"Well, with all these spirits gathering so close to such a powerful magical source..."Sean paused thoughtfully."Do you think I could get a proper tour?Maybe speak with your water management specialist—Maisie, isn't it?I'd love to understand how the protections work, especially during an event like this."
Something twisted uncomfortably in Uma's chest.The way Sean said Maisie's name, with that particular interest, made her realize she didn't like the idea of him spending time alone with Honey's sister.The reaction surprised her with its intensity—a sharp, possessive feeling that had no business existing.
But even as she tried to dismiss the feeling, Uma couldn't ignore the truth behind it.The thought of Sean focusing that warm attention, that genuine interest, on someone else made her stomach clench with something that felt suspiciously like jealousy.
Chapter 4
Checked Out to Check In
The cemetery had transformed into something beyond beautiful.Strings of lights floated between the headstones, casting a warm glow that made the evening feel enchanted rather than eerie.A registration table had been set up near the great stone Devil Oak Tree, where Butcher stood in his finest cemetery attire—which still looked like his regular clothes, but everyone offered him compliments.
Outside the cemetery fence, what seemed like the entire population of Cauldron Falls had gathered to witness the historic opening ceremony.Colin and Gloria pressed against the iron bars, Gloria practically bouncing with excitement.Miles Montgomery stood with the Darwin family, all of them pointing and whispering as ghostly forms began materializing from every direction.Dr.Wimpleton stood with Cona, both watching the spectral parade with fascination.When Lily McBride's gentle form materialized, Clive blew her a tender kiss across the fence, his eyes bright with love and longing, while Cona's tail wagged softly at the sight of his beloved witch.
Inside the cemetery gates, the official welcome committee had assembled.Mayor Leahnora Loveridge stood ready in her most ceremonial robes—rich dark purple velvet that flowed around her with royal elegance.She was flanked by Uma, Murphy, Honey, and Maisie.Roam and Sean maintained their professional positions near the entrance, while Butcher managed the registration table with surprising efficiency.
Floating near the great stone tree, Evangelina hovered with an expression of intense concentration.She was quickly joined by Lily's gentle spirit.Both welcoming their ghostly guests to the town where they had spent the majority of their living existences.
"This is incredible," Honey whispered with excitement as spirits began appearing from all directions like a supernatural light show.
Uma stepped near Evangelina, who was studying each arriving spirit with scholarly intensity."Right then," Uma murmured to the ghost, "see anyone interesting yet?"
"They are all interesting, darling Uma," Evangelina replied."But I'm not watching for interesting guests.I can't shake this feeling...something's not quite right.It's just instinct."
“If your worried, we should all be worried,” Uma mumbled to herself filing away the ghost's concerns for later discussion.Evangelina's instincts had kept them safe more than once.
From outside the fence, gasps and excited murmurs rose from the gathered townspeople as more spirits materialized in swirling mists and twinkling lights.Before Uma could ask more questions, a commotion near the gates announced the arrival of their first celebrity guest.
"Thank you so much for this warm welcome," came a smooth, cultured voice that managed to be both confident and gracious."I'm truly honored to be here."
They all turned to see a translucent figure who looked like he'd stepped straight out of a magazine cover—tall, impeccably dressed in a modern tailored suit that somehow maintained its perfect lines even in ghostly form, with styled hair and the kind of refined good looks that belonged on romance novel covers.Even in death, Cornelius Lennox carried himself with the effortless sophistication of someone accustomed to admiration, yet his smile was genuinely warm as he approached the welcome committee.
Uma studied the celebrity author with interest.He certainly looked the part of a romantic hero, but something about him that reminded her of politicians she'd met—too smooth, too practiced.
"Welcome to Cauldron Falls, Mr.Lennox," Mayor Loveridge said with diplomatic warmth."We're honored to have you participate in our convention."
"The honor is entirely mine, Mayor Loveridge," Cornelius replied with a slight bow that was respectful without being ostentatious."Your town has such a remarkable reputation—I'm genuinely excited to be part of this historic gathering."
Butcher stepped forward with the registration materials."Just press here, Mr.Lennox, and we'll have someone escort you to the sacred grove."
"Of course," Cornelius said graciously, then paused as his gaze drifted toward the distant sound of the falls."I hope you don't mind me saying, but I've heard fascinating things about the water here.As an author, I'm always drawn to places with such rich history.I'd love to hear more about your local legends sometime."
“We might be able to accommodate that request, Mr.Lennox.We shall see.”Leahnora’s tone stayed neutral, polite yet firm.
A subtle shift in the atmosphere sharpened Sean's expression at the mention of the waters, he elbowed Roam, and they moved closer to the registration table.
Behind Cornelius, a steady stream of spirits continued to arrive, each more colorful than the last.There was Madame Theodora Grimm, a stately Victorian ghost in elaborate mourning dress who carried herself with the dignity of someone who was definitely the authority on proper behavior.She nodded regally to the mayor and proceeded to the registration table with flawless spectral etiquette.
Following her came a ghost who appeared to be a medieval knight, complete with transparent armor that clanked dramatically with each step."Sir Reginald Fairfax at your service!"he announced, attempting to bow and somehow managing to trip over his own ethereal sword.
"Fascinating," Clive murmured, watching the parade of spirits with academic interest."The variety is remarkable."
A ghost woman in 1920s flapper attire materialized next, her beaded dress shimmied as she swayed through the cemetery gates."Darling!What a divine little graveyard you have!So atmospheric!I'm Vivienne Crawford—I died at my own New Year's party in 1929.Best death ever, if I do say so myself!"
Outside the fence, Gloria let out an audible squeal of delight, while Colin tried to shush her with obvious amusement.
Honey looked up from her registration clipboard with barely concealed delight."How...cheerful of you, Ms.Crawford."
"Oh honey, death was the best thing that ever happened to me!No more hangovers!"
