Chapter 1

ONE

T he quaint town of Whispering Pines materialized through the windshield like a scene from a fairy tale. Cobblestone streets wound between charming shops with colorful awnings, their windows glinting with magical trinkets and mystical wares. Fia Barlowe’s hands tightened on the steering wheel as she guided her car down the main street, her heart a tangle of grief and hope.

“Look, Vienna,” Fia murmured, glancing in the rearview mirror at her niece. The fourteen-month-old toddler’s hazel eyes widened with wonder, taking in the sights of their new home. “This is where we’re going to live now.”

Vienna cooed in response, her chubby fingers reaching out as if to touch the passing scenery. A smile tugged at Fia’s lips, momentarily easing the ache in her chest. For weeks, she’d been adrift in a sea of loss, the absence of her sister Myla a constant throbbing wound. But here, in this magical town Myla had chosen, Fia felt the first stirrings of something like peace.

As she drove, Fia observed the eclectic mix of residents going about their day. A man with pointed ears strolled past deep in conversation with a woman whose skin shimmered like sunlight on water. Near a quaint bookshop, a group of teenagers lounged on a bench, their laughter punctuated by small bursts of colorful sparks from their fingertips.

The sight of so much magic practiced openly sent a thrill through Fia. In Providence, she’d always had to be cautious, hiding her abilities from the non-magical world. Here, power crackled in the air as naturally as breathing.

“Your mommy chose well, didn’t she?” Fia whispered, her voice catching. “She wanted you to grow up somewhere special.”

Memories of Myla flooded Fia’s mind – her sister’s excitement as she described the house she’d bought and her plans for raising Vienna in a community that would nurture her magical heritage. Now those dreams fell to Fia, a responsibility that both honored and terrified her.

As they neared the center of town, the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread and spices wafted through the open car window. Fia’s stomach growled, reminding her they hadn’t eaten since early that morning.

“What do you say we get some lunch, baby girl?” Fia asked, spotting a cozy-looking café ahead. The sign above the door read Lone Wolf Café in elegant, swirling script.

Vienna babbled happily in response, kicking her feet against the car seat. Fia chuckled, feeling a spark of genuine joy for the first time in weeks. She pulled into a parking spot and cut the engine, taking a deep breath to steady herself before getting out of the car.

The interior of the Lone Wolf Café was warm and inviting with rich wood furnishings and soft amber lighting. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting scenes of wolves running through moonlit forests. As Fia entered, balancing Vienna on her hip, the hum of conversation momentarily lowered.

A very pregnant woman with wavy auburn hair approached, her emerald eyes twinkling with warmth. “Welcome to the Lone Wolf,” she greeted, her voice melodious and kind. “I’m -Celeste Blackwood. You must be new in town – I don’t think we’ve met before.”

Fia shifted Vienna to her other hip, extending her hand. “Fia Barlowe,” she introduced herself. “And this is my niece, Vienna. We just arrived today.”

Celeste’s eyes widened with recognition. “Barlowe? Are you related to Myla, by any chance?” She stared at Vienna. “Vienna, you’re back, little darling.”

The sound of her sister’s name sent a pang through Fia’s chest. “Yes, she was my sister. Did...did you know her?”

Celeste’s expression shimmered with a mix of compassion and shared sorrow as she regarded Fia. The corners of her mouth turned down slightly, and a small crease appeared between her brows. She reached out, gently touching Fia’s arm in a gesture of comfort.

“Oh, Fia,” Celeste said softly. “I remember the day Myla came to look at the house. It was a fall afternoon, and the leaves were just starting to turn. She burst through the front door like a whirlwind of excitement, her eyes lighting up as she took in every nook and cranny.”

Celeste’s gaze grew distant as if reliving the memory. “She talked a mile a minute about her plans - how she wanted the nursery to look, and how she’d plant a garden full of magical herbs in the backyard. Vienna was tiny when she bought the house. Myla’s enthusiasm was infectious. I think half the town knew about her renovation plans before the ink was dry on the contract. They didn’t end up moving until about six months ago. When she and Dune went on vacation, she was so excited that Vienna was going to spend time with you.”

Celeste paused, squeezing Fia’s arm gently, then continued. “When we heard about her passing... oh, Fia, it was so sad. We lit candles for her and her mate. Some of the local fae even coaxed the fireflies into spelling out her name in the night sky. It was beautiful.”

Fia’s throat tightened, a lump forming that threatened to choke her words. She could picture it so clearly - the flickering candlelight, the murmur of voices sending love to her vibrant, loving sister. The image of Myla’s name written in living light across the dark sky sent a shiver through her.

“I...” Fia started, her voice catching. She swallowed hard, blinking rapidly to hold back the tears that burned behind her eyes. “I had no idea. Myla always said this place was special, but I never realized... I mean, she was only here for such a short time coming and going from here to the city and staying at their home there.”

Celeste nodded, her expression tender. “Myla had a way about her. She touched so many lives in the brief time she was here. Her kindness, her laughter - it was like a bright light in our little town. And now,” she glanced at Vienna, who was watching the exchange with wide, curious eyes, “we have a piece of her light still with us. You have grown so much in the months you’ve been away.”

A tear escaped, trailing down Fia’s cheek despite her efforts. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “For remembering her. For welcoming her. It’s... it’s more than I could have hoped for.”

Celeste pulled Fia into a gentle hug, mindful of Vienna between them. “You’re family now, Fia. You and Vienna both. And in Whispering Pines, we take care of our own.”

As they pulled apart, Fia managed a watery smile. “Myla would have loved that. She always wanted a big, loving family for Vienna.”

“And now she has one,” Celeste assured her. “A whole town full of aunts, uncles, and cousins - some a bit more magical than others, mind you.”

This elicited a small laugh from Fia, the sound surprising her with its genuineness. For the first time since Myla’s passing, the weight of grief on her heart felt a little lighter, buoyed by the warmth and acceptance of this magical community her sister had chosen to call home.

A tall, broad-shouldered man with piercing blue eyes approached, resting his hand on Celeste’s lower back. “Everything all right, love?” he asked, his deep voice tinged with concern.

Celeste smiled up at him. “Kade, this is Fia Barlowe and her niece. Myla Barlowe’s sister and you remember little Vienna. She was tiny the last time we saw her. She and Vienna are back and going to live in Myla’s house.” She turned back to Fia. “This is my husband, Kade Blackwood. He owns the café.”

Kade’s stern features softened as he nodded in greeting. “Welcome to Whispering Pines. Any relation of Myla’s is always welcome here.”

Before Fia could respond, a whirlwind of energy burst through the café door. A woman with bright pink hair styled in a messy bun bounded over, her colorful glasses slipping down her nose.

“Did I hear someone say ‘new in town’?” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement behind her frames. “Welcome to Whispering Pines. I’m Daisy Bloom.”

Fia found herself chuckling at Daisy’s enthusiasm. “Nice to meet you, Daisy. I’m Fia, and this is Vienna.”

Daisy’s face lit up as she cooed at the toddler. “Oh, aren’t you just the sweetest little thing! You know, I run the Phantasm Pharmacy just down the street. We cater to all sorts of spectral and magical needs – do stop by, even if it’s just for a chat.”

As Daisy chattered on, an older woman with silvery hair pulled into an elegant bun approached the group. Her amber eyes, so like Kade’s,

“Now, now, Daisy,” she chided gently. “Let’s not overwhelm our new neighbors all at once.” She turned to Fia with a warm smile. “I’m Elsie Blackwood, Kade’s mother. Welcome to our little slice of magical paradise.”

Fia felt herself relaxing in the presence of these kind strangers. “Thank you all for such a warm welcome. It’s... it’s been a difficult few weeks, but being here, I can see why Myla loved this place so much.”

Celeste reached out, squeezing Fia’s arm gently. “Why don’t you join us for lunch? We’d love to hear more about you and Vienna.”

Gratitude washed over Fia. “That would be wonderful, thank you.”

As they settled into a cozy booth, Vienna reached toward Celeste, babbling insistently. Celeste laughed, a musical sound that seemed to brighten the entire café.

“May I?” she asked, holding out her arms. Fia nodded, passing Vienna over. The moment Celeste held her, Vienna’s eyes widened with wonder, and she patted Celeste’s cheeks with her tiny hands.

Celeste’s expression grew thoughtful. “Oh my,” she murmured. “Fia, I hope you don’t mind me saying, but I can feel the powerful magic coursing through this little lady. She’s going to be quite the witch when she grows up.”

Fia’s breath caught. “Really? I mean, I knew she had potential – both Myla and I come from a long line of witches – but I wasn’t sure...”

Kade leaned forward, his voice low and reassuring. “She’ll be in good hands here. Whispering Pines is home to some of the most talented magical practitioners in the country. Vienna will have plenty of guidance as she grows into her powers.”