Page 49 of Enchanting the Alpha (Mystic Hollow #1)
FORTY-NINE
“ I ’m better.” Romi sat up straighter, though she didn’t pull away from Xabir’s supporting arm. “The potion helped.”
“Good, because we need you alert for this discussion.” Madame Zephyrine set her box on the bedside table. Crystal vials clinked inside, their contents shimmering with various protective enchantments. “We’ve been developing new defensive measures.”
“More like completely revolutionary protective magic!” Felix couldn’t contain his enthusiasm. “Wait until you see what we’ve come up with!”
“Perhaps we should start with the basics,” Bella suggested, adjusting her glasses as she spread out several ancient scrolls. “The attack revealed vulnerabilities we hadn’t considered.”
Xabir’s arm tightened around Romi’s shoulders. “Explain.”
“The dark magic bypassed standard wards,” Neve said, her expression grave. “It was specifically keyed to target Romi, which requires intimate knowledge of her magical signature.”
“Someone’s been studying her?” The muscle in Xabir’s jaw clenched. His thumb traced soothing circles on her arm, though whether to comfort her or himself wasn’t clear.
“Precisely.” Bella pointed to a complex magical diagram. “They would have needed multiple opportunities to analyze her magic. This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment attack.”
“But it wasn’t Bastian.” Romi glanced up at Xabir. “You said he’s not even in town.”
“Left three days ago for a pack gathering up north. Multiple witnesses confirm he’s still there.” Xabir’s free hand curled into a fist. “Which means we’re dealing with someone else. Someone who’s been watching, waiting...”
“Someone who opposes what you represent.” Madame Zephyrine’s eyes gleamed with ancient wisdom. “The unity between witches and shifters that you’ve built threatens those who prefer the old divisions.”
“Then we’ll just have to show them how wrong they are!” Felix punched the air, sending Whiskers tumbling. “Starting with these new protective spells!”
He pulled out a crystal that pulsed with rainbow light. “See, we’ve modified standard protection wards to create a linked defense network. Instead of individual shields, the magic flows between multiple anchor points, strengthening each other!”
“Like a web,” Bella added, sketching quick diagrams in the air. “If one section is attacked, the others automatically reinforce it. And because it’s powered by both witch and shifter energy...”
“It’s harder to corrupt,” Neve finished. “We’ll need your help for this part, Xabir. The shields must be anchored by both magical types to work properly.”
Romi felt Xabir nod. “Whatever it takes.” His lips brushed her temple. “No one touches you again.”
“The initial casting will take considerable power,” Madame Zephyrine warned. “Are you recovered enough to participate, Romi?”
“I’ll manage.” Romi straightened, drawing strength from Xabir’s steady presence. “What do you need us to do?”
The next hour passed in a blur of complex spellwork. Neve and Madame Zephyrine guided them through the intricate casting, their voices weaving together in ancient languages. Felix bounced between anchor points, his enthusiasm never wavering as he aligned the crystals. Bella monitored the magical flow, ensuring the balance between witch and shifter energy remained stable.
Through it all, Xabir never strayed from Romi’s side. His strength flowed into the spells alongside her magic, the two powers dancing in perfect harmony. When her energy flagged, his hand would find hers, sharing his seemingly endless stamina. Each touch, each concerned glance, each soft kiss pressed to her hair spoke volumes about his dedication to protecting her.
Finally, the last crystal locked into place. The protective web hummed to life, invisible but powerful. Romi could feel its warmth surrounding them like being wrapped in a blanket woven from pure magic.
“It’s beautiful,” she breathed.
“And very hard to break,” Bella said with satisfaction. “Anyone attempting dark magic within this network will find their power reflected back at them.”
“Plus, it’s connected to the wards at the café,” Felix added. “Double protection!”
“Triple, once we extend it to the hotel,” Xabir said. His eyes never left Romi as he asked, “How soon can we replicate this there?”
“Tomorrow, once the anchors have settled here.” Neve gathered her supplies with efficient movements. “For now, rest. Both of you. The casting took considerable energy.”
“We’ll check the café’s defenses again,” Madame Zephyrine assured them. “Focus on recovering.”
Their friends filed out, leaving behind crystals, potions, and strict instructions for rest. Whiskers escorted them to the door before returning to his guard post on the headboard. His tiny claws clinked against one of the crystals as he adjusted its position slightly.
“Always the perfectionist,” Romi teased. A yawn caught her by surprise - the spellcasting had drained what little energy she’d recovered.
“Sleep, sweetheart.” Xabir helped her lie back against the pillows. “I’ll be right here.”
“You need rest too.” She caught his hand before he could return to the loveseat. “Please? Just hold me?”
His expression softened. Without a word, he stretched out beside her, gathering her close until her head rested on his chest. His heartbeat thudded strong and steady under her ear as his fingers carded gently through her hair.
“I can’t live without you,” he murmured into the quiet, his voice rough with emotion. “When I felt that attack... when I thought I might lose you...”
“You didn’t.” She pressed closer, drawing comfort from his warmth. “You won’t. We’re stronger together, remember?”
His arms tightened around her as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Above them, Whiskers created a canopy of softly glowing hearts before settling with a contented chirp.
They had mysteries to solve, dark magic to counter, and enemies to face. But for now, wrapped in multiple layers of protection and each other’s arms, they could rest. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but they would face them as they faced everything else - together.