The overworld was glowing.
Pumpkins lined the sidewalks, fairy lights twinkled in orange and violet, and the air smelled like cinnamon, sugar, and just a hint of drama. It was Halloween night, and the gang was gathered at Mira's backyard party—complete with hay bales, a fog machine, and a suspiciously aggressive playlist of 2000s pop remixes.
Anne stood near the snack table, sipping pumpkin punch, dressed as a celestial witch—silver stars embroidered across her midnight-blue dress, her hair braided with moon charms.
Zahir leaned against a tree, arms crossed, dressed as a Victorian vampire. His cape fluttered dramatically every time he moved. "You look… enchanting," he said, voice low.
Anne smiled. "You're not so bad yourself, Count Broodula."
Just then, Daniel arrived.
He wore a cowboy costume—tight jeans, flannel shirt, and a hat tilted just enough to make it flirty. "Howdy," he said, tipping it at Anne. "You cast any spells tonight, darlin'?"
Zahir's cape flared.
Anne blinked. "Um…"
Daniel smirked. "I brought you caramel apples."
Zahir stepped forward. "She's allergic to caramel."
Anne blinked again. "I'm not."
Zahir frowned. "You said it once."
Daniel grinned. "Guess you don't know her that well."
Zahir narrowed his eyes. "I know her better than you know how to wear that hat."
Anne sighed. "Boys…"
The fog machine hissed.
The music paused.
And Brittany arrived.
She wore a floor-length black gown with a slit up to her thigh, glittering spiderweb embroidery across the bodice, and a crown of rhinestone bats. Her heels clicked like judgment.
"Hello peasants," she said, tossing her hair. "I've arrived."
Mira, dressed as a shy garden fairy with pastel wings and flower clips, waved. "You look… amazing."
Brittany smirked. "I know."
She turned to Anne. "You need help. You're in a love triangle with a genie and a cowboy. This is not a Wattpad fantasy—it's a fashion emergency."
Anne laughed. "It's not that bad."
Brittany raised an eyebrow. "Zahir's wearing velvet. Daniel's wearing denim. You're one glitter sneeze away from a scandal."
Meanwhile, across town, Lily's kindergarten was hosting its own Halloween bash.
The play school—kinkergarden—had gone full chaos.
Toddlers in Gucci ghost costumes rode mini hoverboards through fog tunnels. A five-year-old DJ spun remixes of Beethoven and Baby Shark. The juice bar served pumpkin-spiced oat milk in martini glasses.
One kid dressed as a tax auditor.
Another wore a full suit of armor made of gold foil and kept yelling, "I am the CEO of Halloween!"
Lily, dressed as a glittery vampire princess, FaceTimed Brittany mid-party.
"Hi! I just won the costume contest and a stock portfolio!"
Brittany blinked. "You're ten."
Lily winked. "I'm diversified."
Back at the party, Anne tried to enjoy her punch, but Zahir and Daniel were now locked in a silent battle of charm.
Daniel offered her a blanket.
Zahir conjured a magical one that glowed.
Daniel complimented her laugh.
Zahir quoted poetry.
Daniel tried to dance with her.
Zahir levitated.
Anne groaned. "Can I just eat a cookie without being wooed?"
Mira giggled. "You're very woo-able."
Brittany rolled her eyes. "If I had two men fighting over me, I'd make them duel in glitter heels."
Zahir turned to Daniel. "You want to duel?"
Daniel shrugged. "I've got boots."
Anne stood. "No one's dueling. We're carving pumpkins."
Zahir and Daniel both grabbed knives.
Anne sighed. "Pumpkin knives."