Chapter 9

RONAN’S WORDS HANG in the air while he looks at me intently. I draw in a deep breath of the cool evening air. “When I first arrived here, I thought I’d lost my mind. Everything seemed impossible, like a dream I couldn’t wake up from, but now...” I pause, gesturing to the magical town around us. “I feel more awake than I ever have before.”

His ears perk up as a hopeful expression crosses his face.

I continue. “I’ve never been more at home anywhere in my life. The magic, the community, and the way everyone embraces who they truly are—it’s everything I never knew I was missing.”

His tail starts to wag slightly, and I smile at his enthusiasm. “And the farming, Ronan. Working with these magical plants and coaxing life from the earth in ways I never imagined possible—just the idea has awakened a passion I didn’t know I had.”

“Really?” he asks, his voice filled with excitement. “You’re considering staying?”

I nod, an invisible weight lift from my shoulders as I make the decision. “More than considering. I want to stay. I want to build a life here, to see what I can create with my own two hands and a little bit of magic.”

His muzzle splits into a wide grin. “That’s wonderful. I promise I’ll support you every step of the way. In fact...” He pauses, suddenly looking a bit nervous. “I have some land, just on the outskirts of town. I briefly mentioned it before... It’s been in my family for generations, but I’ve never quite known what to do with it. If you’d like, it could be the perfect place for you to start your farm.”

My eyes widen. “Are you serious? That’s incredibly generous.”

He shrugs, a bashful look crossing his face. “It’s nothing, really. The land deserves to be used by someone who’ll love it, and I think you’re just the person to bring it to life.”

Overwhelmed with emotion, I throw my arms around him, burying my face in his furry chest. His strong arms encircle me, and I feel safe and like I’ve finally found where I belong.

We sit down on a nearby bench, our bodies close, and the warmth of his fur is a welcome buffer against the cool air. We start to discuss our vision for the future, and I’m struck by how natural it feels, and how easily our lives seem to intertwine.

“Tell me about this land of yours,” I say, eager to hear more.

“It’s beautiful. About ten acres, with open fields and wooded areas. There’s a small stream running through it, fed by an underground spring. The soil is rich—my grandmother used to say it was blessed by the earth spirits themselves.”

I listen, enraptured, as he paints a picture of the land in my mind. I can almost see the fields stretching out before me, feel the cool water of the stream, and smell the rich earth beneath my feet.

“What would you want to grow?” he asks, his tail swishing with excitement.

I ponder for a moment, remembering all I’ve learned about magical farming in my short time here. “I’d love to start with some of the basics—those singing sunflowers we saw at Puckley’s farm, and maybe some whispering wheat. Oh, and definitely a pumpkin patch.”

Ronan nods. “Those are great ideas, and don’t forget, we could plant some moon-blooming night lilies along the stream. They’re not only beautiful, but their petals are used in all sorts of magical remedies.”

As we continue to plan, the ideas flow freely between us. We discuss crop rotations, magical pest control methods, and even the possibility of raising some mystical livestock. With each passing moment, our shared vision becomes clearer.

Still talking, and hand in hand, we meander back to the feast. The autumn air now smells like spiced cider and roasted chestnuts, mingling with the faint aroma of ozone from the magic that permeates Evershift Haven.

As we approach, Grizelda beams at our intertwined fingers. “Looks like someone’s made a decision.”

I blush, acutely aware of Ronan’s warm, furry hand in mine. “I have,” I say, unable to keep the smile from my face. “I’m staying in Evershift Haven.”

Grizelda turns to her husband. “Five bucks. I told you she’d stay.”

Atlas looks puzzled. “I don’t recall betting otherwise, love.”

She frowns at him for a moment but sighs. “No, I guess you didn’t.” Then she spins back to face me. “It’s truly marvelous. We must get you settled then. As the guardian witch of Evershift Haven, one of my duties is creating housing. I have just the thing—how about a charming mushroom cottage? Or perhaps a cozy pumpkin house? I can whip one up in no time with a flick of my wrist.”

Before I can respond, Ronan says, “Actually, Grizelda, I had a different idea.” He turns to me. “Candi, you could stay with me. We can build your dream farm right there on my family’s land.” He glances at Grizelda. “We might need to move my cabin there though.”

That seems to mollify the witch, but I’m still processing the idea. The thought of creating a home and a farm with Ronan fills me with an excitement I’ve never known before. “Really? You’d want that?”

Ronan nods, his furry ears twitching slightly. “More than anything.”

“Then, yes,” I say, squeezing his hand. “Yes, I’d love that.”

Grizelda’s grin widens, and she winks at us. “Ah, young love. It’s a magic all its own, you know.”

Suddenly, Puckley emerges from the crowd, her moss-covered skin practically glowing with enthusiasm. “Did I hear correctly? Our Candice is staying and starting a farm?”

I nod, still barely believing it myself. “That’s right. Ronan’s offered his family’s land.”

Puckley looks delighted, and the tiny flowers in her hair seem to bloom even brighter. “Oh, how wonderful. I’d be more than happy to mentor you in magical farming. There’s so much to learn—talking to plants, coaxing stubborn seeds to grow, negotiating with the seasons...”

“I’d love that, Puckley,” I say, genuinely touched by her offer. “I have so much to learn.”

As the reality of my decision sinks in, a new thought occurs to me. I turn to Ronan, suddenly nervous. “Do you think...would it be okay if I invited my best friend, Evony, to visit for Christmas? I’d love for her to see all this magic.”

He nods. “Of course. This is your home now too. Your friends are welcome here.”

Overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement, I spot Suzette across the glade. “Excuse me for a moment,” I say before making my way through the crowd.

Suzette is chatting with a group of elves, her lawyer’s poise slightly at odds with the fantastical surroundings. When she sees me approach, she excuses herself and meets me halfway. “Hey, sis,” she says, searching my face. “You look...different. Happy.”

I nod, hardly able to contain my news. “I’ve decided to stay in Evershift Haven.”

She grins. “I had a feeling you might. This place has a way of getting under your skin, doesn’t it?”

I nod. “It really does, and there’s more—Ronan’s offered to let me start a farm on his family’s land. We’re going to build a life here together.”

She gives me a wide grin. “Oh, Candice, that’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks, Suz,” I say, pulling her into a hug. As we embrace, I ask, “What do you think about inviting Evony for Christmas? I’d love for her to experience the magic of Evershift Haven too.”

She pulls back, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “That’s a brilliant idea. Evony’s always had a secret soft spot for fantasy. I bet she’d love it here.”

As we stand there, I’m struck by how much my life has changed in such a short time. From a vaguely dissatisfied event planner to a soon-to-be magical farmer, it’s been quite the journey, and as I look around at the fantastical beings that now feel like family, it’s only just beginning.

Ronan approaches, his tall frame easily visible above the crowd. He wraps an arm around my waist, and I lean into him, savoring his warmth and strength.

“Did you tell your sister our news?”

I nod, excitement bubbling up inside me. “Absolutely, and I think we need to celebrate. After all, it’s not every day a girl decides to stay in a magical town and start a new life with a sexy lycan.”

He grins. “I couldn’t agree more. What do you say we grab some of Caelan’s flambé fae fruit with hot cider and find a quiet spot to watch the enchanted fireworks?”

I nod, and we make our way through the feast, hand in hand. Passing Grizelda, she gives me another knowing wink and waves her hand. Suddenly, a shower of golden sparks rains down around us, each one transforming into a tiny, glowing butterfly before disappearing.

“Welcome home, Candice,” she calls out, her voice carrying over the festive noise.

Home.

Surrounded by magic, love, and endless possibilities, I’ve truly found where I belong.