Page 19 of Emerald Treats
String lights in every conceivable Halloween color – orange, purple, green, blood red – outlined every window, door, and architectural feature. They didn't just twinkle; they pulsed and chased each other in dizzying patterns that made my senses tingle with residual magical energy.
"Someone definitely used magic for this setup," I murmured, feeling the supernatural signatures layered throughout the decorations.
A massive haunted mansion facade had been constructed around the main entrance, complete with creaky shutters that opened and closed on their own, revealing glowing eyes in the windows. Fake ravens perched on every available surface, their mechanical caws echoing through the night air.
"Look at the sign," Faris said gleefully from the front seat.
The usual Magic Stixxx neon sign had been completely transformed. Instead of their normal logo, it now read "Trixxx or Tease" in dripping, blood-red letters that actually seemed to be moving, the 'blood' continuously trickling down before magically reappearing at the top.
"This is so extra," Cam chuckled, but his voice held obvious appreciation for the theatrical display.
Even the trees in the parking lot had been wrapped in what looked like giant spider webs, with enormous black widow spiders dangling from the branches. As we got closer, I realized the spiders were slowly moving, rotating and bobbing in the breeze.
"I think I'm in love," Saige breathed, her eyes absolutely sparkling with delight.
The car slowed as we pulled into Magic Stixxx, and I nearly groaned with relief. Saige clapped. "I love this place." She looked around and frowned. "There are no other cars. Are they even open?"
"Alright, everyone out," Cam announced, ignoring her question. "Time for the real show."
Faris practically bounced out of the SUV, "This is going to beamazing!"
My sweet witch looked between all of us with growing suspicion before landing on my crazy ass brother. "What exactly did you plan, Faris?"
"Nothing normal," I assured her, answering for him as I climbed out and offered my hand to help her step out of the car. The October air bit at my exposed forearms, but it felt refreshing, especially after sitting in that traveling time bomb of sexual energy.
Sloane emerged last, and he caught my eye over the roof of the SUV, that predatory gleam still burning in his ice-blue gaze.
You're in trouble,his expression promised.
I smirked.I better be.
"Come on, baby girl," Cam called to Saige. "Time to see what your mates have been plotting."
As we walked toward the entrance, Sloane fell into step beside me. His hand brushed mine—barely a touch, but enough to send sparks shooting up my arm.
"Still feeling bratty?" he murmured under his breath.
I tilted my chin up defiantly, even as my pulse hammered. "Maybe."
His low chuckle was pure sin. "Good. I was hoping you'd say that."
The automatic doors slid open, revealing the dimly lit interior of Magic Stixxx. Whatever my creative twin had planned, I knew this Halloween was about to get infinitely more interesting.
Chapter 10
Saige
If the outside of Magic Stixxx had been impressive, the interior was truly mind-blowing. I stepped through the doors and felt like I'd entered another dimension entirely.
"Holy moon maidens," I breathed, turning in a slow circle. "This is..."
"Incredible? Spectacular? The best Halloween display you've ever seen in your entire life?" Faris supplied eagerly, bouncing on his toes beside me.
He wasn't wrong. The usual lighting had been replaced with atmospheric purple and red lighting that cast long shadows across the space. Cobwebs dripped from every surface, but these weren't the cheap cotton stuff from Halloween stores—these had been magically enhanced to shimmer and occasionally twitch as though real spiders were skittering across them.
The entire ceiling had been transformed into a night sky, complete with a massive full moon that actually cast moonlight down onto the floor. Bats—which I sincerely hoped were fake—occasionally fluttered across this magical ceiling.
"Are those real bats?" I whispered to Cam.
