The prospect of sharing their discovery with fellow spirits added an element of real danger to their plans.
"Speaking of company," Finn said with a knowing look, "what do you say we extend an invitation to that delightful Ms.Crawford?She seemed quite interested in our evening plans."
"Brilliant idea," Chet nodded."A lady who knows how to have fun is exactly what this adventure needs."
"And I have the feeling she’s game for a good party anytime,” Beau added."Won't need much convincing."
From the sacred grove came the distant sounds of music and laughter—the Ghost Prom was already underway.The convention's energy had shifted from formal presentations to uninhibited revelry, with spirits embracing the rare joy of gathering with others who understood the unique challenges of existence beyond life.
“Let’s go.”Finn led them out into the night.
They floated through the glamping area with the confident swagger of spirits who knew exactly how to get into trouble.Other ghosts were also making their way toward the festivities, creating a parade of afterlife fashion spanning centuries.The procession buzzed with excitement as spirits from different eras compared notes on memorable celebrations from their living years.
When they reached Vivienne's tent, decorated with beaded curtains and sparkling with 1920’s glamour, Finn knocked on the tent pole with theatrical flair.
"Oh, Ms.Crawford!"he called out."Your escorts for the evening have arrived!"
The tent flap swept open to reveal Vivienne in full party mode—her beaded dress catching every bit of light, her bob flawlessly styled, and her eyes sparkling with mischievous excitement.
"Darlings!"she exclaimed, clapping her ghostly hands together."You look absolutely divine!Are we ready for our grand adventure?"
"More than ready," Chet grinned, offering her his arm with old-fashioned gallantry.
"Lead the way, gentlemen," Vivienne declared, her voice bubbling with anticipation."I've been waiting my whole afterlife for an evening like this!"
The quartet set off through the woods, their laughter echoing among the ancient trees as they headed toward the cemetery and the stone Devil Oak Tree that held the key to their evening's entertainment.Behind them, the Ghost Prom continued in all its splendor, completely unaware that four of its attendees were about to turn the night into something far more adventurous than anyone had planned.
Chapter 17
Who Runs Cauldron Falls?Girls!
Uma found her tribe gathered at Dottie Darwin's Witchy Wear & Hair salon.It was a perfect evening for both shopping and serious conversation.The salon had become an unofficial meeting place for the women in town, offering a comfortable space where important discussions could happen alongside the best haircuts and nail art this side of the Appalachians.Dottie had carefully cultivated this atmosphere, understanding that some matters required the right setting to unfold naturally.
The front section of the shop buzzed with activity as Maisie examined the latest pieces from the GODDESS Collection.
"These are gorgeous," Maisie said to no one in particular, holding up a deep blue sweater that sparkled with silver stars."The fabric is incredible."
In the salon section, Honey, Gloria, and Darlene had claimed the comfortable styling chairs, though they were more interested in conversation than hair treatments.Dottie worked on Gloria's curls while the women shared everything they'd learned over the past day.
"So let me get this straight," Gloria said, settling back as Dottie's skillful hands transformed her red hair into an elegant updo."Three ghosts somehow pranked the entire town, and created some kind of loopholes in reality?"
"That's the theory," Honey confirmed."And now Sean and Roam think they've sealed everything up with that spray, but..."
"But I have serious doubts about that," Evangelina interrupted, her form shimmering with concern."If that spray truly worked, then how did the loophole open in the first place?Sean said he applied the protectant yesterday, before any of this happened."
The women turned their attention to the ghost, which Honey had invited to the salon specifically for their girl’s gathering.After everything they had seen and heard, she knew they needed someone on the inside.
"What do you think went wrong?"Uma asked.
Evangelina drifted closer to the group."Well, there are several possibilities.The spray could have been expired—government supplies have notorious quality control issues."
"What else could cause it to fail?"Darlene asked.
"Improper application," Evangelina replied."If someone shook the bottle too hard or applied it while emotionally distressed.Anxiety could interfere with binding properties."
"That sounds like Sean yesterday," Honey observed."He was definitely anxious about the whole situation."
"Or" Evangelina continued with a slight smile, "a cat familiar could have walked across the treated area before it dried.Cats are notorious for disrupting magic."
