Clockwork Kiss
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Anya, a museum curator in modern-day Chicago, finds herself planning a lonely Christmas. Late on a snowy December night, while inspecting a newly acquired, intricately carved antique nutcracker, she accidentally triggers a hidden mechanism. In a flash of blinding light, Anya is violently pulled through a brief, bewildering portal.She lands in a breathtaking, snow-dusted realm called Aethelgard. Anya has crashed the realm's most exclusive event: the Winter Solstice Gala. Overwhelmed by the sight of real Fae, Elves, and glittering magic, she attempts to blend in, only to immediately collide with Lord Torian, the Gala's stoic and devastatingly handsome host.Torian, a powerful noble burdened by deep responsibility, instantly recognizes the discordant, non-magical energy surrounding Anya. To keep his kingdom safe from scandal and possible attackers, he takes her as his reluctant dance partner, launching them into a charged masquerade dance. Their private confrontation reveals that Anya is telling the truth: she's an accidental tourist with a closing window to return home, set by a celestial alignment that happens only on the Solstice night.As Anya desperately searches the castle's ancient libraries for a way to re-activate the portal before sunrise, she uncovers a deadly plot brewing amongst the noble guests—a conspiracy aimed at seizing Torian’s power. Using her quick wit and modern problem-solving skills, Anya throws herself into protecting the mysterious Lord who has captured her attention.Forced to rely on each other, their initial suspicion melts into undeniable chemistry amidst the festive, high-stakes atmosphere.
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