White Wings: Whispering Willows, #10

By Diana Dawn

Snow has saved the village from the evil witch. But in the process of pushing her off the mountain's edge, Snow has gone over the edge herself. How will Mitch cope without Snow in his life? And why is it that Lily cannot sense that her twin sister is indeed gone? 'White Wings' is the tenth book in the Whispering Willows series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Diana Dawn
• Release date: Oct 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201741129

Diana Dawn

Finally, I want to thank you the reader, for coming along on this ride. I hope you had as much fun as I did, and enjoyed getting to know the heroes and heroines of Whispering Willows. If so, please take a moment to post a review and tell a friend.  I would love to read your review!         The adventures are just beginning, so if you'd like to follow along, and get notifications of new releases, freebies and special offers on my books, please join my email list by going to www.DianaDawnBooks.com or drop me a line at [e-mail].  I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thank you and happy reading!

Book preview

Chapter 1

Masks

The witch’s eyes were cold with evil as she glared at Mitch. He couldn’t possibly fathom the thoughts of such an evil being. It all happened so quickly that day. The grey clouds were building over the village under her spell. The group could see them clearly from the mountaintop.  

She’s going to destroy the village!  

Edward’s panicked words still rang in Mitch’s ears, however not as badly as the next event to deafen his happiness. Before his very eyes and before he could stop her, Snow rushed at the witch, sending them both tumbling over the mountain’s edge. Mitch remembered it like it was yesterday ... the last time he saw his beloved Princess. He remembered being restrained by the men while he tried to go after Snow. He remembered the fireball and explosion that occurred just after the fall. No one could explain it. When they ventured down to investigate, there were no bodies, no remains ... nothing.

Thomas stood watching Mitch, like he did so often as his friend would come here to mourn his loss since that fateful day. She did it for the entire village, you know Mitch. She saved us from that witch’s spell.

Mitch nodded, but said nothing. He could feel the sting of his tears trying to return.

Thomas never wanted Mitch to be alone when he came here, but he knew he should have a moment. You want a minute, mate?

At Mitch’s nod, Thomas returned to the checkpoint where Trent was waiting for them. 

He alright?

Thomas’ brow showed his concern for his friend. I hope he will be.

Trent sighed. I don’t get it Tom. He goes along all day every day, putting on a happy face like nothing is wrong. He cooks up a storm and smiles the ‘Mitch’ smile. He is always his cheery self. Then he comes here and relives the whole thing and he’s miserable. Then he goes back to the village and seems all happy again.

Thomas shook his head. That’s just it, Trent. He just ‘seems’ happy. He isn’t, believe me. He’s just a good actor, like wearing a mask. You know Mitch’s personality. He isn’t the type to make everyone miserable and feel sorry for him, you know? Mitch is a giver. Thomas looked back up the mountain in the direction he left Mitch, I really admire him for it too. Takes a lot to do that.

Then you’re right, Trent began ... he’s a damn good actor.

Mitch shuddered as he felt Thomas’ gentle hand on his shoulder. You about ready?

Mitch nodded. 

You know ... Duncan said we could make Snow a grave by the old tree. We could just ...

Mitch cut him off. No, Thomas. I already said NO grave! There was no body. There won’t be a grave either.

Thomas started softly, You think she’s still alive, don’t you? Mitch, you can’t keep trusting in this false hope. It's been six months. You have to let her go.

Mitch whirled around on his heel. There was no body, Thomas! Doesn’t that tell you something?

Yes, it tells me just what it told Duncan ... that she ‘spontaneously combusted’ along with the witch. All they found was a charred spot on the ground and blood on the mountainside ... no remains, nothing. It’s the only explanation.

It’s NOT the only explanation! This is the Willows! No one knows this godforsaken place! It’s full of witchcraft and evil, and it was surely no place for such an angelic creature like my Snow!

Thomas was quiet as Mitch turned away and took a few steps.

Look, Mitch, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to go off like that. I was out of line.

Mitch shook his head as he wiped his tears in frustration. Let’s just get back. I got work to do.

As Thomas watched Mitch hurry down the mountain, he muttered under his breath, And masks to wear ...

Chapter 2

Ghost of Christmas Past

I t’s Christmas Eve , Maxwell. Mitch sighed as he patted his faithful wolf friend on the head. Maxwell made a sad whining sound as he looked up at his master’s sad face. I know, buddy. I miss her too.

He’d trudged through the last seven months or so with little emotion, almost in a trance-like state ... either that or faking a smile for the rest of the village’s sake. But now, he would have to endure his wife’s favorite holiday without her ... and then soon after that, their second anniversary. And so Mitch was dreading the whole affair ... dreading putting on his ‘happy face’. He was dreading going to the hut to cook Christmas dinner ... watching them trim the tree that Snow so loved to help decorate ... watching alone as the couples kissed under the mistletoe. He couldn’t help but smile to himself as he remembered how much trouble Snow would go to reaching for that one clump of mistletoe, the one with the white berries.

You must have the berries, Mitch! It makes the kiss ‘fruitful’.

He could still hear her sweet and innocent voice. ‘Oh God,’ he thought. How could he bear Christmas Eve without hearing her beautiful rendition of ‘O Holy Night’ or even leading everyone in ‘Jingle Bells’? There would be no Christmas skit by her and Stevie that they took great pride in putting on together. No musical concert. It would never be the same again ... never. He closed his eyes as he mentally prepared for the day ahead. What a nightmare this day would be.

Mitch kept much to himself in the kitchen most of the day, claiming the ‘cookies had to be watched closely, lest they burn’.

Kristen decorated the tree with the help of Stevie.

Yolanda hung the garland, cursing under her breath as the needles poked her in the arm. Ouch! Dammit. She then looked over at Kate and Hayden regretfully for cursing in front of the baby ... even though the tot was only nine months old.

Donnie was hanging the mistletoe over the door frame. 

Nah ... needs to be a little to the left, taunted Ivan.

Donnie was quick with his retort. What’s it to ya? Who you gonna be kissin’ under this bloody parasite? An’ ya better watch how ya answer that one, mate!

It was just like last year, in many ways. But not in the ways that mattered to Mitch. He wanted no part of the decorating. He was keeping busy with the dinner and pastries for that evening. 

Damn. Out of shortening. Frustrated and already in a gloomy mood, Mitch slammed down his oven mitt and headed to the pantry closet. I hope there’s one more. He rummaged through the jars and bags. Paydirt! Thank God! As he pulled the can off the shelf, something wasn’t right ... it rattled. What the?  

Pulling the lid off the can, he almost gasped. He lost his footing and sat straight onto the floor. Mitch didn’t care. He was already sobbing. The entire day was enough to bear ... but this! There in the can were the leftover colored coffee beans he’d used to make Snow’s bracelet so long ago ... a lifetime ago. Her lifetime. Oh God! My Princess! 

Maci had been helping Yolanda and Duncan get the old sleigh put back in order from last year, I can’t believe this thing isn’t rusted clean through. Maci winced slightly as she sliced her hand on one of the fasteners. 

Yolanda smiled at Duncan. I can’t wait to go on a sleigh ride. I had such a lovely time last year every time we went. 

Duncan returned her smile. Very romantic, aren’t they? Good thing there’s only room in here for two.

Yolanda smirked, Right! I’m not sharing you with anyone!

He smiled and reached out to pull her in, but stopped as he saw the horror on her face.

Yolanda gasped as she saw the blood oozing from Maci's hand. Maci! You’re hurt.

Maci looked back down at her hand, not even realizing she was bleeding. Oh, yeah. It’s just a scratch ... nothing to get upset over. She frowned in annoyance, more at the inconvenience of it than anything.

Duncan gently grasped her arm, taking her away from the work she was still attempting to accomplish. Maci, you need to get that dressed. You don’t want it to get infected.

She sighed, again more at the inconvenience, Alright, whatever.

Just to humor the couple, or Duncan mainly... who she was convinced just wanted the time alone with Yolanda... Maci trudged up to the hut’s kitchen. As she rinsed her wound, she scanned the room for a bandage or clean rag of some sort when she spotted Mitch on the floor of the pantry. He was shaking. His face was buried in his arms, resting on a shortening can.

Mitch?

He didn’t respond. She shut the water off, and disregarding her injury, she approached him. Mitch?

Still shaking, he looked up at her slowly ... blankly.

Mitch, what is it? What’s wrong? She crouched down beside him. His eyes were ... she couldn’t quite read them. They were suddenly ... different.

Maci. Gosh, I’m sorry. I must have slipped. I didn’t mean to worry you. 

As he rose, Maci was not satisfied. Mitch, what is it? You’re shaking?

Am I? I guess I’m just a little tired ... didn’t get much sleep last night.

Maci looked around the kitchen at how hard he’d been working ... pastries galore, turkey stuffed and in the oven, sweet potatoes drowning in brown sugar, cranberries crushed into sauce, peas and carrots shelled and peeled and buttered, cookies on sheets ready to go in the oven, three pies also ready for baking. Maci couldn’t help but be amazed at this guy’s stamina! Mitch, look ... you’ve worked your arse off in here today already. Take a break ... at LEAST! You deserve it! Brushing off a cheesy old McDonald’s jingle from her head, Maci looked seriously at Mitch, hands on her hips.

He grinned. You’re not gonna let me off on this one, are you?

A little taken aback at his sudden mood change, Maci returned the grin. No! Now get your arse outta here!

Mitch took off his apron, gave a slight bow to Maci, and walked into the living room. Maci couldn’t help but think to herself how much better his ‘mask’ was today. He seemed unusually carefree all of a sudden. Under the circumstances, Maci thought, this was not necessarily a good thing. 

Kristen ... Stevie, the tree looks wonderful!

Oi! Thanks Mitch! Stevie perked. An’ I gotta tell ya ... our mouths ‘ave been really watrin’ over what yer cookin’ in there!

Mitch chuckled as he patted Stevie on the arm. It’ll be ready shortly. But I’m looking forward to the skit myself. 

Stevie frowned as he looked away from the ornament he was working on. Skit, Mitch?

Yeah! You know ... you and Snow always put on the most wonderfully entertaining skits for holidays.

Silence fell over the hut. Kristen almost dropped the ornament she was hanging. 

Jill turned to look at him. 

Donnie sighed as he climbed down from the ladder. 

Trent looked at Thomas, who discreetly waved him to silence. 

Stevie’s jaw dropped.

Mitch again chuckled. Aw, you can’t fool me! I’m looking forward to being surprised by you two! With that, he patted Stevie on the back and headed back into the kitchen.

Stevie quickly