Page 23 of Enchanting the Alpha (Mystic Hollow #1)

TWENTY-THREE

I nside, surrounded by ancient books and artifacts, Romi explained about the magical surge. Neve listened intently, her eyes reflecting deep wisdom.

“Your magic is evolving, dear one,” she said after examining Romi’s aura. “Growing beyond its current limits. This surge indicates significant change, but it can be dangerous if not properly guided.”

“How can I control it?” Romi asked, unconsciously leaning into Xabir’s supportive presence. “I don’t want to risk hurting anyone.”

“With training and focus, you can harness this new power.” Neve’s gaze flickered between them thoughtfully. “And perhaps... with the right partner to help ground you.”

Before Romi could process that suggestion, a magical alert chimed through the sanctuary. Neve’s expression darkened as she consulted a scrying mirror.

“There’s been an incident at the park,” she said grimly. “Someone has sabotaged Felicia’s enchanted garden. They’ve left shifter tracks, but...”

“But what?” Xabir asked, his posture tensing.

“The magical signature doesn’t match. It’s as if someone wanted it to look like shifters were responsible.”

Romi exchanged worried looks with Xabir. “We should check it out,” she said.

“How do you feel?” He was more concerned about her.

She rose from her chair. “I’m better. Let’s go.”

They hurried to the park, finding Felicia’s beautiful garden in disarray. Magical plants drooped and withered, protective enchantments sparked erratically, and prominent shifter tracks crossed the damaged areas.

“This is deliberate,” Xabir growled, examining the tracks. “Too obvious.”

A small crowd had gathered, angry voices rising as witches and shifters cast suspicious glances at each other.

“Who would do this?” a witch demanded. “It’s unprovoked!”

“Those tracks could have been planted!” a shifter shot back.

Romi stepped forward, her evolving magic responding to her determination. “Everyone, please! Let’s not jump to conclusions. Xabir and I will investigate this together.”

She focused her power, letting it flow more naturally this time as she began repairing the garden’s enchantments. Beside her, Xabir used his enhanced senses to track the magical traces.

“Working together,” she said softly, “we can fix this. Show everyone this is a setup.”

His hand brushed hers as they worked, sending a spark of connection through her magic. “We’ll find who’s responsible. Put an end to this division.”

As they restored the garden, Romi thought about what Neve and the others had said. Maybe they were right. Maybe her connection with Xabir could help bridge the divide between their communities.

For now, though, she focused on the task at hand, letting her magic twine with his alpha energy in a dance of restoration. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.