The Dormant Heart
Magical Realism – Contemporary Fantasy – Emotional Fiction

What if you could bake away someone’s pain… at the cost of your own memories?In the quiet, old-world streets of Marronnier, hidden within the modern city of Veridia, Troy Bouchard lives a life measured in grams, minutes, and perfect routines. As the last heir of a century-old bakery, he believes in precision—not magic.Until the night lightning strikes.After a mysterious accident, Troy discovers an impossible gift: he can infuse his bread with emotion. A loaf can soothe grief. A croissant can restore joy. A single bite can change a life.But every miracle comes with a price.To heal others, Troy must sacrifice pieces of himself—his happiest memories, his deepest feelings—crumb by crumb. As his bakery becomes a quiet sanctuary for the broken, Troy finds himself fading, hollowing out with every act of kindness.When a ruthless developer threatens to destroy Marronnier, Troy faces an impossible choice: use his gift to manipulate, to divide… or risk losing everything he has left to protect the people he loves.Blending magical realism, emotional storytelling, and a haunting moral dilemma, The Dormant Heart is a story about memory, sacrifice, and the fragile balance between healing others and losing yourself.Perfect for readers who love character-driven fantasy, cozy settings with dark undertones, and deeply emotional journeys.