Chapter Fifteen: Carys

"Next stop," announced Harry with a theatrical sweep of his arm, "the enchanted Christmas market! They host this little market in town every year. If you two lovebirds can't remember meeting there, well, we'll just have to make new memories."

Carys laughed softly, relaxing more as they left the boating lake behind and headed toward town. "We're not exactly lovebirds," she said, casting a shy look at Varn.

"Not yet anyway." Burt winked, nudging Stan, who grinned in agreement.

Varn cleared his throat, attempting to hide his own smile. "Lead the way, gentlemen."

"You know, I think they are enjoying this more than we are," Carys said and then chuckled at Varn's expression as it clouded. "I didn't mean that I'm not enjoying our second first date."

Varn nodded. "But what you mean is this is a little like their date. Not our date."

"Something like that," Carys agreed, happy they seemed to be on the same wavelength—they really wanted to be alone, figuring this all out, while also getting to know one another. Again.

"Well, how about we go along with them for a while? Explore the possibility that our memory loss was triggered by something accidental, and then we go somewhere more private."

"More private?" She stared at him for a long moment, as they made their way to the gathering of tents that must be the market.

This was all so unexpected. And with the confusion of their memory loss, she hadn't had time to think about the repercussions of being a dragon shifter's mate.

But was it fair to make any judgments before she got to better know the man who said he was her mate?

"Yes, more private," Varn murmured.

Carys nodded, pushing her worries aside for now. "That sounds perfect." She looped her arm through Varn's as they entered the market, inhaling the scents of roasted chestnuts and cinnamon as a frisson of electricity coursed between them.

Snow gently fell amongst the market tents, even though there was a clear sky above. A group of children ran past them, chasing after a flurry of falling snowflakes.

"It's beautiful," Carys breathed, taking in the stalls selling handmade crafts, wreaths, and baked goods.

"And so are you," Varn murmured, making her blush. She wasn't used to anyone complimenting her in such an intimate way. And there was no mistaking it. Varn's words left her in no doubt that intimate is exactly what he intended.

The idea was appealing…

No, they were here to figure out what, or who, had stolen their memories.

Her blush deepened. And what if they got their memories back, and they discovered intimate was exactly what had happened yesterday on their first date?

Normally, she would never sleep with a man on a first date. But this was different. Varn was different.

They were mates. Destined to be together.

The thought gave her butterflies.

Pushing down those wonderfully troubling thoughts, Carys forced herself to think of something else. Anything else, other than the man beside her, whose very presence made her skin tingle.

The market was a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. Stalls draped in holly and ivy displayed an array of magical goods: shimmering ornaments that reflected scenes of distant lands, snow globes that captured miniature blizzards, and confections that, according to the sign next to them, changed flavor with each bite.

"Come look at these," Harry called out, his face flushed with excitement as he beckoned to them.

"Wishing Baubles!" Stan added.

"Despite their age, they have a certain childlike wonder, don't they?" Carys asked as they headed toward the Regulars.

"They do," Varn agreed. "I am envious of them in some ways."

"I know what you mean." Carys nodded, understanding the wistfulness in Varn's voice. She, too, had lost that childlike wonder over the years, worn down by her responsibilities.

"Maybe we can help each other find some of that again," Varn suggested.

"We might not have to, it looks like we have found some expert teachers," Carys said and squeezed his arm as they made their way over to where Harry and Stan were oohing and ahhing over the Wishing Baubles, which appeared to be an eclectic collection of, well…baubles.

"They might not have helped us find out what happened to our memories from yesterday," Varn said. "But they might help is make some new ones."

"Come on, you two." Burt shifted to the side to make room for Varn and Carys on the threshold of the small tent.

"What do we have to do?" Varn asked, eyeing up the Christmas ornaments on display.

"Make a wish and hang it on the Yuletide tree, and on Christmas morn, your heart's desire will be yours," the stall keeper, a kindly old witch, explained with a toothy grin. "Although it looks as if your wish has already come true."

"It has," Varn agreed, shooting Carys a look that made her insides turn to liquid fire.

Carys hid a smile, and her blush, as she examined a delicate glass star, tracing her finger over the intricate frosted design engraved into its otherwise smooth surface. "I'll take this one."

"A perfect choice," the witch said in a sagely tone.

"How does this work? Making a wish, I mean?" Varn asked as he picked out a pewter dragon.

The witch picked up a small, hand-carved goose and said, "All you need to do is hold the ornament close and concentrate on your heart's desire as you make your wish. The magic will do the rest. But just remember, be sure that your wish is your true heart's desire."

"You don't have to cast a spell?" Harry asked as he picked out a simple sheaf of golden straw.

"Already did," the witch said, her lined face filled with age-old wisdom. "The spell is woven into each ornament, just waiting to be activated by a sincere wish from a pure heart."

"And if your heart is not pure?" Varn asked.

The witch chuckled and wagged her bony finger at Varn. "Then you would not have found your way to my stall. It must be fate."

Varn's eyes darkened, and he swallowed hard, as if fighting with his emotions. Then he closed his hand around the pewter dragon and pulled a handful of coins from his pocket. "Have we all chosen?"

"I can't decide between the silver bell and the gold star," Stan said, holding up the two ornaments.

The witch smiled knowingly. "The bell will bring you joy and laughter, while the star will guide you to your true path."

Stan's eyes widened. "That doesn't make the choice any easier!"

"We'll take them both," Varn said quickly. "Burt?"

"A reindeer." Burt held up a reindeer wearing a scarf.

"Okay. How much?" Varn asked.

As her mate paid for the wish charms, Carys let her imagination drift to the future. A future where they would one day visit the same stall with their children. A boy and a girl…

No, she would not let her imagination run away with her. At least, not until they had made it past their first date.

And goodness how many tries that might take, as they seemed to have made no progress on resolving what had happened to their memories of each other from the day before.

If they did not figure out why they had forgotten each other, and it kept on happening, there was no way they could even contemplate having a life together, let alone a family.

Imagine that? Every morning coming downstairs to breakfast, only to think that a stranger had appeared in your house, saying that you were fated mates.

Carys held the snowflake ornament in her palm. Her wish suddenly became obvious.

"Shall we find somewhere to make our wishes?" Varn suggested, his hand on the small of her back.

Carys nodded, not quite trusting herself to speak. They wandered through the market, taking in the sights and sounds, until they found a quiet spot near a fountain, its frozen waters glistening in the bright winter sunlight.

"Ready?" Varn asked as they all huddled together.

"Ready!" the Regulars chorused.

Carys cradled her star, closing her eyes as she focused on her deepest longing. Images of Varn, of a future filled with love and belonging, and family, drifted through her mind. She wished for the courage to open her heart, to trust in the bond they shared as mates. To trust in fate. And their future together.

Beside her, Varn clutched his dragon, his brow furrowed in concentration. She wondered what he was wishing for, if his thoughts were as consumed by her as hers were by him.

Judging by the small twitch in his lips, she figured they were.

As she watched the Regulars, they made their wishes with childlike solemnity, their faces alight with hope and anticipation. Even Burt seemed caught up in the magic of the moment, his usually slightly gruffer exterior softened.

"Let's go hang them on the Yuletide tree," Harry said in a hushed tone.

"Good idea." Varn slipped his hand into hers as they continued through the market.

"Don't forget why we are here," Stan reminded them.

Carys had to admit she'd been so caught up in the market's magic that she had allowed herself to forget their important mission.

But as they meandered through the stalls, heading for the Yuletide tree that stood at the center of the square, its colorful lights guiding them to it, there was no sign of anything that might have robbed them of their memories.

As much magic as there was in the market, it all seemed so benign, so jovial. She could not remember what she and Varn had done the last time they were here, but she hoped that this second first date was not too far off.

As they walked, a booth caught her eye, where a craftsman sat leaning forward, a wand held in one hand that, with subtle motions, formed the ice before him as if, well, by magic. He noticed Carys watching and beamed. "Care to give it a try?"

Carys accepted eagerly, taking the offered wand. "I've always wanted to learn ice sculpting. Even if it is with magic rather than with a chisel." She narrowed her eyes at the formless ice before her, before wafting the wand through the air, and the top of the ice formed waves, the tips of which even frosted up, looking like white water pushed by a brisk breeze across the ocean.

"Impressive," Varn remarked, admiring her handiwork.

"Your turn," she said, handing him the wand.

Varn hesitated. "I'm not much for delicate work. Or magic."

"Give it a shot," she encouraged. "You might be surprised."

Varn grimaced, but took the wand from her, regardless. He flicked the wand at the ice, and a long body seemed to writhe out of the glossy waves. After only a moment, Carys realized what it was.

"A water dragon."

"A sea serpent. But I suppose it's close enough," Varn chuckled.

"A distant relative, perhaps?" Carys giggled. "Seems you have a talent after all," she said, her eyes meeting his.

"Maybe I just needed the right inspiration," he replied with a quirk of his lips.

Lips she would dearly love to kiss.

Their moment was interrupted by the Regulars, who appeared wearing matching knitted hats adorned with bells that chimed incessantly with every one of their movements. "We thought we'd get into the spirit of the season," Stan declared, shaking his head so the bells jingled merrily.

"Silly season," Varn said, mimicking Morwenna.

Carys began to chuckle, her shoulders shaking with amusement. As he caught her eyes, Varn had no choice but to join in. Although, the Regulars did not seem to share their humor.

"Next up, the Yuletide tree!" Harry proclaimed, ignoring Carys and Varn as they continued to laugh.

"At least we won't lose them," Varn said lightly as the Regulars darted on ahead, the bells on their hats jingling a merry tune.

"No, that's true," Carys replied. But she was starting to think it would be nice to lose them. At least for a couple of hours, so she could get to know Varn a little better.

Five was certainly a crowd.

They made their way to the market center, where the majestic Yuletide tree stood. It towered above them, its branches adorned with countless ornaments that shimmered with their own inner light, many undoubtedly Wishing Baubles that people before them had hung.

"I'd forgotten how wonderful Wishing Moon Bay is at this time of year." She tilted her head to look at the bright star on top of the tree.

They approached the tree together, finding a spot where two branches intertwined. As they hung their ornaments, a soft glow emanated from both, growing brighter when they were side by side.

"Well, would you look at that," Stan whispered to the others, who stood wide-eyed with wonder.

Varn and Carys stepped back, admiring the sight. "I guess our ornaments approve of each other," she mused.

"Seems so," he murmured and slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her close.

Carys rested her head on his shoulder. "I never want to forget this."

"Neither do I," Vern said gruffly.

"Then let's take a photo," Harry suggested, pulling out his phone.

Varn shuffled his feet, looking kind of awkward, but then he glanced down at her and smiled.

And Harry captured the moment. One she hoped she would remember forever.