My dad hasn’t called since the last conversation. No surprise there, though, since I’m used to it now.
When I reach campus,it’s buzzing. Noisy in the way only October on a college campus can be. Everyone’s excited, high on the scent of fall and pumpkin-spiced caffeine. And there are bright flyers taped to every lamp post, tree, and available flat surface. Neon orange and dripping in glitter:
“THE UNHOLY MASQUERADE”
Costume Party — Saturday Night. Bring your alter ego. Make sure it’s sexy.
Talia finds me outside the cafeteria, practically vibrating with excitement. She’s flapping one of the flyers at me like she’s won a golden ticket.
“You’re going!” She declares. No questions, just demands.
I blink at her. “Good morning to you, too.”
She loops her arm through mine. “No distractions, no excuses. Costumes, mystery, potential makeouts. Maybe even blood sacrifices, who knows? It’s college.” She shrugs, grinning from ear to ear.
“I don’t think blood sacrifices are actually legal,” I mutter, tugging my hoodie sleeves over my hands to hide them from the cold.
Ezra appears beside us like a conjured spell a moment later, iced coffee in hand, dripping with rhinestones and oozing chaos as usual.
“I already have my outfit picked out,” he announces, swirling the straw. “It’s glam. It’s dramatic. It may involve body glitter. Ugh, you’ll love it!”
“Of course it does,” I say, cracking a smile.
“You need this,” Talia says, tugging me closer with a look that says no arguments. “Just one night. One party. No Ethan, no stress. Just music, glitter, and pretending we’re not all having existential dread over deadlines. Come as something dangerous for once.”
I laugh, but hesitate.
“She’s tempted,” Ezra singsongs. “I can see it in her sad little orphan eyes.”
I shove him playfully. “Fine, I’ll go. But I am not wearing anything ridiculous!” I say in a stern tone, specifically to Ezra.
Talia and Ezra exchange a look that’s nothing short of villainous. Gods above and below, what the Hell have I gotten myself into?
Friday comes fast,too fast.
Somehow, time manages to crawl and spring at the same damn time. I’m broke, I’m tired, and I’ve skipped three proper meals this week, unless you count espresso shots and breath mints. But for once, I’m kind of… excited? Not in a scream-it-from-the-rooftops kinda way. More like a quiet little flutter in my chest that doesn’t feel like dread kind of way. Ethan has a game the night of the party, some inter-college thing with a team whose mascot looks like a depressed walrus. So he’ll be occupied, which means I’m officially free to enjoy myself without side-eyes, passive-aggressive comments, or that weird habit hehas of checking my phone screen when he thinks I’m not looking.
I’m curled up on my couch in my favourite oversized jumper, dog-earing pages in a fantasy novel I’ve read three times before. Something about cursed lovers, enchanted knives, and a heroine with absolutely unhinged energy. It’s my comfort read, and I even put a sparkly gel pen bubble around my favourite quote: “Remember that even the sunshine can be deadly.” I smile at that one every time.
My tiny apartment smells like vanilla wax melts and cheap perfume, which honestly feels like an absolute win compared to last week’s burnt toast and sadness combo. I’ve even lit a birthday cake scented candle to elevate my mood.
There’s a knock at my door, one so rhythmic and dramatic I just know it’s Ezra.
“Your saviours have arrived!” He declares the moment I open the door.
Talia sweeps in behind him like a woman on a mission, marching straight into my bedroom and tossing a garment bag onto my bed with a devilish grin.
“Costume delivery. No refunds, no take-backs, and absolutely no refusals.”
I follow her through the bedroom, glancing down at the mystery bag. “I didn’t order anything.”
“We know,” Ezra says from the kitchen.
I can hear him opening the fridge and cringe, knowing it’s utterly freaking bare.
“Still empty.” He mutters. Ass.
I pad over to the bed and unzip the bag, already bracing myself for disaster. And—oh no. Oh no no no. It’s red, skimpy, and sinfully short. Oh gods, there are horns… and a freaking tail.
