A Snowstorm & A Stronghorn (Evershift Haven #4)

Chapter 8

THE NEXT MORNING, brAM and I make our way to the town hall. The cobblestone streets shimmer with an otherworldly iridescence, and the air hums with magic. My heart races with anticipation.

“Ready to make it official?” Bram asks.

I nod, unable to contain my smile. “More than ready.”

The town hall stands before us, an impressive structure that seems to shift and change as we approach. One moment it’s a grand Victorian mansion, the next a whimsical gingerbread house. I blink, and it settles into a stately colonial building with gleaming white columns.

“It adapts to reflect the current needs of the town,” Bram explains, noticing my wide-eyed wonder.

We climb the steps, and the massive oak doors swing open of their own accord. Inside, the foyer bustles with activity. Magical memos zip through the air, and a harried-looking elf juggles an armful of scrolls.

“This way.” He guides me to a ornate desk where a quill pen scribbles furiously on a stack of parchment, seemingly of its own volition. The mayor is standing there as though he’s been waiting for us.

“Mayor Spellbinder.” Bram greets him with a respectful nod.

“Bram.” He nods in return before smiling at me. “I understand you wish to become a permanent resident of our fair town?”

“Yes, sir. I’ve never felt more at home anywhere else.”

Mayor Spellbinder’s smile widens. “Excellent! Let’s make it official, shall we?”

He gestures to the desk, where the quill pen has paused its frantic scribbling and now hovers expectantly in the air.

“Simply sign your name in the town registry,” the mayor instructs, “And Evershift Haven will recognize you as one of its own.”

I step forward, my hand trembling slightly as I reach for the quill. It’s warm to the touch, almost alive. Taking a deep breath, I press the nib to the parchment and sign my name: Fiona MacLean.

The moment I finish the final stroke, a wave of warmth washes over me. The air around me shimmers, and I gasp as I feel the town’s magic embrace me like a comforting hug. It’s as if every building, every tree, and every cobblestone is welcoming me home. “Oh, my.” I’m nearly overwhelmed by the sensation.

Bram places a steadying hand on my shoulder. “It’s quite something, isn’t it?”

“Congratulations, Fiona.” Mayor Spellbinder beams. “You are now officially a citizen of Evershift Haven.”

As if on cue, the town outside the windows begins to transform. The buildings shift and change with colors becoming brighter, flowers blooming in window boxes that weren’t there a moment ago. The snow is gone for the moment as if it never existed. Even the air seems to sparkle with newfound vibrancy.

“The town is celebrating your arrival,” says the mayor.

A familiar voice calls out from behind us. “And it’s not the only one celebrating.”

I turn to see Grizelda Greenwarth striding toward us, her wild purple hair seeming to dance with excitement. She’s carrying a large, ornate book that pulses with magical energy.

“Grizelda! I didn’t expect to see you here,” I say, pleasantly surprised.

The witch grins, her purple eyes glowing. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world, dear. Besides, I thought you might appreciate a more thorough explanation of how you came to be here.”

She sets the book down on a nearby table, and it opens of its own accord, pages flipping rapidly before settling on an intricately illustrated map of Evershift Haven.

“As you know by now, Evershift Haven isn’t just a town. It’s a living, breathing entity with its own kind of consciousness, and it has a way of calling to those who truly belong here.”

Grizelda traces a swirling pattern on the map. “The magic of Evershift Haven extends far beyond its borders. It sends out tendrils of energy, seeking those who are lost, those who need a home, or those who have something special to contribute to our community.”

“Like me?” I ask.

“Exactly like you,. That storm that brought you here? It wasn’t just any storm. It was Evershift Haven reaching out to you, guiding you home.”

I think back to that terrifying night, the blinding snow, and the crash. “It was so dangerous. I could have died.”

Grizelda’s expression softens. “The town would never truly put you in harm’s way. It was dramatic, yes, but the magic would have protected you. It needed to create a situation where you’d be open to the impossible, where you’d have no choice but to see the truth of this place, and where you’d meet Bram.”

As I process this information, I’m not angry or resentful. Instead, gratitude washes over me. This magical town had seen something in me, had called out to me when I was lost and grieving, and had given me a new home, new friends, and a chance at love.

“Thank you,” I say, addressing not just Grizelda, but the town itself. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

The air around us seems to vibrate with warmth in response.

“Now then,” says the mayor, “I believe this calls for a celebration. Grizelda, would you do the honors?”

The witch grins mischievously and waves her hand. Instantly, the town hall transforms into a festive party scene. Colorful streamers hang from the ceiling, tables laden with food appear along the walls, and the air fills with the sound of joyful music.

“Welcome home, Fiona,” says Bram softly, taking my hand in his.

As townspeople begin to pour in, their faces alight with welcome and joy, I feel a sense of peace settle over me. For the first time since my mother’s passing, I feel like I truly belong somewhere. Evershift Haven has given me a fresh start, a new family, and a place to call home.

The party swirls around us, a whirlwind of laughter, music, and magic. I spot Candice, Suzette, and Evony making their way toward me, their arms laden with gifts. Thalinda isn’t far behind, already planning what sounds like an elaborate welcome dinner.

“So, how does it feel to be official?” asks Candice, pulling me into a hug.

I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in years. “It feels...right. Like I’ve finally found where I’m supposed to be.”

As the celebration continues around us, I’m drawn to one of the large windows overlooking the town square. Outside, Evershift Haven continues to transform, as if putting on its finest dress to welcome me. The Heart of Haven, that ancient oak tree at the center of town, seems to glow with an inner light.

I press my hand against the cool glass, feeling the pulse of magic that runs through everything here. “Thank you,” I whisper again to the town. “I promise I’ll do my best to live up to whatever destiny you’ve chosen for me.”

A warm breeze ruffles my hair, carrying with it the scent of wildflowers and possibility. Evershift Haven is my home now, and I can’t wait to discover all the wonders it has in store for me, and what my future with Bram holds—and I’m sure we’re going to have a long and happy life together. I don’t need to be magical to know that.