GABRIEL tightened his grip on Lenore's hand as they stood near the back of Town Hall, waiting for the meeting to start. The townsfolk filed in slowly, their curious whispers growing louder as they filled the room, excitement buzzing in the air. Lenore stood beside him, looking uneasy, but Gabriel's mind was elsewhere, far from the present chaos.
His thoughts drifted to the Hinterlands, the vast, tangled forest beyond Halloween Town. It was a place where even the bravest souls feared to wander for too long, a barren place filled with shadows and things best left undisturbed. He remembered how he had nearly been swallowed by it, when the dense fog had rolled in, hiding everything from view. His pulse quickened at the vivid, recent memory.
Gabriel ventured into the woods without hesitation, determined to find Jack and return to Lenore. But the deeper he went, the more Halloween Town's usual sights and sounds disappeared. The trees became twisted and bare, their branches like skeletal hands, blocking out the sun. Soon, there were no landmarks, just endless dark trees, and an eerie silence.
He had walked for what felt like hours, trying to keep his bearings, but the Hinterlands were a maze. The further he went, the more disoriented he became, the path behind him vanishing into the fog as if it had never been there. He remembered the frustration, the gnawing fear that maybe he would never find his way back, that he might become another lost soul swallowed by the Hinterlands.
Just when he had started to think about turning back, about giving up and accepting that Jack may be truly lost, it was then that he heard it—a distant bark, echoing through the trees. His head snapped up, his heart skipping a beat.
Zero.
The sound pierced the heavy silence, a hopeful sign in the thick fog. Gabriel followed the barking, tripping over roots and ducking under branches as he moved toward it. Each bark drew him closer to something familiar.
Then, as the fog lifted, he saw it: Zero's faint, ghostly glow floating through the trees like a flicker of light. Gabriel had hurried toward the phantom dog, and there, in a small clearing, was Jack.
The Pumpkin King stood surrounded by a bizarre collection of objects, all brightly colored and foreign—nothing like anything from Halloween Town. Jack had been talking excitedly to himself, gesturing wildly as he examined each item, his skeletal face alive with curiosity.
"What…?" Gabriel began, confused but somewhat relieved.
Jack hadn't noticed him at first, too absorbed in his discovery. He rambled excitedly about something called "Christmas Town," but Gabriel couldn't make sense of it. The strange objects Jack held—bright baubles, shimmering ornaments, and tiny figurines—looked like they belonged in a different world entirely.
Finally spotting him, Jack's eyes lit up. "Gabriel!" he exclaimed with wonder. "You won't believe what I've found! A whole new world—filled with magic and joy. It's nothing like what we know!"
Gabriel stared in shock and disbelief, trying to understand. "Jack, what is all this? Where have you been? The town's been searching for you."
Jack laughed, bubbling with excitement. "This is something incredible—a place called Christmas Town!"
"Christmas Town?" Gabriel repeated, the name unfamiliar. "What's Christmas?"
Jack pointed to the door he had come through. "It's another world—another holiday like ours! Full of warmth, light, and joy. And it's run by a man in a red and white suit—a jolly old fellow named Sandy Claws!"
Seeing Gabriel's confusion, Jack laughed again. "You'll see! Christmas Town is unlike anything we've ever known!"
Now, standing in Town Hall, Gabriel still couldn't quite grasp what Jack had discovered. A world ruled by someone called Sandy Claws, full of light and joy—it was so unlike everything in Halloween Town, where shadows and fear were part of life. Christmas Town sounded…too different.
Gabriel had been skeptical, of course. Jack often found himself swept up in grand ideas, but this time, his tone had been different—something deeper, more genuine. Gabriel hadn't understood it, but he had followed Jack back to town, seeing no other choice, knowing that whatever Jack had discovered, it had ignited a fire in him that couldn't be easily extinguished.
Now, as Gabriel stood in Town Hall, holding Lenore's hand, he couldn't help but wonder if that moment in the Hinterlands had been a precursor to what was happening now. Jack had been captivated by something, something big, and now he was about to share it with the entire town.
He glanced down at Lenore, who looked up at him with wide, questioning eyes. She must have sensed his distraction because she gently squeezed his hand, pulling him back to the present.
Gabriel tried to smile at Lenore, hoping to reassure her, but he knew it didn't reach his eyes. Frustrated, he looked down at their joined hands, wishing he knew what to say. A familiar knot of unease tightened in his chest. Jack had discovered something new—something that had sparked the Pumpkin King's imagination. Gabriel glanced back at Lenore, meeting her questioning gaze.
Before he could say anything, the Mayor stepped out onto the stage, his two faces whirling around as he finally stood before the gathered crowd.
"Everyone, quiet, please!" the Mayor called, his voice straining to be heard over the murmurs. "Jack has something very important to share with us."
The room slowly fell silent as all eyes turned toward Jack, who stood at the front, his tall, skeletal frame towering over the Mayor. Jack smiled—though it was always hard to tell with his permanent grin—and raised his hand in greeting.
"Thank you all for coming," Jack began, his voice carrying through the hall. "I know I must have worried you. I've been away since last night, but I've discovered something truly extraordinary—something you won't believe until you see it. A place unlike anything we've ever known."
Jack's voice grew stronger, commanding the room's attention. "Citizens of Halloween Town!" he declared with a fervor that sent a shiver down Gabriel's spine. "I have found a world beyond our imagination—a place called Christmas Town!"
The crowd murmured, confused by the unfamiliar name. Jack held up a glittering red ornament that reflected light in a thousand directions. "In Christmas Town, they celebrate a holiday filled with joy and wonder, led by a man named Sandy Claws!"
"Sandy Claws?" The Mayor's voice wavered, his two faces spinning—one excited, the other anxious. "What kind of creature is that?"
Jack grinned. "He's a jolly old soul dressed in red and white, spreading joy and gifts to everyone on Christmas Eve. It's a holiday of joy, light, and happiness—completely different from Halloween!"
The townsfolk exchanged uneasy glances, and Gabriel could feel the tension building—curiosity mingled with fear. The idea of a holiday based on joy and giving was alien to them. Halloween was their world, their identity. How could Christmas Town possibly fit into that?
Jack paused, gesturing toward the odd collection of items he'd brought back. The townsfolk murmured in confusion, and Gabriel noticed Lenore's gaze on him, her hand still warm in his. Jack then pulled out a small, brightly wrapped box. "This," he said, holding it high, "is called a present!"
A murmur rippled through the room.
"A box?" the Harlequin Demon frowned.
"Is it made of steel?" the Devil asked, eyes narrowing.
"Does it have locks?" growled the Wolfman, flexing his claws.
Jack smiled patiently. "No, it's just a box, wrapped in colorful paper and tied with a bow. Inside is a gift—but you don't know what it is until you open it."
The crowd was intrigued but puzzled. Gabriel's unease deepened; he had heard this before in the Hinterlands. Jack's enthusiasm was contagious, but the townsfolk seemed to struggle with the idea.
Next, Jack pulled out a long, striped sock. "This is called a stocking. You hang it up, and on Christmas morning, it's filled with candy or small toys."
"Toys?" the Winged Demon's eyes gleamed. "Do they bite?"
"Or explode?" added Mummy Boy, his voice muffled beneath his wrappings.
Gabriel could see the misunderstanding. The town was twisting Christmas into something darker, something they could grasp. Jack, full of excitement, seemed unaware that the essence of Christmas—joy, giving, wonder—was getting lost.
"And there's more!" Jack exclaimed, his voice rising with excitement. "They call him Sandy Claws! He's a fearsome king with great red arms and a deep voice, who flies through the night delivering presents!"
The crowd leaned in, fascinated by this strange, powerful figure. The Mayor, always quick to catch the excitement, exclaimed, "This Christmas sounds... fun! Let's try it at once!"
Gabriel's heart sank. They weren't getting it. The essence of what Jack was trying to convey wasn't sticking. The townsfolk were ready to transform Christmas into something that fit their dark, eerie world.
"No, no!" Jack called out, trying to regain control. "You don't understand. It's not about fear. It's something different, something... magical."
Gabriel glanced at Lenore. Her eyes were filled with a mix of wonder and worry. "Do you think it could work?" she whispered.
Gabriel hesitated, the weight of uncertainty pressing on him. "I don't know. Halloween Town... it's not built for this. Christmas is something else, something bright. I'm not sure we can bring it here without changing it."
Lenore nodded slowly, her gaze fixed on Jack as he tried to explain the wonder he had experienced. The crowd buzzed with excitement, but Gabriel knew they weren't grasping the heart of it.
As the meeting drew to a close, the townsfolk broke into lively chatter, eager to begin transforming Halloween Town into their version of Christmas.
Jack stood at the front, his grin wide, his passion unshaken. But Gabriel couldn't shake the feeling that they were on the brink of something bigger than any of them understood.
Lenore turned to him, her voice soft. "Whatever happens... we'll figure it out. Right?"
Gabriel looked down at her, finding comfort in her quiet determination. "Yeah," he said, though the doubt still lingered in his chest. "We'll figure it out."
With one last glance at Jack, Gabriel took a deep breath and led Lenore toward the exit. The town was moving forward, swept up in Jack's vision, but Gabriel couldn't help but wonder where this path would lead—and if they were truly ready for what lay ahead.
As Gabriel and Lenore made their way towards the exit of Town Hall, the murmurs of the townsfolk buzzed around them, a mixture of excitement and confusion over Jack's strange discovery. Lenore's hand was still in his, a light grip, but her tension was palpable.
Gabriel glanced down at her, feeling her unease. She was trying to be strong, but he could see it—the quiet exhaustion in her eyes, the weight of the day pressing down on her shoulders.
His attention drifted, and his eyes scanned the crowd. That's when he saw them. Helgamine and Zeldabond, standing near the back, watching. No, glaring. Their sharp eyes were locked on Lenore, their expressions hard with disapproval. Gabriel's chest tightened. It was always the same with them—always watching, judging, making Lenore feel like she didn't belong, like she wasn't enough.
He couldn't stand it. Not after everything Lenore had been through. He had watched her hold herself together through the chaos of the morning, through the Mayor's injury, the rush to the shop, her having to likely deal with her aunts' harsh words, and the worry over Jack's disappearance. And now, after enduring all that, she was still holding on, still trying to keep everything inside.
But her aunts didn't care. They never did.
Gabriel clenched his anger, anger surging through him. Seeing their cold, critical eyes on Lenore now, as if she was somehow to blame for everything that had happened, made his blood burn. He couldn't stay quiet. Not if he wanted to continue to see Lenore and have the witch in his life as a partner. He glanced at Lenore, who was looking up at him with wide, questioning eyes. She hadn't seen them yet. She didn't know.
Gabriel took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. He wasn't about to let them get away with this—not ever again.
"Lenore," he murmured, leaning close so his voice wouldn't carry. "Why don't you go talk to Sally for a moment?"
Lenore blinked up at him, her thin eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "Sally?"
Gabriel nodded toward the doorway, where Sally lingered awkwardly by herself, nervously wringing her hands together. Jack was too distracted by the crowd to notice her, and Sally, with her usual quietness, seemed too shy to approach. She looked lost as if she didn't quite know where she fit in the middle of all this excitement.
"Sally could use a friend right now, and besides, I'll only be a minute," Gabriel added gently. "I need to talk to your aunts."
Lenore froze. Her eyes went wide, and her grip on his hand tightened. "Gabriel, no," she whispered, her voice filled with panic. "You can't—please, don't."
Gabriel's gaze softened, but his resolve remained. "I need to," he said quietly. "I can't stand by and let them treat you like this."
"No, you don't understand," Lenore stammered, her voice rising slightly, the words spilling out in a rush. "They'll be furious. They—they'll blame me! Please, just leave it alone. I'll be fine."
Gabriel shook his head, his brow furrowing. "You shouldn't have to be fine with this. They've treated you like this for too long, Lenore. I can't just let it go."
Lenore's face paled, her eyes wide with fear. "But you don't know them! They'll take it out on me later—they'll make it worse. Please, Gabriel, don't say anything."
She was pleading now, her voice trembling, and Gabriel felt a pang of guilt. He could see how scared she was—scared of what her aunts might do, scared that he might make everything worse. But he couldn't just walk away. Not this time.
"Lenore," he said softly, cupping her face with his free hand, "I'm not going to let them hurt you anymore. You deserve better than this."
Tears welled up in her eyes, and she shook her head, her voice barely a whisper. "Please… I don't want you to get involved. It's not worth it."
Gabriel's chest tightened at the sight of her fear, but he couldn't back down. He had watched her endure too much, seen her bend under the weight of her aunts' cruelty for too long. He couldn't let that continue.
"I promise I won't make it worse," Gabriel said firmly, though his voice remained gentle. "But I can't stand by and let them treat you like this. Not anymore."
Lenore's lower lip trembled, and she took a shaky breath, her eyes darting toward her aunts, who were still watching from across the room. "They'll make me pay for it later," she whispered. "They always do."
Gabriel's heart ached at her words, at the fear in her voice. But that only strengthened his resolve. He couldn't let her keep living in fear, couldn't let her aunts keep controlling her with their cold, punishing words.
"I'll handle it," Gabriel said, his voice low and steady. "You don't have to be afraid of them, not while I'm here."
Lenore looked at him, her eyes wide and glistening with unshed tears. For a moment, she seemed torn, wanting to trust him but terrified of what might happen if he confronted her aunts. Finally, she gave a small, shaky nod, though it was clear she was still afraid.
"Go talk to Sally," Gabriel said gently, releasing her hand. "I won't be long."
Lenore hesitated, her eyes darting between Gabriel and her aunts. But with a final glance at him, she slowly turned and made her way toward Sally, her steps slow and uncertain.
Once she was gone, Gabriel set his sights on Helgamine and Zeldabond. His heart was pounding in his chest, but he knew he couldn't let them keep hurting Lenore. He made his way towards the witch sisters, his steps measured, his anger simmering just below the surface.
As he approached, their eyes flicked to him, their expressions cold and sharp. They had been expecting this—expecting him to challenge them. And they didn't look pleased.
Gabriel stopped in front of them, meeting their gaze head-on. His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. "Sisters. I'm glad you're still here. We need to talk."
Helgamine's eyebrow arched, though the thin smile that followed barely masked the disdain in her eyes. "Gabriel Graveshaw," she said, her voice cool and measured. "What brings you to speak to us? Surely not the whims of a fatherless boy."
Gabriel's gaze didn't waver. "I've come to talk about Lenore and the way you treat her."
Zeldabond's arms crossed over her chest, her expression hardening even further. "Lenore," she said sharply, "requires discipline. Without it, she would be utterly lost. You have no idea the chaos we've had to manage, Graveshaw."
Gabriel's jaw tightened, though he kept his voice steady. "Discipline isn't what you're doing. What you're doing is cruelty. You break her spirit every chance you get, make her feel like she's nothing more than a burden."
"A burden?" Helgamine replied, her tone icy, as she straightened her tall frame. "We took her in when no one else would. After our sister made that foolish mistake of marrying a mortal, leaving Lenore alone—who else would have taken her in? She should be grateful."
"Grateful?" Gabriel's voice dropped dangerously, his anger barely contained. "Grateful for what? For the constant insults, for always being told she's not enough? No one should be grateful for being made to feel worthless."
Zeldabond's cold eyes narrowed, her voice a venomous whisper. "You speak out of turn, Gabriel. Lenore is our responsibility, not yours."
Gabriel took a step closer, his resolve unwavering. "She deserves more than the way you've treated her," he said, his voice low and simmering with controlled fury. "And I'm here to make sure it stops."
For a moment, the air between them was thick, tense with an unspoken challenge. Helgamine's lips curled, amusement flashing in her eyes. "Oh, Gabriel," she purred, her words like ice. "This isn't about Lenore, is it? It's about you. About your... interest in her."
The accusation struck him hard, but Gabriel didn't flinch. He knew what Helgamine was trying to do, twisting his intentions. But even as her words echoed in his mind, he stood firm. "This isn't about me," he said, voice strained but clear. "It's about you and your cruelty."
Zeldabond's sneer deepened. "You fool. Do you think your father would be proud to see you risk your life for some half-blood girl? He'll despise you for throwing everything away."
Her words were sharp, designed to cut deep, but Gabriel felt only the burning of his growing rage. They were so wrong about Lenore, so wrong about everything. The heat of his fury surged through him, but he forced it down, focused on the task at hand.
"You think you can keep this up," Gabriel growled, his voice darker, more dangerous now. "That you can keep hurting her because you feel untouchable. But I see through you both."
Helgamine's amusement faltered, her smile fading as her eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
Gabriel stepped even closer, his presence looming over them like a shadow. "You're both afraid," he said quietly, his words sinking into the silence like a knife. "Afraid of losing control. Of losing your grip on her, on everything you think you've built. And that terrifies you."
Zeldabond's face blanched, her bravado cracking. "You—"
"And you," Gabriel spat, his voice sharp and cutting as he turned to Zeldabond, "you're terrified of being nothing, aren't you? That without your cruelty, without the power you think you hold, you'll be forgotten. That one day, you'll fade into nothing but a bitter memory."
Zeldabond's eyes widened, her lips parting in disbelief. Helgamine, too, had lost her smug composure, her face now pale with a mix of anger and fear.
"You torment Lenore because you need to feel powerful," Gabriel continued, his voice rising. "But that ends now. She's stronger than you think, and she deserves better. If you ever lay a hand on her again, if you even think of hurting her again, you'll answer to me."
The two witches stared at him, their arrogance shattered, their faces drained of color. They hadn't expected Gabriel to stand against them like this, and the truth of his words had struck something raw.
Helgamine recovered first, though her voice was weaker, her sneer less confident. "You're playing with fire, Gabriel. You think you've won this battle, but we are far from finished."
Zeldabond, though shaken, tried to muster her confidence. "You're making things worse for Lenore. She'll suffer for your interference."
Gabriel's gaze never wavered, his voice quiet yet unyielding. "You'll never touch her again. And if you do, I'll make sure you pay for every ounce of pain you've caused."
He turned sharply and walked away, leaving the witches in stunned silence, their power over him shattered. When he reached Lenore, who was standing with Sally, her eyes wide with worry, he took her hand in his, squeezing it gently.
Lenore looked up at him, her voice trembling. "What… what happened?"
Gabriel gave her a small, reassuring smile, though the fury still simmered inside him. "Nothing you need to worry about," he said softly. "They won't bother you again."
Lenore searched his face, her fear still lingering, but she seemed to sense the truth in his words. Slowly, her shoulders relaxed, and she gave him a small nod, though the tension hadn't completely left her.
Gabriel squeezed Lenore's hand gently, trying to calm the storm within him. The encounter with her aunts had left him rattled, but he forced himself to focus and try to relax. He had promised Lenore she wouldn't have to deal with them anymore, but even now, the weight of the witch sisters' cruelty still lingered in his mind, haunting him.
Nearby, Sally stood awkwardly, her fingers fidgeting with the patchwork seams of her dress. She looked as though she wanted to disappear into the shadows, eyes darting between Gabriel and Lenore, unsure whether she should speak or not. Her posture was even more withdrawn than usual, and Gabriel could sense her discomfort.
"Sally," he said softly, stepping closer and motioning for Lenore to join them. "Everything alright?"
Sally's eyes widened slightly as if surprised anyone had spoken to her. Her hands stilled for a moment before she resumed nervously twisting the fabric. "Oh, I-I'm fine," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I-I just… well… it's about… Christmas."
Gabriel arched an eyebrow, his mind still too clouded from the earlier confrontation to fully consider Jack's grand plans. But Sally's timid words pulled him back to the present, reminding him of the strange tension he felt about this whole Christmas idea.
"What about it?" he asked, keeping his voice gentle, not wanting to spook her.
Sally glanced down at her hands, her face flushed with uncertainty. "I-I don't want to upset anyone… especially Jack," she began hesitantly, her voice trembling slightly. "But… it d-doesn't feel right. Christmas, I mean." She paused as if the very act of voicing her doubts took all her courage. "It's… it's so different."
Gabriel exchanged a glance with Lenore, who looked equally surprised. Sally was always so quiet, so reserved. To hear her openly express concern about Jack's plan was unexpected, but somehow, it made Gabriel feel less alone in his unease.
"You're worried too?" Lenore asked softly, her voice full of relief, as if Sally's words had lifted a burden.
Sally nodded, her fingers trembling as she nervously tugged at her dress. "I-I don't want to disappoint Jack," she whispered, her words coming out in a rush. "H-he's so excited, and I know he wants everyone to be… but it feels… wrong. Christmas Town is s-so bright and happy, and… h-happy." She cast a fleeting glance around Town Hall, where the usual eerie decorations cast shadows over the room. "Halloween… that's what we know. It's who we are."
Gabriel could see the weight of Sally's anxiety, the way she fidgeted, her face etched with worry. It mirrored his feelings—the ones he hadn't been able to voice, even to Lenore. Jack's discovery of Christmas had been infectious, and Gabriel had been swept up in it at first, but deep down, something felt off.
"I know what you mean," Gabriel said slowly, relieved that someone else shared his concerns. "It's like we're trying to become something we're not."
Sally's hands fluttered nervously at her sides. "Y-yes, that's it, exactly. I…I want to believe in Jack's vision, but…I-I'm not sure if we can make Christmas….ours. It's so…different from Halloween Town. I'm…I'm worried we'll ruin it."
Gabriel felt a weight lift from his chest as Sally spoke. He wasn't alone in his doubts. Even someone as close to Jack as Sally could see the cracks in the plan. "You're not the only one who feels this way," Gabriel said quietly. "I've been thinking the same thing. Halloween Town isn't… built for Christmas."
Sally's gaze flickered up to meet his briefly before she looked down again, her fingers twisting together in a nervous knot. "I just don't know how to tell him," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
"I don't think any of us do," Lenore added gently, her voice soft with understanding. "Jack is so passionate about this… but I'm scared too. Scared that we're rushing into something without knowing what it means."
Sally gave a timid nod, her face flushed with relief that she wasn't alone in her thoughts. "I—I want to believe in him," she stammered, her voice wavering with uncertainty. "But w-what if… what if we're not ready?"
Gabriel exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of Sally's quiet fears settle over them. Her timid confession mirrored the same gnawing doubts he had buried since Jack's return. But hearing her say it aloud, in her soft, stuttering voice, made it real. He wasn't the only one afraid of what might happen if they ventured into this unknown.
"I think we need to be careful," Gabriel said gently. "Jack's heart is in the right place, but... Christmas is different. It's not like anything we've ever dealt with before, and I don't know if we're ready to bring it here."
Sally glanced up at him with wide button eyes, hope and fear swirling in her gaze. "Do…do you really think it can work?" she asked, her voice faltering slightly, the question laced with timid hope, as though she were afraid of the answer.
Gabriel hesitated, the weight of the question heavy in the air. He wanted to say yes, wanted to believe in Jack's vision, but deep down, he wasn't sure. And seeing the same doubt reflected in Sally's timid eyes only confirmed what he had been feeling all along.
"I don't know," he admitted quietly, his voice soft but steady. "But we'll figure it out. Together."
Sally's eyes flickered with uncertainty as she absorbed Gabriel's words. She twisted her fingers in her dress, her lips pressing together in a thin line. Gabriel could see the tension in her shoulders, how torn she was between wanting to support Jack and the weight of her fears.
Lenore, sensing Sally's struggle, took a small step closer. "Sally," she said gently, her voice gentle and reassuring. "You don't have to pretend everything's fine if you're scared. We all are."
Sally glanced at Lenore, her eyes wide and uncertain. "I—I just don't want to disappoint him," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "Jack's so… excited. I've never seen him like this. He believes in this Christmas Town and its holiday so much, and I don't know how to tell him I'm…n-not sure about it."
Gabriel felt a pang in his chest at Sally's words. He knew Jack's excitement had swept through Halloween Town like a whirlwind, and most of the residents were caught up in it. But Sally… she had always been quiet, reserved, standing in Jack's shadow.
Gabriel had seen the way she looked at Jack, the way she cared for him from a distance, supporting him, yet Jack seemed oblivious to Sally's feelings.
Now, for the first time, she seemed lost, unsure of how to handle Jack's passion without losing herself in the process.
"You don't have to be sure right away," Gabriel said softly, his voice low and calming. "Jack might be caught up in his excitement, but that doesn't mean we all have to understand it immediately. It's okay to have doubts."
Sally nodded slowly, her gaze drifting toward the ground as she thought over his words. "It's just… I've never seen him like this before. So full of hope. And I—I'm scared that if I tell him I'm unsure… he'll be disappointed in me." She hesitated, her voice trembling with vulnerability. "I don't want him to think I'm… failing him."
Gabriel's heart ached at the sadness in her voice, the weight of her unspoken fears. It was clear she was carrying more than just doubts about Christmas. She was carrying the burden of wanting to please Jack, of wanting to live up to his expectations, and it was eating at her.
"Sally," Lenore said softly, stepping even closer, "Jack loves Halloween Town, but he loves you, too. You're important to him, and being honest with him doesn't mean you're letting him down."
Sally blinked up at Lenore, surprised by her words. For a moment, the tension in her shoulders seemed to ease, but then she quickly looked down again, her voice barely a whisper. "I-I don't know. He's so… focused. I don't want to be the one to take that away from him."
Gabriel let out a slow breath, understanding the pressure Sally must feel. Jack's energy was hard to resist, and when he was excited about something, it was contagious. But that didn't mean their concerns weren't valid.
"I don't think you'll take anything away from Jack," Gabriel said gently. "You care about him, and he needs that. But he also needs to hear the truth, even if it's hard. He might be caught up in this Christmas thing, but he'll listen to you if you speak up."
Sally nodded, but her hands still trembled slightly as she continued twisting her dress. "I-I just… wish I could see what he sees," she murmured, her voice filled with quiet longing. "Maybe then I wouldn't feel so… unsure."
Gabriel exchanged a glance with Lenore, understanding the feeling all too well. "I think that's what we're all trying to figure out," he said softly. "Jack's vision is big, and it's new. But we'll work through it together."
Sally gave him a small, hesitant nod, though the worry didn't completely leave her eyes. "Th-thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'm just… I'm scared, that's all."
Lenore reached out, gently placing a hand on Sally's arm. "It's okay to be scared," she said softly. "You don't have to face this alone."
Sally gave her a timid smile, though it was shaky and unsure. Gabriel could tell that even though their words had brought her some comfort, the weight of her worry for Jack still hung over her.
"I—I should go," Sally said suddenly, her hands fidgeting once more. "I need to try to talk to Jack, to make him listen…I-I have to try."
Gabriel watched as Sally slowly turned to leave, her footsteps hesitant and her gaze lingering on the ground as she made her way back toward the front of Town Hall where Jack was still animatedly talking to the other townsfolk.
Once she was gone, Gabriel let out a long sigh, turning to Lenore. "She's just as scared as we are," he murmured, the reality settling in. "Maybe even more."
Lenore nodded, her eyes following Sally's retreating form. "She cares so much about Jack," she said softly. "But I think she's scared of what happens if he doesn't see the same Christmas she does."
Gabriel sighed, running a hand through his hair as his mind whirled. "I don't think anyone truly knows what's going to happen," he said, his voice heavy with uncertainty. "But we're in it now."
Lenore squeezed his hand, her touch a quiet comfort amidst the chaos. "Whatever happens," she said gently, "we'll face it together."
Gabriel nodded, though a small knot of worry still lingered in his chest. Christmas was coming, whether they were ready for it or not, and he wasn't sure what it would mean for any of them.
But for now, he had Lenore by his side, and that, at least, gave him some measure of comfort.
"Together," he agreed softly, squeezing her hand in return.
Gabriel glanced down at Lenore, watching the way her shoulders seemed tense, even after Sally left. The energy in Town Hall was still overwhelming—buzzing with the excitement and confusion Jack had stirred up. He could feel the weight of it pressing down on both of them, and he knew they needed a break. Somewhere quieter, away from all the noise.
"Lenore," he said softly, leaning down so his voice wouldn't carry over the murmurs of the crowd. "Would you like to take a walk? Get away from all… this for a while?"
Lenore blinked up at him, startled, her wide eyes meeting his. She hesitated for a moment, her fingers tightening slightly around his, as if unsure whether to step away from the swirling chaos or stay and try to make sense of it. But then, slowly, she nodded.
"Y-Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with relief. "I'd like that."
Gabriel gave her a small smile, grateful to have a moment alone with her, away from the overwhelming rush of everything happening around them. He gently squeezed her hand, feeling the warmth of her palm against his, and turned, ready to lead her toward the exit.
But before they could take more than a few steps, a sharp, familiar voice cut through the air like a blade, freezing Gabriel in place.
"Gabriel."
The sound of his father's voice made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. It was clipped, authoritative—just like always.
Gabriel's grip on Lenore's hand tightened instinctively as he turned, already knowing what he'd see before he even laid eyes on the figure. There he was: Gregor Graveshaw. His father stood near the entrance to Town Hall, his tall frame imposing even from across the room. His face was stern, his expression unreadable, but his eyes were sharp and cold as they locked onto Gabriel.
Lenore's hand trembled slightly in his, and Gabriel could feel her tense beside him. He swallowed, his pulse quickening, but forced himself to hold his father's gaze.
"Father," Gabriel replied tersely, his voice steady but tight.
Gregor moved closer, weaving through the lingering townsfolk with the same measured steps Gabriel had seen a thousand times before. His father's presence always carried weight, a cold authority that made everyone in the room take notice. The closer he got, the more Gabriel felt the tension in his body coil, like a spring wound too tight.
Gregor came to a stop a few feet away, his eyes briefly flicking to Lenore, who immediately looked down, avoiding his gaze. Gabriel instinctively stepped closer to her, shielding her with his body.
"I had hoped to speak with you sooner," Gregor said, his tone devoid of any emotion. "But it seems you've been… preoccupied."
Gabriel swallowed, his jaw tightening. He didn't like the implication in his father's words, the way his gaze lingered on Lenore for a beat too long before returning to him. He knew his father would never approve of a relationship with Lenore, and the subtle disapproval was evident in his features without Gregor having to say a word.
"I've had a lot to deal with today," Gabriel said carefully, keeping his tone measured. He wasn't about to let his father's presence spoil the moment with Lenore, but Father always had a way of dragging him into uncomfortable territory.
Gregor's eyes swept over him briefly before narrowing on Lenore. His lips curled into a faint sneer, and Gabriel could feel the tension in Lenore's hand as she instinctively shrank back under Gregor's scrutinizing gaze.
"And who is this, Gabriel?" Gregor asked, his voice dripping with disdain. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your…friend?"
Gabriel's heart raced, knowing what was coming, but he forced himself to stand firm. "Father, this is Lenore, Lenore Halloway," he said carefully, his voice low. "I—"
Gregor didn't let him finish. He scoffed loudly, his eyes cold as they flicked over Lenore with thinly veiled contempt. "This is the girl my son has taken an interest in?" he spat, shaking his head. "A half-witch, of all things."
Gabriel winced, but his grip on Lenore's hand tightened protectively. He felt her tense beside him, her head lowering, avoiding Gregor's gaze.
"I expected better from you, Gabriel," Gregor continued, his voice growing harsher. "But here you are, wasting your time with her. A half-blood, no less."
Gabriel felt a surge of anger flare in his chest, but he swallowed it down, trying to remain composed. He had known his father wouldn't approve of Lenore, but hearing him insult her so blatantly made his blood boil.
"Lenore means a lot to me," Gabriel said, his voice trembling slightly despite his best efforts to stay calm. "She's not just—"
"She's not just what?" Gregor interrupted, his voice sharp. "Not just a half-witch? Not just a liability? Do you even realize what kind of weakness you're bringing into our family by associating with her?"
Lenore shifted uncomfortably beside him, her gaze fixed on the floor, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Gabriel's jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. He hated seeing her like this—made to feel small and ashamed by someone who didn't even know her.
"She's not a weakness," Gabriel said, more firmly this time. "She's important to me."
Gregor let out a cold laugh, his eyes narrowing. "Important to you? Gabriel, you're a Graveshaw. You have responsibilities and ties, and a reputation to uphold. And this… witch," he said, his lip curling in disgust, "is a stain on that reputation."
Gabriel's heart pounded in his chest, his anger rising with each word that left his father's mouth. He wanted to fight back, to defend Lenore, but the weight of Gregor's judgment bore down on him, making it hard to speak. He had grown up under this pressure, and standing up to his father had never been easy. But he wouldn't let Gregor tear Lenore down. Not anymore.
"She's not a stain," Gabriel said, his voice shaking slightly but filled with resolve. "You don't even know her."
"I know enough," Gregor said coldly, his eyes flicking dismissively toward Lenore once more. "She's half-blooded. That's all I need to know. You should be ashamed of yourself, Gabriel, for lowering yourself to this."
Gabriel's throat tightened, the weight of his father's words cutting deep. He glanced at Lenore, whose face was still turned away, her hand trembling in his. He wanted to tell her that none of this mattered, that his father's words were meaningless, but it was hard to ignore the sting of his father's disapproval.
Before he could respond, Gregor shifted the topic, his gaze moving toward the front of Town Hall, where Jack was still speaking to the excited crowd.
"At least Jack has a plan," Gregor said, his tone shifting to one of reluctant approval. "He sees an opportunity to expand Halloween Town's influence, to bring something new into our world."
Gabriel blinked, caught off guard. His father, approving of Jack's plan? He had assumed Gregor would be the first to criticize such a radical change. "You… agree with Jack?" Gabriel asked cautiously.
"Of course I do," Gregor said, his voice firm. "He is our Pumpkin King. Jack understands the importance of progress. This Christmas business may seem strange to you, but Jack sees the bigger picture. Expanding our reach, showing Halloween Town can be more than what it is—it's the kind of bold thinking this town needs."
Gabriel's mind spun. How could his father, who was always so rooted in tradition, support such a dramatic shift? Gabriel had been expecting him to share his doubts about Christmas, but instead, Gregor seemed to admire Jack's vision.
"I'm not so sure," Gabriel said slowly, testing the waters. "I mean, it's a big risk, isn't it? Halloween Town trying to take on something like Christmas… It's so different from what we are."
Gregor's eyes snapped back to him, cold and hard. "You don't think Jack's plan is sound?" he asked sharply.
Gabriel hesitated, feeling the pressure of his father's gaze. "I just… I don't know if we're ready for it. Halloween Town is built on fear, on darkness. Christmas is the opposite. I'm worried—"
"Worried?" Gregor's voice rose, cutting him off. "You sound like a child, Gabriel. You should be embracing this change, not cowering from it like some fearful fool. Jack is showing leadership—something you could learn from."
Gabriel's stomach tightened at the rebuke. His father's scorn was nothing new, but hearing him compare Gabriel to Jack, using Jack as the example of what Gabriel should be— stung. "I just think we need to be careful," Gabriel said, trying to keep his voice steady. "We don't understand Christmas, not the way Jack does. It could be dangerous."
Gregor's expression darkened. "Dangerous? The only danger here is your cowardice, Gabriel. You're too soft, too hesitant. If you had any sense, you'd be following Jack's lead and pushing forward, not questioning everything."
Gabriel clenched his fists, his anger rising again, but he swallowed it down. His father's words bit deep, but he wouldn't let them break him. Not here. Not in front of Lenore.
Gregor scoffed, shaking his head in disappointment. "I've clearly been too lenient with you," he said coldly. "You've been distracted—by this half-witch, by your insecurities—and it's made you weak."
Gabriel opened his mouth to respond, but the words stuck in his throat. His father's disapproval hung in the air like a weight he couldn't shake.
"Remember your place, Gabriel," Gregor said quietly, his voice low and dangerous. "You're a Graveshaw. Act like one."
With that final cutting remark, Gregor turned and walked away, his back straight, his steps measured, leaving Gabriel standing there in the cold silence.
Gabriel stood frozen for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest, anger and frustration warring inside him. He wanted to shout, to fight back, to make his father see that he wasn't weak, that Lenore wasn't some liability. But the words wouldn't come.
Lenore's hand trembled in his, and he looked down at her. She still hadn't said a word, her gaze fixed on the ground, her face pale and tense.
"Lenore," Gabriel whispered, his voice thick with guilt. "I'm sorry."
She shook her head, but her voice was quiet, almost fragile. "It's not your fault."
But Gabriel knew it was. He had dragged her into this, into his father's world of harsh judgments and impossible expectations. He had let Gregor's words sting her, even if he hadn't meant to. He squeezed her hand gently, trying to offer some kind of comfort, though he wasn't sure what to say.
"Let's go," Gabriel said softly, his voice hoarse. "Away from all this."
Lenore nodded, and without another word, Gabriel led her out of Town Hall, the cold night air washing over them as they left the weight of his father's scorn behind. But as they walked, Gabriel couldn't shake the feeling that the weight of his father's expectations would always be there, lurking in the shadows, waiting to drag him back down.
Gabriel led Lenore toward the door, their fingers entwined, the chaotic hum of Town Hall fading behind them with each step. The afternoon sun greeted them as they stepped outside, the outside quiet, a welcome contrast to the noise and tension that still buzzed inside. The sky was a soft hazy orange, the sun hanging low, casting long shadows over the town, but out here, it felt peaceful.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Gabriel's mind still raced with the lingering frustration from his father's words, but as a light breeze swept over them, he focused on the steady warmth of Lenore's hand in his. She stayed close, her shoulders slightly hunched, as though trying to shake off the weight of everything that had happened.
"I'm sorry about that," Gabriel murmured after a long silence, glancing down at her. "He… he shouldn't have spoken to you like that."
Lenore shook her head, her hair falling gently over her face. "It's alright," she said softly. "You don't need to apologize."
Gabriel frowned, not satisfied with her answer, but he didn't push. He admired her strength, and her ability to endure, but it made him ache to see how much she held inside. They walked a bit further, the quiet of Halloween Town settling around them like a comforting blanket. The narrow streets, lined with twisted trees and old, crooked houses, felt familiar, calming in a way the Town Hall hadn't been.
Lenore's voice finally broke the silence.
"Gabriel?" she asked softly, her fingers tightening slightly around his. "Do you think… do you think Jack's plan will work?"
He glanced at her, her face half-hidden in the soft afternoon shadows, but he could see the uncertainty in her eyes. The same uncertainty he felt. He let out a slow breath, considering his answer.
"I don't know," he admitted after a long pause. "I want to believe in him. But Christmas… it's something we don't understand. I'm not sure Halloween Town can take it the way Jack wants us to."
Lenore nodded slowly as if his words echoed her thoughts. "I'm scared of what will happen if it doesn't work," she whispered. "But I'm scared of what will happen if it does, too. Everything could change."
Gabriel squeezed her hand, his chest tightening at the vulnerability in her voice. "Whatever happens, Lenore," he said softly, his voice steady, "we'll face it together. You're not alone in this."
She looked up at him then, her eyes glistening in the fading daylight, filled with a quiet gratitude that made his heart swell. For a brief moment, the uncertainty that had weighed on them both seemed to ease and Gabriel felt a flicker of hope.
They stopped at the edge of the woods, just beyond the town's outskirts, the tall, twisted trees casting dappled shadows on the path. Gabriel turned to face her, reaching up to brush a stray lock of hair from her face. His fingers lingered against her cheek, the feeling of her skin grounding him in a way nothing else could.
For a long moment, they simply stood there, the world around them falling into a calm stillness, neither of them feeling the need to speak. The chaos of Jack's plans, the weight of their fears, even the sting of his father's words—it all faded into the background as Gabriel held Lenore close.
And in that quiet, beneath the soft afternoon sun and the towering trees, Gabriel knew that whatever came next—whatever Jack's grand vision for Christmas brought with it—he and Lenore would face it together.
No matter what.