Chapter 11 #2
Astraea’s lips purse. “Unfortunately, we’re likely to experience an increase in odd or unusual phenomena until this is sorted.
However, I’m certain that the magic, no matter how unstable, won’t do anything to harm any of you.
It’s very old magic designed by dragons and the fae working in collaboration, and its primary purpose has always been to protect.
I’m confident there’s nothing that can change that, no matter what. ”
“But you don’t know for sure,” another voice calls out.
“Has this ever happened before?” someone else in the audience chimes in.
Astraea winces again. “No, it hasn’t. So you’re right, I can’t say for certain.”
The mood shifts, and the fear in the room starts to increase. I can tell how worried everyone is.
“Should we leave?” someone cries out. “What if the magic stops guarding the town? We all could be in danger from outside threats!”
More terrified voices clamor throughout the auditorium.
Just when it seems like things could devolve into panicked chaos, Hal slowly gets to his feet and turns to face the restless crowd.
“Friends.” His rich voice echoes through the hall, and everyone pauses to look up at his towering figure.
“We cannot give in to fear. Mystic Hollow is our home, and we will fight to keep it that way. I understand why you’re scared and why some of you might want to leave, but running away doesn’t fix anything.
After all, some of us spent years running before we came here. Do we really want to go back to that?”
Everyone’s eyes are fixed on Hal, who stands tall and resolute, the passion in his voice compelling. He’s truly larger than life right now, and I can’t look away.
“I believe in the magic Astraea created to keep us safe, and I trust that it would never harm any of us. While many things remain uncertain, one thing I do know is that I intend to stay here and help my friends and neighbors get through this challenging time. If we band together as a community, I truly believe we can weather any storm and come out stronger on the other side.” Hal presses his hands to his chest, clasping them over his heart and the Mystic Hollow is for Monster Lovers apron that he wore just for this meeting.
“I hope many of you will stay in the place you call home and stand with me. Together, we can keep everyone and everything we love in Mystic Hollow safe. Thank you.”
Not gonna lie, I’ve got fucking chills. Hal’s simply incredible.
There’s a stunned beat of silence and then most of the audience starts clapping and cheering.
“Hal’s right!”
“Yeah! Mystic Hollow is our home, and we’re not going to let anything change that!”
“We can do this!”
A sense of renewed camaraderie surges among the crowd and it’s all thanks to Hal. He’s legendary, and I’m so fucking proud to call him mine.
Baxter returns to the microphone. “I wish I had more concrete answers for you all, but my policy has always been to be open, honest, and transparent with everyone. I called this meeting so you can make your own decisions about how you want to proceed. As far as I’m concerned, I stand with Hal.
Mystic Hollow is my home too, and as the chief of police, it’s my job to safeguard it and our residents—and I don’t intend to stop doing that. ”
Folks start clapping again, and the mood in the room is lighter.
Baxter adds, “The Town Council has met and decided that we’re going to keep things business as usual unless or until something happens to make that no longer possible.”
“What about the Harvest Festival?” several among the crowd ask all at once.
“We still intend for the festival to begin next Friday. Because of recent events, we’ve made some minor changes to the schedule of activities at the apple orchard, but otherwise, everything is moving forward as planned.
All I ask is, if you’re deciding to leave town temporarily or permanently, please notify me before you do so.
My office door is always open, so feel free to drop by if you have questions or concerns.
Thank you all for joining us tonight and have a good evening. ”
As the meeting wraps up, everyone starts to file out of the room, many talking quietly among themselves. But I’m relieved to see the fear has faded and most of the residents sound committed to staying.
And I’m one hundred percent fucking certain it’s all because of my boyfriend, Hal.
I look up at him as he watches everyone leave. “You were phenomenal tonight.”
He blinks in surprise and peers down at me. “What do you mean?”
I gesture toward the departing crowd. “That impassioned speech you gave on the fly. It really turned the tide in terms of the mood, and I think you gave everyone a renewed sense of commitment.”
Hal flushes and stares down at his feet. “I just spoke from the heart. Our town means everything to me, and I know we can all get through this if we work together and support each other.”
“You’re a stand-up guy, Hal Atwood.”
That warm, floaty feeling returns to my chest, and I decide I should be open with him too.
“At first, when you told me what’s going on, I was hella worried.
I mean, I have so much riding on the salon being a success that I kind of freaked.
But coming here and listening to you talk?
Now I’m as determined as you are to stick things out.
Together. I may not have been in Mystic Hollow for long, but it already feels like home to me, and it’s the first place since Grandma’s apartment that I’ve ever felt truly safe.
There’s no way in hell I’m giving that up. ”
Hal reaches out and puts a large, warm hand on my shoulder, giving me a gentle squeeze. The action raises goose bumps all over my body and has my mind replaying last night’s events. Again.
Fuck, am I in trouble or what. Forget falling, I’ve completely crash-landed into love.
“We can do this,” he tells me, oblivious to my wayward thoughts. “And your business is going to thrive. I guarantee it.”
The conviction in his voice reassures me while the sparkle in his eyes makes me chuckle. “Not sure that’s something you can guarantee, but I appreciate the encouragement.”
He gives me a mock affronted look. “I beg to differ.”
“Oh, you’re psychic now?” I tease. “Like a giant Magic-8 Ball?”
He rolls his eyes. “Hardly. What I am is one hundred percent confident in you. For the past few weeks, I’ve watched you work tirelessly to make your dream come true.
While things might not always be smooth sailing, and we both know that’s hardly ever the case when it comes to business, I’ve seen you display the resilience and persistence to keep going no matter what. ”
Goddammit if I’m not starting to tear up again in the face of my very own seven-foot-tall cheerleader.
“How do you always know what to say and what I really fucking need to hear?” I choke out in a whisper.
His expression turns anxious, and he reaches out a hesitant hand to stroke my cheek. “Don’t cry, Skylar. I’m sorry if I made you sad. I didn’t mean to.”
I wipe furiously at my eyes. “You didn’t make me sad, you big, sweet goof. You made me real fucking happy.”
“I did?” His whole face brightens. “Good. I’d hate to have to cancel our very first date.”
“Not on your life,” I say with a growl.
He chuckles and takes hold of my hand for the first time in public. “Let’s go.”
As we walk toward the bar, I hunch down in my jacket to ward off the chilly evening air. All the while, I can’t seem to take my eyes off Hal.
I want to figure out what I can do to make him feel as wonderful as he makes me feel. Hal gives so much to others but asks for nothing in return, and I want to be the one to take care of and appreciate him the way he deserves.