Chapter 36. Halloween

Caliana’s POV

The next day arrived wrapped in crisp autumn air and flickering orange light, the kind of day that felt like it had been designed specifically for laughter and mischief. Halloween. For once, the weight on my chest felt a little lighter. Love had been counting down the days with almost religious devotion, and when I saw her that morning, spinning in front of the mirror in her costume, I couldn’t help but smile.

We were dressed as evil witches—though Love’s version leaned more toward adorable menace than anything truly frightening. Her tiny black hat kept slipping to one side, and she kept correcting it with exaggerated seriousness, as if the fate of the world depended on it. My own costume was darker, more dramatic, flowing black fabric hugging my body, sleeves trailing like shadows when I moved. Love had insisted we match, and I hadn’t had th