The Halloween night was crisp and chilly, a cool breeze sweeping through the trees around the cabin. Inside, Kelly wandered around the living room wearing a long black dress, heavy dark makeup and exuberant witchy accessories. She walked slowly, taking in the perfectly curated ambiance. The warmth of the fire crackling in the hearth contrasted with the cold outside, creating a cozy yet mystical atmosphere. Soft music hummed through the air, blending with the scent of fresh pine and the sweet aroma of spiced cider. Spooky, she thought, smiling to herself.
“This is amazing!” Alinda suddenly burst into the room, causing Kelly to jump. “Jesus, Ali, you almost gave me a heart attack.”
Unfazed, Alinda grinned. “Sorry! I just love this so much. Now, move! I want to post this decor before everyone arrives.” She playfully nudged Kelly aside and began filming TikTok videos, just as Lua descended the stairs, looking radiant in her vintage witch costume.
“Hey Lua, are you going to get dressed? It’s a costume party, you know,” Ali teased, pointing her camera toward her. Lua chuckled, covering Ali’s lens playfully. “Alright, come on, ladies. Join me in the kitchen. Let’s make a toast.”
The three of them, all dressed in traditional witch costumes—long black dresses and the iconic pointed hats—gathered in the kitchen. They each picked up a glass from the counter, the liquid inside dark and shimmering under the dim light. As they raised their glasses, Lua spoke softly, her voice filled with reverence: “As Above, so Below. As Within, so Without. As the Universe, so the Soul.”
With that, they drank their Moonlight Elixir, sealing the moment with a sip of the dark, mystical brew.
It was like a snap of the fingers, and suddenly, the cabin turned into this amazing spectacle. The energy was electric as guests rolled in, totally getting into the vibe of the night. Decked out in all sorts of costumes, from cool mythical beings to spooky horror characters, everyone added to the party’s fun and eclectic atmosphere.
As usual, all the single girls were vying for Brett’s attention. He was used to being the one they tried to impress, especially at parties. His shirtless firefighter costume only heightened his appeal, making him even more attractive. But the truth was, the only person he wanted to notice him—just as in every situation they found themselves in together—was Kelly. Tonight, however, she seemed completely detached, lost in her own world, giggling with Ali and Lua, and hugging everyone she encountered. Did she take something? he wondered.
How could the best-looking guy in the room—hell, in most rooms—not catch the eye of the hottest girl? It was starting to get under his skin, and for the first time, Brett felt his confidence waver. What was this feeling? What was Kelly doing to him? They had been together in the most intimate ways possible, yet now they acted like strangers. It was weird, unsettling even. He had been just as intimate with countless other girls and had no problem keeping his distance afterward. But this was different. This was her. Kelly.
By now he had even opened up to Kelly about emotions and feelings—his complicated relationship with his dad, his regret over going to college instead of focusing on his job at the newspaper and figuring out his path. Also about the simple, everyday stuff, like trying cucumber recipes he’d seen on TikTok, or how he liked to listen to Gracie Abrams. Did she even know it was only because Gracie’s music reminded him of her?
Then, Chappell Roan’s “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl” started playing. “She loves this song,” Brett thought as he watched Alinda pull Kelly off the couch. Both girls shouted the lyrics word for word, moving to the center of the living room as if caught in a trance. The party was a resounding success—the vibe was immaculate, and they were soaking in every second of this unforgettable night.
On the other side of the room, Gael looked nervous. He had spent the last few days agonizing over his decision, and now the moment had finally arrived. He had known Tori was the one for him for a long time, but taking this step was still daunting. As he scanned the room, his eyes found her. Tori stood near the fireplace, her face illuminated by the warm glow of the flames, her eyes sparkling with joy as she chatted with a group of friends. He could feel his heart pound in his chest as he approached her.
“Can I have everyone’s attention for a moment?” Gael’s voice cut through the noise, drawing the eyes of everyone in the room. Tori looked at him, curiosity and confusion flickering across her face. As he knelt down on one knee, a collective gasp filled the room, and then everything went silent, except for the party music, that someone quickly managed to pause.
“Tori,” Gael began, his voice trembling slightly, “from the moment I met you, I knew you were the one. I literally said ‘she’s the one’. Brett?” Brett nodded in agreement. Gael continued “You’ve brought light into my life, and I can’t imagine my future without you in it. And I know I could have done this in a million different places and maybe with your family present, but I know you. And I know there wouldn’t be a better moment than at a Halloween party, dressed as Jack and Sally.” He paused, pulling a small box from his pocket and opening it to reveal a delicate ring. “Tori Armstrong, will you marry me?”
Tears welled up in Tori’s eyes as she looked down at him, her hand covering her mouth in shock. She nodded, unable to speak at first, but then she found her voice. “Yes! Yes, of course!” she exclaimed, and the room erupted into cheers and applause as Gael slipped the ring onto her finger and stood to embrace her. “I don’t think I could love you more,” She whispered in his ear, quoting their favorite Billie Eilish song.
The crowd cheered for the newly engaged couple with inebriated joy as they surrounded Tori and Gael. Alinda clapped along, but deep down, a strange feeling gnawed at her. She was happy and proud—after all, she had introduced them—but something unsettled her. A quiet jealousy bubbled to the surface, one she was reluctant to admit. Why can’t I be a matchmaker in my own love life? she thought. The last thing she wanted was to be engaged at this age, but she did want love. The good kind. To be adored like Tori, to feel needed like Gael. The elixir she had taken earlier was making her emotions sharper, clearer, and much harder to ignore. It was overwhelming, and she felt her heart ache with a need she had been trying to bury deep inside.
Suddenly, she stood up, brushing her conflicted thoughts aside. “Who’s brave enough to take a walk in the woods right now?” she called out, her voice light with excitement. A few of the party guests, fueled by alcohol, accepted the challenge and quickly followed her outside.
Back in the cabin, Kelly observed the scene. Normally, she’d scoff at the idea of heading into the woods so late, but the elixir had left her feeling calm, almost carefree. She got up, grabbing a strip of black fabric that had been part of the decorations and tying it around her head like a makeshift turban. She grinned, fully embracing the playful, mystical mood of the night. “Alright, bitches,” she said, plopping herself down at the table. “Who wants to know what the future holds?” She pulled the crystal ball in front of her, tapping into her best fortune-teller persona. People crowded around, laughing and eager for a “reading.” “Who’s first?” she asked, as the partygoers fought for a chance to sit in front of her.
Meanwhile, Ali and a small group, including the twins, made their way toward the waterfall, their chatter light and tipsy. The moon hung high, casting a silvery glow over the path. Suddenly, Collin froze, his eyes wide as he glanced toward the bushes. “Did you guys hear that?” he whispered, spooked. His panic quickly spread, and without a second thought, he sprinted back to the cabin. The others followed suit, laughing and running, but Alinda, emboldened by the elixir coursing through her veins, lingered behind. She felt a pull to explore further, as if something unseen was guiding her deeper into the woods.
Collin paused, leaning against a tree to catch his breath, his hand pressed to his chest. His delicate angel costume contrasted with his broad, muscular frame but complemented his bright blue eyes and blonde curls perfectly. He noticed the crowd around him still running and laughing, except for one person who had slowed down and approached him.
“Hey, are you alright?” a voice asked. Collin glanced up to see a short, fit guy standing nearby, clearly concerned.
“Yeah, I’m fine, just get a little lightheaded sometimes,” Collin replied, finally locking eyes with the stranger. The guy was undeniably attractive, and Collin couldn’t help but take notice.
“I’m Hunter,” he introduced himself, with a knowing smile, sensing there might be more to Collin’s dizziness than he was letting on.
“Hey. I’m Collin,” he replied, flashing a grin. “You’re a Greek god. I like it.”
Hunter chuckled, clearly pleased. The two walked back toward the cabin together, their steps deliberately slow as they made small talk about their costumes. Just as they reached the cabin, Collin asked, “Want to grab a drink?”
But before Hunter could reply, they were interrupted—Justin pulled Collin aside, and Hunter saw Tori calling him from across the yard. Both of them exchanged quick glances before being swept away in different directions.
Deep in the woods, Alinda wandered until she stumbled upon a small clearing, where a fire pit glowed softly in the darkness. No one seemed to be around, and the warmth was too inviting to resist. As she moved closer to warm her freezing hands, a rustling sound from the bushes made her jump. Out stepped a woman, her presence both startling and strangely calming.
“Oh my God, you scared the hell out of me!” Alinda laughed, her voice shaky but amused. “Is this your fire? I’m just warming up a bit if that’s okay.”
The woman smiled warmly, stepping closer. “I’m Joyce,” she said softly, before pulling Alinda into an unexpected hug. The embrace was gentle, comforting, and oddly intimate. They stayed like that for a moment, as though the fire wasn’t the only source of warmth in the clearing.
“Do you live around here?” Alinda asked, her curiosity piqued, wondering if this was real or just the elixir playing tricks on her mind.
Joyce shook her head, her eyes reflecting the glow of the fire. “No, I come here for Samhain celebrations,” she explained, her voice steady. She briefly told Alinda about her Wiccan traditions, how this night was sacred, a time to honor ancestors and connect with the natural world. Alinda listened, fascinated but slightly confused. Everything about this encounter felt surreal.
Without warning, Joyce reached out, cupping Alinda’s face gently in her hands. There was no hesitation as she leaned in and kissed her. Alinda, lost in the moment, kissed her back, the taste of the night air and fire lingering on her lips.
Back at the cabin, the party continued in full swing. Kelly, still deep in her role as the clairvoyant of the evening, leaned over her crystal ball, delivering fortunes with dramatic flair. Each person who sat before her left with a prophecy, whether playful or serious. Her words, though made up on the spot, sounded authentic enough to leave a few guests wide-eyed, hanging on her every sentence.
When the line for readings finally thinned out, Kelly’s eyes drifted to Brett, who was standing by the window, staring out into the night. “Hey,” she called to him, her voice playful. “Come here. Take a seat.”
Brett didn’t move, shaking his head slightly. “Nah, I’m good,” he muttered.
“Oh, come on, don’t be scared,” she teased, beckoning him over with a grin. With a resigned sigh, Brett walked over and sat across from her, his eyes studying her. The elixir had softened Kelly’s sharp edges; she looked freer, more relaxed, and possibly more beautiful than he had ever noticed.
Kelly placed her hands on the crystal ball and, with exaggerated enthusiasm, declared, “I see money. I see cars. Hmm… I see a beautiful house!”
Brett leaned forward, his voice low. “Do you see you?”
His question hit Kelly harder than expected, leaving her momentarily speechless. For the first time that night, her playful facade faltered, and she had no quick comeback.
Brett stood up, the moment between them lingering in the air as he lit a cigarette and quietly walked outside, leaving Kelly alone with her thoughts.
The night was clear, the sky filled with stars, and the moon cast a soft, silvery glow over the lake. Gael was leaning against the porch railing, a contented smile on his face as he looked out at the water.
“Congratulations, Gael,” Lua said approaching him, her voice soft. “I’m really happy for you both. Thank you for choosing my home for such a special moment!”
“Thanks, Lua,” Gael replied, his voice sincere. “But to be honest, I’m a little worried.”
“Worried? Why?”
Gael hesitated, then sighed. “I need a job. Now more than ever.”
Lua could see the concern in his eyes. “Oh, I didn’t know you were looking for one. Anything specific? We could use some help at CURA, if you’re interested. At least until you find something that fits your needs better.”
Gael looked at her, intrigued. “What do you need, exactly?”
“Well, I’ve been getting more orders for my produce lately, and I could really use some help managing the garden but also in the admin side. There’s some physical work but also lots of planning. It won’t be glamorous, but it could be a steady income. And I can pay you well.”
Gael’s eyes lit up. “Really? You’d hire me?”
“Of course,” Lua said with a smile. “You’re hardworking, reliable, smart. And I know you have experience with farming and gardening.”
Gael nodded, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. “That sounds perfect. Thank you, Lua. I really appreciate it.”
“Now that Kelly and Ali joined me in the business part of CURA, we’ve talked about hiring somebody. I’m sure they’ll love it to be you.” Lua added, as she noticed a figure sitting at the end of the pier, barely visible in the moonlight. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized who it was.
“I’ll be right back,” she told Gael before heading down the path to the pier.
Peter sat there, staring out at the water, lost in thought. Lua approached quietly, not wanting to startle him, but he sensed her presence and turned his head slightly, acknowledging her with a nod.
“Couldn’t stay away from the party?” Lua teased gently as she settled next to him, the wooden boards of the dock creaking as she walked.
Peter managed a small smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Just needed some air. And maybe a little peace. Didn’t know there was a party.”
“I’m sorry,” Lua said softly. “It wasn’t my idea, but I have to admit, I kind of liked thinking it might annoy you just a bit.”
Peter smiled again, this time more genuine, though he tried to hide it by looking down.
“And the costume?” he asked, gesturing toward her.
“Oh, this old thing?” Lua replied with a playful shrug. “Just something I dug up from the back of my closet.”
They shared a quiet laugh, and then sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, the gentle lapping of the water against the shore mingling with distant laughter from the cabin.
After a pause, Lua spoke again, her tone more serious. “I know this place means more to you than just a family business.”
Peter looked over, surprised by her words. “What do you mean?”
“You and this land… it’s like you’re connected to it,” she said, glancing at him. “The way you talk about it, it’s as if this place is a part of you.”
Peter’s gaze softened as he returned his eyes to the water. “It is. My family built this place from nothing. My mother loved it here… she wanted to be buried here. Being here makes me feel close to her.”
Lua absorbed his words quietly, her gaze shifting to the woods around them. “I hope you know I treat this land with love and respect,” she said softly, almost to herself. “There’s something special about it. It feels… magical.”
“Magical… yes,” he whispered as he looked at her, his voice barely audible but filled with meaning.
They sat like that for a while longer, the air between them thick with unspoken words, with feelings neither of them was expecting to feel. It was a moment suspended in time, fragile and fleeting, yet profound in its intensity.
Suddenly, the moment was shattered by a scream from the direction of the cabin. Both Lua and Peter jumped to their feet, their hearts racing as they heard someone calling for help.
It was Tori, running towards them, her hands covered in blood. “Help me! Help!” she cried, her voice frantic. She stumbled forward, collapsing at their feet, and everything went dark.
Leave a Reply