28. Natalie - Six Months Later

28

NATALIE - SIX MONTHS LATER

T he sunlight pours over my face, caressing my cheeks as my eyes flutter open. I stretch languidly, a satisfied smile tugging at my lips. Six months in Elderberry Falls and each morning still feels like a gift, wrapped up in magic and possibility.

Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I pad across the hardwood floor, the boards warm beneath my bare feet. I pause at the window, taking in the vibrant scene below. The once-vacant storefront now pulses with life, its sign proclaiming “The Whimsical Kettle” in swirling, colorful letters.

I glance at my watch and curse under my breath. Can’t be late for my meeting. Quickly, I throw on a sleek blazer and fitted skirt, swipe on my signature red lipstick. Armor donned, I descend the stairs, ready to face the day.

I enter the shop and its rich aromas of spiced teas and fragrant herbs envelop me like an old friend’s embrace. Shelves overflow with glass jars, each containing blends that promise to soothe, to invigorate, to enchant. Tapestries shimmer on the walls, their threads imbued with ancient magic.

My eyes are drawn to the corner, where my own creations reside. Spice blends, each one a tiny miracle born of my growing powers. I trail my fingers over the jars, a flicker of pride sparking in my chest. I may be a mage-in-training, but with every passing day, I feel the magic flowing stronger, taking root in my very bones. The growing popularity of my blends is proof of that.

“Morning, Natalie!” Asper’s jovial voice rings out from behind the counter, his gnomish features alight with cheer. I return his grin.

When I decided to stay in Elderberry Falls, I knew I’d want to keep my property. So instead of selling the place to Asper, we worked out a rental agreement. I have my housing covered with the apartment upstairs, and the steady income from Asper’s rent has allowed me to chase my own dreams: talent manager to the magical.

After I turned down the partnership offer at my company, Maxwell and I had a long conversation about my future. He was happy to let me stay on in a talent manager capacity, and even to let me work from Elderberry Falls full-time… but he didn’t see the same promise in the magical realm that I see.

Our parting was amiable. And getting to be my own boss? Almost as magical as Elderberry Falls itself.

Asper and I chat for a few minutes and he regales me with tales of his latest tea blends and the colorful customers who flock to sample them. With a final wave, I step out into the bright morning, the cobblestones of the town square beckoning.

Making my way across the square, I glance towards The Hungry Minotaur. Rian is there in the window, his broad frame dusted with flour, his eyes crinkling as he spots me. He waves, a gesture so simple yet so full of affection. I blow him a kiss, my heart fluttering in my chest.

Then I stride across the worn cobblestone to The Enchanted Bean. The coffee shop is its normal hive of activity as I push open the door, the rich aroma of coffee and the gentle hum of conversation washing over me.

I scan the room, my eyes landing on a hulking figure seated in the corner, his mottled gray skin and protruding tusks marking him as a troll.

My hand is outstretched as I approach the table, a confident smile on my face. “Grimbak, I’m Natalie. Thanks for meeting with me. I’ve been listening to your demos, and I have to say, I’m incredibly impressed.”

Grimbak rises to his feet, his massive hand engulfing mine as he shakes it. He motions to the seat across from him, but I catch a flicker of trepidation in his eyes. “Thanks,” he rumbles, his voice like gravel. “I was surprised when you reached out. I mean, I know my music is good, but I haven’t really thought about needing a manager. And to be honest, I’m a bit surprised that someone so... well, human, would want to work with a troll musician. My music is pretty… traditional, you know?”

I nod, taking his skepticism in stride as I settle into the chair. “I get that a lot,” I admit, my tone frank yet friendly. “But here’s the thing, Grimbak. I recently discovered that I’m a mage. I moved to Elderberry Falls to embrace my heritage, to learn more about this part of myself that I never knew existed.”

Grimbak’s eyebrows raise, surprise etched across his craggy features. “A mage, huh? Well, that explains a few things.”

I chuckle, appreciating his candor. “As you might know, my most famous client is a siren. So, I was already open to the idea of working with magical beings and monsters. But living here, in Elderberry Falls? It’s opened my eyes to the incredible talent that exists in this realm. Talent that deserves to be seen and heard, not just here, but in the human lands too.”

Grimbak leans forward, his interest piqued. “You really think humans would be into troll music?”

“Absolutely,” I say, my conviction unwavering. “Look, I’m not going to pretend it’ll be easy. Breaking into new markets never is. But I believe I’m uniquely positioned to help artists like you crossover, if that’s what you want. Or, if you prefer, I can help you carve out new paths right here in the magical realm. There aren’t many people doing what I do here, Grimbak. That’s why I’ve devoted my career to this place, to helping artists like you achieve your dreams, whatever they may be.”

Grimbak sits back, his gaze appraising. I can practically see the gears turning in his head as he mulls over my words. “Okay,” he says at last, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “I’m listening. What’s your plan?”

As I begin to outline my vision, my passion for this new venture surges through me like a rising tide. I think of the winding path that led me here, to this moment, to this place where magic and music intertwine. And I know, with a certainty deep in my very bones, that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

The soft chime of the door announces my arrival at the Hungry Minotaur, and I’m immediately welcomed by the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked treats. The space has been transformed for the occasion, a riot of colorful streamers and balloons adorning the walls, their vibrant hues a perfect match for the joyful atmosphere.

At the center of it all stands Jessa, her face alight with excitement as she’s surrounded by a gaggle of friends. Laughter and chatter fill the air, mingling with the sweet scent of the towering cake that takes pride of place on the counter.

Rian catches my eye from across the room, his face splitting into a wide grin as he waves me over. I feel a familiar flutter in my chest as I make my way towards him, his outstretched arm a welcome invitation.

“Glad you could make it,” he says, his deep voice sending a pleasant shiver down my spine.

I lean into his embrace, savoring the comfort of his presence. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Together, we watch as Jessa prepares to blow out her candles, her young face a picture of concentration. The room falls silent, a collective breath held in anticipation.

Just as the flames flicker and fade, Jessa’s friend Karisse leans in close to, her voice carrying over the noise of the party. “What did you wish for, Jessa?”

The young minotaur’s eyes meet mine, a mischievous glint in their depths. “I really want a stepmom,” she declares, her words ringing out like a proclamation.

Rian stiffens beside me, and I can’t help but let out a surprised laugh.

Of all the things I expected her to say, that certainly wasn’t one of them. It’s no secret that she and I have grown close over these past months, but the idea of becoming a more permanent fixture in her life—in Rian’s life—is both thrilling and terrifying.

I glance up at Rian, trying to gauge his reaction, but his expression is inscrutable. My mind races with questions I’m not quite ready to voice aloud. Is this something he’s been thinking about too? Are we ready for this next step?

Jessa laughs and plays with her friends, her face a picture of unbridled joy, and warmth blooms in my chest. I always knew that if I became a mother, my path would be nontraditional. And this incredible girl already feels like family.

Rian’s arm snakes around my waist as he pulls me close, his voice low and teasing. “We’ll see what we can make happen,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear.

I lean into his embrace, my heart so full I feel it might burst. The scent of cinnamon and vanilla engulfs me, mingling with Rian’s own comforting musk.

Six months ago, I never could have imagined this life. I was so focused on climbing the corporate ladder, on proving myself in a male-dominated industry, that I’d forgotten what it meant to truly live. But now, surrounded by the people I love in the town that has captured my heart, an incandescent happiness radiates from within me.

“What are you thinking about?” Rian asks softly, his thumb tracing circles on my hip.

I turn to face him, cupping his furry cheek with my hand. “Just how lucky I am,” I murmur. “How grateful I am for all of this, for you. And for Myrtle, matchmaking from afar with those journals.”

His eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles, leaning down to capture my lips in a tender kiss. “I’m the lucky one,” he rumbles. “You’ve brought so much light into my life, Natalie. Into all our lives.”

Swaying gently to the music, I marvel at the twists and turns of fate that have led me here. To think, I once saw this place as nothing more than a means to an end, a quick sale to fund my big city dreams.

I gaze up at Rian, at the love shining in his warm brown eyes, and relish in the fact that I’ve found something else too—the other half of my heart.

“I love you,” I whisper, the words falling from my lips like a sacred vow.

His arms tighten around me, his forehead coming to rest against mine. “And I love you, my fierce, magical mage. Now and always.”

And there, in the warm embrace of my minotaur love, surrounded by the joyful chaos of Jessa’s birthday party, I feel a comfort that settles over me like the perfect blanket...or oversized flannel shirt.

Either way, I’m home. And I’m never leaving again.

Want more Elderberry Falls? Sign up for my newsletter to receive exclusive news about upcoming releases in 2025, as well as first-looks at new books and other special content. Stay tuned for stories from Finn, Gruna, Rowan, Grimbak, and many more Elderberry Falls characters!