Chapter 23

Sera tried to calm the racing in her chest. The weight of the festival's final day settled on her chest, making it difficult to breathe. Closing her eyes, she focused on her breathing, inhaling the calming scent of lavender from the sachet under her pillow.

"You can do this," she whispered to herself, visualizing an encasing white light surrounding her body.

With renewed determination, Sera rose from her bed and began her morning rituals, preparing herself mentally and magically for the day ahead.

A short while later, Sera entered the Green Thicket Tea House, spotting Luna and Celeste already seated at a corner table. The aroma of herbal tea and freshly baked scones enveloped her as she approached her friends.

"Morning," Sera greeted, sliding into the chair across from them. "Thanks for meeting me so early."

Luna smiled. "Of course, dear."

Celeste plopped into a chair. "Let's go over the plan one more time. I want to make sure we haven't missed anything."

As they sipped their tea and nibbled on scones, the three witches discussed the additional security measures they'd put in place for the festival's final day. Sera detailed the magical sensors she'd be deploying, designed to alert her to any unauthorized magical activity.

"I've also arranged for some of my coven members to be stationed throughout the festival grounds," Luna added. "They'll be our eyes and ears, ready to report any suspicious behavior."

Sera felt a surge of gratitude for her friends' unwavering support. With their help, she felt more confident in her ability to defend the festival and the community she'd grown to love.

After breakfast, Sera made her way to the festival grounds, her senses heightened and her order magic thrumming beneath her skin. She meticulously checked each vendor's stall, ensuring no tampered items or dangerous enchantments were present. The familiar hum of magic filled the air as the festival came to life around her.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Sera spotted Lark weaving through the growing crowd, his eyes scanning the area with a watchful intensity. They met near the entrance, their hands brushing briefly as they exchanged a meaningful look.

"Everything set on your end?" Lark asked, his voice low and serious.

Sera nodded, her fingers tingling from the brief contact. "The sensors are in place, and I've gone over the surveillance footage again. We're as prepared as we can be."

Sera's heart fluttered at his words, a warmth spreading through her chest. She opened her mouth to respond, but a sudden, sharp tingle from one of her sensors interrupted her thoughts.

"There's a magical disturbance near the main stage," Sera said urgently, already moving in that direction.

Lark fell into step beside her, his body tensing with anticipation. As they approached the stage, Sera's breath caught in her throat. There, in the center of the platform was Ferro swatting his claws at someone trying to shoo him away.

Suddenly a small whirlwind encompassed the ferret, and when it dissipated, an old woman with long black hair with white ends appeared. What the hell? Ferro, the ferret she found injured in the forest, was a witch in disguise?

The witch raised her hands and bolts of energy flew from her fingertips.

The cotton candy booth exploded, sending patrons screaming for cover. She cackled with glee, aiming her power at the dunking booth. Water floated over the top, draining the tub.

Sera stepped forward, her own magic surging to counteract the malevolent enchantment.

Eleanor stepped in front of her. "Stay behind me. You cannot fight her power."

The stranger's chanting faltered as she turned to face Eleanor, her gray eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and surprise.

A crowd began to gather around them, festival-goers drawn by the commotion.

Just then, the magical stranger aimed glowing eyes at Sera and threw a ball of electricity at her. Eleanor popped up a shield, deflecting the deadly spell.

"Thelma, stop this right now," Eleanor said.

"I will not," the witch shrieked. "You don't understand," she hissed, her voice dripping with resentment. "I deserved to lead this festival, not be cast aside like some weak novice. I've been waiting years to get my revenge and I will have it."

A newcomer stepped from the shadows. "No, Thelma," Felix Blackthorn said. "You have no right. You are wrong."

Of course. That's where she heard the name Thelma Blackthorn. According to Gideon at the historical museum, she was the witch who was banished years ago for trying to ruin the festival. Why was she back?

Thelma turned to Felix. "Brother, you are a fool. These people have corrupted your thoughts. You are diseased." Before she could form an electric ball, Felix struck her with a bolt from his fingers. She fell to the stage floor.

Eleanor chanted and a dull light surrounded Thelma who shrieked with anger. "You can't do this."

Sera stepped closer, her voice softening. "I'm sorry you are so unhappy, Thelma. I don't know what happened years ago, but time has moved on. The old have passed and the young have grown up. Your revenge would be empty. It's time for you to let this go."

As Sera spoke, Luna, Celeste, and other members of the community stepped forward, their magic joining Sera's in a show of unity. Thelma's eyes widened as she realized the extent of the support surrounding Sera.

"It's over, Thelma," Lark said firmly, his dragon eyes glinting in the sunlight. "The festival and this community will not be broken by jealousy and resentment."

Still encased in the magic barrier, Thelma began to shake, chanting quietly. In a blink, the binding spell around the witch exploded away and she lifted her arms, the wind whipping the banners and flags.

Felix lunged toward his sibling. "No, sister. I will not let you destroy what has been created here." He crashed into the witch and they both disappeared into thin air.

The wind died and everyone looked around, wondering what just happened.

"It's over," Eleanor said. "She is gone for good. And unfortunately, so is Felix. He sacrificed himself to save us all."

Sera nodded gratefully, leaning into Lark's solid presence beside her. As the crowd dispersed, murmuring about the dramatic events, Sera and Lark stared at the one person they both thought was the perpetrator.

"Eleanor," Lark started.

The elder lifted a hand. "No need to say anything. I led you astray because I suspected Thelma might take this opportunity with a new festival organizer to make her move."

"I don't understand," Sera said. "Led us astray? Why?"

"Because if you suspected someone else, then you would've been chasing an innocent person. I couldn't let that happen." With a deep sigh, Eleanor settled on a picnic bench. "Sit a spell and let me tell you a story."

Sera and Lark sat on the opposite side of the table as Eleanor began.

"Many years ago when I was young, the feud between the Vances and Blackthorns was in full swing. The families had differing views on where the future of the town should go. Long story short, Thelma thought she was the one to lead the way. When she was voted down by the community, she set out to do all the damage she could to get back at them.

"She was stopped and banished. But I knew, as obviously Felix did too, that she would return. And she did. But never again." She shook her head, a sad expression on her face. "I hate it had to come to this. I've been watching and trying to catch her before she caused any harm. Now I see how she avoided me."

"By being a ferret? Was she a shifter?" Lark asked.

"No, she used her magic to change into a ferret when she wanted to."

"Wait," Sera said, "that's how she got around and through everything we did. She was there in animal form when we planned and created our spells. She simply counteracted them when she wanted to cause her chaos."

"What do you mean?" Eleanor asked. "How was she with you?"

"When I first arrived, I found this ferret in the forest with a thorn in its paw. I magically removed it and healed it and the ferret followed me home."

"Hold on a second," Lark interrupted, "I thought it was your familiar."

Sera dropped her chin to her chest. "I really wanted it to be. I'd never had a pet and was growing attached to the cutie." She let out a deep sigh.

"Don't be sad," Eleanor said. "She used you to inflict damage and she could've done terrible destruction if Felix and I hadn't been watching for her return."

As Sera thought back, she realized Ferro had been present during all the magical mishaps she experienced. Her head spun with questions.

"Why me? Why now?" Sera asked.

Lark replied. "She must have heard the town was hiring a new festival organizer. You are new and don't know the ins and outs of the town. She could get away with unusual sneaking around. I saw Ferro around town when I flew some mornings but didn't think anything of it."

"What about that amulet that mysteriously showed up at a booth here on the grounds?"

Eleanor's brows pinched together. "I don't know anything about an amulet." After a moment of thought, she continued. "I believe that must have been Felix trying to draw out his sister. He must've known she would strike. That or he's been prepared and waiting for this to happen for a long time."

"What happened when they disappeared?" Lark asked. "Felix and Thelma vanished without a spell being uttered."

"I think Felix had a plan in place for this situation. He somehow had a spell set to take both him and Thelma to the other side of the veil with just a touch."

"So he did sacrifice himself to save the town," Sera said. "We'll have to create a monument in his honor for his bravery. Maybe name it the Felix Festival."

Eleanor stood. "Well, my work here is done. You kids carry on with a marvelous event." She stepped away, then stopped and turned back. "Also, I apologize for how I've treated both of you. It was all in the best interest of the community. Personally, I think you've done a fantastic job. Keep it up."

The elder walked away and Sera sat speechless. She hadn't seen that apology coming.

Now, with the threat neutralized, the festival proceeded without further incident.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Sera and Lark, along with Cedric the mayor, took their places on the main stage to lead the closing ceremony.

"This festival has been a testament to the strength and resilience of our community," Sera began, her voice carrying across the gathered crowd. "I would like to thank Eleanor Vance and Felix Thornwood for their quick actions earlier. I would also like to thank all of you for welcoming me so warmly. I couldn't have done all this without help from you and Lark."

Lark stepped forward, his hand finding Sera's and intertwining their fingers. The crowd hooted and hollered for the couple.

Cedric took the microphone. "And it is with great joy and honor that I'm announcing the beginning of a new tradition. From this day forward, Sera and Lark will lead the festival together, blending our community's unique strengths and ensuring the magic of Whispering Pines endures for generations to come."

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, their faces alight with happiness and pride. As if on cue, a spectacular display of fireworks burst across the darkening sky, each spark a symbol of the community's unbreakable bond.

Sera leaned into Lark, her heart full and her spirit soaring. In that moment, surrounded by the people she loved and the town she now called home, Sera knew she had found her true purpose.

As the fireworks cast a kaleidoscope of colors across their faces, Sera and Lark shared a tender kiss, their love a beacon of hope and promise for the future of Whispering Pines. Hand in hand, they stepped off the stage and into the waiting embrace of their community, ready to face whatever challenges and adventures lay ahead, together.