“You look awesome, honey.” Especially those bulging muscles through your T-shirt.

“Remember, children will be trick or treating,” Trinity says. “We’re trying to be welcoming. Not scare the pants off the cherubs.”

Archie removes his false teeth. “I plan on joking with them, not threatening to feed on their blood.”

“Ronnie, I am so excited about the arrival of your little one.” Our coven leader touches her pumpkin belly. “Don’t forget about Aunty Trinity when you need a babysitter. I’m at your service.”

“Thanks,” she replies. “I’ll definitely take you up on that. Sooner than later if I can’t get any sleep.”

“Your gnome costume is perfection, Shane,” I say.

He pulls on his beard. “I figured I could put these whiskers to good use. I hear some of the city council members may attend the open house.”

“Yeah, a few,” Trinity replies. “Please, butter them up. Even the ones not in the knowing. We want them on our side in case something else should happen in the future.”

Archie nods. “Noted. Gwyn, I was about to go out back and help Elijah. He’s setting up more play areas in the yard. What smashing weather we’re having today for outside activities.”

“Sounds great.” I take a step toward the hall.

“Gwyn?” Trinity asks. “Isn’t that what you wore the night—”

I silence her with a glare and follow Archie to the back door. Her snickering trickles down the hallway until I exit. Elijah has an area set up for trick or treaters to lob water balloons at the superhero while he runs back and forth. He’ll probably welcome the liquid chill in this warm air.

“You’re so wonderful to allow the children to have a little fun at your expense,” I say.

“I love kids,” he replies. “I hope Jasmine and I can start a family soon. We’ve talked about getting married.”

Archie lays a hand on his arm. “That’s cracking, Elijah. I’m happy for you both.” He peers at me out of the corner of his eye.

“A baby arriving, a future wedding.” I glance at Archie. “Our coven is expanding. Leslie will be thrilled with the news. She’s worked for decades to keep the Fellowship going.”

“No doubt,” Archie says, averting his eyes.

Elijah stacks the last of the water balloons and rubs his hands together. “That should be enough. When they run out of balloons, we can play ‘catch the superhero.’”

“Brilliant planning,” Archie says. “Why don’t we go back inside? Guests should arrive soon.”

Leslie and Agnes finally show up—the Elder in a doctor’s lab coat and the hedge witch wearing black from neck to floor. Is she supposed to be the grim reaper? Because she doesn’t have a sickle in her hand. Not that she needs one. Trinity signals for us to gather in the foyer.

“Blessed Samhain, my friends. In a few minutes, we’ll open our doors to the town. Please, present yourselves in a positive light. Before we begin, Leslie would like to address the circle.

“On the day of the second kidnapping, Gwynedd sensed a trail of unusual magic. We think a rogue witch may be aiding the Baby Nappers ring out of Pennsylvania. For now, we have no solid evidence. It’s merely a hunch. I recommend we remain alert to the possibility. That is all. Enjoy your evening. Let’s invite our guests in.”

The open house proceeds incredibly well as children and their parents arrive. Some grab their treats and leave, likely skeptical of the Fellowship’s true objectives. Others stay to play a few games in the parlor and outside, giggling as Elijah gladly makes a fool of himself running around. The young witches take turns playing with the kiddies while we chat with the parents and other townies—locals who have come for the food and the chance to cosplay some of their favorite movie and video game characters.

Mayor Jessica Devine and a few of the council members arrive, including newly elected Alys Morgan and John Erickson. Courtney is with her husband, who has blond hair similar to Archie’s—without the silver strands, of course. Ashley Lewis and Jeff Williams enter, dressed as elves, complete with pointy ears. Soon after, Seamus Duffy walks in dressed as a knight of King Arthur’s Round Table. While I’m chatting with Leslie and Agnes in the parlor, a boy in a ninja costume approaches us and points at the hedge witch.

“What are you supposed to be?” he asks in a snarky tone.

Agnes leans over and growls at him, raising claw-like fingers. “Your worst fucking nightmare.”

He runs away, crying, and latches on to his mother. She turns her nose up at us, grabs his hand, and they exit out the front door. Leslie huffs at her partner. I jump in before the Elder loses her shit.

“Agnes, you know I support you in being an out witch and not hiding who you are. But you can’t treat kids like that and expect acceptance from the community. You’re my mentor, but if I hear you use the F word one more time tonight, I’m gonna drag you out of here and take you home.” I squint at her, the hint of a hex threat building in my eyes.

Invisible steam exits Agnes’s ears, and her mouth wrinkles like a prune.

“You win,” she says, her shoulders falling in defeat. “But you owe me.”

I chuckle. “So, what’s new? I’ll be paying you back in the Otherworld at this point.”

“Splendid.” Leslie pats her partner’s hand. “Thank you, dear. I recognize how hard it is to refrain from your colorful prose.”

She rolls her eyes. “Yeah, yeah.”

About that time, Courtney and her husband approach Archie on the far side of the room. He has been talking with Alys Morgan, glancing at me repeatedly as if he’s pleading with me to rescue him.

“I’m going to talk with Archie,” I say, spying on their interaction. “I’d like to meet the new council members.”

My hedge witch mentor snorts. “Sure. Whatever you say, Gwyn. You’re concerned with the blond councilwoman.”

“Oh, Agnes,” Leslie says. “Don’t make trouble.”

“Trouble is my middle name.”

I give her the bird on the down-low and push my way through the crowd. When I get to Archie, he’s shaking John Erickson’s hand. I squeeze between him and Alys Morgan.

“Good evening,” I say, forcing a smile.

“John, this is my girlfriend, Gwynedd Crowther. She’s actually working on a degree in public policy.”

He shakes my hand. “Nice to meet you. When you’re finished with your degree, you should check the city’s job list.”

“I’ll think about it,” I reply. “Hi, Courtney. Thanks for coming. It helps the Fellowship’s image to have a council member and his wife in attendance at these open houses.”

A sweet smile curls her mouth. “This is fun. The Fellowship should do it every year. I hope you’ll consider it.”

“I’m sure we will after tonight’s success,” Archie says, stroking his goatee.

John nods. “I agree, and I bet the city could come up with some funds to help next year.”

“Gwyn, this is Alys Morgan. Councilwoman, my better half.” He winks at me.

I offer her my hand, and she shakes it reluctantly, her arrogant blue eyes glaring at me. What’s she angry about?

“We’ve met, actually,” I say. “I bumped into her in front of Mitchell Hall recently.”

Archie shoves his hand in his pockets. “Oh, you didn’t mention meeting her.”