach out to touch the girl’s cheek, marveling at the perfect blend of Frost and me in her features. “What are your names, little ones?”

The boy puffs out his chest proudly and answers for her. “I’m Jasper, and this is my sister, Aurora.”

Aurora nods enthusiastically. “We’re learning magic, Mama. Watch this.”

She holds out her tiny hand, scrunching her face in concentration. A small flame appears in her palm, dancing and flickering. Jasper, not to be outdone, creates a miniature snowstorm in his hand.

“Fire and ice,” murmurs Frost, his gaze meeting mine over the children’s heads. “A perfect balance.”

I laugh, feeling a surge of pride and love. “Just like us.”

The scene shifts, and we’re suddenly in a cozy living room. A Christmas tree towers in the corner, its branches laden with enchanted ornaments that twinkle and move. Jasper and Aurora sit cross-legged on the floor, eagerly tearing into presents.

“Look, Papa,” says Jasper, holding up a tiny broom. “My first flying broom.”

Frost chuckles. “No flying in the house. Your mother would have my head if you knocked over her favorite vase again.”

I swat his arm playfully. “As if you didn’t encourage them last time.”

Aurora squeals with delight as she unwraps a crystal ball. “It’s just like Auntie Grizelda’s.”

“And just as dangerous in the wrong hands,” I say, raising an eyebrow at Frost. “I hope you’ve childproofed that thing.”

He winks at me. “Of course, love. It only shows the future of their toy collection for now.”

The dream shifts again, and we’re back in the meadow. The twins are older now, maybe ten or eleven. They’re practicing more advanced magic, their faces set in identical expressions of concentration.

Jasper waves his hand, and a sapling sprouts from the ground, growing rapidly into a young tree. Aurora touches its trunk, and the leaves burst into vibrant autumn colors.

“They’re getting so strong,” I murmur to Frost, leaning into his side.

He nods, pride evident in his voice. “They take after their mother.”

I snort. “Oh, please, Mr. I’ve-been-practicing-magic-for-centuries. They get plenty from you too.”

As if to prove my point, Jasper creates an intricate ice sculpture with a flick of his wrist—a skill he definitely inherited from Frost.

The scene changes one last time. We’re in the Evershift Haven town square, decorated for some kind of celebration. Banners proclaim, “Congratulations, Graduates!” Jasper and Aurora, now young adults, stand before us in ceremonial robes alongside other children around their age. I see both Suzette and Candice among the crowd of proud parents.

Grizelda, her wild purple hair streaked with more silver now, beams at the twins and other young adults around her. “By the power vested in me as the guardian of Evershift Haven, I hereby declare you full-fledged members of our magical community.”

The crowd erupts in cheers. Tears prick my eyes as I applaud, overwhelmed with pride and a touch of nostalgia. When did they grow up so fast?

Frost squeezes my hand. “They’ll do great things,” he whispers.

I nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. Our children—a perfect blend of human and fae, of fire and ice, of logic and magic. They represent everything I never knew I wanted, everything I never believed could exist, and everything I now can’t imagine living without.

As the dream begins to fade, I hear Frost’s voice, distant but clear. “Evony? Love, wake up. You’re smiling in your sleep.”

I blink awake, the vivid images of the dream still fresh in my mind. Frost is propped up on one elbow, watching me with a mixture of curiosity and affection.

“Good dream?” he asks, brushing a stray curl from my forehead.

I nod, still caught between the dream world and reality. “The best,” I whisper, snuggling closer to him. “I saw our future, Frost. Our children.”

His eyes widen. “Jasper and Aurora.”

I nod, not surprised he knows their names. “Twins. A boy and a girl. They were beautiful, and so magical.” I recount my dream to Frost. With each detail I share, his eyes grow brighter, and his smile wider. By the time I finish, we’re both a little misty-eyed.

“It sounds perfect,” he says, his voice thick with emotion.

I caress his cheek. “It does, doesn’t it? But it was just a dream. We have no way of knowing if—”

He silences me with a gentle kiss. “Fae dreams have a way of coming true. Especially when they’re born from love and magic in a place like Evershift Haven.”

I gaze into his eyes, seeing the future I dreamed reflected there. “I hope you’re right,” I whisper.

Frost grins, a mischievous glint in his eye. “There’s only one way to be sure. Shall we start practicing?”

I laugh, pulling him down for another kiss. As our bodies entwine, and our magic mingles, I can almost hear the echoes of children’s laughter in the distance. A promise of the future, waiting to unfold.