Page 119 of Christmas Magic

“I resent it. I want you to release me.”

She struggled to keep her voice even. “Try to remember.”

“Why will you not quit pestering me?”

“Your honor and loyalty…belong to me.”

He growled. “How dare—?”

“Listen,” she urged. A desperate thought filled her mind: a memory of the frightening time when the sorceress had controlled her mind and body. “Heed the little clues that don’t quite make sense. The things that don’t feel right to you.”

Wariness touched his features.

“Have you experienced any such moments?”

He hesitated then nodded once.

“That’s your consciousness trying to overcome the spell.”

He hissed a breath. “Not the spell nonsense again.”

“It’s not nonsense. With her cookies, Cora put an enchantment on you.”

Her fiancé stared at her for several seconds then shook his head. “I don’t believe it.”

“Try!” Molly’s voice hitched. “Please.”

His jaw hardened. He glanced at Cora, watching the sparkling light. He seemed torn between his feelings for the older woman and acknowledging Molly’s words held some truth.

She had to convince him.

Blown by the breeze, white packing peanuts drifted down the street. Marshmallows also lay scattered on the ground. Both reminded her of snow.

Snow!

An idea bloomed in her mind. Hope became a warm glow inside of her.

Tingling heat filled her palms as she called up her magic.

Lucian’s phone sounded an alarm, as did hers.

His grip tightened on his sword. “Now you’ll use your magic on me?”

“No. I promise. Just watch.”

Molly took a deep breath. Clearing her thoughts, opening her consciousness to the energy coursing inside of her, she imagined the packing peanuts and marshmallows as snowflakes, light and dancing in the wind.

I love you, Lucian. In honor of all that we’ve shared, I create this spectacle for you.

Closing her eyes, she imagined the couple in the middle of the snow globe. She was the woman. He was the man. They belonged together.

I love you, Lucian.

She focused more intently, saw herself standing in snow. The crisp air smelled of ice and pine sap. The falling snow surrounded her and him, the flakes swirling and spinning. Air stirred against her cheeks, and in the coolness, she yearned for his strong arms around her, his lips pressed to hers.

I love you, Lucian.

Remember me. Come back to me.