Solstice Shadows: Pine Bend, #2

By Michelle Cornish

In the season of light and love, uncovering the truth could shatter everything—or set it free.

Private investigator Elise Harlow thought she'd seen everything by the time she'd moved to the charming town of Pine Bend. But when a family heirloom burns its new owner and strange connections to a 1917 tragedy come to light, Elise must untangle the gem's dark history before the winter solstice. With time running out, she discovers the secret of the gem's rightful lineage—and the devastating truth about its power.
 

In 1917, Isabella Windemere is trapped in a web of societal expectations, an unwanted engagement to a corrupt police officer, and the haunting legacy of the solstice gem—a pendant said to grant wishes but cursed to destroy the unworthy. Desperate to escape her suffocating life in Seattle, Isabella turns to Nathaniel Evergreen, her long-lost childhood friend. Together, they embark on a daring path that could lead to freedom—or tragedy.
 

Spanning two timelines and weaving together romance, suspense, and magical realism, Solstice Shadows is a story of legacy, love, and the choices that shape our futures. 
 

Can the weight of the past be overcome, or will its shadows consume the present?

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: SolVin Creative
• Release date: Dec 18, 2024
• ISBN: 9781990221385

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Copyright © 2024 by Michelle Cornish

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Published in Canada by SolVin Creative.

Solstice Shadows is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or people living or dead is entirely coincidental.

Discover other titles by Michelle Cornish at www.michellecornishauthor.com.

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-990221-37-8

E-Book ISBN: 978-1-990221-38-5

Thank you to the amazing Perrin Brunson, Grand Duchess of Design at The Author Buddy, for the beautiful cover design. Your creative magic really brought the solstice gem to life and I'm forever grateful!

Prologue

Somewhere in Europe, 1601

The fire crackled in the stone hearth, throwing long, flickering shadows upon the rough-hewn walls of the cottage. Outside, the wind keened through the trees, carrying with it the bone-deep chill of winter’s darkest night. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of burning sage and resin, the pungent fragrance clinging to the woolen cloaks worn by the three women gathered around the table.

At the center of the table lay the gem—an iridescent stone that seemed to catch and hold the firelight, as though the night sky itself had been captured within its core. Perhaps the ancient rumors of the stone falling from an ancient star were true. Though small, it exuded a powerful presence, its surface shimmering with ethereal hues. A faint hum of energy surrounded it, vibrating with the pulse of ancient magic.

It is time, said Hester, the eldest of the women, her voice brittle with age and the weight of countless winters. Her silvered hair, worn in loose braids, glinted in the firelight. Gnarled hands, steady despite their years, hovered just above the gem. As the matriarch of the family, Hester was the keeper of their most sacred secret.

Beside her stood her daughter, Elspeth, her sharp gaze unwavering as she watched her mother’s every move. Though younger, Elspeth had witnessed the solstice gem’s power before—the life it could bestow and the life it could take. Tonight, under her mother’s watchful eye, she would complete the ritual that would bind the gem to their lineage for generations to come.

On this, the longest night, Hester continued, her eyes narrowing as she focused on the gem, we call upon the forces of light, for even in the deepest shadows, the dawn must always return.

The third woman, barely more than a girl, stepped forward. Anora, Elspeth’s daughter, stood trembling, her wide eyes reflecting the flames’ flicker. Only sixteen winters had passed since her birth, but she knew this moment was not just for her—it was for all who would come after her. She was the future of their line.

Hester reached for the silver chain that lay beside the stone. With this, she said, her voice a low murmur, we bind the solstice gem to our bloodline. Only those with pure hearts and the strength to protect shall bear it. But to those with ill intent or greed, it shall bring ruin and eternal winter upon the land.

With a practiced motion, Hester took the gem and placed it into the silver pendant, whispering words in a tongue long forgotten by all but the eldest in the family. The room grew colder, the light from the fire dimming as a low, almost imperceptible hum filled the air. Magic was weaving itself through the space, an invisible current binding the gem to the silver, and the silver to the family.

Elspeth leaned closer, her breath coming shallowly as she watched her mother lift the pendant. Will this protect us? she asked, though she knew the answer in her heart.

It will do far more than protect, Hester replied, her voice soft but unyielding. This amulet is a blessing, yes, but it is also a burden. Whoever wears the solstice gem will know its power, yet they must guard it with care. For should it fall into the wrong hands . . . She trailed off, and the fire sputtered violently, as though even the flames feared her words. The land will freeze, life will wither, and the spirit of our family will be lost to the cold, forever.

Anora stepped closer, her fingers brushing the edge of her woolen cloak. How will we know if the gem chooses us? she whispered, her voice trembling.

Hester turned to her granddaughter, her expression softening. The gem knows its bearer, child. It will burn the skin of the unworthy. But for those it calls, it will feel like the warmth of a hearth on a bitter night. You will know. And when the time comes, you must pass it on.

With that, Hester placed the pendant in Anora’s hands. The gem pulsed faintly, as if recognizing its new guardian. Anora gasped as a wave of warmth spread through her palms, a feeling of connection coursing through her. The solstice gem had chosen her.

But as the warmth filled her, a chill settled deep in her belly. She knew, in that moment, that this power carried not just strength, but great peril.

Remember this well, Anora, Hester said, her voice now grave. This is our family’s legacy. You are its protector now. Wear it wisely, for one day, it will choose another. And should you fail in your duty, our family will bear the cost.

The wind outside howled, as if in response to the ancient words spoken within the stone walls. The three women stood in silence, hands clasped, their fates now bound together by the magic of the solstice gem.

Elspeth glanced at her mother and asked softly, May I?

Hester gave a slight nod. I suppose there is no harm.

Anora, obedient, handed the pendant to her mother. Elspeth took it reverently, cupping the gem in her hands as she whispered a string of words Anora did not understand. She closed her eyes, drawing a quick breath over the stone. By the power of three times three, as I will, so mote it be. She fastened the gem around her neck and muttered, Forgive me, my love.

As the pendant settled against Elspeth’s chest, the gem pulsed faintly, a deep crimson light flickering within its smoky depths. For a heartbeat, the glow brightened, like embers flaring to life, before fading just as quickly, leaving the air around them heavy and still.

Perplexed, Anora furrowed her brow. I don’t understand.

Just a little something extra for this, the longest night, Elspeth said, her tone mysterious. But you will have to wait until you come of age.

Hester gave a knowing sigh. Your mother insists the gem will pass to you on the solstice of your twenty-first year. I believe she has added something special for the wait.

Elspeth nodded. Once you have reached the age of twenty-one, the gem will grant your deepest desire—but only if you speak it aloud before the final stroke of midnight on the winter solstice.

Anora’s eyes widened in awe. What if I don’t know my deepest desire?

You may speak it any time after you come of age, but you only have one opportunity and it must only be spoken on the longest night of the year. You may be wise to wait until you are older. Elspeth raised a brow.

Anora nodded, relief seeming to wash over her.

I promise it will be worth the wait, her mother added, with a soft smile. Elspeth gently placed a hand on Anora’s cheek, her thumb brushing away an errant lock of hair. She held her daughter’s gaze for a moment, her eyes filled with both pride and sorrow, as though she wished to impart all the wisdom and warnings that words could not convey. She pressed a hand to the stone that hung around her neck and drew in a long breath.

The ritual was complete.

One

Pine Bend, Present Day

The low hum of Christmas music spilled out of shop doors and into the streets of Pine Bend as Elise Harlow stepped from her office into the crisp, cold air. The small town was draped in holiday cheer against a backdrop of newly fallen snow. Evergreen garlands wrapped around every lamppost, twinkling lights strung across the rooftops, and fresh wreaths hung on every door. Pine Bend always went all out for the holidays, but this year the decorations seemed more elaborate than usual, as though the entire town was determined to stave off the winter gloom.

Elise pulled her coat tighter against the chill and surveyed the square. Tourists mingled with locals, gathering in front of shop windows and sipping hot cocoa from paper cups, all beneath the towering fir trees that framed the town. The winter solstice was just a week away, a significant time for Pine Bend—a town steeped in history and, as Elise had learned during her holiday stay last year, a few well-kept secrets. The town had burrowed its way into her heart—or rather, one of its residents, Nicholas Winters, had. As much as Elise missed Christy, her best friend back in Seattle, she’d never once regretted her decision to make Pine Bend home. Her parents had died years ago and Christy and her family were all that had kept her tied to Seattle.

Moving her private investigation practice from Seattle was easier than she’d thought. At first she’d worried that a small community like Pine Bend wouldn’t provide enough work for her to maintain the type of case load she’d been used to in Seattle. Most of the cases Elise handled were run-of-the-mill. Cheating spouses, missing pets, the occasional petty theft and insurance fraud. Turned out those types of things still happened in a small town and she didn’t miss the darker types of cases she used to take on in Seattle.

Elise? a soft voice called from behind her.

She turned to see Madeline Evergreen approaching, her steps tentative, as though she were unsure whether to come any closer. She was bundled in a thick wool coat, her light brown hair pulled into a neat bun. She was several years older than Elise, late-forties maybe, with the look of someone who had carried too many burdens for too long. It was a look Elise had seen often in her line of work.

Madeline, Elise greeted her, waving her over.

I . . . Madeline’s gaze darted around like she was unsure if it was safe to talk in public. I need to ask you something.

Elise nodded and gestured toward her office. The hand-painted wooden sign Madeline and her husband Tim had made for Elise boasting ‘Harlow Investigations’ warmed her heart every time she looked at it. Let’s head inside. It’s warmer.

Are you sure? Madeline asked. If you’re closed for the day, I can come back. The look on Madeline’s face told Elise that it had taken some courage for the owner of Evergreen Arts to approach her.

Don’t be ridiculous. Last Christmas, Elise had solved what had become her first Pine Bend case. After learning the truth about the disappearance of Madeline’s daughter Clara and bringing her family some closure, Elise considered Madeline a friend.

They stepped inside Harlow Investigations, where the warmth and scent of pine from the small Christmas tree in the corner provided a cozy reprieve from the biting cold outside. Elise motioned for Madeline to sit across from her at the small wooden desk.

Would you like something to drink? Coffee? Tea? Elise asked as she shrugged off her coat and hung it on a nearby hook.

No, thank you, Madeline replied, her voice tight with anxiety. I don’t want to trouble you. She sat down and clasped her hands in her lap, her gaze darting to the window, then to the floor, as if searching for the right words. Elise sat opposite her, waiting, giving her the space she needed.

Finally, Madeline let out a slow breath. I wasn’t sure if you could help me. To be honest, I’m not even sure this is something anyone can help with. I just don’t understand what’s going on.

Elise leaned forward, resting her forearms on the desk. Why don’t you start from the beginning? Whatever it is, I’ll do my best.

Madeline hesitated again before reaching into her coat pocket. She pulled out a small, silver chain with a pendant—a stone the size of a small robin’s egg, dark and iridescent, like the surface of a deep lake. Elise recognized the solstice gem right away. The pendant had belonged to Madeline’s daughter Clara, who was engaged to Nicholas at the time she went missing. Nicholas had returned the gem to Madeline after he’d found it in the snow last Christmas.

Elise waited for Madeline to continue.

With the winter solstice coming up, I’ve been wearing it lately, Madeline went on, twisting the pendant between her fingers. To feel close to her, you know? Especially around this time of year. I just couldn’t bring myself to put it on before now.

Elise nodded. That’s understandable.

Madeline swallowed, her gaze locking onto the gem in her hands. This is going to sound ridiculous, but every time I wear it, it burns me.

Burns you?

Madeline nodded, her expression stricken. It leaves marks on my skin, right here. She pulled her coat and shirt aside to reveal a red and blistered patch of skin.

Sucking in a breath, Elise opened her mouth to ask Madeline if she might be allergic to silver, but Madeline had already started talking again.

I know this seems like a medical issue, but I’ve never been allergic to any of my jewelry. Plus, my doctor agreed this is more of a burn than a rash.

With her gaze fixed to the red patch on Madeline’s skin, Elise nodded.

But it’s not just that, Madeline continued. When I put the pendant on it feels like the air around me changes. Like the room gets colder, and there’s this . . . weight. She let out a shaky breath. I know how I must sound. But I can’t shake the feeling that something’s wrong with it. That I shouldn’t be wearing it.

Elise sat back, processing what she’d heard. Her job required her to approach things logically, to ask the right questions and understand the truth. But this was something else entirely. She’d read portions of Clara's great-great-grandmother Isabella Evergreen’s diary last year, and she remembered how the gem was said to choose members in the Evergreen ancestral line.

Do you remember when it first started happening? Elise asked, keeping her tone calm and even.

Madeline thought for a moment. It’s been gradual. At first, it was just a faint warmth, but after the first snowfall it really burned. I thought it was my imagination until Tim commented on the mark on my skin. She winced, as though the memory alone hurt her. I don’t know what to do, Elise. I just wanted to wear the stone to remember Clara. But I’m afraid it’s trying to tell me something. Or that it’s cursed. A weak laugh escaped Madeline. I know how that must sound.

Elise’s eyes flicked to the pendant again, then back to Madeline’s pale face. She had dealt with her share of bizarre stories, but this one—this one felt different. The Evergreen family had always been a bit of a mystery in Pine Bend, their lineage tied to the town’s history in ways few people fully understood. And the pendant seemed to have its own dark story.

I’m not an expert in curses, Elise said carefully, but I can help you figure out what’s going on. Maybe there’s more to this than meets the eye. Have you talked to Sylvia? Tim’s sister would have worn the pendant before it was passed down to Clara. She also worked at the museum and knew a lot about local history.

Madeline waved a hand. I’m not sure Sylvia even wore the pendant when she owned it. Shortly after she passed down the pendant to Clara, she told me she would never want to dampen Clara’s spirit, but she thought the gem’s power to grant a wish on the eve of the winter solstice was just a myth.

"I’m happy to do