6. Natalie

6

NATALIE

B arnabus peers at me over his round spectacles, his brow furrowed as he shuffles through the paperwork on his cluttered desk. The musty smell of old books and scrolls permeates the small office, mingling with the faint aroma of fresh flowers and baked treats wafting through the open window from the town square.

“Natalie, my dear,” he begins, his voice gentle yet concerned. “Are you quite certain about this decision? Town square properties in Elderberry Falls are exceedingly rare and valuable. And it was Myrtle’s prized possession.”

I shift in my seat, my impatience growing with each passing second. As much as I appreciate Barnabus’s kindly manner, I find myself getting annoyed at the thought that I owe Myrtle, a complete stranger, anything.

Selling it gives me a chance to achieve my dreams—the only thing my father’s family has ever done to help me, in fact.

“I understand, Barnabus, but yes, I’m sure,” I say with resolve. “Selling to Munchin’ Morsels is the best solution for me right now. It can be done quickly, and frankly, I need to get back to my life in the human lands. I don’t belong here.”

Barnabus nods slowly, his expression thoughtful. “Of course, of course. It’s not my place to have an opinion on the matter.” He shuffles the papers into a neat stack. “Well, everything should be quite straightforward, then. You’ve already agreed on the sale price, and Munchin’ Morsels seem eager to proceed swiftly.”

“That’s great to hear,” I say, relief washing over me. The incident with Rian had me worried they would pull out or come back with a lower offer than we’d discussed.

“I’ll finish drawing up the paperwork and get it over to their lawyers as soon as possible,” Barnabus assures me. “You should have a sale on your hands and the money in escrow within the week.”

I breathe out a relieved sigh. This is exactly what I need to put this whole debacle behind me. I absolutely do not have the emotional energy to unpack my father’s lifelong lies any longer. Nor do I want to think any more about what it might mean that my extended family is… magical.

No, the sooner I can put this town in the rearview, the better.

“Thank you, Barnabus,” I say, rising from my chair. “I appreciate your help with all of this.”

As I leave his office, a weight lifts from my shoulders. Soon, I’ll be back in the human lands, focusing on my career and the future I’ve worked so hard for. Despite Elderberry Falls’s charms, this is not where I belong.

I step out into the town square, my heels clacking against the cobblestones with a newfound sense of purpose.

I barely register Ecco’s approach until she’s right in front of me, her cheeks flushed and her violet eyes wide with urgency. “Natalie!” she exclaims breathlessly. “I’ve been trying to reach you. We need to get to the town hall, right now.”

Confusion furrows my brow as I glance at my phone, only to find several missed calls from Ecco. “What’s going on?” I ask, a sinking feeling tugging at my stomach.

“There’s a town council meeting happening, and they’re discussing your property,” Ecco explains hurriedly, tugging at my arm.

As we make our way quickly across the square, my mind races. Why is my property of concern to the town council? With each step, my anxiety grows.

It’s coupled with a little bit of guilt. I haven’t told Ecco yet what I’m doing with the property—she knows I have a buyer, but she doesn’t know that it’s Munchin’ Morsels. She loves this town, and there’s a gnawing feeling in my stomach that she might feel the same way about my decision that Rian does.

We slip inside the stately hall, greeted by a smattering of townspeople in the audience, their faces full of curiosity and concern.

My gaze falls upon the council, an eclectic array of magical beings seated at a long table. A regal centaur, his chestnut coat gleaming, stands alongside a mischievous-looking pixie with gossamer wings perched on a chair tall enough to bring her face level with the others. At the center, a silver-haired elf with a commanding presence presides—the mayor.

“Rian Kincaid, please step forward and present your proposal,” the mayor announces, his melodic voice carrying through the room.

My heart does a traitorous flip as Rian rises from his seat, his towering figure commanding attention. Our eyes meet, and my pulse quickens, irritation spiking through me. What is he up to now?

Rian’s deep, steady voice fills the room as he begins to speak. “I come before the council today to address a matter concerning an outsider who has recently inherited a historic property here in Elderberry Falls.”

As his words sink in, a flash of anger surges through me.

The “outsider” he’s talking about is me, I realize, my hands clenching into fists at my sides. I know I don’t belong in this town—I just admitted as much to Barnabus—but hearing it from Rian’s mouth feels like an insult.

Rian continues, his tone grave. “It has come to my attention that Natalie Russo, the new owner of the property, plans to sell it to a large chain bakery called Munchin’ Morsels.”

Gasps of horror ripple through the assembled crowd, their faces a mix of disbelief and disapproval. Their eyes fall on me, judging, condemning. Heat rises to my cheeks, both embarrassment and indignation.

From the corner of my eye, I can see that even Ecco’s mouth has dropped open and that she’s staring at me.

A plump, matronly gnome on the council speaks up, her voice tinged with concern. “While it’s true that our town currently has no laws prohibiting such a sale, it’s simply unthinkable for any resident of Elderberry Falls to consider such an action.”

Murmurs of agreement fill the room, the townspeople nodding their heads in unison.

Another council member, a willowy dryad with leaves in her hair, chimes in. “Perhaps it’s time we look into implementing new laws to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. We must protect the integrity and heritage of our town, especially our historic town square. Our independent stores, restaurants and culture are what make us unique.”

The mayor nods, his silver hair glinting in the light. “Agreed. This is a matter of utmost importance. We shall begin drafting legislation immediately to ensure that our town’s historic properties are barred from any sales to chains.”

As the council members voice their support, I feel a growing sense of unease. They’re going to try to stop me, I realize, my heart sinking. There must be something I can do.

I glance at Rian, trying to read his expression, but his face remains impassive.

On some level, I understand that he’s looking out for himself, the same as me. But I never asked for this property, this responsibility—and this reminder of my father.

What can Rian possibly know about me and my family?

As the meeting continues, I sit in silence, my mind full of thoughts of how to salvage the situation. I’ll find a way to make this sale happen, no matter what it takes. Even if it means going against the wishes of an entire town—and Rian.

Rian steps forward, a glint of triumph in his eye. “If I may, Mayor,” he begins, his deep voice resonating through the room. “There is an old law, rarely invoked, that could help us in this situation.”

The mayor leans forward, his interest piqued. “Go on, Mr. Kincaid.”

“The law states that if compelled by the town council, a property owner must inhabit their property full-time for a minimum of sixty consecutive days prior to any sale.”

Rian’s gaze meets mine, and I feel my stomach drop.

No. He can’t be serious. Sixty days?!

It’s impossible. I have a life, a career waiting for me back in the city. I can’t just put everything on hold for two full months.

As Rian formally requests that the council enforce this law in my case, I realize with growing dread that he’s completely serious. And worse, the council seems to be on his side.

“All in favor?” the mayor asks, and a chorus of “ayes” fills the room. The vote is swift and unanimous, a colorful mix of hands raised in approval of Rian’s request.

I sit there, stunned.

Sixty days. Two whole months in Elderberry Falls, living in my estranged grandmother’s dusty old apartment above the shop—delaying my life, my partnership bid, everything.

How am I going to survive this?