Shadows Of The Night

The Night of Enchantment

The autumn wind whispered through the trees, stirring up layers of crackling leaves along the pathway leading to Sune’s small apartment. Inside, the air was fragrant with the rich scent of spiced pumpkin candles, casting a warm glow around the living room. Sune stood in front of the mirror, applying the final touches to her costume—a classic witch with a modern twist, complete with a shimmering black dress and a pointed hat that tilted slightly to the side. She practiced a cackling laugh, then cringed at her reflection.

Lina burst through the door, her brown hair bouncing as she entered. “Sune! You look amazing!” She wore a sparkling fairy costume, complete with iridescent wings that fluttered as she walked. It was impossible for Sune not to admire her—Lina was beautiful, with an effortless charm that lit up the room. “I can’t believe we’re actually going to Stella’s party tonight. I heard it’s going to be legendary!”

Sune smiled, trying hard to ignore the flutter in her chest that always accompanied Lina’s presence. “You know how they say the new girl knows how to throw a party. I just hope it’s not too crowded,” she replied, tossing her long hair over her shoulder in an attempt to appear nonchalant.

“Too crowded? There’s no such thing on Halloween!” John entered next, dressed as a vampire with slicked-back hair and a dramatic cape. He smirked, eyeing the pair with an exaggerated expression of mock offense. “Ladies, if you’re done gushing over costumes, could we get a move on? My fangs won't sharpen themselves!”

Rolling her eyes, Lina teased back, “Take it easy, Dracula! We still have time. And anyway, I’m not gushing—I'm just appreciating Sune’s aesthetic!”

Sune felt her cheeks warm at Lina's compliment, knowing that her heart was probably betraying her. Deep down, she wished Lina could see the way her heart raced whenever they were together, but she had never found the courage to share her feelings. "Thanks, Lina. I think your wings are the most impressive part of the whole night.”

John feigned dramatic hurt as he crossed his arms. “Wings? I thought I was the main attraction!”

“You’re always the main attraction, John,” Sune laughed, grateful for the lightheartedness of their banter. It eased the tension hanging over them as they prepared for the unknowns of the night. Stella was a mystery, and although they had met her briefly on campus—bright and spirited with an inexplicable allure—Sune couldn’t shake the feeling that something more awaited them at her party.

As they gathered their belongings, John checked his phone, his expression shifting to a combination of excitement and concern. “Whoa, it looks like we’re in for some crazy weather! There’s a storm warning for later tonight.”

Lina grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Perfect Halloween atmosphere! Just imagine—wind howling, thunder rumbling. It’ll be like a scene straight out of a horror movie!”

Sune tried not to dwell on the unease gnawing at her stomach. Whispers of old tales about the haunted mansion where the party was hosted stirred her thoughts. She nodded, wanting to mirror Lina’s enthusiasm. “Yeah, definitely adds to the spookiness!”

As they stepped out into the cool night air, the winding path to the mansion made every footstep seem heavier with anticipation. The sky, streaked with gray clouds, echoed the excitement thrumming through her veins, but her heart kept bouncing back to thoughts of the new girl, Stella.

“What if Stella doesn’t like us?” Sune heard herself blurt out, but she quickly corrected her tone. “I mean, she seemed nice, but it’s always a risk meeting new people, you know?”

“Oh, please!” John waved his hand dismissively. “She’s too busy preparing for her fabulous party to think about whether she likes us or not. Plus, think of all the new people we’ll meet. We’re going to have a great time!”

They arrived at the doors of the mansion, tall and imposing, a silhouette against the swirling shadows of the evening. Inside, the music pulsed, echoing as laughter and chatter spilled into the night. The atmosphere was electric, and Sune felt a rush of nervous energy as they entered the large foyer, adorned with Halloween decorations and flickering candlelight.

But as they moved deeper into the mansion, Sune couldn’t shake the feeling that this enchanting night was not going to end as they expected. A chill crept along her spine, and she looked at Lina, who was caught up in a conversation with a handful of other guests, laughter dancing around her like the shimmering wings she wore.

“Just keep it together,” Sune thought to herself, trying to ignore the whispers of unease in her mind. Little did she know that beneath the guise of laughter and costumes, darkness lurked—waiting patiently for the right moment to reveal itself. The night was just beginning, and secrets, old and new, were about to shatter their perfect Halloween celebration forever.