Chapter Twenty-Two

In the days before the Winter Solstice, Mika intensifies lessons, asking Altamira, Rosetta, and Terracotta to jointly animate a large wire horse to build teamwork and control before Edward’s visit. During a break, the girls and Mika embrace their collaborative magic by jokingly founding the Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, a moment that fills Mika with joy and also fear over getting attached and possibly not being welcome long-term. Meanwhile, Jamie keeps his distance after their interrupted kiss in the woods.

Household preparations surge: fairy lights, greenhouse harvests, Jamie’s planned snowflake hunt, and Ian and Lucie’s cooking. Circe retreats grumpily to the library. At midnight, Mika brews potent Solstice potions, including “fairy wine.”

On Solstice morning, tensions spike: Altamira finds her missing puzzle, but after she had planted rotting fish in Terracotta’s room in revenge, Terracotta retaliates by dyeing Altamira’s hair green with a color-shifting potion. Jamie reprimands Terracotta; guilt hits when Altamira clings to him in tears. Mika restores Altamira’s hair and clears the smell, and the girls reconcile.

Festivities follow. Ian gifts rainbow sweaters; Mika gives personalized tea blends with playful ingredient labels. Jamie’s label—praising his scowls, laugh, and heart—prompts a charged look between him and Mika. The household then enjoys Jamie’s snowflake hunt (the children win), a lavish meal, cozy films, and games.

Late that night, with cider and pudding flowing, Mika seizes a private moment and asks Jamie to talk. Inside, Ian is thrilled and tries to eavesdrop, but Ken and Lucie restrain him, leaving the outcome for later.