Page 35 of Magic in My Bones

I glanced at Grim, who had the decency to look slightly guilty. “That explains why you've been leaving sparkly droppings that smell like chamomile,” I muttered. Grim just chirped and nestled deeper into my collar, clearly unrepentant.

Luca just laughed and ruffled my hair affectionately. “You're stuck with me now. Okay, enough boy talk. You seriously need to get some sleep before you faceplant into your breakfast tomorrow.”

I groaned but didn't argue as Luca shooed me towards my bed. I was asleep almost before my head hit the pillow, the exhaustion of the past week finally catching up with me. If I dreamed, I didn't remember it.

Morning came far too early, pale autumn sunlight slanting through the window to fall across my face. I grumbled and burrowed deeper under my blankets, chasing the remnants of sleep. But it was no use. I was awake, and my bladder was insistently reminding me that I'd drank far too much coffee last night while researching.

With a sigh, I dragged myself out of bed and stumbled to the bathroom. By the time I emerged, Luca was already up and dressed, bouncing on the balls of his feet with barely contained excitement.

“Finally!” he exclaimed. “I thought you were going to sleep the whole day away. Come on, get dressed! We have shopping to do!”

I eyed him blearily as I fumbled for a clean shirt. “Luca, it's not even nine yet. How are you this perky already?”

Luca just grinned and tossed me a granola bar. “I'm always perky in the morning. You're just a grumpy goose until you've had your coffee. Now hurry up! The shops will be opening soon and I want to beat the rush.”

I grumbled but finished getting dressed, tugging on a soft gray cardigan over my t-shirt. The air had a definite chill to it now that we were firmly into October. Grabbing my messenger bag, I followed Luca out of the dorms and towards the gates of campus.

The walk into town was pleasant, the trees lining the path a riot of vibrant reds, oranges and golds. Grim perched on my shoulder, antennae twitching as he turned his little caterpillar head left and right, taking in the morning. A light breeze sent leaves skittering across the cobblestones and I breathed in the crisp scent of woodsmoke from chimneys. The village of Ebonshire was like something out of a storybook, all quaint cottages with steeply pitched roofs and painted shutters. Oversized jack-o'-lanterns grinned from nearly every stoop and porch, their flickering candles lending a cheery glow.

“Oooh look, they've already got the apple cider stand set up in the square!” Luca pointed excitedly as we entered the heart of the village. “And caramel apples! Ren, we have to get some before we leave.”

Thistle buzzed excitedly around Luca’s horns in agreement.

My stomach rumbled at the mention of food, and I realized I'd completely forgotten to eat the granola bar Luca had given me. “Definitely. I'm going to need some serious sustenance to survive this shopping trip. You're way too energetic about playing dress up.”

Luca just laughed and hooked his arm through mine, tugging me towards the first shop. “Oh hush, you know you'll end up having fun. Now come on, I have a vision for your costume and we're not leaving until we find everything!”

The little bell above the door jingled merrily as Luca pulled me inside Ebonshire's one and only costume emporium. I blinked, my eyes adjusting to the dimmer interior after the brightness outside. The shop was crammed with racks upon racks of costumes in every color and style imaginable, from classic monsters to the latest pop culture references. Swaths of glittering fabric and strings of twinkling fairy lights were draped from the exposed beams of the ceiling, lending the space a magical air.

Antique mercury glass mirrors lined the walls, their silvered surfaces catching and reflecting the fairy lights in mysterious ways. Crystals hung in the windows, and the whole shop smelled of cinnamon, leather, and that peculiar scent that only old clothes seem to have.

A large raven perched on an ornate stand near the counter, its feathers gleaming with an otherworldly iridescence. As we entered, it fixed us with an intelligent gaze and croaked, “Welcome to Masquerade Dreams, where every mask tells a story.” I could have sworn it winked at me.

“Welcome to Masquerade Dreams!” a cheerful voice called out. A plump, matronly witch bustled out from behind the counter, her silver hair piled in a messy bun atop her head and spectacles perched on her nose. She had on a set of deep plum robes with riotous embroidered pumpkins along the hems. “What can I help you fine young gentlemen find today?”

“We're looking for the perfect masquerade costume for my friend here,” Luca said, giving me a little push forward. “Something dashing and mysterious.”

The witch, whose name tag read Mathilda, looked me up and down appraisingly. Mathilda circled me slowly, her eyes narrowing in thought as she tapped a finger against her chin. “Hmm, yes, I think I have just the thing! Wait right here, dears.”

She bustled off into the back of the shop, leaving Luca and I to browse the racks. I ran my fingers over a deep blue velvet doublet, marveling at the rich feel of the fabric.

“Oooh, what about this one, Ren?” Luca held up an elaborate jester's motley in eye-searing shades of orange and purple, complete with a belled cap.

Even Grim cringed at the sight of it.

Luca pouted but put the jester costume back. “Spoilsport. Oh, how about a pirate? Dorian won't be able to resist a dashing rogue...” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

My cheeks heated. “Luca! For the last time, I'm not trying to seduce Dorian! It's just a costume.”

“Sure, keep telling yourself that,” Luca said with a knowing grin. “But I still think you should go for something sexy. Make Professor Hottie's jaw drop when he sees you.”

I was saved from having to respond by Mathilda's return, her arms laden with what looked like an entire wardrobe's worth of costumes.

“Here we are!” Mathilda declared, laying out the costumes across the counter with a flourish. “I have a feeling one of these will be just the ticket for you, my dear.”

I stepped closer, my eyes widening as I took in the array of outfits. There was a highwayman's ensemble complete with a tricorn hat and mask, a dapper Victorian suit with a paisley brocade waistcoat, and a Venetian carnival costume with a sweeping black cloak and an intricately decorated half-mask adorned with silver filigree.

But it was the final costume that caught my eye and made my breath catch. Mathilda lifted a rich emerald green frock coat with delicate gold embroidery along the lapels and cuffs from the pile. There was a matching vest, a tie… It had an old-world charm, like something straight out of a gothic novel.

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