Page 215 of Trick or Stalk

Hades turns toward me. “Having fun?”

I hug the bat against my chest and give him a coy smile. “Maybe.”

“Maybe?”

“I don't want you getting arrogant.”

“Too late.”

I laugh.

And for a few seconds, everything feels normal.

A first date.

A Halloween festival.

A ridiculously attractive man dressed as Gomez Addams who looks at me like I'm the only woman here.

Then something over his shoulder catches my attention.

My laughter dies.

No.

Across the square, between clusters of people, stands a tall man dressed entirely in black. Black hoodie. Black jeans.

And that mask.

That fucking mask.

He's staring directly at me.

The stuffed bat slips from my fingers.

Hades catches it before it hits the ground. “Presley?”

I can't breathe.

He's here.

Masked Man is here.

He’s in the middle of Hollow Creek, surrounded by hundreds of people.

“Presley.” Hades steps in front of me. “What happened?”

I grab his arm. My fingers dig into his sleeve. “Him.”

“Who?”

“The—”

My voice breaks.

I point. “The masked man.”

Hades turns.