Page 52 of Haunted Hearts

Fifteen

All Hallows’Eve came quickly, and Blaze wasn’t exactly sure how he felt about it. He’d agreed to join his mother in the stone circle just before midnight to celebrate Samhain as well. He hadn’t told Lillith or anyone else, because he didn’t want word getting out that he was partaking in a pagan tradition.

Lillith had become very curious, asking him more about Samhain earlier. She’d even asked him if he could do magic. He shook his head as he headed through the courtyard, not believing that she thought he could really do something like that. Actually, he had a weak moment and almost told her to join them in the stone circle tonight, but luckily caught himself in time and didn’t invite her. She didn’t need to be there. It could only bring trouble.

Blaze stopped in his tracks when he saw Lillith in the courtyard wearing that purple gown again, that made her look so elegant. Her laughter filled the air and soothed his soul. She knelt right on the ground with her hands behind her back, using a bucket of water to show the children how they’d be bobbing for apples later.

One apple floated atop the water. Lillith opened her mouth wide, taking only two tries to grasp it in her teeth. She jumped up and held it in the air in triumph, making all the children giggle.

Blaze clapped slowly, watching her turn toward him, her smile still staining his soul. Soon, he would never see that smile again.

“Blaze. How long have you been standing there?” She swiped a wet strand of hair to the side and took a big bite of the apple.

“Long enough to know you are talented with your mouth.” He groaned, realizing exactly how that must sound. “I meant with grabbing things in your teeth. I mean . . . with apples,” he said, feeling like he wanted to kill himself right now for being so careless with his words.

She giggled and came over to join him. “Want a bite?” She licked the juices from her lips – an enticing and alluring action, even if she wasn’t doing it on purpose.

“Oh, did you mean the apple?”

They both chuckled at that.

“I want a bite of the apple,” said a little girl, tugging at her gown.

“Here you go, Eloise.” Lillith handed the girl the apple. Several other children gathered around her. “Share with your friends, and don’t forget it is almost time to put on your costumes.”

The children ran off squealing with excitement.

“Costumes? They don’t have any, Lillith.”

“Oh, yes they do,” she said, reaching into a leather bag she wore over her shoulder. “Your mother and I made lots of masks last night. We also made hoods that have ears like different animals on them for the children to wear when they go souling. Serena and Posy helped us and it went fast. Here is one for you.”

Blaze’s eyes fastened on the mask that dangled from her fingers. It was purple and black.

“I don’t need it.”

“Oh, Blaze, you must wear it. Look. It matches mine.” She held up another one just like it.

“Nay, Lilly Bee. I appreciate it, but I’m lord of the manor and can’t be wearing a mask.”

“Just take it,” she said. “Mayhap you can wear it later. I mean, if you celebrate Samhain.”

“What?” His head snapped up and he wondered if his mother had told her they were meeting with the coven at the stone circle later. “What do you mean?”

“I just thought you might want it, that’s all.”

Her smile started to disappear and Blaze didn’t want her to be sad. “I’ll hold on to it for now, but I can’t promise I’ll wear it.” He took the mask and shoved it into his pocket. Lillith was smiling once again.

“My lord, the villagers are approaching for soul cakes,” said Emery, joining them.

“Let them in. Have the cooks bring the soul cakes out into the courtyard.” said Blaze.

“Aye, my lord.”

Blaze noticed Orvyn talking to one of the villagers. The man handed him what looked like a folded-up parchment and left. Orvyn looked up and saw Blaze watching him. He shoved the missive in his pocket and hurried back to the stables.

“Will that be all, my lord?” asked Emery, pulling Blaze’s attention back.

“Are all the trestle tables set up?” he asked, looking around the courtyard. He decided to have the feast outdoors so there would be more room for visitors to join them.