Page 20

RONAN

The soft light of Christmas morning filters through the tall windows of Frostspire Keep, illuminating the grand hall with a gentle glow that seems to dance with its own magic.

The air feels fresh and invigorating, humming with renewed energy that courses through the castle's very stones. Gone is the heavy stillness that marked our cursed existence—replaced by a vibrancy that makes every corner of the Keep feel alive.

I awaken in the warmth of my bed, and for the first time in years, I feel completely at peace. No weight presses on my chest. No darkness lingers just out of sight.

The curse's shadows have lifted, leaving behind a lightness I'd almost forgotten could exist. Through our bond, I can feel the castle's magic singing—a joyous melody that echoes the happiness in my heart.

The air carries the rich scents of pine and fresh-baked pastries—a Christmas feast being lovingly prepared by my staff. But there's something else too—a subtle fragrance of magic, clean and pure, like fresh snow and starlight. The castle itself seems to be celebrating, its restored magic manifesting in gentle pulses of warmth and light that make the holiday decorations glow with supernatural radiance.

My heart races as I turn to see Briar lying beside me, her face serene and peaceful in the morning light. The mark on her neck glows with a soft, steady luminescence—no longer the desperate flare of a curse-bound connection, but the warm, constant reminder of our soul-deep bond. Her magic mingles with the castle's now, creating an atmosphere of such profound rightness that it nearly takes my breath away.

I reach out, brushing my fingers against her cheek. Her skin is warm, alive with the magic that now flows freely through her veins. My touch elicits a small sigh, and her lips curve into a soft smile—even in sleep, she responds to me, our connection humming between us like a perfectly tuned chord.

"Briar," I whisper, emotion threatening to overwhelm me as I watch the woman who saved not just me, but all of Frostspire Keep. "Wake up, love."

Her eyelids flutter open, revealing those beautiful green depths that have become my anchor. They shine with newfound power now, hints of gold threading through the emerald—a visible sign of her awakened abilities as an arcanist. In that moment, gratitude floods through me so intensely it's almost painful. This remarkable woman fought through death itself to return to me, faced down a goddess for our love.

"Merry Christmas," I murmur, my voice thick with emotion. "You're my gift today."

She blinks, awareness dawning in her eyes as she takes in the transformed room around us. The darkness that once clung to every corner has been replaced by warm, golden light. The air itself seems to shimmer with possibility.

"Ronan," she breathes, and the warmth of her smile ignites a fire in my chest. Her hand comes up to cup my cheek, and I feel her magic brush against mine—a gentle caress that makes my wolf stir contentedly. "It's Christmas."

"Yes," I say, a laugh of pure joy bursting free. "And we are free."

The word 'free' rings through the air like a bell, and the castle's magic surges in response. The curtains flutter without wind, and the crystal chandelier above us chimes softly, as if Frostspire Keep itself is celebrating our liberation.

At that, her smile widens, and the light in her eyes brightens with joy. She sits up slowly, and I watch in awe as her magic unfurls around her like invisible wings. The transformation within her is breathtaking—no longer just my brave, beautiful Briar, but a powerful arcanist coming into her own. The shadows of the past seem to melt away under her gaze, and I can't help but marvel at how fortunate I am to have her by my side.

Briar stretches, a soft laugh escaping her lips as she takes in the grandeur of our transformed bedroom. The once-oppressive space now feels warm and welcoming, with morning light streaming through frost-free windows. Delicate ice crystals dance in the air, catching the light and throwing rainbow prisms across the walls—a playful display of the castle's restored magic.

"Look," she whispers, pointing to where the crystals are forming intricate patterns. "The castle is showing off."

I chuckle, recognizing Arcanum's touch in the display. "She's happy. We all are."

Through our bond, I feel Briar's wonder and delight mixing with my own contentment. The connection between us feels stronger than ever, refined by our trials and tempered by our love. When she turns those brilliant eyes to me, I see everything I've ever wanted reflected in their depths—love, acceptance, understanding, and a fierce determination to face whatever comes next together.

"We did it," she whispers, the wonder in her voice echoing my own thoughts. Her hand finds mine, our fingers intertwining naturally. Where our skin touches, tiny sparks of magic dance between us.

I nod, feeling my heart swell with pride for what we've accomplished together. "Together. Always." The words carry the weight of a vow, and I feel the castle's magic surge in response, as if recording our promise in its very foundations.

We share a moment of silence, just holding each other's gaze, and for a fleeting instant, I allow myself to dream of all that lies ahead. The thought of building a future together—of truly living—fills me with hope. No more curse, no more isolation. Just us, our family, and the endless possibilities stretching out before us.

As if sensing my thoughts, Briar's expression shifts with intent, her magic swirling around us like a warm breeze. "What should we do first?" she asks, her voice bubbling with excitement. The joy in her tone makes the nearby candles flare brighter, responding to her heightened emotions.

"Let's help prepare breakfast." I swing my legs over the side of the bed and plant my feet on the floor, feeling grounded in this new reality. The castle's magic pulses up through the stones, welcoming and alive in a way I've never felt before. "It feels right to start this day with family."

We make our way through the transformed halls of Frostspire Keep. Gone are the oppressive shadows and lingering chill. Instead, every corridor glows with warmth, the ancient stones themselves seeming to radiate contentment. Christmas decorations sparkle with more than mere reflection—tiny motes of magical light dance around the garlands and ornaments, creating an ethereal display.

The kitchen buzzes with activity, Alistair, Giselle, and Nolan's voices carrying through the doorway along with the rich aromas of cinnamon, sugar, and fresh fruit. The scents mingle with the clean magic now flowing freely through the castle, creating an atmosphere that feels like pure joy made tangible.

"Good morning, you two!" Giselle beams as we enter, her eyes sparkling brighter than I've ever seen them. She wipes her hands on her apron, her cheeks flushed with happiness and the kitchen's warmth. The curse's weight has lifted from her as well—she moves with a lightness that makes her seem years younger. "We're just about ready, but we could always use an extra pair of hands."

Alistair nods, a serene smile resting on his lips as he pulls fresh pastries from the oven. The kitchen glows with more than just firelight—magic dances in every corner, making the copper pots gleam and the crystal glasses sing with soft chimes. "It's a pleasure to have you both up and about, especially today. The castle feels different, doesn't it?"

"Like a weight has lifted," I agree, exchanging glances with Briar. Her magic reaches out to touch the castle's renewed energy, creating ripples of warmth that make the nearby candles flicker in response. "Can you feel it?"

"Absolutely," Alistair responds, his eyes glimmering with understanding. "The magic returned with you both. The air hums with vitality. It's as if Frostspire Keep is breathing anew." He pauses, running his hand along a nearby counter. "Even the stones feel warm now, alive in a way they haven't been for years."

As I help set the table with Briar, I catch glimpses of the joy in their expressions. It's the kind of warmth that lies beyond mere celebration—it's a sense of family, of belonging that I've been craving for so long. The castle is no longer just brick and stone; it embodies the people who inhabit it, the magic we share. Every surface gleams with renewed purpose, and the morning light streaming through the windows creates halos around us all.

Briar leans in closer, her shoulders brushing against mine as we work side by side. The simple contact sends waves of warmth through our bond, and I feel her magic intertwining with mine—gold and silver threads of power dancing together in perfect harmony. "Thank you for being there for me," she whispers, her voice pitched low enough that only I can hear. "I didn't doubt our connection, but seeing you again lit a fire in my heart."

Her honesty pulls at something deep within me, making my wolf rumble with contentment. "You've always been the light, Briar. Saving me from the shadows," I reply, a smile breaking over my face as I watch her arrange flowers that seem to bloom brighter at her touch. The castle's magic responds to her presence now, as if it recognizes her as its own.

Together, we bring dishes of fresh eggs, pastries, and an array of fruits to the table. Each plate seems to glow with its own inner light, the food looking almost too perfect to be real. Nolan skips around excitedly, his laughter causing tiny sparks of magic to dance in the air—a child's pure joy made visible in this newly awakened space.

"Do you think we can decorate the tree later?" he asks, his big brown eyes looking to Briar for confirmation. "Alistair promised we could!"

"Absolutely!" she replies, her enthusiasm infectious. As she speaks, a gentle shower of golden sparkles falls from the ceiling, as if the castle itself is applauding the idea. The smile on Nolan's face lights up the entire room, and I watch in amazement as his happiness makes the nearby ornaments chime like tiny bells.

We sit down to eat, the conversation flowing easily among us. The dining room, once a place of shadows and whispered fears, now glows with warmth and life. Sunlight streams through the tall windows, catching on the crystal glasses and creating prisms that dance across the white tablecloth. Each laugh, each shared smile seems to make the castle's magic pulse stronger, as if Frostspire Keep itself is joining in our celebration.

I look around at my chosen family—each of them a reminder of the love and loyalty that helped break the curse. Briar's laughter rings through the hall like music, harmonizing with the peaceful ambience. The sound makes my heart swell, and I notice small flowers blooming in the centerpiece vase, responding to her joy.

But even in this perfect moment, I can't shake the feeling that all isn't fully settled. The curse may be lifted, but the weight of our promise to the Goddess sits heavy in my thoughts. The weight of Rurik's actions still casts a long shadow over us. I watch Briar, noticing the way she occasionally glances toward the windows, as if sensing the same pull I do.

"What's on your mind?" Briar asks, catching my contemplative frown. She reaches over, placing her hand atop mine—a gentle grounding touch that sends waves of warmth through our bond. Her magic brushes against mine, soothing and strengthening all at once.

I look into her eyes, filled with love and understanding, and somehow find the courage to voice the unspoken concern sitting heavy in my chest. The castle's magic seems to still around us, listening.

"Rurik is still out there," I say softly, watching as her expression shifts from contentment to quiet determination. "And we made a promise to the Goddess."

Her fingers tighten around mine, and I feel her magic surge—not with fear, but with resolve. "We'll find him, Ronan. Together. But today..." She glances around at our family, at the joy radiating from every corner of our restored home. "Today we celebrate what we've won."

She's right, of course. The morning light streams through the windows, catching on the frost patterns that dance across the glass—delicate designs that shift and change as we watch, the castle's magic playing with the sunlight. Every surface seems to glow with renewed life, as if Frostspire Keep itself is determined to make this Christmas morning perfect.

After breakfast, I lead Briar to the library—once a place of darkness and hidden secrets, now transformed into a sanctuary of knowledge and light. The books seem to hum with contentment, their spines gleaming with restored magic. Ancient texts that once held curses now radiate wisdom, waiting to be discovered.

"Look," I whisper, drawing her attention to the ceiling. Above us, constellations of magical light swirl and dance, casting gentle illumination over the reading areas. "The castle remembers how you saved it. How you brought life back to these walls."

Briar's breath catches as she watches the display. Her own magic rises to join the light show, gold and silver threads weaving together in an intricate dance. "It's beautiful," she murmurs, leaning back against my chest.

I wrap my arms around her waist, breathing in her scent—now tinged with the fresh magic that flows through her veins. "You're beautiful," I reply, pressing a kiss to her temple. "My brave, brilliant mate."

She turns in my arms, her eyes shimmering with both joy and power. The library responds to her movement, the magical lights above us swirling into new patterns. Books shift on their shelves, their ancient magic recognizing her as both protector and friend.

"I never imagined this," she says, running her fingers along my jaw. "When I first came here, I was so lost. Searching for something I couldn't name." Her touch sends waves of warmth through our bond. "But it was you. It was always you."

I catch her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. Through our connection, I feel everything—her love, her strength, the depth of her commitment to our shared future. The castle's magic swells around us, responding to the intensity of our emotions.

"The Goddess was right," I murmur against her skin. "Our souls were paired long before we met. I feel it in every breath, every heartbeat."

Briar's free hand comes up to rest over my heart, and I feel her magic reach for mine—gold meeting silver in a dance as old as time itself. "Show me," she whispers, her eyes holding mine. "Show me your wolf. Not because of any curse, but because it's part of who you are. Who we are."

The request sends a thrill through me. For the first time, I can choose this transformation—not forced by the curse, but embraced as part of my nature. I step back, letting the change flow through me naturally. It feels different now, smoother, more like sliding into another aspect of myself than being torn between two forms.

When I open my eyes as the wolf, I see Briar watching me with such love it makes my heart ache. She steps forward without hesitation, burying her fingers in my fur. The touch sends sparks of pleasure through our bond.

"Beautiful," she breathes, and I feel her magic wrap around us both like a warm blanket. "My fierce, loyal mate."

I press my muzzle against her hand, letting her feel my contentment through our connection. The library's magic pulses in response, creating a cocoon of warmth and light around us. This is what freedom feels like—the ability to be all of myself, wolf and man, and be loved completely for both.

A knock at the door breaks our reverie. Alistair stands in the doorway, his eyes twinkling. "Pardon the interruption, but young Nolan is quite insistent about decorating that tree."

Briar laughs, the sound making the magical lights dance overhead. "We shouldn't keep him waiting then."

I shift back smoothly, taking her hand in mine. "Lead the way, love."

The rest of the morning passes in a blur of joy and celebration. We decorate the massive Christmas tree in the grand hall, Briar's magic making the ornaments float and dance through the air while Nolan watches in wonder. Giselle brings hot chocolate that steams with more than just heat, and Alistair tells stories of Christmases long past.

Through it all, I watch Briar—the way she moves with newfound grace, her magic flowing freely now. Every gesture carries an innate power that makes the castle sing. When she laughs, flowers bloom in the nearby vases. When she touches the ornaments, they glow with inner light. She's come into her own as an arcanist, and Frostspire Keep celebrates her every move.

The grand hall, once a testament to our isolation, has become the heart of our celebration. Garlands wind up the columns, twinkling with magical lights that respond to our moods. The massive fireplace crackles with flames that cast no shadows—only warm, golden light that seems to chase away any lingering darkness.

"Look what I found!" Nolan calls out, holding up an ancient-looking ornament. It's a crystal wolf, its eyes seeming to gleam with their own inner fire. As Briar takes it from him, the ornament begins to glow, responding to her touch.

"This is special," she says, looking at me with knowing eyes. "It belongs at the top of the tree."

I watch as she raises her hand, magic swirling around her fingers. The crystal wolf floats upward, coming to rest at the very peak of the tree. As it settles into place, a wave of magic pulses outward, making all the decorations shine brighter.

"Perfect," I murmur, pulling her close. Through our bond, I feel her contentment mixing with my own. The castle's magic hums around us, a melody of joy and belonging that makes my heart full.

Later, as the sun begins to set, casting long golden rays through the windows, I lead Briar to the balcony overlooking the grounds. The snow-covered landscape glitters like diamonds, and the air is crisp with winter's bite. But we feel only warmth, wrapped in the castle's protective magic.

"Look," I say, gesturing to where the pack roams freely below. The wolves move with new purpose, no longer bound by the curse but choosing to stay, to protect, to belong. "They're part of us now. Part of this place."

Briar leans against the railing, her magic reaching out to touch the barriers that once trapped us. But those walls have transformed into something else—not a prison, but a sanctuary. "Everything's changed," she says softly. "And yet, it feels more right than ever."

I wrap my arms around her from behind, resting my chin on her shoulder. "Because this is who we were always meant to be. Together, protecting what matters most."

She turns in my embrace, her eyes reflecting the sunset's gold. "I love you," she says simply, the words carrying all the power of a spell. "Man and wolf, darkness and light. All of you."

The kiss we share is gentle but full of promise. Above us, the first stars begin to appear in the darkening sky, and I feel the weight of our promise to the Goddess—not as a burden, but as a purpose. We'll find Rurik, bring him to justice. But not today. Today is for us, for this perfect moment of peace we've earned.

"Merry Christmas, moya lyubov," I whisper against her lips.

She smiles, and the castle's magic swells around us like a symphony. "Merry Christmas, my love."

As night falls fully, Frostspire Keep glows like a beacon in the darkness. Every window shimmers with warm light, every room pulses with renewed life.

This is our home, our sanctuary, our future. And whatever challenges lie ahead, we'll face them together—werewolf and arcanist, bound by love stronger than any curse.