Eternal Shadows

Mysterious and Spooky

As the Tullys approached the Addams mansion, the grandeur of the old estate loomed ominously under the stormy sky. Margret's voice cut through the chill evening air. "Well, let's get this over with," she said, her tone reflecting a mixture of dread and determination.

Once inside, Tully fumbled with undoing his wife's coat, the heavy fabric seeming to resist his efforts. "Big night for us, eh, Chief?" he said, trying to sound casual as he addressed Wednesday, who responded with a blank, unamused stare.

Margret, her fingers still trapped in the finger trap, extended her hand towards Wednesday with a look of exasperation. "Hello, sweetheart. Could you?" she asked, her voice tinged with frustration.

Wednesday, ever composed, stepped forward with his characteristic precision. He deftly unhooked Margret's fingers from the trap. "Oh, thank God," Margret breathed, rubbing her fingers with relief.

As the Tullys adjusted to their surroundings, Morticia descended gracefully from the stairs, her presence as striking as ever. She greeted them with an air of formal elegance. "Welcome, honored guests," she said, her voice smooth and welcoming despite the eerie atmosphere of the mansion.

The Tullys exchanged nervous glances, trying to steady their nerves as they prepared to navigate the peculiar world of the Addams family. As they were preparing to follow Morticia further into the mansion, a knock on the door interrupted the moment. Wednesday, still dressed in his dark attire, opened the door to reveal Lysandra Nocturne standing on the threshold. She was elegantly dressed in a long, black gothic dress adorned with intricate lace patterns. Her dark makeup highlighted her striking features, and her long hair was styled in a high ponytail, cascading down her back.

Wednesday's expression brightened slightly at the sight of his friend. "Lysandra," he greeted warmly. "Welcome."

Lysandra offered him a graceful smile, her eyes sparkling with a mix of curiosity and appreciation. "Good evening, Wednesday," she replied, her voice smooth and melodic. "Thank you for the invitation."

As Lysandra stepped into the grand foyer, Morticia descended the stairs with her usual poise. "Ah, Lysandra, how delightful to meet you at last," she said, extending a hand in welcome.

Lysandra shook Morticia's hand with a delicate touch. "A pleasure, Mrs. Addams."

Gomez, standing beside Morticia, gave Lysandra an approving nod. "Welcome, Lysandra. It's always wonderful to meet one of Wednesday's friends."

Lysandra offered Gomez a polite smile. "Thank you, Mr. Addams. I've heard much about your family."

The Tullys, observing from a distance, exchanged glances. Margret, trying to appear friendly, approached Lysandra with a forced smile. "It's nice to meet you, Lysandra. I'm Margret Tully, and this is my husband, Tully."

Lysandra bowed her head slightly in acknowledgment. "A pleasure to meet you both."

As Lysandra's gaze swept over the room, she flashed a warm smile. For a moment, the Tullys were taken in by her charm. But then, as her lips parted, the glint of her fangs became visible. The Tullys' smiles faltered, and they exchanged startled glances, their unease palpable.

"Are those real?" Margret asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Lysandra, maintaining her composed demeanor, nodded gently. "Yes, they are quite real. I hope it doesn't cause too much discomfort."

Seemingly unfazed, Lysandra continued to engage in polite conversation, her demeanor as composed as ever. The Tullys, though still a bit taken aback, attempted to mask their surprise and adapt to the evening's unusual atmosphere.

In the séance room, Lurch was playing the organ as everyone sat around the table. Lysandra sat between Morticia and Wednesday.

"Sing, o spirits. Harken all souls. Every year on this date, we offer a clarion call to Fester Addams," Morticia recited.

Pugsley, who was on Wednesday's right, slowly raised a cleaver intending to whack his brother.

"Stop it," Wednesday commanded.

"Pugsley," Gomez playfully scolded, reaching his hand out for the cleaver.

Pugsley giggled and handed it over. "Kids," Gomez chuckled.

"From generation to generation, our beacon to the beyond. All close eyes and join hands." Morticia closed her eyes and took Lysandra's hand in hers.

Lysandra looked to her right on Wednesday, who quickly glanced at her before looking away. He then, very slowly, opened his hand for her to take. Lysandra hesitantly placed her hand in his, and they linked their fingers together, both sporting a small blush on their faces.

Across the table, Margret grabbed Grandma's hand in hers.

"Ow! What a grip! Ow!" Margret cried and slipped her arm away, but her hand was still in Grandma's. "Oh, my hand. She's got my hand!"

Margret shrieked and tried to shake Thing off of her.

Lysandra snickered at the display, and Wednesday raised his eyebrows at her. Normally, people screamed rather annoyingly whenever they did something like this, so he was surprised to see that she didn't but then again she also wasn't normal.

Margret managed to shake Thing off of her and onto the floor.

"Okay, pumpkin, sit down. Join the fun," Tully said when Margret tried to run.

"Mama, you should know better. Thing, you're a handful," Morticia scolded them. "Wednesday."

"Let us ransom you from the power of the grave. Tonight, o death, let us be your plague," Wednesday continued.

"Mama."

"Fester Addams, ceoli couris, ferimani bo... I feel that he's near," Morticia announced. "Fester Addams, gather your strength and knock three times."

For a moment, it was silent, until three loud bangs sounded through the air. Lysandra jumped a bit at the loud noise and unintentionally squeezed Wednesday's hand tighter. This made him look over at her.

"Sorry," she muttered and tried to slip her hand out of his, but he wouldn't let her and gripped it tighter.

"Did you hear that?" Grandma asked.

"Ask again, mama, quickly," Morticia encouraged.

"By all means," Tully chimed in.

"Ask, ask," Gomez demanded.

"Fester Addams, I demand that you knock again."

Once again, three loud knocks echoed throughout the house.

Gomez stood up. "He's at the door!"

Thing immediately rushed out of the room and scurried to the front door. Once he reached it, he pulled the handle and opened the doors to reveal...

Fester.