Chapter 4

FOUR

B riar awoke the next morning to sunlight streaming through unfamiliar curtains. For a moment, she lay still, disoriented by the new surroundings. Then memory flooded back – the drive, the storm, the mysterious rescue – and she sat up with a gasp, her heart racing.

“It wasn’t a dream,” she murmured, running a hand through her tousled hair. The events of the previous night felt almost unreal in the cheerful morning light, but Briar knew what she had seen. What she had felt . The memory of those golden eyes, fierce and intelligent, was seared into her mind.

Throwing off the covers, she padded to the window and drew back the curtains. Whispering Pines lay before her, a picturesque scene straight out of a Christmas card. Fresh snow blanketed the ground, glittering in the sunlight like a field of diamonds. Smoke curled from chimneys, and in the distance, she could see the town square with its enormous Christmas tree, even more magnificent in the daylight.

Briar’s heart swelled with excitement, a giddy feeling bubbling up inside her that made her want to laugh out loud. This was it – her new home, her new life. And somewhere out there was the answer to the mystery of her golden-eyed rescuer.

“All right, Whispering Pines,” she said, a smile spreading across her face. Her reflection in the window grinned back at her, eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Let’s see what secrets you’re hiding.”

With renewed energy, Briar began to prepare for her first day in town. She had a shop to become acquainted with, a community to meet, and a dragon to find. It was going to be a busy day, but she couldn’t wait to get started.

The rays of early morning pierced the snow-laden clouds as Briar walked the sidewalk toward the town square.

As she came farther into town, Briar couldn’t shake the sensation of homecoming that washed over her. It was as if the very essence of Whispering Pines reached out to embrace her, whispering promises of belonging and new beginnings. The feeling intensified as she approached her destination: Enchanted Essences for Kids.

The shop stood proudly on a corner, its large bay windows showcasing a colorful array of magical skincare products for children. Briar’s heart swelled with pride.

A playful sign hung above the door, its letters dancing with sparkling accents that caught the light. Briar took a deep breath. With a determined nod, she pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The interior of Enchanted Essences for Kids was even more inviting than Briar had imagined. Shelves filled with an array of whimsical bottles and jars lined the walls. Each product seemed to shimmer with its own inner light, promising magical transformations and joyful experiences. A fireplace crackled softly at the back of the shop, casting a warm glow over the cozy space.

“Briar! You’re here!”

The excited exclamation drew Briar’s attention to a woman hurrying toward her from behind the counter. Fia Barlowe, founder of Enchanted Essences and Briar’s longtime friend and mentor, enveloped her in a warm hug.

Briar returned the embrace, breathing in the familiar scent of lavender and sunshine that always seemed to cling to Fia. “It’s so good to see you, Fia,” she said, stepping back to take in her friend’s appearance.

Fia’s light brown hair was pulled back in a neat bun, a few strands escaping to frame her face. Her eyes, the same shade as her hair, sparkled with enthusiasm. “I’ve been so excited for you to see the place,” Fia gushed, gesturing around the shop. “What do you think?”

Briar’s gaze swept the interior once more, noting the careful attention to detail in every aspect of the design. “It’s perfect,” she breathed. “Absolutely perfect. I can already imagine the children’s faces when they come in.”

Fia beamed, her smile lighting up her entire face. “That’s exactly what I was hoping for. Now, let me give you the grand tour and fill you in on all the details.”

For the next hour, Briar and Fia explored every nook and cranny of the shop. They discussed product placement, magical safety protocols, and ideas for community outreach. Briar’s mind buzzed with possibilities, her fingers itching to get started.

“Oh, I almost forgot!” Fia exclaimed as they finished their tour. She hurried to the back room and returned with a small, intricately carved wooden box. “A welcome gift from me to you.”

Briar opened the box carefully, gasping as she revealed a delicate silver pendant in the shape of a snowflake. Tiny crystals adorned each point, catching the light and throwing miniature rainbows across the room.

“It’s charmed,” Fia explained softly. “To help you always find your way home, no matter where your adventures might take you. Now, close up early today to go explore the town.”