Arielle didn’t stop running until the warm yellow glow of the bookstore had disappeared completely behind her, swallowed by the drifting snow.
Her breath puffed in frantic clouds as she slowed to a walk, boots crunching against the icy ground. The town was peaceful—kids playing with sleds, couples holding hands, tiny shops decorated in cheerful garlands.
A jolly holiday postcard.
And she was the ink blot ruining the corner.
She hugged herself tightly, as if she could physically hold her emotions in place.
Noah’s voice kept echoing in her mind:
“Magic or no magic… I choose you.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“Look at me.”
She had looked.
And that was the problem.
Feelings weren’t safe. Not for her. Not after the way life always punished her whenever she dared to want something.
She
