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With a swipe of mascara, I finished the last touches of my skull-themed makeup when I heard Gyps enter the room. Applying a light powder to set the black and white face paint and prevent it from fading away before the end of the night, I turned to her with a smile.
“All done. You look gorgeous!” I gasped, taking in the vibrant red and dark blue that swirled into the black and white makeup on her face and neck. Like mine, she blended the swirls, dots, and skull accents down her neck, but Gypsy’s also extended onto her bare shoulders, wrapping over them with clawed fingers. She wore a black tank top with a skull print and matching leggings with black ankle boots.
We styled our hair similarly, swept back in a twisted knot at the nape with black and red roses pinned to frame our faces. Even our outfits were a close match, except I wore my knee-high leather boots, a black corset, matching black and white skull-printed armbands, and a wicked light-up necklace containing a single glowing skull. As the month progressed, our outfits would become more elaborate and outlandish, but for the first night, we kept it simple.
“Wow, Cas. Just simple black and white, but it looks badass on you.”
I smirked at her word choice and linked our arms together as I stopped and scooped up my small black leather cross-body bag.
The first night of Samhain kicked off the celebration with a massive party. The main street would be decorated with festival paraphernalia like skulls, black and red roses, top hats, black netting, bright-colored flowers, and crosses. Most of the businesses decorated their storefront windows and doors. At the same time, the cemeteries—yes, there were several—and many homes would be lit by only candlelight—no artificial lighting throughout the main city streets. The haunting and eerie flickers of the candles added to the festive vibe.
Artificial light confused spirits. Candlelight drew the apparitions and souls closer, removing the gap that prevented communication. During Samhain, the veil between the living and the dead became thinnest. This was the most opportune time for ghosts and the ancestors to make contact. Of course, we witches helped that happen.
In order to help them navigate the human realm, only candles were lit. Those who wished to commune with the dead lit flames and waited for their loved ones to appear. Some were desperate or curious enough and sought the spirits in one of the cemeteries. Keening often carried on the wind before departed souls appeared.
As such, during Samhain, there was never a dull moment. I can assure you of that.
We headed to University Street as Gypsy, and I left the manor and rushed across the sidewalk, excited chatter filling the air as others joined in the fun. Many painted faces swirled around us, but some chose masks instead, and those were the most fun–depictions of the dead, demons, and monsters weaving in and out of the growing crowd.
Funny how we humans never failed to encourage immortals.
Gypsy and I entered the frat house hosting one of the biggest parties tonight. Loud music and strobe lights added to the chaos as bodies danced and gyrated to the beat. Traditional Samhain décor filled every corner of the house, from cornstalks to cobwebs, spiders to scarecrows, sunflowers to ghosts, to the more traditional black netting and mini painted skulls in bright colors.
A wide metal tub filled with apples bobbing in cool water sat next to several kegs of beer on one side of the room. Two large tables laden with snacks like popcorn, candy apples, and chips pushed against the opposite wall next to other bowls of candy and treats.
“See ya later, Cas,” Gypsy announced, waving at Autumn, who began walking in our direction.
I loathed the idea of separating from my cousin tonight. Gyps was young and impulsive, much as I was at her age. Only three years separated us, but she wasn’t nearly as self-aware as me, and I worried she’d be taken advantage of. When I immediately lost her after the first five minutes, my eyes scanned the room in a panic, covering every inch of the lower level, but I didn’t see her slim blonde figure anywhere.
“Quit worrying, Cas. Here,” she chided as a red plastic cup full of beer pressed into my hand. “You’re much too sober. I made a new friend, and you should too. By the way, Gabriel is here.”
My eyes narrowed. “Gypsy.”
“What?” She batted her eyelashes, ticking her head at someone across the room. “He can’t stop staring at you.”
Inwardly, I groaned.
My eyes met the magnetic blue stare of the werewolf for a few seconds before I dismissed him and turned back to Gypsy. The guy with her stood almost as tall as Gabriel, but he wasn’t quite as beefy. Still muscular with a more athletic frame, he didn’t disappoint. Blond hair spiked around the top of his head, slightly tousled. Big green eyes with an odd gleam settled over me as she introduced us.
“This is Ryder. He’s new to the frat and wants to meet you,” she declared before spinning around and joining Gabriel, who stood with Autumn and several other teens. He seemed a bit awkward, almost as if he didn’t want to be there. Maybe he felt too old—Lycan aged much slower. I couldn’t tell his age.
“Wait, Gypsy!” I yelled, but my cousin couldn’t hear me with the loud music. Gabriel winked and took Gyps by the elbow, steering her from the bong someone tried to hand her. I relaxed, relieved he’d watch over her.
I hoped.
“You here alone, angel?”
I turned to Ryder, nearly forgetting he stood on my right, patiently waiting for me to notice him. “Yes, sorry. I need to speak to my cousin,” I blurted.
Before I could leave his side, his hand gently grasped my arm, and he leaned in close. “Gypsy seems fine with that big guy over there. How about we take a walk and get to know one another?”
Ugh, not another one. Why is the only time cute, interested guys seek you out also happen to be the exact time you’re not interested?
“Actually, she’s with me.”
Startled, I lifted my chin, staring at the dark vampire at a loss for words. When did Damian show up?
A scream snared my attention, followed by loud laughter. I nearly jumped out of my own skin and couldn’t place the reason why I felt on edge. My gaze swept the room, but I didn’t see Gabriel or Gypsy.Shit. I hoped he didn’t leave her alone.
