A Festive Day: Talented, #4.5

By Amy Hopkins

It's Christmas. The Guardians have left Emma in peace since the first challenges to the Horned God were made, but that doesn't mean all is well in London...

 

After bumping into Harrod and Martin at the Winter Night Market, Emma also bumps into something else. Something very old, very powerful, and very, very wicked. 

 

The Maiden politely asks Emma to deal with it, but doing so may just tip Emma and Harrod's relationship into a whole new realm. 

 

A Festive Day is a short story set between books four and five of the Talented series. Beware of spoilers!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Hopkins
• Release date: Nov 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9798215098639

Book preview

Do you have the whole Talented series yet?

A DROP OF DREAM

A DASH OF FIEND

A SPLASH OF TRUTH

A PROMISE DUE

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To all the tantrum-filled, pocket-emptying, carol-screeching Christmases of the past, present and future...

Part One

Decorations? Check . Food? More or less sorted. Invitations? In progress. Drinks?

The beat of Lenny's tail on the floor followed my progress through the list of things left to organise. Though the imminent gathering would be small and comfortable, the task of putting it together somehow loomed larger than planning a Grand Gala. Lenny huffed.

"I know, boy. I just... I really want this to be perfect. For Snow. It’s been a year, if you know what I mean." That was an understatement—in the last nine months, Snow had been rescued from the fighting rings, adopted into a family consisting of myself, a boggart, a magical dog and his hobgoblin companion, and a demi-fae. Then she had endured the terror of possibly watching the world lose all magic.

Thankfully, though I technically had two challenges yet to face, the Guardians had left us alone for some time. And damned if I would let them ruin Snow’s first Christmas with us.

Lenny butted my leg, then pressed his heavy foot down on my toe. I winced, cutting off my protest as Snow herself emerged from her room, banging the door open with a clatter.

Time to go yet? she asked, eyeing the list as I shoved it in my pocket. What's that? It's a love note, isn't it!

Who on Earth would I write a—no, don't answer that, I said as Snow burst into giggles. Heat touched the tips of my ears but I ignored it, instead pulling on my coat. Are you ready?

Present and accounted for! Snow saluted, holding the pose for a full second before dissolving into laughter again.

Come on, you two. I waved my hand at Lenny, gesturing him ahead. He bounded to the door and nosed it open, holding it wide as Snow and I passed.

Thank you, kind sir. Snow bowed to Lenny and he sat back on his haunches to wave a regal paw at her.

Don't encourage her, Len.

Snow pulled her lips together, barely stifling the last of her snorts. She schooled her face, steadied her breath, and then completely ruined the effect by giving Lenny