Witch's Return - second chance romance

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Worlds merge and part in an eternal dance, spinning out through time, and Fate controls the tempo. The words, written by some ancestor generations before, echoed through Sonya's mind, underscored by the sloshing waves as the ferry cut through the chilly Atlantic. Sea fog kissed her cheeks and the pungent salt aroma she'd dreamed about for so long wreathed her head. Her fingers curled around the cold metal rail, emerald gaze intent on catching her first glimpse of home in fifteen years.

Excitement and fear churned more than the ocean, the giddy breakers within threatening to sweep her away. What if it's not the same? What if they forgot her? Her breath caught, snagging on the lump in her throat. What if this is the wrong ferry? What if she forgot?

What ifs are nothing but boggarts that play tricks on our minds. Pay them no attention and they'll disappear soon enough. A long breath escaped. Her grandmother's words calmed the brewing storm within her. Still, nerves skittered like insects beneath her skin while the bite of metal against flesh attested to her tightening grip on the rail. Blue-black hair obscured her vision as the gusting wind played with the strands. She gathered it back into a ponytail, securing it with the band around her wrist. Nothing would make her miss her first glimpse of Stargazer Island.

Teal, emerald, pink, lavender, and royal blue lit up the gray curtain surrounding the ferry. Lips curled into a relieved smile. She hadn't taken the wrong ferry. Dancing auroras carved a path through the dense fog. Gold and silver stars glimmered in the deep blue water while sparks lit the world like fireflies. Those colorful auroras surrounded the boat, carrying it through the barrier between mundane and magic.

And just ahead, the fog parted, revealing the towering Stargazer Rock, the first glimpse of Stargazer Island, its forested slopes beckoning visitors every bit as much as the harbor and town. One island, occupying two realms. The first, that which the world sees, a tourist destination with a quirky, yet historic flair. Beaches, fishing boats, restaurants, and bars alongside a state forest and protected landmark.

The other? Sonya's grin grew as a large shape dipped through the early morning sky, wings outstretched to catch the spring breeze, dangerous barbed tail steering its flight. Its body banked to circle the ferry, a stream of fire erupting from its mouth as the dragon greeted the newcomers. Laughter spilled from Sonya's lips as she lifted a hand to wave back. A trio of oceanids called out from where they sat on a nearby sandbar, feet splashing as the tide rolled in.

Spring flowers joined the salty scent and something else. Like cinnamon, sugar cookie, the green of living things, and champagne. The scent of magic. Of Home. The true Stargazer Island. And as the ferry drifted toward the dock, the magic within her lit up like Christmas lights. Energy tingled in her fingertips, her arms lifted. A rainbow spread from her palms, arcing over the lapping water of the harbor to touch the island. Power shimmered. The island breathed a sigh. Blossoming trees bowed perfumed branches. And the island's power washed over her. Through her. Connecting life to life, magic to magic, and renewing both woman and island. That spring breeze whispered through the town, to every corner of Stargazer.

The McKenzie Witch is home.