Sleigh Bells and Dragon Spells (Whispering Pines #8)

Chapter 5

FIVE

T ears pricked at the corners of Briar’s eyes as she fastened the necklace around her throat. “Thank you, Fia. For everything.”

Fia squeezed her hand. “You’re going to do amazing things here, Briar. I can feel it.”

After Fia left, Briar spent some time familiarizing herself with the shop’s inventory and making notes on potential improvements. By mid-morning, she decided it was time to explore the town properly.

The brisk winter air nipped at Briar’s cheeks as she stepped out onto the cobblestone streets. She tugged her scarf tighter and set off toward the town square, her boots leaving fresh tracks in the powdery snow.

As she walked, Briar’s senses were filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of Whispering Pines in full holiday mode. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafted from a charming storefront called “Bewitched Bakery,” making her stomach growl in anticipation. Mental note: visit there soon, she thought, already imagining the delectable treats that awaited.

The town square opened before her, a picturesque scene straight out of a fairy tale. A group of children frolicked near the central fountain, their laughter echoing through the crisp air as they built a rather lopsided snowman. Briar smiled, their joy infectious.

Her gaze was drawn to the towering Christmas tree that dominated the center of the square. It stood proudly, its branches laden with snow, but Briar noticed it was only partially decorated. The bare spots seemed to call out to her, begging to be adorned with twinkling lights and shimmering ornaments.

“First time in Whispering Pines?”

The friendly voice startled Briar out of her reverie. She turned to find a woman with wavy auburn hair and striking emerald-green eyes smiling at her.

“Is it that obvious?” Briar laughed, moving closer to admire the ornaments.

The woman’s eyes danced with joy. “We don’t get many new faces around here, especially not ones who look at our old tree with such wonder. I’m Celeste Rowan Blackwood, by the way, owner of Mystic Moon Magic Shop and co-owner of The Lone Wolf Café with my husband Kade.”

“Briar Rhee,” she replied, offering her hand. “I’m the new manager at Enchanted Essences for Kids.”

Celeste’s face lit up with recognition. “Oh, you’re Fia’s protégé! We’ve all been looking forward to meeting you.” She leaned in conspiratorially. “Between you and me, this town could use some fresh magical energy. Things have been a bit... stagnant lately.”

Briar raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “How so?”

Celeste waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, you know how it is in small magical communities. Sometimes we get stuck in our ways. But with new blood comes new ideas.” She fixed Briar with an appraising look. “I have a feeling you’re going to shake things up around here, in the best way possible.”

A warm flush of pride spread through Briar’s chest at Celeste’s words. “I hope so. I’m really looking forward to getting involved in the community.”

“Well, you’re in luck,” Celeste grinned. “We are having a girls’ night later this week, which will help you meet some amazing women. And we’re having a gathering of local witches tonight. Nothing formal, just a chance to socialize and share ideas. You should join us.”

Briar nodded eagerly. “I’d love to. Thank you for the invitation.”

As they chatted, Briar was drawn to Celeste’s vibrant energy and quick wit. They discovered a shared passion for elemental magic, with Celeste specializing in earth-based spells that tap into the town’s ley lines.

“You’ll have to come by the shop sometime,” Celeste said. “I’d love to show you some of the crystals I’ve charged using the local energy. They pack quite a punch.”

Promising to visit soon, Briar bid Celeste farewell and continued her exploration of the town. As she wandered the charming streets, her gaze was repeatedly drawn to a large, stately building on the outskirts of town. Something about it called to her, tugging at her heartstrings in a way she couldn’t quite explain.

Following her instincts, Briar made her way toward the building. As she drew closer, she realized it was the Whispering Pines Orphanage. Her breath caught in her throat, memories of her own childhood in a similar institution flooding back.

For a moment, Briar hesitated at the gate, uncertainty washing over her. But the sound of children’s laughter drifting from the front room on the bottom floor steeled her resolve. Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the gate and walked up the path to the front door.

The door swung open before she could knock, revealing a kind-faced woman with silver-streaked hair and warm eyes. “Hello, dear,” the woman said with a gentle smile. “I’m Mrs. Nalla Thompson, the headmistress. Can I help you?”

Briar swallowed hard, suddenly feeling like a child again. “I’m Briar Rhee,” she managed. “I... I just moved to town, and I was hoping I might be able to visit with the children and volunteer if you need help. I grew up in an orphanage myself, you see, and I thought maybe...”

Mrs. Thompson’s eyes softened with understanding. “Say no more, my dear. We always welcome visitors, especially those who can truly empathize with our children’s experiences. Please, come in.”

The interior of the orphanage was warm and inviting, its walls adorned with colorful artwork clearly created by the children. The scent of baking cookies wafted through the air, mingling with the pine fragrance of a Christmas tree Briar glimpsed in a nearby room.

As Mrs. Thompson led her through the halls, Briar’s heart ached with a bittersweet mixture of nostalgia and empathy. She remembered all too well the conflicting emotions of growing up in a place like this – the sense of belonging mixed with the longing for a family to call her own.

They entered a large playroom where a group of children of various ages were engaged in different activities. Some were reading, others playing board games, while a few of the younger ones were busy with a noisy game of tag.

“Children,” Mrs. Thompson called out, her voice cutting through the cheerful chaos. “We have a visitor. This is Miss Briar. She’s new in town and would like to meet you all.”

A hush fell over the room as curious eyes turned to Briar. She felt a momentary panic, unsure of what to say or do. Then, drawing on her innate love for children and her own experiences, she smiled warmly.