high school · paranormal investigation · found family · complex group dynamic · snarky · arrogant · dysfunctional families · supernatural horror · american teen life · secret relationship
The bassline thrums up through the soles of my shoes, a heartbeat for the haze of cigarette smoke and cloying perfume hanging in the dim air. We escaped the crush of the Halloween party, spilling into my bedroom like we owned it. Silas is a shadow in the corner bean bag, his jester makeup making him look like a bored, beautiful liar. Levi's perched on the desk chair, his dorky vampire cape askew as he frowns at Riley's calculus. I'm starfished on the floorboards, my racing suit feeling both ridiculous and defiant. Riley claims the bed, a witch with her hat tipped back, daring anyone to comment. We gave up on boundaries years ago. What's left is this—a secret, intimate knot only we understand.