The wolfs bride, p.12
The Wolf's Bride, page 12
As they boarded, Fiorella's eyes widened with wonder, taking in the sights and sounds around them. Serafina followed Angelo into their train car and stored away their bags before sitting beside Fiorella.
She peered over her sister’s head to look outside. Before long, the train rumbled to a start and pulled away from the station. Serafina could feel Angelo’s eyes on her, but she refused to meet them. It would only bring back the memory of the night before.
Instead, she watched as the town disappeared and the trees blurred past. Fiorella’s exclamations of the colorful leaves and countryside rang in her ears. As beautiful as the scenery was, Serafina couldn’t stop the wave of homesickness that swept over her.
“Oh, Fina, isn’t it lovely?” Fiorella asked, face pressed against the glass.
Serafina nodded, absent-mindedly. Their mother’s words echoed in her ears. I’m worried about her. Fiorella had always struggled to control her magic, but could it get worse? Was the Festival of Lights a mistake?
It had only been a few years since Hallow’s Eve when a wicked fae spirit had come after Fiorella, drawn to her power. It was Liliana and Dante who had saved her. Would she and Angelo be able to do the same?
Pushing the worrying thoughts away, she turned her attention back to the tasks at hand. It would take nearly three days to get to Terra D. Three days of avoiding thinking or talking about Angelo’s kiss. She would do her best to convince him to accept his wolf form, take Fiorella to the festival, and then they would return home with or without him.
It would be another goodbye, but this time forever.
As much as Serafina tried to convince Angelo to make peace with his wolf, he stubbornly refused to listen. Just as she refused to talk about the night at the Inn. Instead. they swapped stories about the past, a much safer subject than the uncertain future that lay ahead of them.
After nearly three days on the train, reminiscing and pretending the kiss hadn’t happened, they finally made it to Terra Dei Destini. Late afternoon sunlight streamed in from their window as the train stopped. Serafina reached for her bag, brushing hands with Angelo as he did the same.
Her eyes snapped to him. “I can carry my own bag.”
“It wouldn’t hurt you to let me help sometimes, would it?” He gave her a teasing smile before handing her bag and reaching for Fiorella’s. Shouldering both his and Fiorella’s bags, he led them off the train.
Sucking in a deep breath, Serafina brought up the rear. Their journey together was coming to an end and try as she could to steel herself for the inevitable, Serafina found herself still hoping Angelo would change his mind.
He belonged back in Zamerra with her. Why couldn’t he see that?
“Fina, look! Doesn’t it look just like home?” Fiorella grabbed her hand and led her away from the train station.
Apart from the slightly warmer weather and older stone buildings, Terra Dei Destini was nearly identical to Zamerra. She almost expected to see Pamina and Lorenzo’s bakery among the shops. A wave of longing washed over Serafina. She missed her home and her family more than she thought she would.
“How are we going to find the festival from here?” Angelo asked, glancing around at the crowded town.
Serafina straightened the bag on her back and turned toward him. “I’m sure somebody here will know.”
“But I thought we weren’t supposed to talk about it. Nonna Fabiola said it was only for… well, you know,” Fiorella spoke up, hurrying to keep pace with Serafina.
They paused in the center of the piazza. People streamed around them, too busy to pay them any attention. Serafina glanced around, hoping to find a friendly furry or feathery face. Back home, her presence usually drew their attention, but here, even the animals seemed too busy to notice them.
A black bird flew overhead, catching her attention.
Wait! Please.
The bird circled back at her call, its beady eyes trained on her.
Thank you. Can you tell me how to get to the Festival of Lights, please?
Yes, Signorina! This way. Follow me. The bird replied in an excited tone.
“Come on,” Serafina motioned for the others to start walking before hurrying to follow the black bird. It led them through the busy town and down the rolling dirt path away from the buildings. Soon, they found themselves approaching a thick forest.
“This can’t be right, can it?” Angelo frowned.
Follow the path. It will lead you to the heart of the forest and the Festival of Lights. The bird chirped in Serafina’s mind. With that, it flew over the tri-color tree tops and out of sight.
“It’s in the forest,” Fiorella answered, voice hushed.
Serafina glanced at her younger sister. Suddenly, the idea of walking into a strange wood with Fiorella and her unpredictable magic seemed like a bad one. What if Fiorella lost control?
“What’s wrong?” Angelo asked her, a worried look on his face.
Serafina met his gaze. “I’m not sure if we should be here.”
Fiorella whirled to face her. “We didn’t come all this way to miss the festival!”
“Ella, please. We—”
“I’m going, Fina. With or without you.”
“But your magic! You—”
“I’ll be fine. I have it under control, Fina. Please. I promise. Nothing bad is going to happen,” Fiorella said, green eyes desperate with want.
Wind swept through the trees, rustling the leaves. In the distance, music played, soft notes rising in the air. Though she couldn’t make out the song clearly, it seemed familiar to her.
“If you don’t think we should go to the festival, we could go back to town. I’m sure there’s much to see and do there,” Angelo offered, scanning the forest’s edge.
Serafina gave Fiorella a pointed look. “What about Angelo? What if they don’t let him in?”
Fiorella glanced at their companion. “They will. I’m sure if we tell them he’s with us, it will be fine. What are you so afraid of, anyway, Fina?”
“I’m not afraid.”
“Then let’s go,” Fiorella said, tearing off into the forest.
“Ella, wait! Wait for us,” Serafina demanded, chasing after her.
Angelo followed close on her heels, their boots pounding against the forest floor. The trees seemed to close in around them, colorful leaves shaking violently. Up ahead, Fiorella waited for them, a huge grin on her face.
Serafina slowed and turned to look back the way they had come. The clearing was gone. Only forest surrounded them. The music grew louder as an invisible force tugged them forward. Little white flowers sprang up, one by one, forming a path that led deeper into the trees. A shudder ran along Serafina’s spine. There was no turning back now.
Chapter 13
The Festival of Lights
Serafina
“Fina, we need to talk,” Angelo’s voice echoed around them, bouncing off the trees.
Serafina glanced over at him. Fiorella was still in earshot, but was too busy marveling and touching all the plants and trees they passed by. The strange white flower path stretched before them.
“Unless it’s about you and your wolf, I don’t want to talk about it.”
Angelo sighed. “Why must you be so difficult?”
Her eyes snapped to his. “No more than you are.”
His lips quirked into an amused smile that tugged at her heartstrings. She looked away quickly, ignoring the wave of emotion rolling through her.
Angelo stopped and reached for her hand. His touch sent warmth flooding up her arm. Their eyes locked together.
“Fina, please. Just li—”
Fiorella’s yelp cut him off. They looked up to find her gone. Disappeared right from the spot she’d been standing.
“Ella!” Serafina ran toward the spot Fiorella had been and felt the ground give way beneath her.
Beside her, Angelo tried to grab hold of her, but fell with her instead. It was a quick drop as they landed atop a grassy hill. They shot to their feet, stunned.
“Fina! Angelo!” Fiorella called behind them.
Serafina’s breath caught in her throat at the sight that greeted them. The forest had been transformed into something else entirely. Rolling hills of vivid green grass and the same white flowers stretched as far as she could see. All at once, the petals turned to different colors, creating a rainbow. Warm air swirled around them, the soft music notes now clearer.
Above them, fairy lights danced in the twilight sky. Serafina watched as the little orbs of gold, blue, and silver moved along with the melancholy song.
“Where are we?” Angelo asked, gazing in wonder at the sights around them.
“The Festival of Lights!” Fiorella exclaimed as she pointed behind them.
They turned to see a village nestled in the valley below. Buildings of every shape, size, and material were clustered together, somehow looking oddly complimentary despite their stark differences.
“Come on!” Fiorella raced down the hill toward the valley.
Serafina and Angelo followed. Floating lanterns of sparkling gold and shiny silver shone brightly above them as they entered the village. Voices blurred together, rising over the music as they passed under a golden arch. There were no roads or paths. Only green grass and dirt beneath them.
Little petal houses were stuffed into the holes of giant oak trees. Serafina paused to look at them in awe. Were there pixies in there? Had they somehow landed in Faerie?
The fragrant smell of the different flowers filled the air along with the smell of something sugary. Following the others, Serafina’s eyes widened as she tried to take it all in.
“Fina, look!” Fiorella broke the silence, pointing ahead excitedly.
People walked along the piazza, their laughter and voices mingling with the tinkling of bells and the soft music. Serafina swore under her breath. She’d expected to see witches and warlocks there, but never had she imagined so many. Goblins, fauns, dwarves, and elves strolled along with them, wearing gowns and suits of every imaginable color and material.
Vendors called out to them as they went, waving them over to their carts. Jewelry sparkled from wooden trays and strange flowers and plants sprouted from colorful clay pots. Fiorella paused to look at them, eyes sparkling with awe. Before her sister could reach out to touch one, Serafina urged her forward.
She didn’t think they were in any danger of revealing their magic there, but she couldn’t help but err on the side of caution.
They followed the crowd to the center of the square where long tables were ladened with a spread fit for royalty. Platters of savory antipasti, bowls of steaming pasta, and trays of freshly baked breads were set among dishes of things Serafina had never seen before. Glass pitchers of ruby-red wine floated in the air by magic, filling the guest’s golden goblets at request.
Angelo turned to her with a smile. “This reminds me of the Strawberry Festival.”
Serafina scoffed. “This is nothing like the festival. Can you imagine what the townsfolk would think of this?” She swept a hand across the scene.
A horde of pixies swarmed toward them, their laughter like tiny bells. The fauns stamped out a joyful beat against the dirt and grass.
“It could be Zamerra. Someday,” Angelo said with a wistful look.
Home sickness washed over Serafina. What were Mama and the others up to? The cats and little Gio? A sad sigh escaped her. As beautiful and magical as the village was, she missed Zamerra.
“Fina? What is it? What’s wrong?” Angelo’s worried voice brought her head around.
She glanced at Fiorella, who was busy peering at the rainbow-colored water coming from the white stone fountain ahead. “Nothing. It’s just… I never expected to miss home and everyone so much. I—never mind. You wouldn’t understand.”
Angelo’s eyes softened. “My first night away from home, I nearly cried. I understand.”
Serafina gave him a skeptical look. “You cried?”
He motioned for her to lower her voice. “I said I nearly cried.”
She gave him a wicked grin. “Imagine that. Angelo Rossi. I don’t think anyone would believe me if I told them that.”
Angelo leaned toward her, eyes sparkling with mischief. It was a look she hadn’t seen in so long and seeing it now, after all they’d been through, made her heart lurch.
“It wouldn’t be the worst thing you’ve said about me,” he said softly, voice teasing.
Serafina flushed. “I suppose I did have a wicked tongue.”
Angelo’s gaze dipped to her mouth, the fiery look in his eyes making her heart race. He looked as if he wanted to devour her. Heat pooled in her belly.
“Did? I’d say it’s still pretty wicked.” His voice grew deeper.
Before she could respond, a busty woman with a crooked nose stepped into their path and eyed them with interest. “Oh, no, Signorina. Signor. You can’t show up to the festival wearing such drab clothing. Come, I have just the thing.”
Serafina shook her head. “Thank you, but—”
“Oh! What a beautiful gown,” Fiorella exclaimed, already browsing the woman’s wares.
“Yes, but we’re just passing through. We don’t need new clothing,” Serafina said firmly, motioning for her sister away from the stall.
The gowns were indeed beautiful, and most likely far out of their budget. Besides, apart from the Festival of Lights, where would one wear a fairy-made dress without causing a scandal?
“This one would look beautiful on you,” Fiorella said, pulling a silky dark green gown off the rack.
“Oh, yes! Good eye, Signorina,” the woman crooned, taking it from Fiorella and holding it up to Serafina.
The fabric was softer than anything Serafina had ever felt before. She looked up to meet Angelo’s stare. He gave her an appreciative look, making her flush.
“You simply must take it,” the vendor said matter-of-factly.
“Thank you, but I’m afraid I can’t. I—”
She pressed the dress against Serafina. “Free of charge. The same goes for your companions.”
Fiorella gasped with delight. Angelo exchanged a look with Serafina. Was he just as suspicious as she was? Why would a stranger offer them such a deal?
“It’s your first time at the festival. It’s common to give gifts to first timers,” she said with a shrug.
“How do you know it’s our first time?” Serafina asked with a frown.
The woman laughed off her question and turned away to help another guest who had walked up.
“Oh, isn’t this exciting? Our very own magical gowns!” Fiorella said, holding a beautiful dress made of leaves and lavender against herself. She disappeared with it behind a curtain to change.
Angelo gaped at the row of flashy suits and looked down at his traveling attire. “I guess we do stick out. What do you think? Is it safe to wear this if I don’t have magic?” He waved a hand, gesturing to the clothing.
Serafina snorted. “I’m sure the suit won’t bite, silly.”
He arched a brow at her. “Are you?”
Dismissing the image of a suit with such ability, Serafina took her gown behind another curtain. She set down her bag and started to undress. Stuffing her clothes into her sack, she quickly donned the silky gown, amazed at how well it fit and how comfortable it felt.
She shouldered her bag once more and rejoined her sister and Angelo. Fiorella stood before a long mirror, twirling around as the dress vendor oohed and aahed.
Angelo stepped out from behind a curtain across from her, making her breath hitch. Dressed in a black silk suit that made his blue-green eyes stand out, he looked amazing. Angelo had always been charming as a boy, but now he was downright irresistible.
His eyes met hers before dipping down to take her in. “Fina.” The way he said her name was like a caress.
“You forgot a button,” Serafina said, trying to keep her voice even.
Angelo frowned and glanced down. “Where?”
As if pulled by some invisible thread, Serafina’s hands found his chest, fingers on the small silver button as she pushed it through to close it. Angelo inhaled sharply, the sound echoing in her ears. The smell of his sharp cologne enveloped her, making her feel light headed like she’d had too much wine.
There was a few days’ worth of stubble on his chin now and Serafina couldn’t help but find it appealing. Rugged. Handsome. Heat washed over her at the memory of their night in the cave. Their kiss in the inn.
“You two look marvelous!” Fiorella’s bright voice cut through the silence.
Serafina let her hands drop to her side and turned to compliment her sister. Fiorella looked like a fairy princess in her beautiful gown and hair pinned back with a glass comb, which Serafina suspected was another ‘gift.’
“Now we can join the others,” Fiorella said, thanking the dress vendor before hurrying away from her stand.
Still wearing her boots, Serafina followed and stifled a laugh. Her sister had been gifted beautiful slippers, but she had not. She would just have to make do without dancing shoes.
Following Fiorella, they made it to the end of the square where the tables had been pushed back to make room for dancing. Music played from an invisible source, filling their ears. Dancers swept by in a blur of dazzling fabrics. Above them, the sun had set and the lanterns and fairy lights lit up the night sky like countless stars.
Serafina watched as Fiorella joined a group of elves in a lively dance. She couldn’t help but think of Bruno back home. Unlike these woodland elves, their little house elf preferred eating and napping over parties.
“Fina, will you dance with me?” Angelo’s question startled her.
Serafina turned to him. Heat spread across her skin at his stare. They were so close, she could feel the warmth of his breath on her face.
She set down her bag alongside his and Fiorella’s then bent down to unlace her boots and pull off her stockings. Dancing barefoot would be much better than ruining her stockings or trying to dance in her clunky boots.
Taking the hand he offered, Serafina let him sweep her up into his embrace. It wasn’t the first time they’d danced together. They’d had plenty of practice over the years at countless festivals and parties. But this time was different.
