Her presence felt like a calm, steady current of ancient power that I found both soothing and intriguing. The more time we spent together, the more her eyes lingered on me with each passing word. I could sense the growing admiration, curiosity, and something more in her gaze—like she was being drawn into a current she couldn't resist.
As the morning sun filtered through the delicate canopy of frost-encrusted leaves, I glanced at Autum. "You seem to be enjoying yourself," I teased, watching as she took in the surroundings, her crimson eyes gleaming.
Autum turned her gaze toward me, her expression soft but her smile playful. "It's hard not to, Rosé. This place… you… it's all different from what I'm used to. In my slumber, I never imagined I'd wake up to find someone like you tending to the heart of the village."
There was a subtle shift in her tone, her words brushing closer to something more intimate, something unspoken. I decided to press a little, curious about how deep her intrigue went.
"Well, it's not every day I meet the first tree spirit, guardian of the Everlight Tree. You must have seen countless souls come and go in the village over the centuries."
Autum's eyes softened, her gaze flickering to the frost-covered fields before us. "I've seen many, yes. But none like you, Rosé. There's something about you that's… different. You don't just command the land. You embrace it, cherish it. And I—"
She trailed off, her cheeks flushing slightly as she caught herself, as if she was unsure of how much to reveal. I grinned, sensing her hesitation.
"Go on," I urged, teasing lightly. "I'm all ears."
She glanced at me, her lips curving into a half-smile as she shook her head, playfully brushing aside the vulnerability in her tone. "You have this way of pulling words out of me. It's dangerous."
I chuckled. "Dangerous? Or charming?"
Autum's gaze flicked up to meet mine, her smile deepening. "Perhaps both."
Before I could respond, a familiar presence approached from behind. I turned just as Rosalia, my mother, stepped into view. Her eyes immediately fell on Autum, and I saw recognition bloom in her gaze.
"Autum?" Rosalia's voice was soft, but there was an edge of disbelief in it.
Autum turned toward her, and a fond, knowing smile crossed her face. "Rosalia," she greeted warmly, inclining her head slightly.
To my surprise, Mom bowed deeply in respect. "You... you protected our village long ago. When the first disaster struck, and the plague ravaged our people, it was your power that kept the Everlight Tree standing. I never thought I'd see you again."
Before she could bow any further, Autum rushed forward and embraced her. "Rosalia, there's no need for such formalities. You were just a child back then, but I remember you well. It's good to see you all grown up."
Mom seemed taken aback at first but quickly relaxed into the embrace, her usually composed expression softening. "I don't know how to thank you for all that you did, Autum. You were our savior back then."
Autum stepped back, shaking her head. "There's no need for thanks. I did what any spirit would do—protect my home."
I placed a hand on Autum's shoulder, grinning. "Well, Autum isn't just the village's protector anymore. She's part of our family now."
Rosalia blinked in surprise, looking between us. "Part of the family?"
I nodded, my tone light but sincere. "We've formed an Eternal Bond, just like with Cassie and Seraphina. She's one of us."
Mom's expression shifted, a teasing glint entering her eyes as she looked at Autum. "I see… Another spirit, charmed by Rosé's way with words. I should've expected as much."
Autum, ever graceful, blushed slightly but met Mom's teasing with a playful smile of her own. "He does have a way with words, doesn't he?"
I held up my hands in mock surrender. "I can't help it if you're all drawn to my natural charm."
Mom laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, I'm sure that's not all you're relying on."
Autum smirked, her crimson eyes gleaming with amusement. "He does have a certain… appeal. But it's more than just charm. He's genuine."
I grinned, catching Mom's knowing look. "See? It's not all about the flirting. Sometimes it's just about being yourself."
Rosalia laughed, her voice light. "If that's being yourself, I think the whole village might be in trouble."
Before the conversation could continue, a familiar, high-pitched voice broke through the teasing. Cassie came running toward us, excitement bubbling in her every step. "I found it! I found the coolest plant!"
We all turned to see her holding a small, frost-covered bloom, its petals shimmering with a faint, magical glow. Cassie bounced on her heels, her smile radiant. "I win, right?"
I couldn't help but laugh, pulling her into a gentle hug and kissing her cheek. "Yes, Cassie. You win."
Cassie grinned up at me, her eyes twinkling with victory. "Okay! Now for my question."
I arched an eyebrow, curious. "And what would you like to ask?"
Cassie's expression turned mischievous as she leaned in closer. "Do you like Autum more than the other spirits?"
Autum chuckled softly, her gaze flickering toward me with a playful glint. "Now that's a dangerous question."
I grinned, ruffling Cassie's hair. "That's an impossible question. Each of you is special in your own way."
Cassie pouted, clearly not satisfied with my diplomatic answer. "That's not an answer! You have to choose!"
Autum laughed, crossing her arms. "Yes, Rosé. Who's your favorite?"
I looked between the two of them, shaking my head with an exaggerated sigh. "You're both trying to get me into trouble, aren't you?"
Cassie giggled, hugging me tighter. "Maybe a little!"
I leaned down, kissing her forehead. "Well, I'm not falling for it. You're all my favorites, in your own way."
Autum smirked, clearly enjoying the teasing. "A wise answer. But you won't always be able to dodge the question, Rosé."
I shrugged, grinning. "I'll take my chances."
Mom, who had been watching the exchange with amusement, finally spoke up. "Honestly, Rosé, you've charmed every spirit in the village. At this rate, you'll have half the forest following you around."
I laughed, shaking my head. "Not just the forest, Mom. The spirits just appreciate a little respect and attention."
Autum glanced at me, her expression softening again. "And that's exactly why you're different, Rosé. You don't just see us as guardians or tools. You see us as individuals. That's something… rare."
There was a quiet moment between us, the teasing fading slightly as the bond between us deepened. I could feel the connection with Autum strengthen, a shared understanding that went beyond words.
Cassie, ever the lighthearted one, broke the moment with another giggle. "Okay! Enough serious stuff! Let's play another game!"
Autum laughed softly, her gaze lingering on me for a moment longer before turning to Cassie. "I think that sounds like a wonderful idea."
As we moved back toward the farm, the playful banter continued, but beneath it all, I could feel the growing closeness between us. Autum was no longer just the ancient spirit of the Everlight Tree—she was family now, and with each passing moment, the bond between us grew stronger.
I couldn't help but smile as we walked together, the teasing and laughter filling the air. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I knew one thing for certain: with spirits like Autum and Cassie by my side, the future was looking brighter than ever.