Ep. 25) Embers of the Vale

1. relationships
2. second-chance love
3. small-town drama
4. emotional storytelling
5. love stories
6. family legacy
7. romantic drama
8. pottery romance
9. Clayhollow
10. Clara Wren
11. Miles Tarrow
12. Lila Sterling
13. Midnight’s Shadow
14. artisan romance
15. community bonds

Shadows Before Midnight
Step into the moonlit forests of New England romance with Lila Sterling’s tales of love, legacy, and supernatural intrigue. From the pines of Maine to the hearths of small-town artisans, each story weaves passion and mystery under the stars.
© 2025 Lila Sterling. All rights reserved. Recorded under the moonlit pines of New England, September 17, 2025.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Embers of the Veil by Leela Stirling, Chapter one, The
Flicker of Return. The bus rolled into em Berwick as
dawn broke, casting a soft glow over the town's cobblestone streets.
Serena Vale stepped onto the pavement, her scarf, catching the
crisp autumn breeze scented with woodsmoke and wax. At thirty,
she hadn't returned in eight years, not since she'd left

(00:22):
for Seattle to chase a career in marketing. A lawyer's
letter had summoned her back Veil's Candleworks. Her mother's shop
was drowning in debt, and a developer, Cassandra Wren, planned
to turn it into a boutique hotel. Serena intended to
assess the shop, sell it, and leave, but the sight
of the shop's weathered sign, Veil's Candleworks s Nineteen seventy five,

(00:44):
stirred a pang of guilt. This was her mother's dream,
built from melted wax and late nights, and now it
rested on her shoulders. She pushed open the door, bells
jingling softly. The shop was a warm haven, shelves lined
with candles, lavender cedar huh, flickering in glass jars. The
air hummed with the scent of molten wax, but dust

(01:04):
coated the counters, and the chandelier flickered weakly. Serena ran
a finger over beeswax taper, memories flooding back, her mother
Elise teaching her to dip wix, her laughter filling the shop.
Now with Elie's gone, the place felt like a fadding ember.
Serena veil a voice called deep and warm, like a
hearth fire. She turned to see a man at the

(01:24):
work table, pouring wax into a mold. His dark hair
fell over his brow, and his flannel shirt was dusted
with wax. Her heart skipped THEO Warwick, her first love,
who'd vanished from her life at twenty two. Without a word. THEO,
she said, her voice tight, What are you doing here?
Chapter two? The unlit pasted THEO set the mold down,

(01:47):
his hazel eyes meeting hers, steady but guarded. Your mother
hired me as manager after you left, he said, wiping
his hands on a cloth, I've been keeping the shop going.
Serena's jaw clenched. You left, THEO. You don't get to
play guardian now. Eight years ago, they'd spent summers pouring candles,
planning a future under im Berwick's starlet skis. His sudden

(02:09):
departure had shattered her, sending her to Seattle to rebuild.
Now seeing him here in her mother's shop felt like
a betrayal. The shop in trouble, THEO said, stepping closer,
old equipment, unpaid bills, and Cassandra Wren's circling. I'm trying
to hold it together. I'm not here to save it.
Serena snapped, I'm here to sell, but the words felt hollow.

(02:33):
The shop's debts were steep, back taxes, supplier costs, and
the town council had given her two months to settle
them or lose the property. Cassandra's hotel loomed, threatening to
erase im Bowick's charm. THEO gestured to a flickering chandelier
that needs rewiring. I can fix it if you'll let me.

(02:53):
She wanted to refuse, but the shop's state was dire
and Theo's hands, steady, wax stained. Knew its quirks fine,
she said, her voice cold. Do what you can, but
this change is nothing. He nodded, grabbing a tool box
and began working. The clink of tools filled the silence
as Serena sorted candle molds, her eyes drifting to him.

(03:14):
His presence was a spark she couldn't douse, reigniting memories
she'd buried by dusk. The chandelier glowed steadily, and theo's
gaze softened. Why do you come back, Serena? He asked
for mom, she said, avoiding his eyes. This shop was
her life. Chapter three. The town's warmth in Berwick stirred

(03:35):
around Serena. The next day, Missus Harrow, the librarian, brought
a tin of cookies. Her smile kind Eliz would be proud,
she said. The butcher donated wax supplies, and local stopped by.
Drawn by the shop's warm glow, Serena started a candle
making workshop for kids. Hopping to rally support. The shop
hummed with laughter, but Cassandra Wren's shadow loomed. At a

(03:56):
town meeting, the developer stood her voice smooth, im Bowick
needs progress, hotels, tourists, jobs. Vale's candleworks is outdated. Serena stood,
her heart pounding. This shop is our heart, not your hotel.
The crowd cheered, but Cassandra's smile was sharp, promising a fight. Afterward,
THEO found her outside the shop, the street lights casting

(04:18):
a soft glow. You were fierce in there, he said,
his tone warm. Serena shrugged her guard up. Why do
you leave? THEO? No, goodbye, nothing, his face tightened. My
dad was sick cancer. I went to work construction in
Boise to pay his bills. I wrote to you, Serena
every month. I never got any letters, she said, her

(04:38):
voice breaking. Had her sister Leela hidden them out of spite.
The revelation hit like a gust, and she turned away,
the shop's lights blurring in her eyes. Chapter four, The
first flame in the shop. Serena poured a lavender candle,
It's scent filling the air. THEO watched his hands idle.
You've still got the touch, he said, a smile in

(04:59):
his voice. She dipped a wick, the wax glowing. Mom
taught me well. Their eyes met, and the years seemed
to flicker away. But the shop's debts pressed harder and
Cassandra's offer loomed. Serena planned a fundraiser at the town hall,
hopping to rally more support. THEO helped repairing shelves and
crafting wooden candle holders. Their work felt like a shared rhythm.

(05:19):
Each moved, sparking memories. As they set up for the fundraiser,
their hands brushed and Serena's pulse quickened. We're not those
kids anymore, she said, stepping back. Theo nodded, but his
gaze held a spark. The town hall glowed that night,
with locals bidding on candles, but Cassandra's presence chilled the air.
My offer's generous, she said. Serena's resolve hardened. She'd fight

(05:41):
for the shop and maybe for her heart. Chapter five,
The Fundraiser's spark. The Emberwick Town Hall glowed under canopy
of string lights, its wooden floors polished to a sheen.
For the fundraiser To save Veil's candleworks, Serena Veil arranged
candles on display tables, lavender tapers, cedar pill honey scented votives,

(06:01):
each one flickering with the warmth of her mother's legacy.
Theo Warick's hand carved wooden holders, etched with delicate swirls,
cradled her creations, their craftsmanship a testament to their shared history.
The room buzzed with townsfolk, their voices mingling with the
soft strum of a guitarist. As bids climbed higher, Serena's

(06:22):
heart lifted with each sail, the funds inching closer to
clearing the shop's debts, but the tax deadline loomed just
weeks away, a shadow over her hope. Theo moved through
the crowd, offering cider to bidders. His flannel shirt sleeves
rolled up, revealing forearms dusted with sawdust. His hazel eyes
caught hers, a fleeting smile, sparking a warmth she tried

(06:44):
to suppress. They'd been working side by side for days,
pouring wax, sanding holders, and his quiet support was unraveling
her resolve to keep him at a distance. She turned
to a bidder, an elderly man who admired a beeswax pillar.
It's like Elize's candles, he said, his voice. You've got
her spirit, Serena. Before she could respond, Cassandra Wren swept

(07:06):
in her tailored coat, stark against the crowd's cozy sweaters.
The room hushed as she approached. Her smile, sharp miss veil,
she said, gesturing to the candle's charming effort. But my
company can buy the shop outright, turn it into a
heritage display under our hotel brand. You'd be free of
debt with a tidy prophet. Serena's stomach twisted. This shop

(07:30):
isn't a prop for your hotel. It's in Bowick's heart.
Her voice rang out, and murmurs of agreement rippled through
the crowd. Cassandra's eyes narrowed, but her smile held. Heart
doesn't pay bills. My offers open for now. She glided away,
leaving a chill in her wake. THEO appeared at Serena's side,
his shoulder brushing hers. She's worried, he said, quietly, you're

(07:53):
rallying the town. His voice steadied her, but their brief
touched and a spark through her, stirring memories of Starlit summers.
She stepped back, focusing on the bids, but his presence
glowed like a candle she couldn't extinguish. By night's end,
the fundraiser had raised half the needed funds. As they
packed up, THEO helped stack holders his hands. Careful, you're
doing it, Serena, he said. Elise would be proud her

(08:17):
throat tightened, the past and present flickering together. Chapter six,
The Starlit Truth. The stars glittered over in Berwick, their
light dancing on the shop's windows, as Serena sat on
a bench outside Vale's candleworks. The fundraiser's success tempered by
Cassandra's offer. Theo's confession about the letters he'd sent, letters
she never received, gnawed at her. Had her sister Leela

(08:39):
really hidden them out of spite? The thought burned, and
she needed answers. The shop's door jingled, and THEO stepped out,
his breath visible in the cool night air. Figured you'd
be here, he said, sitting beside her, leaving a careful space.
The scent of woodsmoke clung to him, grounding her. Why
didn't you try harder, Serena asked, her voice roar. Letters

(09:02):
are one thing, THEO, but you could have called found me.
He looked at the stars, his jaw tight. I did
once when I came back for a week. Leela said
you moved on, that you were happy in Seattle. I
didn't want to drag you back. His voice was low,
heavy with regret. Serena's heart sank. Leela, always competitive, had

(09:22):
resented her bond with Theo. She lied. Serena whispered the
betrayal sharp. I waited for you, THEO, for months. I
thought you'd forgotten me. His eyes met hers pained I'm sorry.
I thought letting you go was right. You were meant
for bigger things than in Berwick. He reached for her hand,
his touch tentative warm from handling wax. She didn't pull away,

(09:45):
the contact, sparking memories of their hands entwined by the
shop's hearth. I wanted you, not Seattle, she said, her
voice breaking. The admission hung between them, fragile as a flame.
I wrote every month, Serena, THEO said, every letter was
for you. His honesty cracked her defenses, and she felt
the pull of their past like a wick catching fire,
but fear held her back. She couldn't risk her heart again.

(10:07):
She stood the stars blurring in her eyes and walked
back to the shop, the weight of truth and trust
flickering within her. Chapter seven, The Candles Dance. The shop
hummed with activity as Serena and Theo prepared for the
Imboick Festival, their last chance to save Veil's candleworks. They
crafted a chandelier of candles, dozens of votives suspended in

(10:29):
a wooden frame. THEO had carved each flame to light
up the festival's main stage. Serena poured wax, the scent
of lavender filling the air, while THEO sanded the frame,
his focus steady. Their work was a rhythm, like a dance,
each move complimenting the other, but the air crackled with
unspoken tension. As they adjusted the chandelier, a drip of

(10:52):
wax fell onto Serena's sleeve. She laughed, brushing it off,
but THEO caught her hand, wiping the wax with a cloth. Careful,
he said, his voice husky, his fingers lingering. Their eyes
met inches apart, and her pulse raised. Still messy, she teased,
breaking the moment, her cheeks flushed. You're perfect, THEO said,

(11:12):
his smile soft. The words hit her, stirring memories of
late nights pouring candles together, dreaming of a shared life.
She turned to the wax, focusing on the molds, but
her heart pounded. They worked late, the chandelier taking shape
under the shop's warm lights. THEO shared stories of his
time in Boise, grueling construction jobs, lonely nights, and Serena listened,
drawn to his vulnerability. Why do you come back, she asked,

(11:35):
pausing her work for the shop. He said, for a
leise and for you, even if I didn't admit it.
Then his honesty warmed her, fraying the walls she'd built,
but fear lingered she couldn't fall again, not with the
shop's fate and her heart at stake. As they hung
the chandelier, their hands brushed, and Serena felt a spark
she couldn't douse. Chapter eight, The town's rally. The next morning,

(12:00):
im Bowick buzzed with purpose. Serena and THEO organized an
open house at the shop, inviting the town to see
its value. Locals demonstrated candle making, kids dipped wicks, and
Missus Harrow brought pastries. The community's support was a warm glow,
but Cassandra Ren's smear campaign darkened the mood. Fliers claimed
the shop was a fire hazard, too old to save.

(12:21):
Serena's anger flared, but Theo's calm presence steadied her. We'll
prove them wrong, he said, his hand brushing hers as
they set up displays. The open house drew a crowd
with townsfolk marveling at Serena's candles and Theo's holders. A
petition to declare the shop a historic sight gained signatures,

(12:41):
and the mayor promised to push it through. Cassandra arrived,
her presence a cold flicker. This is quaint, she said,
her tone sharp. But my hotel will bring progress. You're
delaying the inevitable. Serena stood tall. This shop is our future,
not your profit. The crowd cheered, and Theo's proud smile
warmed her. As the day ended, they stood in the shop,

(13:03):
adjusting a candle display. Their hands met, and for a moment,
Serena didn't pull away. The air felt charged, their faces close,
but a child's giggle broke the spell. Serena stepped back,
her heart racing. The festival was days away, their last
chance to save the shop and maybe their love. Chapter nine,
The Embowick Festival. The Embowick Festival transformed the town into

(13:26):
a glowing haven, its meadows alive with twinkling lanterns, the
scent of cider, and the hummer fiddles under starlit. Sky
Vale's candleworks stood at the heart of the celebration. Its
doors flung open, shelves lined with Serena Vale's creations, lavender tapers,
cedar pillars, honey votives, each flame casting a warm glow.
Theo Warick's wooden candleholders, carved with delicate swirls, framed her work.

(13:50):
Their collaboration. A beacon of Hope townsfolk and visitors from
neighboring towns crowded the shop, bidding on candles and donating
to save it from Cassandra Wren's hotel plans. Serena's heart
swelled with each sail, the funds nearing the amount needed
to clear the shop's debts. With the tax deadline just
days away, Serena adjusted a display, her fingers lingering on

(14:14):
a beeswax taper. It's flame steady. Theo moved beside her,
his flannel shirt dusted with sawdust, his hazel eyes catching
the candlelight. This place is alive again, he said, his
voice warm. You did that, Serena. His words kindled a
spark in her, but the pressure of the deadline kept
her grounded. Cassandra Wren appeared at the shop's entrance, her

(14:38):
sleek coat a stark contrast to the festival's cozy charm.
She approached, her smile sharp, Miss Veil, she said, eyeing
the candles a valiant effort. But my hotel will bring jobs, progress,
sell now, and I'll ensure the shop's name lives on
as a display. Serena's resolve hardened. This shop is in
Bowick's soul, not your brand. Her her voice carried, and

(15:01):
the crowd murmured support. THEO stepped closer, his presence steady.
She's right, he said, this town chooses its heart over
your profit. Cassandra's eyes narrowed, but she left without a word,
her heels fadding into the festival's hum. As dusk fell,
the mayor took the stage, her voice ringing out, thanks
to your generosity, Veil's Candleworks has raised enough to clear

(15:22):
its debts, and our petition has made it a historic sight.
The crowd erupted in cheers, and Serena's eyes strung with relief.
Theo's hand found hers, his touch a quiet promise. They
joined the festival's dance, the steps close under the lanterns,
the music weaving their past and present into a single
glowing moment. Chapter ten, the letters revealed the festival's glow

(15:46):
lingered in Serena's mind as she climbed the shop's attic
stairs the next evening, a lantern in hand, Theo's confession
about the letters he'd sent hidden by her sister Leela
had left her restless, needing proof. Dust swirled in the
lantern's light as she rummaged through her mother's belongings. In
a wooden box tucked behind old candle molds, she found them.

(16:06):
A stack of envelopes, edges yellowed, addressed to her in
Theo's careful handwriting. Her heart pounded as she opened one,
the paper crinkling. Serena, I'm sorry I left. Dad's illness
took everything, but you're my light. I love you always will.
Please write back. Each letter echoed the same love, regret, hope.

(16:27):
Tears blurred her vision as she read the words, melting
eight years of pain. Leela's betrayal cut deep, but Theo's
truth was a warm flame, rekindling her trust. She found
him in the shop, tending the hearth, its glow casting
shadows on his face. I found them, she said, holding
up the letters, her voice trembling. Theo's eyes widened and

(16:48):
he stepped closer, his breath catching. What did they say.
He asked, his voice low, that you loved me, She said,
her throat tight, that you never forgot. She handed him
a letter and he read it silently, his jaw clenching.
Leela told me you moved on, He said, I thought
I was doing right by letting you go. She lied.

(17:09):
Serena whispered, I waited for you. The admission hung between them,
heavy with lost years. THEO reached for her hand, his
touch warm and steady. I'm here now, Serena, I'm not
leaving again. She didn't pull away, letting his words glow
within her, her heart flickering toward forgiveness. Chapter eleven, The
Heart's Glow. The shop hummed with quiet energy as Serena

(17:32):
and THEO crafted candles for a community exhibition, the scent
of cedar wax filling the air. The hands moved in sinc,
dipping wicks and pouring molds, the rhythm like a shared heartbeat.
Serena's fingers brushed THEO as they adjusted A votive, and
a spark shot through her Warm and undeniable. I was
so angry, she admitted, pausing her work. But I missed you, THEO.

(17:54):
Every day. He set a mold down his hazel eyes
soft but intense. I missed you too. Every night in Boise,
I saw you in the stars. He stepped closer, the
space between them shrinking. I love you, Serena. I never stopped.
Her breath, caught, the weight of eight years fadding under
his gaze. She wanted to protect her heart, but his

(18:15):
truth burned through her doubts. They walked to the shop's hearth,
its flames casting a golden glow under the chandelier they'd
built together. Serena kissed him, her lips meeting his with
a warmth that felt like home. His arms wrapped around her,
steady and sure, and the hearths crackle echoed their pulse.
I love you too, she whispered, the words of flame
binding them. They sat by the hearth, planning the shop's

(18:38):
future workshops, festivals, a community hub. Theo's hands stayed in hers,
a vow of partnership. For the first time, Serena saw
not just the shop's survival, but a life with him,
glowing and strong. Chapter twelve, The Veil's Embo. Weeks later,
Vale's candleworks thrived, as in Bowick's Heart, its shelves alive

(18:59):
with Serena's camd lavender cedar honey flickering beside Theo's carved holders.
The shop buzzed with workshops, children learning to dip wicks,
locals crafting gifts. The town council had cemented its status
as a historic site save from Cassandra Wren's plans, and
visitors flocked from neighboring towns to see the reborn space.

(19:20):
Serena stood in the shop watching a boy pour his
first candle, his smile mirroring her mother. The sight warmed her.
Elise's legacy was alive. THEO joined her, his flannel shirt
dusted with wax, his smile soft. It's beautiful, isn't it,
he said, his arm brushing hers. She leaned into him,
nodding better than I imagined. They walked to an oak

(19:41):
tree outside, its branches heavy with starlight. Together, they poured
a joint candle, a blend of cedar and honey, its
wicker symbol of their shared future. Each step of the
process felt like a promise, their love glowing in every flicker.
As the moon rose, casting a silver glow over the shop,
Serena turned to THEO. What now, she asked, her voice

(20:02):
soft he took her hand, his smile warm. We keep
the flame alive together. Im Berwick embraced them, not just
a town, but a vow of for ever their love
and ember that burned bright