Page 83 of Spooks & Specters

THE ADRENALINE of the dance and the hypnotic thumping of the beats melded with the spooky ambiance that Raven’s club offered. Around them, the crowd surged and retreated like waves hitting a beach, a sea of costumes and masks undulating in time to the music.

Surrounded by the warmth of his dragon mates and buoyed by their protective presence, Kit let all his worries go. Every glance from Hudson sent shivers down his spine; every touch from Connie lit a spark within him. Amidst the throng of dancers, they were a trio unto themselves.

As “Thriller” transitioned into a haunting rendition of “This is Halloween,” a group of sexily dressed witches joined their circle. Hudson instinctively tightened his grip around Kit's waist, drawing him closer against his chest.

One witch, her hat tilted jauntily over one eyebrow, extended a hand towards Kit with a flirtatious smile. Connie was about to intervene when Kit smiled politely and shook his head no.

“Don’t worry, my heart—and my dances—are yours tonight and every night,” Kit reassured Connie and Hudson as the witches left.

“I never doubted it,” Hudson said loudly enough for everyone to hear.

Connie chuckled, spinning Kit between himself and Hudson. The world outside—with all its mysteries and menaces—faded away under the flickering lights.

As midnight approached, Raven himself made his rounds through his establishment. Catching sight of Hudson and his companions, he approached with a broad grin.

“Enjoying yourselves?” Raven asked.

“Immensely,” Hudson replied. “The club looks marvelous. You’ve outdone yourself this year.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet. Perhaps you and your mates would dare to partake in our Midnight Game? It’s a new tradition I’m starting on this ghostly eve.”

Connie raised an eyebrow. “What does this game entail?”

“A test of courage and cleverness,” Raven explained with a sly smirk. “A scavenger hunt of sorts. You must find three items hidden throughout the club—each guarded by a challenge or riddle. Solve the riddles, retrieve the items, and claim a prize worthy of your daring.”

The thrill of a challenge would add an extra layer of allure to the night’s festivities, and Kit was all for it. Besides, weren’t dragons supposed to be good at solving puzzles? “What do you two say? Feel up to a little adventure?”

Hudson nodded, his grin predatory in its intensity. “Always. Let’s see what Raven has concocted.”

“Whoot!” Kit rubbed his hands together in excitement. “Are you up for it, Connie?”

“You better believe it. Dragons excel at this kind of thing.”

Raven clapped his hands delightedly. “Splendid!” Turning, Raven waved at the DJ, who immediately shut the music down, and then Raven explained what was going on. “Now, the first clue awaits at twelve faces on a wall, watching hours pass and fall. Many gather but none speak. Different forms, some antique.”

With that cryptic advice, Raven melted back into the crowd, leaving his guests to ponder his words as the music started again.

“Twelve faces on a wall....” Kit repeated thoughtfully. “A clock?”

“First things first, let’s get off the dance floor,” Connie said.

They wandered toward the quieter back section of the club, which was an interesting mix of out-of-the-way nooks and private seating areas.

“Huh. I don’t remember those being there.” Connie pointed at a wall that had antique portraits. “Since when did Raven put stuff like that in his club?”

“I don’t remember it, either. I also don’t know any of those people in the portraits.” Hudson followed Connie and Kit toward them. “Do you, Connie?”

“No. They almost look commercial. Does that make sense? Like the pictures you see in frames for sale.”

Kit peered at one of the portraits. “I don’t recognize anybody, but I’m pretty new to this world, so I wouldn’t. If you two don’t either, then these must be fake. I wonder….” Kit gestured toward the portraits. “It must be something to do with that clue? And what do you know. There are twelve of them.”

“So, do we take them down?” Connie asked.

Kit frowned. “Maybe there’s a hidden message or a mechanism? I’d hate to take them down and mess them up. What if they’re not fake?”

Hudson examined a few of the portraits. Suddenly he paused in front of one. He leaned closer, sniffing lightly. “Do you smell that?”

Kit and Connie moved closer to it and sniffed. Kit shrugged and shook his head, but Connie nodded, feeling around the edges until he discovered a small lever hidden in the frame. He pulled it, and the painting swung forward silently on hinges, revealing a small alcove behind it. Inside lay an intricately carved wooden box.

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