Page 51 of Enchanting the Alpha (Mystic Hollow #1)
FIFTY-ONE
D awn painted Mystic Hollow Central Park in shades of rose gold as Xabir supervised the setup of the Mystic Market Food Fair. Enchanted stalls materialized along winding paths, their magical displays shimmering in the early morning light. The air buzzed with possibility—and no small amount of tension.
“Those enchantments need reinforcing.” Xabir pointed to a wobbling display of floating pastries. “We can’t risk any instability today.”
Bella Swift adjusted her spectacles, her hawk-shifter eyes tracking the erratic movement. “Already on it. Though I must say, the combination of witch and shifter magic creates some... interesting effects.”
“Interesting isn’t what we’re aiming for.” Xabir ran a hand through his hair. “We need perfect control. One mishap could undo weeks of progress.”
“Such faith in us, Alpha.” Bella’s eyes twinkled as she strengthened the containment spell. The pastries settled into a gentle orbit. “There. Stable as a mountain.”
Xabir moved between the stalls, checking each magical barrier and safety measure. The fair represented more than just food—it symbolized the possibility of unity, of witches and shifters working together to create something beautiful. They needed this win.
His phone buzzed with a message from Romi: Running late. Whiskers decided the ceremonial ribbon would make an excellent toy.
A smile tugged at his lips as he pictured her tiny feline familiar wreaking havoc. His reply was swift: Take your time. Everything’s under control here.
Felix materialized beside him, grinning. “Young love. Makes even the sternest alpha go soft.”
“Shouldn’t you be setting up your fire-grilled specialties?”
“All done!” Felix gestured proudly to his stall where blue flames danced beneath copper pots. “My famous Dragon’s Breath Chili is ready to unite communities through the power of shared suffering.”
“Keep the heat levels legal this time.”
“You’re no fun.” Felix pouted. “Though I suppose watching Captain Waterfall breathe actual fire last month was a bit much.”
The morning progressed in a flurry of activity. Neve and Madame Zephyrine arrived to add their protective enchantments, while Clover set up a display of magical herbs and spices. Thane darted between stalls, his natural charm smoothing over any friction between witch and shifter vendors.
When Romi finally arrived, Xabir’s breath caught. She wore a dress the color of summer twilight, her hair crowned with tiny stars that winked in and out of existence. Whiskers perched on her shoulder, looking entirely too pleased with himself.
“Sorry, I’m late.” She reached his side, cheeks flushed. “Someone thought playing ‘catch the ribbon’ was more important than punctuality.”
Whiskers huffed, trailing heart-shaped sparks.
“The ribbon survived, I hope?” Xabir’s hand found the small of her back, a touch that felt both natural and electric.
“Mostly.” She produced a slightly singed length of silver silk. “Though it might have developed some interesting magical properties in the process. Watch.” She held it up, and the ribbon rippled like moonlight on water.
“Perfect for the opening ceremony then.”
They made their way to the central pavilion where an eager crowd had gathered. The morning sun caught the crystalline archways, sending rainbow refractions dancing across upturned faces. Witch and shifter families mingled, their magical auras creating fascinating light shows where they intersected.
Xabir stepped forward, his alpha presence drawing all eyes. “Welcome to Mystic Hollow’s first united Mystic Market Food Fair. Today, we celebrate not just our culinary traditions, but our shared future.”
Romi joined him, her magic harmonizing with his energy in a way that made nearby lanterns pulse. “Let this fair be a testament to what we can create together. May every bite bring us closer as a community.”
The enchanted ribbon cut itself, showering the crowd with silver sparkles. Cheers erupted as stall owners unveiled their magical offerings. The air filled with enticing aromas: Felix’s spicy creations, Clover’s herb-infused pastries, and countless other magical delicacies.
For several hours, everything ran perfectly. Xabir watched with satisfaction as witches and shifters shared tables, swapped recipes, and laughed together. Even the most traditional members of both communities seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Then the world shattered.
A blast of dark magic, cold as the void between stars, ripped through the fair’s protective barriers. The attack struck Romi square in the back as she helped a young witch with an unstable spell. Her scream of agony tore through Xabir’s soul.
Time fractured into crystalline moments of horror. Romi’s body hit the ground with a terrible finality. The magical stars in her hair extinguished one by one like dying constellations. Her usually vibrant magic flickered dangerously, a candle guttering in a killing wind.
“ROMI!” The sound that erupted from Xabir’s chest wasn’t human. Pure terror clawed through him as he raced to her side. Her skin had taken on an ashen gray tone, her pulse threading weakly beneath his trembling fingers.
“No, no, please.” He gathered her into his arms, her body terrifyingly limp and cold. “Stay with me, sweetheart. Please don’t leave me.”
Monroe’s, Bastian’s grandfather, laughter cut through the chaos like a poisoned blade. “How fitting. The witch who dared to rise above her station, struck down by superior magic.”