Sleigh Bells and Dragon Spells (Whispering Pines #8)

Chapter 6

SIX

“ H ello, everyone,” Briar said, kneeling down to be at eye level with the younger children. “I heard there was magic happening in here, and I just had to come see for myself.”

A little girl with pigtails and missing front teeth stepped forward boldly. “Are you a real witch like Celeste and Tabitha?” she asked, eyes wide with wonder.

Briar’s smile widened. “I am indeed. Would you like to see some magic?”

The children crowded around her, their earlier shyness forgotten in the face of potential magical entertainment. Briar’s gaze fell on the sparsely decorated Christmas tree in the corner.

“How about we add some special decorations to your tree?” she suggested.

With Mrs. Thompson’s nod of approval, Briar gathered the children around the tree. She took a deep breath, centering herself and reaching for the wellspring of magic that lived within her.

“Now, watch closely,” she instructed, raising her hands toward the tree. “Luminis Ornamentum,” she intoned, her voice soft but filled with power.

Golden sparks danced from her fingertips, swirling around the tree in a dazzling display. As the children watched with wide-eyed amazement, the sparks coalesced into shimmering ornaments of various shapes and sizes. Some took the form of twinkling stars, others became delicate snowflakes, and still others transformed into miniature, glowing presents.

The tree came alive with magical light, each ornament pulsing gently with an inner radiance that seemed to change color in harmony with the children’s excited exclamations.

“It’s beautiful!” the little girl with pigtails breathed, reaching out to touch a nearby star-shaped ornament. As her fingers brushed it, the star let out a soft, musical chime.

Briar knelt beside her, gently guiding her hand. “These ornaments are special,” she explained, her voice warm with affection. “They respond to touch and emotion. When you’re happy, they’ll glow brighter. When you’re sad, they’ll play soothing melodies. They’re here to remind you that magic is all around us even in the darkest times.”

The children’s faces shined with wonder and delight as they explored the magical decorations. Briar’s heart swelled with joy, a sense of purpose filling her. This, she realized, was why she had come to Whispering Pines. To bring magic and hope to those who needed it most.

As the excitement began to die down, Mrs. Thompson approached Briar, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Thank you,” she said softly. “You have no idea what this means to them... to all of us.”

Briar squeezed the older woman’s hand. “I think I do,” she replied, her own voice thick with emotion. “And I’d like to do more, if you’ll let me. Perhaps I could organize some activities for the children? Magical workshops or...”

“That would be wonderful,” Mrs. Thompson beamed. “The children would love it, and frankly, we could use all the help we can get, especially during the holiday season.”

As they discussed potential plans, a commotion at the door drew their attention. A woman with vivid pink hair styled in a messy bun burst into the room, her arms laden with a large basket that emitted tantalizing aromas.

“Special delivery!” the newcomer announced cheerfully, her eyes sparkling behind colorful, thick-framed glasses. “I bring treats for all the good little witches and wizards in training!”

The children swarmed around her, squealing with delight. Mrs. Thompson chuckled, shaking her head fondly. “Briar, allow me to introduce Daisy Bloom. She owns the Phantasm Pharmacy in town and is one of our most enthusiastic volunteers.”

Daisy’s eyes lit up as she spotted Briar. “Oh! You’re Briar! Celeste told me about you.” She thrust the basket into Mrs. Thompson’s arms and bounded over, enveloping Briar in an exuberant hug. “Welcome to Whispering Pines! Here, have a cookie. They’re enchanted to taste like your favorite flavor.”

Bemused, Briar accepted the offered treat. As she bit into it, her eyes widened in surprise. The cookie tasted exactly like the cinnamon rolls she used to sneak from the orphanage kitchen as a child. “This is amazing,” she mumbled around a mouthful of cookie.

Daisy beamed. “I’m so glad you like it. You’ll have to come by the pharmacy sometime. I’d love to show you around, maybe give you a peek at some of my ghostly consultations.”

Briar raised an eyebrow. “Ghostly consultations?”

“Oh, yes,” Daisy nodded enthusiastically. “We cater to both the living and the spectral in Whispering Pines. You’d be surprised how many ghosts need a good pharmacist.”

As the afternoon wore on, Briar found herself caught up in the whirlwind of activity at the orphanage. She helped distribute Daisy’s treats, listened to the children’s stories, and even assisted with a particularly tricky math problem one of the older kids was struggling with.

By the time she left, promising to return soon, Briar’s head was spinning with ideas for future visits and activities. The warm glow of fulfillment in her chest told her she’d found a special place here.