Chapter 21: A Hero’s Welcome
The sun had barely begun to rise over Astoria, casting a warm golden glow on the land as Evanora and Everett made their way back to the city. Monroe had been defeated, and the dark forces that had once threatened the magical realm had been vanquished. 
As they flew on Evanora’s broomstick toward the gates of Astoria, Evanora couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions—relief, excitement, and, most surprisingly, pride. The broom beneath them was finally behaving, soaring smoothly through the sky without so much as a wobble. For the first time since her chaotic beginning as a witch escort, Evanora felt like she was truly in control.
“They’re going to celebrate us, you know,” Everett said, holding on as they flew. His voice was filled with warmth.
“You’re a hero, Evanora.”
She glanced over her shoulder at him, her cheeks flushing.
“I’m just glad we made it out in one piece! But... yeah, maybe just a little hero,” she added with a shy smile.
Everett laughed.
“You’re way more than ‘just a little hero.’ You saved everyone.”
As they flew closer to the city, Evanora noticed something strange. The streets of Astoria, which were usually bustling with magical creatures, witches, and tourists, were eerily quiet. There wasn’t a single person in sight.
“Where is everyone?” she wondered aloud.
Suddenly, a loud cheer erupted from the streets below.
“Surprise!” a chorus of voices shouted. Evanora nearly lost her grip on the broomstick as she looked down to see crowds of people—witches, wizards, tourists, and shopkeepers—gathered in the city square, all waving and cheering. They were holding banners that read “Thank You, Evanora!” and “Our Hero!”
Evanora blinked in disbelief.
“Are they... are they cheering for me?”
“Looks like it!” Everett grinned, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
“Come on, let’s land.”
Evanora guided the broomstick toward the city square, her heart pounding. The moment they touched down, the crowd surged forward, surrounding them with applause and cheers.
“Evanora! You saved us!” cried one of the younger witches from Moonlight Meadows, running up to hug her. “We’re so grateful!”
Evanora, still a little overwhelmed, managed a shy smile.
“It wasn’t just me. We all worked together.”
“But you led the charge!” said a voice from the crowd. Evanora turned to see the veteran witches who had once bullied her stepping forward. Their leader, Miranda, looked at Evanora with a new expression—one of respect.
Miranda smiled, a genuine smile for the first time since they’d met.
“Evanora, I owe you an apology. We were wrong to underestimate you. You’re a true witch, and a hero. Thank you for saving us.”
Evanora blinked, her eyes stinging with sudden tears. She had never expected this moment.
“I... I don’t know what to say,” she stammered. “I just did what I thought was right.”
Miranda nodded.
“That’s what makes you a hero.” She extended her hand, and Evanora hesitated for just a moment before shaking it.
The crowd cheered again, louder this time, and Evanora felt a warmth spread through her chest. For the first time, she felt like she truly belonged in Astoria. She looked at Everett, who was standing beside her, grinning from ear to ear.
“You’re enjoying this way too much,” she teased.
“Of course I am,” Everett replied with a chuckle. “You deserve every bit of it.”
“Evanora! Everett!” A familiar voice called out from above. They both looked up to see Selene, the leader of the Moonlight Meadows witches, flying down on her broomstick. “You did it! Monroe’s forces have been scattered, and Astoria is safe again.”
Evanora smiled, feeling a swell of pride.
“I couldn’t have done it without all of you.”
Selene nodded in agreement.
“We all fought bravely, but you led the way. Your courage gave us hope.”
Before Evanora could respond, a booming voice echoed through the square.
“Make way for Prince Alaric!” The crowd parted, and Alaric, the lost prince of Astoria, strode forward, his royal armor gleaming in the morning light.
Alaric approached Evanora and Everett with a warm smile.
“Evanora, Everett, I cannot thank you enough for what you’ve done. You not only saved Astoria but restored my place in it.”
Everett raised an eyebrow.
“No big deal, just another day, right?”
Alaric laughed. “I would say it was much more than that.”
Evanora grinned. “We’re just glad we could help.”
“As a token of gratitude,” Alaric continued, “I would like to extend an invitation to both of you. Stay in Astoria for as long as you like. You are welcome here, and I would be honored to have you both as guests of the royal court.”
Evanora’s eyes widened. “Really? That’s... wow.”
Everett chuckled, nudging her gently. “Looks like we’re sticking around.”
The crowd cheered once more, and Evanora felt a surge of happiness. For the first time in her life, she felt like she had truly found a place where she belonged. Astoria wasn’t just a magical land of adventure anymore—it was home.
As the celebration continued, Evanora and Everett found themselves surrounded by friends and well-wishers. But as the sun began to set, the two of them slipped away from the crowd, needing a moment of quiet after the day’s excitement.
They wandered through the streets of Astoria, the soft glow of magical lanterns lighting their way. Evanora smiled to herself as she glanced over at Everett. “I still can’t believe all of this happened.”
Everett shrugged, his usual easygoing grin in place. “Just another day in the magical land of Astoria.”
Evanora laughed. “It’s more than that. I... I never thought I could do something like this. I never thought I could actually be a hero.”
Everett stopped walking and turned to face her. His expression softened, and for a moment, the teasing was gone. “You’ve always been a hero, Evanora. You just needed to see it for yourself.”
Evanora felt her cheeks flush again, but this time, she didn’t mind. “Thanks, Everett. For everything. I don’t know how I could’ve done any of this without you.”
He smiled, his gaze warm. “I’ll always have your back.”
They stood in silence for a moment, the magical lights of Astoria twinkling around them. Then, almost hesitantly, Everett reached out and took her hand. Evanora’s heart skipped a beat, but she didn’t pull away.
“You know,” Everett said, his voice soft, “I was thinking... maybe I’ll stay in Astoria for a while. I mean, there’s so much more to explore, and I’ve got a pretty great tour guide.”
Evanora’s heart swelled with happiness. “You’d stay? Really?”
Everett nodded, his smile growing. “Really. I think we’ve still got a lot of adventures ahead of us. And besides, I’m not ready to leave you yet.”
Evanora’s eyes sparkled with a mix of joy and relief. “I’m glad. I don’t want you to leave either.”
For a moment, they simply stood there, hand in hand, as the magical world of Astoria buzzed around them. And then, in the soft light of the lanterns, Everett leaned in and kissed her. It was gentle, sweet, and filled with the kind of magic that no spell could ever replicate.
When they pulled apart, Evanora was smiling, her heart racing. “You know,” she said softly, “I think I’m starting to like this whole ‘being a hero’ thing.”
Everett chuckled, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. “Good. Because you’re stuck with me for all the magical adventures to come.”
Together, they continued walking through the enchanted streets of Astoria, ready to face whatever new adventures awaited them. They didn’t know what the future held, but one thing was certain they would face it together, with love and magic guiding their way.
---- The End ----