I hadn’t felt this kind of immediate chemistry in a long time—not since Sebastian—and it caught me off guard.
Ethan seemed to hesitate, his brow furrowing slightly as if he was searching for something else to keep the conversation going. Finally, he broke the silence with a question. “So, what brings you to Hallow’s End?”
I hesitated. “I needed a fresh start. Life in the city was . . . complicated.”
Ethan didn’t press on, sensing my reluctance to elaborate. He simply nodded, offering a gentle smile that conveyed understanding. His respect for my boundaries made me feel relieved and oddly comforted, as if he was someone I could actually open up to, given time.
“Well, welcome to Hallow’s End, Vinnie. If you ever need someone to show you around, or just want some company, I’d be more than happy to oblige.” The thought of seeing him again was exciting, and I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of anticipation.
“Thanks, Ethan. I appreciate that,” I said. My heart fluttered a little at his kindness, noticing again how good he looked.
Despite the coffee stain on his white shirt, he wore it well, tucked into a pair of fitted brown trousers that complemented his lean build. A navy sweater was casually draped over a nearby chair, next to his briefcase. I wondered what he did for work but, before I could ask, he glanced at his watch, a flicker of urgency crossing his face.
“I’ve got to run, but I’d love to see you again. Maybe over a coffee that stays in the cup?”
I laughed. “That sounds great. I’d like that.” As I said it, a swirl of emotions rushed through me. Part of me wondered if he really meant it, or if he was just being polite. Still, the prospect of seeing him again filled me with a hopeful anticipation.
As he took a step back, he glanced at my outfit and flashed another one of those disarming smiles. “By the way, I’m glad the coffee went on me and not your lovely sweater. It really suits you.” His compliment caught me off guard, putting me at ease about something I’d been feeling insecure about earlier. “See you around, Vinnie.”
As he walked away, I felt a fluttering in my stomach. My heart beat a little faster, and there was a lightness in my chest that felt new and exhilarating. There was something about him that made me feel alive again, stirring emotions I thought I had lost with Sebastian. As I watched him disappear into the crowd, a smile tugged at my lips.
With my heart still racing from the encounter, I headed to Enchanted Quill, Ivy’s bookshop. The charm of the town extended to this particular spot, where large windows displayed beautiful books. Above the door, there was a sign featuring an ornate quill and inkpot, which invited readers inside.
The interior was even more captivating than I had imagined. As I pushed the door open, bells chimed faintly, announcing my presence. The sound mingled with soft murmurs and the occasional rustle of turning pages, andI paused to take it all in. Tall bookshelves lined the walls, brimming with a meticulously curated selection of books, from bestsellers to rare finds. In the corners, inviting reading nooks beckoned, their armchairs bathed in warm light. The scattered plush cushions invited visitors to lose themselves in a story.
At the back of the shop, an enormous fireplace crackled gently, its warmth radiating through the room. It was easy to imagine this as a gathering place for community events, the flames casting a flickering glow on eager faces. I breathed in deeply, the air infused with the scent of old books mingling with the soothing aroma of Ivy’s herbal teas.
Ivy looked up from behind the counter, her face lighting up when she saw me. “Vinnie! How was your first night?” she called out, her blue eyes sparkling with tenderness. She brushed a few strands of dark blue hair from her forehead, revealing a light dusting of freckles across her nose and cheeks. Her heart-shaped face and warm smile was youthful and inviting.
“It was . . . different,” I admitted, laughing softly. “I’m still getting used to the quiet.”
“Understandable,” Ivy said with a smile as she carefully priced a stack of books. Her flowing purple dress, which hugged her curvy figure, swayed gently as she placed the stickers on the covers with precision. The soft light caught the collection of charm bracelets on her wrist, and a pendant that shimmered around her neck. “Big change from city life, huh?”
“Certainly,” I remarked, taking in the whimsical, witchy décor. The shelves were artfully arranged with crystals, tarot cards, and other mystical trinkets. Dried herbs hung from the ceiling, filling the air with their earthy scent. Intricate tapestries adorned the walls, depicting moon phases and enchanted forests. “This place is amazing.”
Ivy’s gaze twinkled with delight. “Thank you. I’ve put a lot of love into it. It’s my little sanctuary.”
“What inspired all of this?” I asked. “It’s so . . . unique.”
Ivy leaned against the counter, her expression thoughtful. “I’ve always felt a strong attraction to the mystical and magical. There’s something enchanting about the idea that there’s more to this world than what meets the eye. Witchcraft, to me, is about connecting with nature, harnessing its energies, and finding balance.” She paused, a fond smile crossing her face. “After finishing college two years ago, it just felt right to open this place. I’ve always followed my intuition, and this shop seemed like the perfect way to share that part of myself with others.”
I raised an eyebrow, doubtful. “Do you really believe in all this . . . witchy stuff?”
Ivy’s smile became even more whimsical. “Belief is a powerful thing, Vinnie. Sometimes, what we believe shapes our reality beyond our awareness. Besides, who’s to say what’s real and what’s not? After all, we’re all just stardust in the grand scheme of things.”
I smiled at her cryptic response. Her dreamy demeanour was oddly comforting. “I guess that’s one way to look at it.”
“Exactly,” Ivy replied. “Life is full of mysteries. Embracing them makes everything a touch more magical.”
She turned to a shelf behind her and extracted a stunningly bound volume with intricate designs on the cover. “Speaking of mysteries, I think you might like this book.”
I took the book, feeling its weight and the textured cover beneath my fingers. The cover of the book had gold and silver patterns embossed on it. As I flipped through the pages, I marvelled at the beautiful illustrations and inspiring quotes about creativity and self-discovery. “These illustrations are stunning,” I remarked, my voice filled with genuine admiration. “Art is my passion. I could spend hours just getting lost in these pages.”
Ivy’s eyes lit up with interest. “Art, you say? That’s wonderful. What kind of art do you do?”
“Mostly painting and sketching,” I replied, feeling more at ease. “I had a small studio back home. It was my sanctuary, just like this shop is for you. A place where I could escape from everything and just create.”
“I can understand that,” Ivy nodded. “Art is a powerful form of expression. It’s like casting a spell with colours and shapes. Have you thought about setting up your own gallery? It could be a wonderful way to share your passion with people instead of keeping all that beautiful expression locked away in a studio for no one to see and appreciate.”
