Christmas Chaos

By Alexandra Moody

All hell is breaking loose in the North Pole. Dark beings are showing up unannounced, and a mysterious power has been unleashed on the magical realms. Lucky for Clio, she’s back hiding in Bramblewood, pouring pints and avoiding her problems.

That doesn’t last long though, and when Dash shows up at the bar once again, she realizes there’s no escaping her connection to the magical world.

He needs her help cleaning up the mess they caused when the Christmas star exploded. But to restore peace and order, they will need to journey deeper into the world of Christmas magic than Clio ever imagined possible.

She’s been avoiding the North Pole her whole life, but now she might be the only one who can save it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alexandra Moody
• Release date: Jun 12, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463774571

Alexandra Moody

Alexandra Moody is an Australian author who currently resides in Sydney. She studied Law and Commerce in her hometown, Adelaide, before going on to spend several years living abroad in Canada and the UK. She is a serious dog-lover, avid snowboarder and has a love/hate relationship with the gym. She can often be found on Twitter at @alexandranmoody and facebook.com/alexandramoodyauthor.

Book preview

Chapter One

T his is a joke, right, Sam? I was hoping that my boss was trying to develop a sense of humor. His eyes were serious though as he shook his head and continued to dangle the bright red hat in front of my face.

No joke, Clio, you’re wearing this just like everyone else who works here.

My nose scrunched up with disgust as I eyed the big white pom-pom that adorned the top of the Santa hat he was trying to get me to put on. It was bad enough that humans thought a claus was a fat old dude who liked to break into homes at Christmas. Now, they wanted me to dress like him too.

I’m not wearing anything that reminds me of that thief. I crossed my arms over my chest.

Thief? Sam let out a long-suffering sigh. "Clio, I don’t know if you were buried under a rock your whole childhood, but Santa gives presents to children. He doesn’t steal them."

An unamused laugh left my lips. Yeah, he would want you to think that, I muttered. Santa was in fact a claus but one with very sticky fingers. He used to steal from human families deep in the night, and the only reason he was never caught was because a pack of elves would follow him and use their powers of transmutation to turn mundane items into a bevy of gifts to leave behind. I’d much rather dress like an elf—they were the heroes of that story.

Fine. Sam finally gave in. You can wear this instead. Without waiting for my approval, he drew his other hand out from behind his back and jammed a headband on my head that hosted a set of reindeer antlers. They were flashing with little bright lights, which only made the whole ordeal worse.

And before you tell me that Rudolph couldn’t fly or that he was really an alcoholic and not the beloved leader of Santa’s sleigh, just know that I simply do not care. You’re wearing the antlers. Sam turned and walked off.

That’s not what I was going to say at all, I called after him, but he didn’t seem to hear. I couldn’t really tell him that my issue with the antlers was because of a certain reindeer I was trying not to think about. Personally, I had no problem with any reindeers named Rudolph.

I was tempted to tear the headband off, but I’d already done enough to get on Sam’s bad side lately. I didn’t need to give him any more reasons to fire me.

Loving the antlers. Melody joined me behind the bar. I’d gotten her a job at The Rusty Gate soon after she started living with me. It had only been two weeks since she’d moved in, but she was settling in quickly and really throwing herself into her new life of freedom. She seemed to want to do and try everything, and I didn’t blame her seeing as she’d spent the last couple of years as Crow’s prisoner.

I looked over at her and laughed when I saw she’d been roped into the Santa hat. Nice hat, I said. Did you even try to talk your way out of it?

She shook her head. Sam was pretty adamant, and it’s just a hat, so I’m not too bothered. Besides, I don’t think I should be making trouble in my first week of work.

True, I agreed. Not that what we’re doing right now can really be considered work. I waved my hand at the empty bar. It was a Monday night, and even the regulars had decided it was too wet and cold outside to walk to the pub for a drink. I’d spent most of the afternoon cleaning, but there was only so much scrubbing drip trays and wiping down counters that I could take. This was not what I imagined when I took a job as a bartender.

Movement caught the corner of my eye, and I spun toward it as the ghostly figure of my best friend, Alfie, appeared at my side. I tried my best not to look disappointed to see him, but ever since I’d encountered the ghost of my mother in an alley outside my apartment two weeks ago, I’d been hoping she’d appear to me again.

Hey, Clio, Alfie said, giving me a sad smile. I knew he could see the hope dimming in my eyes when I realized it was him, and I hated that it made him feel guilty. Hey, Melody, he added, looking over his shoulder at her.

Hey, Alfie, Melody chirped. It had only been a few days since Alfie’s Christmas magic had grown strong enough that he was now visible to Melody, but already they’d become fast friends. The two of them had bonded over their shared love of Netflix. Unfortunately, Alfie had yet to stick around long enough to finish an entire movie. He always faded from sight as we neared the end. He was getting stronger each day though, and I knew it wouldn’t be long before we were struggling to get rid of our ghostly friend.

I’ve picked a movie for us to watch tonight, Melody said. "It’s called The Christmas Prince." I tried not to grimace at her choice. Unlike me, Melody actually liked Christmas. She even enjoyed the human traditions and was obsessed with their Christmas movies. I figured it was because she’d spent her whole life in the human world and didn’t know any better.

That doesn’t sound like an action movie, Alfie replied. You agreed we’d watch an action movie next.

I don’t know what you’re talking about, Melody replied. It’s an action movie.

Alfie looked unconvinced but shrugged as he turned to face me once more.

It’s not an action movie, Melody mouthed to me, making me laugh.

The front door of the pub opened, and a gust of wind entered the room as a customer finally arrived. Melody’s eyes lit with anticipation as they flicked toward the door. She was still pretty hopeless at pouring a good beer, but she certainly was enthusiastic about the whole process.

I’ll let you handle the customer. I’m going to go wipe down some tables again. They were already so clean I could practically see my reflection in the gloss that coated them, but I needed the distraction.

Grabbing a dishrag, I walked out from behind the bar and started toward the tables on the far side of the room. Alfie followed and I could feel his stare on me. He’d been looking at me with the same concerned look in his eyes for days, and I really wished he’d cut it out.

You’re miserable, he said.

You’re mistaking misery for boredom, I replied. That’s the first customer we’ve had all night. I nodded at the man Melody was now chatting with over the bar. I’m also not so sure about Melody’s movie choice either.

I’m not only talking about tonight, Alfie replied. You’ve been different ever since that night in Grimsby when the Christmas star exploded.

I felt a lump develop in my throat as I recalled the memory, and I swallowed uncomfortably. I didn’t like thinking about how we’d failed to stop the explosion. My bones still seemed to tingle from the burst of energy that had rocked through my body during the blast, and I continued to worry about what kind of damage the power from the exploding star had caused.

But, dealing with the star was nothing compared to what I’d endured upon arriving home. You’d be different too if you saw the ghostly form of your mother for the first time in two years, I said.

It’s not just that, Alfie said, forging on. Apparently, bringing up my mom would not put him off. You seem unsettled. I think you miss the herd of shifters and that working in this bar isn’t enough for you anymore.

I think you think too much, I grumbled. Alfie was right though; everything had felt different since the night we caught Crow. For a moment, I’d experienced what it would be like to spend my time using my powers to help others. It was also a relief not having to pretend I was human like I had been the last few years. I was able to completely be myself for the first time in a long while.

Returning to work at the pub didn’t feel the same now that I knew what my life could be like. It probably didn’t help that I had been thinking about Dash far more often than I should. I’d lost count of the number of times I’d taken his business card out of my wallet and stared at his phone number. I never went so far as to dial it, but I sure had thought about it a lot.

Besides, even if I did miss them, it’s not like I can do anything about it. I’ve got my life here, and he’s got his life in the North Pole.

He? Alfie prompted.

"He, they, you know what I mean," I replied, trying not to blush. I did not need Alfie deciding to play matchmaker. His spectral form was now visible to other magical beings, and my friend was annoying enough that if he got any hint that I might have feelings for the reindeer he’d be certain to interfere. Alfie paying Dash a visit was the last thing I wanted.

I know what you mean. Alfie gave me a knowing smile.

I threw my dishrag at him, and the cloth sailed right through his semi-transparent body.

You missed. He laughed.

I rolled my eyes at him as he poked his tongue out at me and disappeared. I was smiling as I went to retrieve the rag. It was lucky there were practically no customers in tonight or they’d all think I was crazy.

I picked the cloth up off the floor, but as I started to rise again, the hairs on the back of my neck prickled. I stood up straight and swiftly turned, my heart fluttering as my gaze snapped to the door.

Standing just inside the doorway was the very reindeer shifter I’d been trying not to think about these last two weeks. His rugged hair was dripping wet from the rain outside, and he was wearing his usual fitted T-shirt and jeans. My memories hadn’t done him justice though because I swear he was hotter than I recalled. His shoulders seemed broader, and his eyes seemed lighter. The way his wet shirt clung to his muscles probably didn’t hurt his overall appeal either.

Dash quickly closed the distance between us. Energy buzzed between our bodies, and I was enveloped in his woodsy scent as he came to stand before me. The smell of magic was stronger on him now, and I knew he had grown more powerful in the time we’d been parted, as we got closer to Christmas.

His eyes were serious as he looked at me, but a smile lifted the corner of his lips when he noticed the antlers on top of my head. Nice antlers, he said, giving them a flick with one of his fingers.

We’d been parted for two weeks, and that was how he greeted me?

I crossed my arms over my chest. Don’t you know it’s rude to touch someone else’s antlers?

He shrugged. I don’t have a problem with you touching mine.

Of course, you don’t, I scoffed. He probably let all the girls play with his antlers.

I didn’t think you missed me, but I guess I was wrong.

I really hated the smug look in his eyes, and I was suddenly beginning to remember that Dash irritated the hell out of me. I think I must have romanticized him in my head while we were separated because I’d forgotten how annoying the reindeer could be.

I’m not wearing the antlers because I missed you. I took a much-needed step away from him.

It doesn’t look that way. He smirked.

Well, you’re wrong. My boss made me wear them, I replied. Anyways, what are you doing here, Dash? Surely, you didn’t come all this way to check out my antlers.

He laughed. No, I didn’t. But, then again, I didn’t know you would be wearing antlers, and I didn’t know you’d look so cute in them.

I really wished he wasn’t enjoying my embarrassment so much. I needed to get his attention off the stupid headband. So, you’re here because… I said, trying to get him back to the point.

Dash let out a long breath as though he was reluctant to change the subject. His face became serious, and all trace of amusement left his eyes. Whatever he was here for, I knew it couldn’t be good, and I had a feeling I was going to wish we’d kept joking about antlers once he told me what he wanted. It was clear he wasn’t here to simply find out why I hadn’t used his phone number.

It’s not just you I need to speak with, he replied. I need to talk to both you and Melody.

A small pit of worry formed in the base of my stomach. Dash sounded so solemn, and my concerns intensified. What did he want with Melody? I glanced over my shoulder to find her still chatting with the pub’s only customer.

What’s this all about, Dash? I asked, the words tinged with my anxiety.

We should discuss it in private, he replied. Can we all go to your apartment?

We get off at ten, I said. Can it wait until then?

He nodded. I’ll meet you there later.

He started to turn, but I reached out to touch his arm. It’s about the Christmas star, isn’t it? I couldn’t fathom another reason why he would be acting so serious. A part of me had hoped that our problems with the Christmas star were over, but deep down, I knew there was a whole lot more to the explosion than the blast we’d endured. The nameless one had warned us that our failure could mean the world as we knew it would end. I hadn’t seen any evidence of the world ending, but that didn’t mean Dash hadn’t.

Dash’s eyes flicked back to meet mine as he nodded. We know what the explosion caused, he replied.

And…

And the nameless one was right, he said. If we don’t find a way to fix the damage, things will never be the same.

Chapter Two

Dash was seated on my ugly orange sofa when Melody and I returned home from work. How he’d managed to get into my apartment without a key was a mystery but one I’d have to uncover another day—perhaps a time when I wasn’t about to be informed of a world-changing cataclysm we’d failed to prevent.

He stood up as we walked into the living room and glanced uneasily between Melody and me. His eyes grew wider when Alfie appeared at my side. I guess he too could finally see my ghostly best friend.

So, I suppose we’re not on for Netflix tonight then? Alfie asked, clearly noticing the tension that filled the room.

Sadly, you’re right. Dash focused his gaze back on Melody and me. I wish I was here on better terms, but I’ve been sent by the Royal Court of the Northern Realm to issue you both a summons.

My blood ran cold, and I tried to remember to breathe.

What’s a summons? Melody looked nervously at Dash and then me.

An order to attend court, I replied between clenched teeth. My words came out quiet and flat as I attempted to contain the fear and anger that was growing inside me. I couldn’t help but feel mad at Dash. I knew there was a saying about not shooting the messenger, but right now, I was considering summoning a bow and arrow. How could he put me in this position?

Why are we being summoned? And how does the court even know who we are? I asked.

Dash let out a long breath as he tucked his hands into his pockets. That would be my fault.

At least he was honest.

After the star exploded and I returned to the North Pole, I had to explain to the court what happened. I couldn’t leave out any detail, not when we were dealing with something so important, so I told them how you two helped us.

I thought I could trust Dash, but now I wasn’t so certain. The fact he’d revealed my involvement to the royals made me feel betrayed. It was lucky I hadn’t told him the entire truth about my powers. I wasn’t sure what the royals would do to me if they knew that, unlike most Christmas beings, I had my magic all year round. My mom had put enough fear into me over the years that I wasn’t prepared to find out.

So, if you told them everything, why do they want to talk to us? Melody asked. She seemed just as nervous as I was at the thought of going to the North Pole.

The king and queen are taking the incident very seriously and leaving no stone unturned. They want to hear your side of the story.

Are they worried you missed something? I asked.

Dash shrugged. I think they’re just being thorough.

I frowned and started gnawing on my bottom lip. Something about the whole situation didn’t seem right. Surely, our side of the story didn’t matter since the star had exploded and it was already too late to stop it. And why was Dash coming to us two weeks after the incident had happened? I felt like he wasn’t telling us the whole truth, and it bothered me that he would lie.

Are you going to tell us what happened when the star exploded? I asked.

Yes, but you’re not going to like it. He ran a hand through his dark hair. When the star exploded, it released a magic into the atmosphere that destabilized the barrier that protects our realm.

I gave him a blank look. What does that even mean?

It means that a human was found within the borders of the Northern Realm a week ago, Dash explained. And my herd have discovered evidence of non-magical animals in the forest close to the North Pole.

I was shaking my head, still trying to understand, when Melody responded. But the barrier repels humans and other non-magical beings. They shouldn’t be able to go anywhere near the Northern Realm.

Exactly, Dash replied. Which is how we know the barrier is failing.

Well, that doesn’t sound good, Alfie said, piping up for the first time since Dash had broken the news. He was normally pretty positive about things, but even he looked troubled by what Dash had said.

Not good at all, Dash agreed. The worst part is that we suspect dark Christmas beings will be capable of passing through the barrier as well. The royals already have the protectors arming themselves to defend the realm.

The situation was sounding more dire by the minute. Dark and light beings had always hated one another. There would definitely have been a war by now if we hadn’t been separated for so many years. As it was, brawls often broke out in the Human Realm when the light and dark beings crossed paths. I didn’t hold the same hatred for dark beings as most clauses did, but I was one of very few who felt that way.

Has anyone tried to fix the barrier? I asked.

Yes. Dash nodded. But nothing has worked. It’s not completely destroyed yet though. From what I understand, the barrier is just unstable. It disappears for brief moments before it flickers back to its normal strength.

And that’s good news? I asked uncertainly.

Not really, Dash continued. The barrier is growing weaker and more unstable every day. The lapses are growing longer, and it’s only a matter of time before it dissolves altogether.

And what happens then? Melody whispered.

And then, all hell breaks loose, I replied before Dash could answer. I shuddered at the thought of a world with no magical barriers. I could already imagine the chaos that would ensue if dark beings, light beings, and humans were all tossed in together. It would only be a matter of time before one of the realms declared war on the other.

So, is the Southern Realm experiencing the same problems? Melody asked.

Potentially, Dash replied. Though I don’t believe anyone from the Northern Realm has attempted to enter the south. We don’t want to alert the dark beings to the weakness between our realms if it can be avoided.

My suspicions that the royals didn’t just want to hear our side of the story were growing. If a human had entered the Northern Realm, they had much bigger problems to deal with.

Dash, what aren’t you telling us? I said.

His gaze flicked toward me, and the moment our eyes met I knew with absolute certainty he was holding something back. I can’t tell you any more than what I’ve already said.

"So, there is something you’re avoiding."

Yes, he replied. But it’s not my place to tell you.

It was comforting to know Dash wasn’t lying to us, but it didn’t change the fact that Melody and I were still in the dark.

And there’s no way we can decline the summons?

"Not unless you want an army of