Page 71 of Kiss and Spell

She didn’t have to face this task alone.

Her voice sounded as fragile and thin as fine crystal. “Thank you, Xavier.”

Right then, Xavier knew that there was nowhere else in the known universe he wanted to be. The longer he stayed in the Grove, the less he wanted to go back to the Realm.

In the Grove, everything changed. Flowers bloomed and died. Days were unpredictable and filled with surprises. However, back home, nothing changed. Everything was beautiful all the time. It became cold and stagnant. He didn’t notice this issue because the Realm was all that he knew.

As they strolled into the Grove Square past the ghouls that scampered to their dwellings, Ursula stopped and sighed. “The goddess is back.”

She led Xavier over to the lit-up fountain bubbling and burbling water. The three-tiered fountain in the middle of Grove Square depicted a stone goddess extending her arms into the sky, her face directed toward the ocean.

Xavier beheld the statue. “Which goddess is this?”

Ursula tapped her chin. “It’s been debated. Some local historians think she’s Freya, the Norse goddess of many things, including love and magic. Other folks say she’s a lesser but important goddess. I have another theory.”

He squeezed her hand, enjoying her touch. “Enlighten me, Madame.”

Her voice took on an engaging tone, drawing him into her tale. “Legend has it, our town was founded by a wealthy man who fell in love with an ocean goddess. He could have anything in the world, but he couldn’t keep the woman he loved. He couldn’t live in the water; she couldn’t live on land. They searched the world for years looking for the perfect space to call home when they arrived here. It was blessed by the sand and sea, so they founded this town for all the mystical beings. I think this statue is a tribute to their love.”

He let the story wash over him. The urge to do something special drove him on. Xavier let go of her hand and gestured to the fountain. “Let’s make a wish.”

Ursula grinned at him. “Right now?”

“Right now,” he echoed.

Xavier studied Ursula by the fountain light. She was ethereal. Kissable. Lovable. He mentally stepped away from that word. Not yet.

Ursula reached into her purse and pulled out her wallet. She scooped up loose change from the change pocket and handed him half, keeping the rest. She put her wallet on the fountain’s edge, then turned to Xavier.

“Show me how you wish,” Xavier said.

Ursula picked a dime and flipped it between her fingers. “Turn around, face away from the water, and hold the coin in your hand. Close your eyes. Make your wish. Toss the coin over your left shoulder.”

She completed the steps, letting her wish drop into the water with an easy kerplunk. The coin glittered on the painted blue base.

Ursula stood by and watched him. “Your turn.”

Xavier flipped a coin between his fingers. He turned his back on the fountain, closed his eyes, and tossed the coin. The wish came straight from the heart. A soft plunk followed as it landed and caused ripples in the water. The entire fountain took on a bright green hue that made the goddess otherworldly, as if she came from another planet.

Ursula gulped, impressed at the display. “What did you wish for?”

He took a step toward her, basking in her heat. “I thought it was rude to ask,” he teased.

Ursula gave him a quiet laugh. “You didn’t forget my rule.”

“You’re pretty unforgettable, Madame.”

Xavier remembered it all. He committed her to his memory as if she were his favorite piece of artwork he’d visit at the museum and admire. I could spend hours studying your soul. Ursula leaned in and pressed her cheek to his. He lingered in close for a moment, his nose brushing against her temple. She smelled of fresh rose, honeysuckle, and a hint of spice. Harmony filled every inch of him. Xavier pressed his hand against the small of her back, holding her against him. They remained there standing by the fountain, listening to the water burbling. This space was where he wanted to stay for as long as time would let him remain here.

His wish lingered in his mind. I wished that you get everything you desire.

She patted his chest and stepped out of his arms.

He yearned to have her back with him. “Can I convince you to stay?”

Regret shimmered in her eyes. “I can’t tonight, but I’ll call you.”

Xavier stayed close to Ursula so that she could feel the heat from his skin, to convince himself that she was real.