♦

Lilith finds herself standing before an ornate mirror. She is dressed in a wine-colored, elegant gown, a garment she has reserved for a momentous occasion. The fabric, a delicate organza, clings to her form with a graceful allure.

Loose curls cascade down her shoulders, some strands artfully pinned back to reveal her visage. At the crown of her head, a small, sparkling jewel nestles like a tiara, adding a touch of regal splendor to her ensemble.

Lilith's gaze lingers upon her reflection, and her eyes, framed by those unruly curls, hold a profound and unsettling depth. They seem to beckon and call out to her as if there were a hidden world within her, a secret self yearning to break free.

She watches, transfixed, as the reflection of the girl in the mirror appears to be banging on the other side of the glass, pleading for release. It is as though a trapped spirit, a part of her, is desperate to escape its confines. Lilith's breath catches in her throat, and she takes a hesitant step back from the mirror, an inexplicable unease settling in the pit of her stomach.

Lilith swiftly moves to remove the crisp white sheet that covers her bed, her motions deliberate and filled with purpose. With a determined hand, she drapes the fabric over the ornate mirror that had unsettled her just moments before. It is as though she seeks to shield herself from the inexplicable force that had seemed to tug at her very soul. A relieved sigh escapes her lips as the mirror's haunting image is temporarily veiled from her sight.

With a newfound sense of resolve, Lilith reaches for her glass, the liquid within glistening in the candlelight. With a swift, confident motion, she brings the glass to her lips, savoring the remnants of her drink. Then, her attention turns to the elegant black mask resting upon a nearby table.

The Halloween celebration awaits her, and it is almost time to immerse herself in the enigmatic festivities of the night. With a final, purposeful step, she leaves her room, ready to embrace the mysteries that lay ahead. Lilith's heels tap out a rhythmic cadence on the polished hardwood floor as she glides through the corridors.

In an instant, the world around her changes. Strong, confident hands clamp over her mouth, surprising her and yanking her into the concealed alcove formed by a stately column. There, hidden from prying eyes, she finds herself pinned against the cool, unyielding wall. Fear initially wells up inside her, her eyes reflecting that initial shock.

But as the seconds pass, her fear morphs into something else entirely. Recognition dances in her eyes as she realizes the identity of her captor. A grin etches its way onto Michael's features, his eyes glittering with mischief as he leisurely withdraws his hand from her mouth. It is a moment that leaves her breathless, her heart still pounding in her chest from the exhilarating exchange. Their gazes lock, and Lilith's initial apprehension begins to soften.

Michael's piercing eyes traverse her features, shifting from her entrancing gaze to the tantalizing allure of her lips and then back to her eyes. His voice, laced with a hint of mischief, breaks the silence, pulling her closer to him.

"I scared you."

In the heartbeats that follow, before Lilith can react, Michael bridges the remaining distance between them with a seamless grace. His lips tenderly brush against hers in a kiss that sends an electrifying rush of warmth coursing through her veins. In that fleeting moment, her breath is stolen, her senses completely overtaken. She is left momentarily breathless and utterly spellbound by the man before her.

Michael's lips part from hers, leaving a tangible tension in the air as their eyes lock in a profound connection. His voice, low and filled with admiration, caresses her ears as he utters his heartfelt compliment about her beauty, his fingers tenderly cupping her cheek. Lilith's response is immediate, a radiant smile blooming on her face as she gazes up at him with love and adoration that seems to transcend the world around them.

His fingers, which had gently cradled her cheek, move to rest under her chin, angling her face upward as he peers down at her. Lilith's desire to bridge the distance between them is apparent, but Michael chooses to tease her with a sly smile, evading her advances. Her playful pout in response draws an amused glint in his eyes.

"You're going to be late," he reminds her, his tone holding a hint of authority.

Lilith lets out a resigned huff, her desire momentarily quashed. "Fine."

Michael's smile, as he gazes at her, holds an almost hypnotic quality, compelling her to comply with his wishes. Her heart whispers his name as he bestows a tender kiss upon her lips before attempting to leave.

Lilith grips onto his wrist, making him look back at her. "I love you," she says finally.

♦

As the partygoers swirl around them, Lilith and Nyx stand in the midst of the opulent library, deep in conversation.  Their dialogue comes to an abrupt halt when a procession of large, crimson apples is wheeled into the room. The sight of these apples, laden with their lush red hue, is not lost on Lilith. She knows instinctively that whatever transpires this evening is intricately linked to these fruits.

Lilith touches her sister's forearm, urging Nyx to lean closer as she whispers urgently into her ear. She cautions her against partaking in the apples when the time comes. Nyx's eyes widen in response, her initial instinct to protest clearly etched on her face.

"We have to."

"What?" Lilith questions, her confusion apparent. "No, there's something going on."

"I know," Nyx admits, her voice barely a whisper, her gaze darting around the room as she remains wary of potential eavesdroppers. "I can't explain it fully, but whatever happens, we have to eat them. Do you trust me?"

Lilith searches her sister's eyes, torn between her loyalty to Nyx and the recent influence of Michael. The pain of her broken heart still lingers, a stark reminder of the turmoil he brought into her life. Yet, despite her reservations, her love for Nyx ultimately wins.

"Of course, I trust you," Lilith replies, her voice filled with both conviction and uncertainty. She has to grapple with her feelings for Michael and her allegiance to her sister, a choice that looms over her. "But Michael-"

"You're seriously going to trust him over your own sister?" Nyx questions, her frustration evident. "He's the same person he was when he left, regardless of what he says to you."

Lilith is stung by her sister's words, knowing there is truth in them. She let her guard down in the face of Michael's promises and became entangled in his web of charm.

"Okay," she breathes, a mixture of doubt and determination in her voice.

"Thank you. I promise we will be okay," Nyx reassures, squeezing her sister's hand as they prepare to face the impending evening ahead together.

All eyes of the attendees watch as Ms. Mead adds apples one by one to a water-filled bin. Andre goes to reach for one, but Mead swats him away.

"Ow!" Andre reacts, retracting his hand.

"No treats until the time comes." Mead waves her finger disapprovingly at him.

"Nobody's even seen a piece of fresh fruit in over 18 months. Where did this come from?" Andre asks, his excitement tangible in his voice.

Mead responds with a touch of sternness, "Perhaps I should drag in one of the horses who rode through hell to gift us these sweet little wonders so you can look it in the mouth."

Gallant's commentary is more thoughtful as he connects the dots, "I know. It's symbolic. It's the Garden of Eden, apples from paradise. It's obviously from The Sanctuary."

Dinah offers a suggestion, "We should say grace to thank the universe for sending them to us."

Andre, however, reacts with visible displeasure, exclaiming with disdain, "You are so fսcking annoying," before walking away from his mother.

Ms. Mead reasserts control over the situation, addressing the group as she continues to add apples to the water, "Enough. Ms. Venable said everyone will get a chance to bob for apples later."

The crowd's attention shifts to Mallory as she clears her throat atop the balcony overlooking the library. She introduces the guest of honor, Coco St. Pierre Vanderbilt. Coco makes her grand entrance, and while Lilith appreciates her dress, the state of her hair raises eyebrows, prompting knowing glances between the sisters.

Amidst the applause and the grand entrance, Ms. Mead's inquiry to Gallant showcases her admiration, "You did that?"

Gallant, brimming with self-pride, replies, "Without a blow-dryer. Sometimes I even astonish myself."

The applause for Coco slowly fades as Venable stealthily creeps up behind her, whispering in her ear, "Boo."

Coco, taken aback, hurriedly distances herself from Venable, joining the other survivors.

Ms. Venable, resting both hands on her cane, begins her address, "Tonight is All Hallows' Eve, which marks the beginning of the dark half of the year, when the boundary between this world and the Other thins, and lost souls pierce the firmament, desperate to find their way home. It is a night to remember the dead, and there have been far too many to mourn. But also to celebrate that we have yet to join them."

Venable begins to walk with a rhythmic tap of her cane matching her footsteps, heading toward the record player and turning it on. 

"We delight in the small things that were once taken for granted. To eat. To drink. Music and dance. Everyone, and I mean everyone, should savor this night as if it were their last."

Lilith can feel her sister's fingers wrapping tightly around her wrist, and the gesture conveys an unspoken urgency. A shaky breath escapes her sister's lips as she holds her hand. Lilith casts her gaze down at the entwined hands and then back up at Nyx, studying her reactions.

Deep down, Lilith can't ignore her instincts. She isn't foolish, and she knows that something ominous looms on the horizon, especially with Michael's involvement. He has always possessed a way with words, and even now, his charm still holds sway. 

A part of him has embedded itself in her soul, yet she can't deny the existence of something darker that has taken root within her long before she ever met him. The struggle between the two is a constant torment in her life.

As she continues to look at her sister, she can't help but reflect on all the challenges she has put Nyx through. She remembers how Nyx had believed that with their mother's passing, the struggle of addiction would vanish from their lives. But it hadn't. Instead, Lilith had effectively taken her mother's place, torn between her dark desires and the responsibility of looking after her sister.

In moments of profound vulnerability, she had allowed herself to succumb to the temporary relief that substances offered. The overwhelming onslaught of emotions left her with little choice but to find solace in the numbing embrace of chemicals. It was through these substances that she discovered a unique kind of solace, a sanctuary where she could escape the ceaseless emotional turbulence within her mind.

The distinctions between the allure of light and the temptation of darkness soften when she is under the influence, providing her with a brief reprieve from her inner monologue. It is through this perilous journey that she begins to glimpse an understanding of her mother's affliction, as if traversing a similar path has granted her an eerie connection to her mother's struggles.

While Lilith has made sure Nyx is taken care of, ensuring she attends school and maintains some semblance of a normal life, Lilith has been inexorably drawn toward the dark side.

Throughout her entire life, Lilith has felt like a pawn caught between opposing forces. It is as if fire wraps around her ankles, dragging her relentlessly into the depths of hell, while a radiant white light grips her wrist, urging her upward.

Yet, the relentless tug from each side only leaves her feeling like she is being torn apart. The constant torment of being pulled in different directions is an ever-present reality in her existence.

Their father, although he persistently beckoned them toward the embrace of the light, remains an enigma. His love for their mother was a genuine and inexplicable connection that seemed to transcend the boundaries of typical relationships. It was a love that the sisters can perceive clearly, even amidst the disintegration of other relationships around them. This love, so unusual and enduring, leaves them in perpetual wonder.

The dichotomy of their parents' contrasting beliefs presents an ongoing conundrum. The teachings of their mother, a proponent of the dark and the ways of Satan, are never in question.

Yet there are secret lessons imparted by their father, lessons that speak of a benevolent God who loves them. To Lilith now, these teachings seem like mere nonsense, overshadowed by the overpowering allure of the darkness. For her, the shadows are more comforting, more familiar.

Nyx, on the other hand, fights an internal battle to be worthy of the light, even as she feels an undeniable pull towards it. Her compelling desire is to find solace beneath the white fluorescent lights, to bask in their reassuring glow.

However, despite her yearning, she recognizes that both sisters are in the throes of an intense and enduring struggle. Each of them aspires to be someone they aren't, striving to fit into molds that are ill-suited for their true natures.

Lilith is acutely aware of how her choices lead her sister further into the depths of darkness. It is undeniable that Nyx idolizes her. The trusting glimmer in her younger sister's eyes confirms this. Nyx seeks refuge and understanding in her elder sister, believing that Lilith holds the key to the answers she craves.

In her attempt to mirror her sister's path and find the connection she yearns for, Nyx has inadvertently been guided down a dark road by Lilith. This responsibility weighs heavily on Lilith's shoulders as she grapples with the consequences of her actions on her sister's life.

Lilith squeezes her sister's hand, offering some sort of comfort that she can. Lilith doesn't entirely know what is going to happen, unlike her sister, but she trusts her. As the survivors partake in bobbing for apples, Nyx looks into her sister's eyes, forcing a smile that she hopes reassures Lilith as well.

With the music playing in the library, Lilith continues to hold her sister's hand before twirling herself underneath it. Nyx rolls her eyes, but Lilith encourages her to give in to the festivities. The two sisters dance as if it were their last night, sharing laughter and memories of their life together.

Lilith then glances over at Emily and Timothy, who are attempting to bob for apples. Emily manages to successfully grab one from the water, and Timothy seems to be having a bit of difficulty. The whole scene is a mix of celebration and camaraderie, despite the uncertainty of the future.

"Oh, I suck at this game," Timothy laughs, admitting his failure, though he is proud of Emily's success.

"It's okay. We can share," Emily giggles, their love for each other shining through. Lilith watches them with a smile, appreciating the sight of their bond, especially in these uncertain times.

Nyx then tugs on her sister's arm, eager to participate in the apple bobbing. Lilith is never particularly skilled at this game, but after watching her sister, she knows what to do. Both sisters stand before the bucket, sharing an excited glance despite the challenging circumstances, and then they dunk their heads in.

After a bit of effort, both girls resurface with an apple stem clenched between their teeth, and the room erupts in applause. The sisters high-five each other with pride, celebrating their small victory in the midst of uncertainty.

As the partygoers continue to enjoy themselves and engage in the activities, Lilith observes as Diana and Mallory successfully pluck apples from the water. However, when Mallory attempts to bite into her apple, Venable stops her.

"Let's all wait until each person has had an opportunity to participate in tonight's activities. Then we will feast like civilized beings," Venable declares, her voice firm and unyielding.

With anticipation in the air, each survivor reaches for an apple, ready to partake in this unusual yet symbolic event. Everyone gathers around as Venable and Mead position themselves on the balcony, holding up their own apples.

"We give thanks to The Cooperative for this blessed fruit and the bounties they have bestowed upon us. Shelter from the nuclear storm and the savagery that threatens our borders. Our humanity. It is time to enjoy our good fortune. You have your treat," Venable announces, and the room is ready to partake in this unusual feast.

Lilith and Nyx lock eyes and take simultaneous bites of their apples along with everyone else. The flavor is delectable, but as the seconds pass, they begin to feel unusual.

Lilith feels the apple sliding down her throat, the tangible sensation of something solid entering her stomach. Her eyes roll back momentarily as a peculiar pleasure emanates from the taste. It is short-lived, as another sensation suddenly emerges.

A terrible discomfort grips her abdomen. Her eyes widen as she realizes that something is devouring her from within. She looks to Nyx, who mirrors the same look of horror. Lilith grabs her sister's wrist in desperate confusion, wondering how Nyx had been so sure about her choice. Around them, others in the room start coughing and vomiting, their bodies trying to expel what they had ingested.

The two sisters choke and writhe on the floor, their bodies attempting to rid themselves of the mysterious substance, but nothing comes out. Tears well up in their eyes, and they reach out for each other in desperation as the darkness begins to enclose them.

Despite Lilith's resistance, the consuming darkness ultimately overwhelms her. She feels as if she is falling down a never-ending rabbit hole. But this is no wonderland, and Lilith knows exactly who she belongs to.

♦