Chapter 19

With a wave of her hand, the lights flickered on in her home office, illuminating the ancient texts and recent reports strewn across her desk. She rolled her shoulders, feeling the weight of the mystery she needed to unravel.

"Time to get to work," she murmured to Ferro, her fingers already reaching for the nearest book.

For hours, Sera leaned over the musty pages, searching for any hint, any pattern that could shed light on the magic threatening the festival. The sun climbed higher in the sky, but she hardly noticed, lost in a world of arcane knowledge and historical accounts.

It wasn't until her stomach grumbled in protest that Sera glanced at the clock, realizing she had skipped breakfast entirely after feeding her new pet. With a sigh, she marked her place and rose, stretching her stiff limbs. She had a feeling this was going to be a long day. Damn, she missed Lark. How had he made himself so necessary to her day-to-day life? She didn't want to seem needy, so she decided to talk to him after she handled festival issues.

Grabbing her coat, Sera stepped out into the warming air, her shadow with a white tip on its tail returning, making her smile. It's amazing how fate worked, bringing together those who should be together. She grinned, thinking of Lark coming into her life so unexpectedly just like Ferro.

The bell above the apothecary's door chimed as Sera entered, inhaling the familiar scent of herbs and spices. Luna glanced up from behind the counter. When Sera closed the door, Ferro was gone again. She shook her head. Maybe he'd found a female ferret he liked. Who knew what a ferret thought?

"Sera, what brings you here so early?"

Sera approached the counter, her expression serious. "I need your help, Luna. Something strange is happening with the plants we're using for the festival decorations. I think there might be magic involved."

Luna's brows knit together, concern etching itself across her features. "Tell me everything."

Over the next hour, Sera recounted her observations, her voice low and urgent as she described the wilting leaves, the fading colors, the way the plants seemed to recoil from certain areas of the festival grounds. Luna listened attentively, her fingers steepled beneath her chin.

"It sounds like someone might be using these plants as conduits for a ruination spell," Luna mused, her gaze distant. "In the past, certain rituals used specific flora to channel dark magic, to disrupt and destroy."

Sera nodded, her suspicions confirmed. "I need to collect samples, to analyze them in my lab. Can you help me gather them safely?"

Luna rose. "Of course. Let me grab my charms."

As they worked side by side, carefully harvesting leaves and petals, Luna placed a gentle hand on Sera's arm. "I know this festival means a lot to you, my dear. But remember, you don't have to shoulder this burden alone. Lark cares for you deeply, even if he shows it in his own unique way."

Sera felt a flush creep up her neck at the mention of Lark. "I know. I'm trying not to push him away. It's just...hard for me to let people in sometimes."

Luna smiled, her gaze understanding. "Give him a chance. You might find that your differences are what make you stronger together."

"Believe it or not, I am."

Luna raised her brows and smiled in understanding. "This is wonderful, Sera. I just know you will find happiness with him."

"I don't know, but I hope you're right. He's been pretty amazing so far."

"Really?" Luna's grin widened. "I am really happy for you, dear."

"Thank you, Luna. I appreciate that."

With the samples collected, Sera bid Luna farewell and headed home, her mind already racing with hypotheses to test. She spent the next few hours locked in her lab, applying her order magic to isolate variables and trace enchantments, so focused that she nearly missed the soft chime of a message spell.

Frowning, Sera waved a hand to open the shimmering scroll, her eyes widening as she read the cryptic words scrawled across the parchment.

"Hidden truths beneath the surface, watch the shadows for they hold the key."

The message dissolved into mist, leaving Sera with more questions than answers. What truths? Whose shadows? She shook her head, frustration mounting. She needed more context, more history.

She headed for the Bewitched Bakery, where the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread and the warm smile of Molly Hues welcomed her. Over steaming cups of lavender tea and buttery scones, Sera revealed her discoveries to her friend.

Molly listened intently. "It sounds like you need to shore up the festival's defenses. Have you considered weaving shielding enchantments into the decorations themselves?"

Sera's eyes widened, a grin spreading across her face. "Molly, you're a genius! If we can embed wards into the garlands and centerpieces, we might be able to neutralize any tampering attempts."

The two spent the next hour brainstorming, sketching out complex sigils and incantations on Molly's flour-dusted countertop. As they worked, Molly nudged Sera with a knowing smile.

"So, a little birdie told me that Lark has been singing your praises all over town. He's quite smitten with you, you know."

Sera ducked her head, feeling her cheeks heat. "I... I care for him too. Deeply. I'm just not used to letting someone in like this. It's scary and exhilarating all at once."

Molly reached across the counter, squeezing Sera's hand. "Love is always a leap of faith, honey. But from what I've seen, Lark is ready to jump with you. Don't let your fears hold you back."

"I'm trying not to let that happen. I think I'm in love with him, but I'm not sure I even know what love is."

"Whatever your gut is telling you, trust it. Whatever your heart is saying, believe it."

With a grateful smile and a hug, Sera bid Molly farewell and set off toward the festival grounds, her satchel heavy with enchanted ribbons and crystals. She spent the next few hours weaving intricate wards, her magic flowing through her fingers in glowing strands of power.

As the sun began to sink below the horizon, Sera stepped back to admire her handiwork. The festival grounds hummed with energy, a shimmering barrier against any malicious interference.

Exhausted but satisfied, Sera decided to take a walk through town to clear her head and stretch her legs after a long day. The streets of Whispering Pines were alive with activity as residents prepared for the upcoming celebrations, hanging garlands and floating candles, their laughter and chatter filling the air.

Sera found herself smiling as she watched them, feeling a sense of belonging that had long eluded her.

Lost in her thoughts, she almost didn't notice Celeste until the other witch fell into step beside her, linking their arms with a warm smile.

"Sera, darling! I was just on my way to the Green Thicket for a cup of tea. Want to join me?"

Sera hesitated for a moment, glancing at the fading light. But the prospect of a quiet moment with a friend was too tempting to resist. "I'd love to."

The tea house was a cozy haven, all plush armchairs and the soothing scent of herbs. As they settled in with steaming mugs, Celeste fixed Sera with a knowing look.

"So, tell me. How are things going with you and Lark?"

Sera sighed, cradling her tea. "Honestly? It's wonderful. I've never felt this way, Celeste. I'm scared of getting hurt and letting him down."

"Oh, honey. Love is always a risk. But from what I've seen, Lark adores you. He lights up whenever you're around. Don't let your fears rob you of something beautiful."

Sera smiled softly. "You're right. I need to trust in what we have, in the magic between us."

"Sounds to me like you're further ahead than we realized."

She gave a slow nod. "I think I'm in love. I think he is too. But I don't want to seem needy and I'm not a teenager, so I don't want to come across as eager and desperate."

"You could never come across as that. Lark will treasure your love and be happy when he realizes it. You don't need to second-guess yourself. Just follow your heart."

The two chatted a while longer, swapping stories and laughter. It was only when the tea house started to empty that Sera reluctantly bid Celeste goodnight, stepping out into the quiet streets.

Her cell phone rang and she picked it up with a smile. "Hey, you."

"Hey, beautiful. I've got dinner waiting for you."

She laughed and walked faster. "I'll be there soon."

"Good, because my mom made this lasagna with you in mind and told me to make sure you ate it while it was warm. I think you're going to like it."

"I love your mom. She's so sweet."

"Hey, I'm sweet too. I'm the one who's got it warming and who's got wine and candles ready."

"Oh, really?"

"Yeah. I've also got a great movie picked out."

"What kind?"

"Horror."

She groaned. "Come on. You promised no more horror."

"I lied. I like when you get scared and jump into my arms."

She rolled her eyes and chuckled. "Fine, but don't complain when I can't sleep."

"Don't worry. I've got just the thing for that." His voice was low and deep and her entire body warmed at the images conjured.

"I'll be there soon."

When she arrived at Lark's place, she bypassed the food and went straight into his arms. Sera loved that Lark seemed to lose his control whenever he was near her. He kissed her with passion, flipping a switch inside her and awakening the hunger she had for him. The one she'd been trying to ignore so she wouldn't seem needy. She dug her nails into his hair, holding his head close.

Their lips fused while their tongues danced. Fate had a way of letting her know this was the right man for her. Every time he kissed her, she could feel her heart fill with love.

Sera knew better by now. She knew she shouldn't fight it, but she wasn't one to accept anything easily, either. Not when it came to emotions. He cupped her bottom, lifting her and grinding her against his hardness. She wrapped her legs around his waist, tightening her hold on him.

"Mmm," She kissed the corner of his mouth, licked his jaw, and nibbled on his neck.

"Sera…you are delectable." He licked from her neck, down her collarbone, to the swell of her breasts.

"Yesss," she rocked her hips on his hardness and groaned.

"Sera," he grunted, "Do you want me?" He nibbled on her chest, making her squirm in his hold.

"Yes. I want you so much, Lark. I don't even understand these feelings."

"Ah, witchy witch. Don't worry about that. I won't hurt you, but I love knowing you want me as much as I want you."

Sera recognized then he was giving her time and space. At that moment, she realized she didn't want to take things slow with Lark. She wanted him with a barely containable need that scared her. He dropped her in the middle of the bed. Dragging air into her lungs, she watched him strip off his clothes. He had the body of a god.

She thought her mind had played tricks on her and given her false memories of their amazing time in bed, but no, it wasn't false memories. Her memory was perfect. She licked her lips and stared while he gripped his length.

"Do you want me inside you, witchy witch?"

"Yes. Yes. Yes. Please."

He grinned and got her dress off so fast, she almost missed it happening.

Sera tried to remember how to breathe when Lark parted her legs wider.

"Are you ready for me, beautiful?"

She gave a quick nod. She immediately opened for him. He crawled up her body, grabbed his hardness with one hand, and rubbed it on her slick entrance.

"I've been fantasizing of this moment again," he groaned. "The two of us united. Nothing between us."

She looked into his eyes and saw his dragon so close to the surface, it made her shudder. He was so sexy. So raw. She lifted her head and kissed him, dragging him on top of her.One slow thrust and he was inside her, stretching and rubbing her insides, oh, so deliciously.

"I'll never get used to how amazing you feel." He was deep, so deep inside that he felt like a part of her. She dug her nails into his back, pulling him closer.

"You feel so good. So perfect right where you are."

He thrust into her, again and again, until she struggled to catch her breath under him. In the haziness of her all-consuming desire, she heard him whisper, "Mine."

Sera screamed, pleasure rushing her. Seconds later, she felt him stiffen and jerk inside her, filling her with his heat.She lay there with him in her and closed her eyes. She couldn't think of another place she wanted to be.