THE morning air was crisp, the kind of chill that seeped into one's bones and made them wish they had stayed in bed a little longer. But Gabriel was already out the door, the anticipation of the day pulling him along like a thread he couldn't resist. His breath came out in white puffs, dissipating into the dawn as he made his way toward Spook's Brew.
The streets of Halloween Town were quiet at this hour, the remnants of the night's festivities still clinging to the cobblestones in the form of stray candy wrappers and the occasional smashed pumpkin. It was like the town itself was holding its breath, waiting for the sun to fully rise and bring with it the start of a new day.
As Gabriel rounded a corner, lost in the fog of his thoughts, he nearly barreled into the Clown With the Tear Away Face, who wobbled precariously on his unicycle. The Clown let out a cackle, his grin stretching unnervingly wide as he swerved just in time to avoid a collision.
"Watch it, ghoulie!" the Clown sneered, pulling off his face in a macabre flourish before slapping it back on with a sickening squelch. His eyes, wild and glinting with malevolent glee, locked onto Gabriel's. The clown circled him like a predator, his unicycle squeaking with each turn. "You're in a rush this morning, aren't you, Graveshaw? Could it be you're off to see the witch sisters' niece?"
Gabriel froze, a chill slithering down his spine. The street was deserted, shrouded in an eerie silence that seemed to amplify the clown's words. "What are you talking about?" Gabriel muttered, his voice more defensive than he intended. He could feel the clown's eyes drilling into him, peeling back layers he didn't even know he had.
"Oh, I saw you with her last night, yes, I did!" the Clown continued, his voice a grotesque singsong that grated on Gabriel's nerves. "Sneaking off to the graveyard after the celebration ended! How romantic, Graveshaw, how very... forbidden!" The clown leaned in closer, his breath reeking of stale popcorn and something far more rotten. His voice dropped to a taunting whisper. "Lenore, isn't it? She's quite pretty, isn't she? I mean, for a half-witch, that is. I didn't know you were into that sort of thing. But what would old Daddy think if he knew, or the rest of the townsfolk, hmm?"
Gabriel's blood ran cold, then hot, his fists clenching at his sides as the clown's mocking tone twisted the knife in deeper. How could this creature know? Gabriel had been so careful, or so he thought. Lenore's face flashed in his mind—her dark eyes, the way her laughter echoed like a bell in the moonlit graveyard, the feeling of her hand in his.
And now this... this abomination was turning it all into something dirty, something wrong.
"You don't know what you're talking about, Clown," Gabriel growled, his voice low and dangerous. He stepped forward, his pulse pounding in his ears. "Stay out of my business, or you'll regret it."
The clown's laughter reverberated down the empty street, a sound that seemed to come from everywhere at once. His unicycle wobbled erratically as he pulled away, but not before he twisted his head completely around, offering Gabriel one last mocking glance. "Temper, temper, Gabriel! You wouldn't want to scare your little witch away, now would you?"
Gabriel watched the clown disappear into the mist, fury boiling just beneath his skin. He struggled to regain his composure, breathing hard as he continued down the path toward Spook's Brew.
The glow of the lanterns was now in sight, but the encounter left him rattled. The clown's words clung to him like a shadow, twisting his thoughts back to Lenore and the way she had looked at him last night in the mausoleum. He shook his head, trying to clear it, but the clown's taunts had already planted seeds of doubt. What did the clown know? And why did he have to bring up Lenore?
Gabriel's anger flared again, but this time, it was tinged with something more unsettling: fear. Fear of what others might think, of what Lenore's aunts might say, and most of all, fear of what he might lose if the clown's words were more than just empty mockery.
The path ahead seemed longer now, and as Gabriel reached the ghost-run café, he leaned against a twisted tree, his thoughts heavy and dark. Lenore wouldn't be here for a while yet, but his mind was no longer just filled with thoughts of her.
Gabriel scowled as he leaned against the twisted tree outside Spook's Brew, his thoughts churning like the mist that now clung to the ground. The Clown With the Tear Away Face—what a vile creature, even by Halloween Town's standards.
Gabriel muttered curses under his breath, his fists still clenched, nails digging into his palms. The nerve of the Clown, prying into his own life when it was none of his concern, spewing those disgusting insinuations about Lenore when she'd done nothing to deserve it.
Gabriel rubbed his temples, trying to massage away the frustration building behind his eyes. "Blasted Clown," he muttered, his voice a low, ghoulish growl in the quiet morning. "Always sticking his face where it doesn't belong. Maybe I'll steal his face and hide it from him at the bottom of the lake, let's see how well he rides that ridiculous unicycle of his then." He kicked a stray pebble down the street, watching it skitter away into the fog, the motion doing little to calm the storm brewing in his chest.
"Who does he think he is? Some twisted jester with nothing better to do than torment the rest of us." Gabriel's words came out in sharp bursts, his breath still visible in the cool air. He paced near the entrance of Spook's Brew, his usual patience worn thin. "Lenore is none of his business. None of their business." His thoughts spiraled, imagining what the town would say if they knew, if they found out he'd been meeting Lenore in secret, away from the prying eyes of Halloween Town's ever-judgmental residents.
"Old Daddy, huh?" Gabriel sneered, recalling the clown's jibe. His father's stern, disapproving face floated unbidden to his mind. That would be just like the old man, to look down his bony nose at him for daring to care about someone outside their carefully curated social circle. "Like he's ever cared about anything but keeping up appearances."
The bitterness in his voice was a familiar companion, one he'd grown used to over the years. But now, it had an edge to it, sharpened by the clown's taunts and the creeping fear that had taken root. He turned his gaze to the distant silhouette of Spook's Brew, the familiar sight of its crooked sign swaying gently in the breeze usually brought comfort, but today it did little to soothe his nerves.
"Lenore wouldn't care what they say," he muttered, trying to reassure himself. "She's not like them. She's—she's different."
Gabriel's words trailed off as he caught sight of a figure emerging from the misty haze down the street. His heart fluttered, a sudden feeling of moths spreading through his chest as Lenore came into view. She looked beautiful, just like she did last night, her dark brown hair flowing around her shoulders, but his smile faded when he noticed her coat. It was worn and frayed, with edges that looked like they might unravel any moment. The once-rich fabric was now dull and threadbare as if it had been through too many autumns.
A surge of anger rose in him. Why didn't her aunts give her something better to wear? They were powerful witches, after all. How could they let her walk around in something so shabby? He clenched his fists, trying to push down the frustration bubbling inside him. This wasn't the time to get angry. Lenore was here, and that was what mattered.
"Lenore, you...I...good morning," Gabriel greeted her, his voice a little softer than usual. He tried to smile, hoping it didn't look as awkward as it felt. "I...I'm really glad you came."
Lenore smiled back, a spark of hope in her brown eyes that made Gabriel's heart squeeze with something between happiness and guilt. He wished she didn't have to wear that old coat, but he didn't want to spoil the moment by bringing it up.
"I wouldn't miss it," Lenore said, her voice light and soothing.
Gabriel's nerves eased a bit, and he motioned toward the café door. "Let's get inside. It's freezing out here." He held the door open for her as they entered Spook's Brew, the familiar welcoming warmth of the café wrapping around them. Inside, the air was thick with the smell of brewing coffee and spiced cider. The low hum of conversation filled the space, mostly ghosts chatting quietly at their tables.
The café was cozy, with dim lighting from candles flickering in carved pumpkins that floated above each table. The walls were covered in cobwebs that shimmered in the soft light, giving the place a mystical feel. The tables themselves were made from old, gnarled wood, their surfaces polished smooth from years of use. Ghosts flitted about, serving drinks and food to the early morning customers.
Gabriel led Lenore towards a table in the furthest, quiet corner of the café, away from the other patrons. As they approached, a ghostly server floated over, its misty form shifting and flickering as it moved. The ghost let out a low moan that echoed through the room. Lenore watched it with curiosity as if she were seeing something beautiful in its eerie presence.
Once at the table, Gabriel pulled out a chair for Lenore, trying to be a gentleman despite feeling a bit nervous. He noticed again how she tugged at the edges of her coat—a sight that still bothered him—but he pushed the thought aside. This morning was about enjoying their time together, not worrying about her coat or what anyone else might think.
After they sat down, Lenore's eyes lit up as she looked around, taking in everything like she'd just stumbled into a hidden world. Gabriel had a feeling she'd like the place, but seeing her this excited made it even better.
Gabriel cleared his throat, trying to sound calm. "Two cups of the house Boo Brew, please, and a plate of pumpkin pancakes." The ghost nodded, its moan trailing off as it drifted away. The air around them felt colder after it left.
While they waited, Lenore kept looking around, her eyes wide with wonder. "This place is amazing," she whispered, leaning closer to him. Gabriel could tell she was genuinely impressed.
Gabriel chuckled, relieved to see her so happy. "It is. And the Boo Brew here is the best coffee you'll find anywhere in Halloween Town—perfect for a chilly morning like this."
Lenore nodded, her gaze drifting back to the ghosts who were flitting about the café, their ghostly server now gliding towards another table, its form flickering like a candle in the wind. "I wonder what it's like," she murmured, almost to herself.
"What's like?" Gabriel asked, leaning in closer.
"Being a ghost," Lenore replied, her voice soft and thoughtful. "They're so…different. The way they seem to exist between worlds. It's like they're not entirely here, but not entirely gone either."
Gabriel followed her gaze, watching as the ghost served another table, its movements fluid and almost serene. "I've never thought about it that way," he admitted. "I guess I've always just seen them as part of the town, like everything else."
Lenore looked back at him, her expression gentle. "That's what makes this place so special, though, isn't it? Everything here is different, but it all fits together somehow. It's… comforting, in a strange way."
Gabriel hadn't considered it like that before, but as he looked around the café, he realized she was right. The ghosts, the dim lighting, the cobwebs, even the flickering candles—it all created an atmosphere that was both eerie and welcoming. It was a place where the unusual was normal, where the strange was celebrated.
Luckily, they didn't have to wait long for their order to arrive. The ghostly server floated back to their table, its misty form shifting as it carried a tray with two steaming cups of Boo Brew and a plate of pumpkin pancakes. The cups, filled with the café's special Boo Brew, smelled strong and rich, offering comfort on the chilly November morning. Their pancakes were topped with a deep amber syrup, made from the sap of trees in the Hinterlands. The syrup gleamed in the light, reminding one of a sunset, and its scent was both earthy and sweet as if the forest itself had been turned into liquid.
Gabriel picked up his cup, feeling the heat from the drink seep into his hands. He took a sip and let the rich, sweet flavor wash over him. "This is what mornings should taste like, Lenore. Try a sip, I think you're going to love it," he said, grinning.
Lenore nodded and copied his movements, taking a sip of her own Boo Brew. Her eyes lit up again. "This is wonderful! It's…it's like drinking autumn, I've never tasted anything quite like it."
Gabriel laughed, pleased that she enjoyed it as much as he did. "Exactly. And these pancakes…" He gestured to the plate, which was stacked high with fluffy pumpkin pancakes. "They're the best in town."
Lenore didn't need any more convincing. She picked up her fork and took a bite, her eyes closing briefly in delight. "I think you're right," she said, her voice soft with satisfaction. "These are incredible," she said, her voice full of genuine appreciation. "I've never had anything like them. Do you think the ghosts would be up for sharing their recipe for these?"
Gabriel chuckled at her question, leaning back in his chair as he watched the way her dark eyes sparkled with curiosity. Something was endearing about how she was so captivated by the simple pleasures of Halloween Town, as if everything here was new and magical to her.
It made him want to show her more, to introduce her to all the little secrets their town held, but more than that, it made him want to tease her just a bit.
"You'd have better luck getting secrets out of a tombstone," Gabriel said, smirking as he took another sip of his Boo Brew. "The ghosts here are notoriously tight-lipped about their recipes. You might as well ask them about the meaning for the meaning of life."
She let out a soft laugh, the sound like music in the quiet of the café. "Is that so? Maybe I'll just have to charm them into giving it up."
"Careful, Lenore," Gabriel replied, his tone playful. "Any more of that charm and you might have a whole café of ghosts wrapped around your little finger."
Her cheeks flushed a light shade of pink, just as Gabriel hoped they would. He leaned forward slightly, enjoying the way she squirmed under his gaze. "What's wrong? Not used to making spirits fall for you?"
She glanced down at her cup, her smile turning shy as she fiddled with the mug's chipped handle. "I…I'm not exactly used to making anyone fall for me."
Gabriel felt a strange tightening in his chest at Lenore's words, a protective instinct he hadn't expected. It was hard for him to believe that someone like Lenore, who had such a quiet strength about her, could think so little of herself. He reached across the table, his hand brushing against hers, drawing her gaze back to him.
"Well, maybe you just haven't been paying attention," Gabriel said thoughtfully, his voice low as he held her gaze. "Because I can tell you for a fact, Lenore, you've got a certain... magic about you. And it's not the kind that comes from spells or potions."
Her blush deepened, but she didn't pull away from his touch. Instead, she gave him a look that was both surprised and a little unsure, as if she couldn't quite believe what she was hearing. It made him want to close the distance between them even more, to show Lenore just how much he meant every word.
"You're just saying that," she murmured, though there was a hint of hope in the witch's voice.
Gabriel shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "No, Lenore. I'm not just saying that. I mean it."
For a moment, the realm outside the café seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in this small, cozy corner of Halloween Town. The soft glow of the ghostly lanterns bathed her in an ethereal light, and Gabriel found himself caught up in the moment, in the way Lenore looked at him as if he was someone worth knowing, someone she could trust.
It was a dangerous feeling, this pull between them, but he didn't want to resist it anymore. Not here, not now.
"Lenore," Gabriel began, his voice quiet but firm. "I don't know what's going to happen with everything going on in town around us, but I do know one thing: I want to be here with you, in moments like this. I want to see where this goes if you do too."
She looked at him, her eyes wide with a myriad of emotions—fear, hope, uncertainty. For a moment, Gabriel thought she might pull back, that maybe he'd said too much too soon. But then, slowly, she nodded, a small, shy smile curving her lips.
"I'd like that," she whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with a quiet strength that made his heart leap.
Gabriel smiled, the tension in his chest easing as he squeezed her hand gently. "Then let's take it one step at a time, okay? No pressure, no rush."
"Okay," she agreed, her smile growing a little more confident.
They spent the rest of the morning talking, the conversation flowing easily as the mist outside began to lift, letting in more of the morning light. Gabriel found himself laughing more than he had in a long time, enjoying the way Lenore's eyes lit up when she talked about the things she loved, the things she dreamed of. For the first time in a long time, the weight of Halloween Town's expectations didn't feel quite so heavy. The earlier tension from Gabriel's encounter with the Clown With the Tear Away Face faded into the background. Here, in this cozy corner of Halloween Town, with Lenore by his side, everything felt right.
The world outside might be filled with ghosts and ghouls, with whispers and secrets, but at this moment, none of that mattered.
Gabriel leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table as he tried to find the right words. After last night, he wanted to know more about Lenore, but he also didn't want to touch on anything that might make her uncomfortable, especially knowing what she had already been through with her aunts.
"So, Lenore," Gabriel began, trying to keep his tone casual, "what do you like to do when you're not…well, dealing with your aunts or all the madness I'm sure you're used to at the Witch's Shop?" He offered her a small, encouraging smile, hoping to steer the conversation towards something light, something that would make her more comfortable around him.
Lenore blinked, clearly surprised by the question. She seemed to shrink a little in her seat, her fingers fiddling with the frayed edge of her coat. "Oh, um… I don't know," she murmured, her voice shy and uncertain. "I don't do much, I guess. I… I like reading, when I get the chance."
Gabriel nodded, sensing her hesitation. "Reading, huh? What kind of books do you like?" He kept his voice gentle, not wanting to push her too hard.
Lenore's eyes darted up to meet his for a moment, and she smiled, though it was small and tentative. "I… I like stories about faraway places," she admitted softly. "Places that are different from here… places where anything can happen."
Gabriel's heart ached a little at her words. He could tell that those stories were more than just an escape for her—they were a way to imagine a world beyond the one she was stuck in. "That sounds wonderful," he said, leaning a little closer. "Do you have a favorite book?"
Lenore's cheeks flushed pink, and she looked down at her lap, clearly flustered by his interest. She hesitated, her fingers tracing the edge of her cup.
"Well… there's one book I've always loved," she said softly. "It used to belong to my mother. My father brought it with him when he came to Halloween Town, to start a new life with her."
Gabriel's interest piqued, and he smiled encouragingly. "That sounds special. What's it about?"
Lenore's smile was small and shy as she continued. "It's a … about a vampire and a human. They meet by chance, and even though they're so different, they can't help but fall in love. It's… it's really beautiful, actually. The way they overcome everything to be together."
Gabriel couldn't help but crinkle his nose in playful disbelief, leaning back slightly in his chair. "A vampire and a human? Really, Lenore?" He grinned, a teasing sparkle in his eyes. "Why not a ghoul? We're much better love interests, you know."
Lenore's blush deepened, and she let out a soft, nervous laugh, covering her mouth with her hand.
"I don't know… maybe I just liked the idea of two people who are completely different finding a way to love each other despite everything," she said, her voice still quiet but filled with hope
Gabriel's grin softened as he saw the emotion behind her words. "I get it," he said, leaning forward again. "I'm just teasing you. It sounds like a beautiful story. I think I'd like it too, even if it's not about a ghoul."
Lenore's smile grew a little more confident, though she still seemed a bit shy. "It is… it's always been a special book to me," she admitted, her fingers brushing over the table as if she were tracing the cover of the book in her mind. "It's one of the few things I have left from my parents. I read it whenever I need to feel close to them."
Gabriel's heart tightened at the thought, and he reached out, gently touching her hand. "That's special, Lenore. I'm glad you have that connection to them."
Lenore looked up at him, her eyes glistening with gratitude. "Thank you, Gabriel," she whispered, her voice filled with a quiet sincerity. "That means a lot to me."
Gabriel gave her hand a gentle squeeze before letting go, a gentle smile on his face. "Anytime, Lenore. And for the record, I think you have great taste in stories, even if I had to tease you a little about it."
Lenore's laughter, though still soft, was genuine, and the sound filled Gabriel with a sense of contentment. They returned to their conversation, the mood lighter now, and Gabriel couldn't help but feel that he was starting to understand her better, piece by piece. The more he learned, the more he admired her, and the more he wanted to protect the light he saw in her eyes.
As they continued their breakfast, Gabriel couldn't resist teasing Lenore a bit more, especially after seeing how the witch blushed so easily. Something was endearing about her shyness, something that made him want to see her smile and hear her laugh, because of him.
"So, Lenore, tell me more about this book you love so much. A vampire and a human together, huh?" Gabriel said with a playful grin, taking another sip of his Boo Brew. "I bet the vampire was all dark and brooding, right? Staring out windows and talking about the tragedy of eternal life?"
Lenore giggled, covering her mouth with her hand as her cheeks turned pink again. "Well, maybe a little," she admitted, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "But he had a good heart. He just wanted to find someone who understood him."
Gabriel leaned back in his chair, pretending to think deeply. "I guess I can see the appeal. But honestly, Lenore, if you ever decide to write your own love story, I think you should give ghouls a chance. We're funnier, for one thing. And we don't have to worry about sunlight or garlic."
Lenore laughed softly, shaking her head. "Maybe I will," she said, her voice filled with shyness. "But you know, ghouls can be pretty intimidating, too."
"Intimidating?" Gabriel raised an eyebrow, feigning shock. "I'm the least intimidating ghoul you'll ever meet. Why, just look at me—charming, witty, and not a single fang in sight."
Lenore bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile, but she couldn't hide the twinkle in her eyes. "I suppose you're right," she conceded, her voice teasing. "You're not very scary at all, Gabriel."
"See? You get it." Gabriel winked, feeling a sense of victory at seeing her more relaxed. "But seriously, Lenore, I'm glad you shared that with me. Your favorite book, I mean. It's nice to know more about what you care about."
Lenore's expression softened, and she looked at him with a kind of quiet gratitude that made his chest tighten. "Thank you for asking," she said gently. "Not many people… care to know those things."
Gabriel wanted to say something reassuring, something to let her know he wasn't like the others in Halloween Town who might overlook her or take her for granted, but before he could find the words, the ghostly server floated over to their table, giving another low moan, signaling that it was time to settle the bill.
As the ghostly server floated by the edge of the table, waiting patiently, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a few pumpkin seeds, placing them on the table, watching with satisfaction as they were absorbed into the ghost's misty form.
Standing up, Gabriel turned to Lenore with a hopeful smile. "Shall we? I thought we could take a walk through the Pumpkin Patch. It's beautiful this time of year, and I'd like to spend a little more time with you before the day gets too busy."
Lenore hesitated, her eyes darting to the window where the first rays of sunlight were breaking through. She bit her lip, looking conflicted, and Gabriel could see the worry creeping into her expression. "I'd love to, Gabriel," she began softly, "but… I really need to get to the shop. My aunts… they'll be expecting me."
Gabriel's heart sank a little at her words, understanding the weight behind them. He knew how her aunts were, how they demanded so much from her, and how little they gave in return. He didn't want to push her, but he also didn't want to see her go back to that so soon.
"Just a quick walk?" he suggested gently, trying to keep his tone light. "I promise I'll have you back in no time. Your aunts won't even know you were gone."
Lenore's brow furrowed, and she looked down at her hands, still fidgeting with the edge of her coat. "I don't know, Gabriel… If I'm late, they'll be upset. And you know how they can be…"
Gabriel stepped closer, his voice soft and reassuring. "I do know. And I hate that you have to worry about them all the time. But you deserve a little time for yourself, Lenore. Just a few more minutes, to enjoy the morning before you have to deal with… everything else."
Lenore glanced up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of longing and anxiety. She wanted to say yes, he could see that, but the fear of what her aunts might say or do was holding her back. She hesitated, torn between the desire to stay with him and the need to avoid trouble at home.
Gabriel sighed softly, reaching out to gently touch her arm. "It's okay if you can't," he said, his voice filled with understanding. "I don't want to make things harder for you. Just know that I'm here if you ever need a break, or if you just want to talk. Anytime."
Lenore's expression softened, and she gave him a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Gabriel. That means a lot to me," she whispered, her voice tender. She took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "Maybe next time? I'd really like to take that walk… just not today."
Gabriel nodded, giving her a reassuring smile in return. "Next time," he agreed. "I'll hold you to it."
Lenore smiled a little wider, though there was still a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I'll be looking forward to it," she said softly.
Gabriel's heart ached at the disappointment and worry in her voice. He didn't want her to feel trapped, to rush back into that stifling environment without a moment of peace. An idea sparked in his mind, and he smiled gently, trying to ease her concerns.
"Let me walk you back from here, then Lenore," he said, stepping closer to her. "If your aunts see you with me, they won't be angry. And even if they are…" He flashed her a confident grin. "Well, they'll have to deal with me."
Lenore looked up at him, her eyes widening in surprise. For a moment, she didn't say anything, clearly weighing his offer. "You'd do that?" she asked, her voice filled with a mix of hope and disbelief.
"Of course," Gabriel replied without hesitation. "I'm not afraid of your aunts, Lenore. And I don't think they'd be too pleased to scold you in front of me." He gave her a reassuring smile, hoping to lighten the weight she carried. "Besides, I'd like to spend a little more time with you, even if it's just a walk."
Lenore's cheeks flushed slightly, and she glanced down at her hands, still fiddling with the edge of her coat. She seemed to consider his offer for a long moment before finally nodding. "Okay," she said quietly, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'd like that."
Gabriel's heart lifted at her agreement, and he extended his hand to her. "Let's go then," he said gently. "We'll take the scenic route, so you can enjoy the morning a little longer."
Lenore hesitated for just a moment before slipping her hand into his, her touch light and a little uncertain. "Thank you, Gabriel," she murmured, her voice filled with gratitude.
Together, they left Spook's Brew and stepped into the crisp morning air. The streets of Halloween Town were beginning to stir, the mist slowly lifting as the sun climbed higher in the sky. Gabriel walked beside Lenore, his hand still gently holding hers, as they made their way toward the shop where her aunts would be waiting. As they walked, Gabriel kept the conversation light, teasing her about the vampire-human romance she loved so much.
"You know," he said with a playful grin, "I still think you should write a story about a ghoul. Much better than any old vampire, don't you think?"
Lenore laughed softly, her nervousness easing with each step they took. "Maybe," she replied, her voice teasing. "But I think you're a little biased."
"Maybe," he conceded with a chuckle. "But can you blame me? Ghouls have their charm."
Lenore shook her head, still smiling, as they continued down the street. Guillotine Square was just coming into view, its familiar landmarks slowly materializing through the thinning mist. Gabriel was about to comment on something lighthearted when a sudden flash of movement near Jack's house caught his attention. His steps faltered, and he instinctively turned his head, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the scene unfolding in the distance. What he saw made his blood run cold.
The Mayor was there, pounding on Jack's front door with a frantic urgency that he'd never seen from the elected official before. His voice was frantic as he pleaded for Jack to open the door, wanting to discuss the plans for next year's Halloween.
"Gabriel…" Lenore's voice was shaky, and Gabriel could hear the fear in it as she followed his gaze.
Before Gabriel could react or call out to the Mayor, the Mayor suddenly stumbled backward, as if the door had pushed him away, and lost his balance. The world seemed to slow down as he watched in horror, unable to move fast enough to stop what was happening.
The Mayor tumbled down the stone steps, his arms flailing as he tried to catch himself, but it was too late. His head struck the iron-wrought gate at the bottom with a sickening crack, the sound reverberating through the quiet morning air.
Without hesitation, Gabriel rushed to the Mayor's side, his heart pounding, but as he knelt beside him, he could see that he was still breathing, though he was dazed from the fall. Blood trickled down the side of his head from a nasty gash, but his eyes were open, blinking slowly as he tried to make sense of what had just happened.
"Mayor, can you hear me?" Gabriel asked, trying to keep his voice calm even though his nerves were frayed.
He groaned, lifting a shaky hand to his head. "In Samhain's name…Gabriel, m'boy, what…what happened?"
"You took a fall down the stairs," Gabriel said, glancing back at Lenore, who had a hand pressed to her mouth in shock. "We need to get you some help."
Before he could say more, Gabriel heard a low, gruff voice from behind him. "He's lucky he didn't break his neck."
Gabriel turned to see a band of monsters lingering by the wrought-iron gates of Jack's home. They were a motley group, each one more grotesque than the last. They'd been playing for money from passersby earlier, their music an eerie tune that seemed to linger in the air long after the notes faded.
"What are you doing here?" Gabriel asked, a bit harsher than he intended, but he couldn't help it. The sight of the Mayor lying there, bloodied and confused, had his nerves on edge.
"We've been here all night, Graveshaw," the saxophone player replied, his voice as dry as rustling leaves. "Just trying to earn a bit of coin. Ain't nobody been in or out of that house since last night."
Lenore stepped closer, her voice trembling slightly as she asked, "You're sure? Jack hasn't been home?"
The accordion player nodded, his yellow eyes glinting in the dim morning light. "Not a sign of him, miss. We would've seen him if he had. Jack doesn't exactly slip by unnoticed."
A cold dread began to settle in Gabriel's stomach as their words sank in. Jack hadn't been home all night. The memory of him slipping into the Hinterlands last night flashed through his mind, the look in his eyes when he spoke about his doubts, his worries about Halloween, the strange weariness that seemed to cling to him like a shadow.
"Lenore…" Gabriel started, turning to her, his voice low as the pieces began to fall into place. "Last night, when we saw Jack…He was heading into the Hinterlands."
Her eyes widened, realization dawning in them as she pieced it together "Oh no…You don't think he's still there, do you?"
The Hinterlands were dangerous even for someone like Jack. They were a wild, untamed place where the rules of Halloween Town didn't apply, where things older and darker than the town itself lurked in the shadows. If Jack had gone there alone, in the state he was in…
"I need to go look for him," Gabriel said, his voice resolute as the urgency of the situation crashed over him. "I have to find Jack and bring him back before anything else happens."
The Mayor groaned again, trying to sit up, but he was too disoriented to do much more than blink up at him in confusion. Lenore knelt beside him, her eyes filled with concern as she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, trying to keep him still.
"I'll take the Mayor back to my aunts, they can help him better than I could," she said quickly, looking up at Gabriel with a mixture of determination and fear. "But Gabriel…let me come with you. You shouldn't go into the Hinterlands alone."
Gabriel's heart twisted at her words, at the sincerity in her voice, but he couldn't let her do that. The Hinterlands were no place for her, not with the dangers that lurked there, not with what they might find—or what they might lose. He shook his head, his resolve firm despite the concern in her eyes.
"No, Lenore," he said, his tone gentle but unyielding. "You're needed here. Make sure the Mayor gets help, and sound the town alarm. Let everyone know that Jack is missing, and have them search the town, but I'm going into the woods alone. This is something I need to do."
She opened her mouth to protest, her eyes pleading with him to reconsider, but Gabriel couldn't let her put herself in harm's way. Not for him, not for anyone. He reached out, cupping her face gently in his hand, hoping she could see the conviction in his eyes, the unspoken promise that he would come back.
"Please," Gabriel added gently, "trust me."
Lenore hesitated, her eyes searching his as if she was looking for something that would change his mind.
But after a moment, she nodded, a small, reluctant nod that told Gabriel she didn't like it, but she'd respect his decision. Her hand came up to cover his, pressing it against her cheek as if she was trying to hold onto this moment for just a little longer.
"Alright," she whispered, her voice breaking slightly. "But be careful, Gabriel. Please…come back safe."
"I will," he promised. Before Gabriel could stop himself, he leaned in, brushing a soft kiss to her cheek—a fleeting touch that warmed his chest despite the cold reality around them. She gasped, eyes wide, her hand instinctively rising to the spot where his lips had just been. For a heartbeat, the world held its breath, thick with unspoken emotions neither dared to name.
"Gabriel…" she whispered, but he couldn't let her finish, couldn't let her words anchor him when he needed to stay focused on what lay ahead.
He gave her hand a final squeeze, her touch still tingling in his fingertips. "Make sure the Mayor gets help," he said, his voice steadier now, firm. "I'll find Jack."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, each step drawing him closer to the shadows that lined the path to the Hinterlands. He felt her gaze pressing against his back, as if trying to hold him there, to keep him from slipping away into the unknown.
But he couldn't stop. Not now.
The shadows swallowed him, the darkness of the Hinterlands creeping in like a living thing. Yet, even as the mist thickened and the trees closed around him, he could still feel Lenore's gaze, a beacon keeping the darkness at bay.
He didn't look back.