Murphy gestured toward the woman. "Found in the cemetery by Butcher. Seems a bit... disconnected."
When Honey approached, the woman went absolutely still, like a deer caught in headlights. Her eyes fixed on Honey's face with an intensity that seemed almost painful.
"Hello," Honey said softly. "I'm Honey Hadwin. What brings you to Cauldron Falls?"
"It's you," she breathed, her voice choked with emotion. "All this time... and it's actually you."
Honey's brow creased in confusion. "I'm sorry. Do we know each other?" However, as she inquired, memories began to resurface - sprinting through shadowy forests, a smaller hand gripping hers tightly, the sound of panicked breaths.
Pulling the necklace free, the woman showed a name engraved on the silver bar - a name she barely remembered, Maisie.
Honey gasped, her hand immediately going to her neck where a matching necklace was concealed under her shirt. Hertrembling fingers drew it out, showing the inscription Martha on the silver.
"Bunny?" Honey whispered, using the pet name that suddenly flooded back.
"Honey," the woman whispered back, tears filling her eyes.
Memories flooded back, shattering the magical barriers that had held them captive. Running together as children. The terrified breathing. The voice of a woman telling them to run, to never look back.
Honey's voice broke, tears streaming down her face. "You're my sister?"
Moving to protect Honey, Roam approached as she rushed forward, embracing the woman tightly and causing the bat to stumble.
"I never thought I'd find you," Honey sobbed, holding her long-lost sister. "We've looked everywhere. For a year, ever since Leahnora told me... I'd almost given up."
The patrons of The Boozy Cauldron watched in stunned silence. Even Allen had stopped his vigilant watch of Bartie, his feline eyes wide with surprise. "Talk about a family reunion," he muttered to Uma, who shushed him.
Maisie returned the embrace weakly, her own tears falling. "I came to warn you," she said, her voice muffled against Honey's shoulder. "I had to escape so I could find you."
Honey pulled back, concern replacing the joy on her face. "Who did you escape from? What are you talking about?"
"Vampires," her sister declared, her voice suddenly firmer, imbued with urgency. "Led by Ronald."
A ripple of nervous laughter spread through the pub. A cackle erupted from Tandy Keyes seated in the back.
"Ronald?" Murphy questioned dubiously. "Funny name for a bloodsucker."
"The name is misleading," Bartie said, smoothing his feathers and returning to his perch on Maisie's shoulder. "Ronald is not your typical vampire. He is ridiculously comical with his orange skin, atrocious comb-over, and habit of referring to himself in the third person. Yet, beneath the farce lies a dangerous, single-minded obsession."
The laughter in the pub quieted as Bartie carried on, his small bat characteristics managing to show profound worry.
"He may present himself as a buffoon with a spray tan but make no mistake. Ronald has left a trail of drained bodies across three states. He commands a coven of devoted followers who obey his every whim, no matter how outlandish. And he is fixated on Cauldron Falls."
Maisie nodded earnestly. "It's true. He has horrible taste in fashion, too. He thinks the tan helps him blend in with other kinds of creatures. But the other vampires hate it. And he's coming to take over Cauldron Falls and use the water."
"Wait, wait, wait," Gloria interrupted, stepping forward. "Are you saying we're about to be invaded by a tanning-bed vampire with bad hair?"
"Precisely," Bartie confirmed gravely. "His appearance might draw mockery, but his ambitions are undeniably serious."
Although more laughter spread through the pub, the woman's expression didn't change. Her fingers clenched the edge of the table.
"He wants Cauldron Falls," she continued, holding Honey's gaze. "The magic here---especially the water from the falls---it has a calling. The water protects and enhances those who freely claim it. Ronald plans to take the water and turn Cauldron Falls into a resort for vampires."
"A resort?" Dottie questioned, "Like with vampire concierges and blood cocktails by the pool?"
"Exactly," she nodded, relief flooding her face as someone seemed to understand. "He calls it 'Fangtasia Falls'---a luxury destination where vampires can bathe in the magical waters and temporarily overcome their vulnerability to sunlight, garlic, and all that stuff."
Doubtful glances passed between Roam and Murphy. Honey, however, was wholly absorbed by her sister's frightened eyes. "How did you escape?" she asked softly.
