9

Sienna

I reached the small cottage on the edge of town, and Athena appeared from the shadows of her front porch. Without formally acknowledging me, she beckoned me inside with a flick of her hand.

"Athena," I said as soon as I entered her humble abode. "I can explain."

"Explain what, my dear?" she asked as she sat down in her creaky, wooden rocking chair. Her face was etched with deep lines, proof of her years of experience. A shawl was draped over her shoulders, and a delicate pair of wire-framed glasses were perched on the edge of her nose. As her eyes met mine, I could see a glimmer of worry that she held for me, for our coven .

"He's always hanging around my bakery," I told her. I took a deep breath and began to recount my observations of the man I was tasked to watch. "From what I've gathered, he's harmless, but I don't have any information to share yet. Well, any valuable information, that is. I'm keeping a close eye on him, though, just like you asked me to do."

"Yes, he seems to be quite fond of you. Keep your focus on the task at hand. He might be handsome, but he's dangerous," the elderly witch said, her wrinkled hands clutching her shawl.

"But how do you know—" I began.

"My dear Sienna, do not question my knowledge. Mortal men are not what they seem. Their hearts are as dark as the night sky, hiding secrets and treachery within," she cautioned me. "Men are master manipulators, my dear."

I nodded solemnly, but I didn't dare speak.

She continued, her voice low and foreboding. "Remember, Sienna, curiosity can be a dangerous thing. Do not let it cloud your judgment," she warned.

"I won't," I promised her, even though I was unsure I'd be able to keep my word. Despite knowing it was unwise, a small seed had planted itself deep within me and formed a soft spot for Forrest. It sprouted with every smile, every kind word and gesture.

"Are you heading home for the evening?" she asked as I pulled on my coat.

I shook my head. "I'm heading to the outdoor movie. I haven't caught it once this season! I've been too swamped with orders."

"I know you've been so very busy, sweet Sienna. And now you have Forrest to worry about too," Athena shook her head. "You are a prize in this town. Your treats bring joy to so many. Don't you ever forget it."

"Thank you, Athena," I said as I reached out, squeezing her frigid hands.

"Be safe, my dear," she said. "I'll check in with you soon."

∞∞∞

While I strolled through Cider Falls' tranquil streets, a commanding voice surged from behind me, instantly snapping me out of my thoughts. "Where are you headed? "

I turned to meet Forrest's gaze. "To the outdoor movie," I said, pointing towards the screen set up in the park ahead.

Forrest hesitated for a moment, then cleared his throat. "Mind if I join you?" he asked, a hopeful look in his eyes.

"I'd be honored, but only if you like Halloween movies."

"Sure, I like Halloween movies," he said with a glint of mischief in his eyes.

I couldn't tell if he was serious but judging by his lack of experience with jack-o'-lanterns, it was safe to say he had limited exposure to Halloween movies.

"Well, you're in for a treat," I told him. "Tonight's movie is Halloweentown ."

We found a perfect spot with a center view of the towering outdoor movie screen. Forrest eagerly spread the blanket I brought with me, carefully smoothing out any wrinkles before gesturing for me to sit. As I settled onto the soft fabric, the aroma of freshly popped popcorn drifted by with the breeze, intermingling with the scent of pine from the surrounding trees. Families and couples chatted quietly around us, their voices a gentle hum beneath the twilight sky .

Forrest's eyes sparkled as he turned to me, a boyish grin spreading across his face. "Thanks for letting me tag along," he whispered, leaning in close.

I couldn't help but smile back, feeling a flutter in my chest at his enthusiasm. "Of course," I replied. "Have you ever seen Halloweentown ?"

He shook his head. "Nope."

"I think you'll enjoy it," I told him.

He leaned in closer, his lips brushing my ear. "I'd stare at that blank screen for the next two hours as long as I get to sit next to you."

A flush of warmth crept up my cheeks, my fair skin once again betraying me.

As if on cue, the opening credits began to roll, and we turned our attention to the screen in front of us. Forrest adjusted his position next to me, making himself more comfortable for the film that was about to start.

A hush fell over the crowd as the movie began to play.

"Comfortable?" he asked me once he had settled.

"Very," I whispered.

A hush fell over the crowd as the movie began to play. Halloweentown was one of my favorite movies. My coven had always been fascinated by fictional portrayals of our kind, even if they were offensive to some. To us, it was pure entertainment, a reminder of the power and allure that came with being a witch.

However, we weren't like most witches. We were confined to only one ability. It was a frustrating limitation, especially when it revolved around men. I longed for the freedom and versatility that others possessed. I yearned to control the elements, to cast spells whenever the urge arose, to move objects with a flick of my wrist. The thought of having full powers filled me with both longing and sadness, but it was a fleeting dream that could never be fulfilled.

I wrapped the cozy fabric of my thick sweater around me, savoring the comforting embrace of its weight against my skin.

"Are you cold?" Forrest asked. Without waiting for a response, he scooted closer to me. "I have an idea," he said, gently pulling the fabric of the blanket over our backs, creating a makeshift cape that enveloped us in warmth. The edges of the blanket fluttered in the crisp night air, dancing around us. We huddled together under its comforting weight, like two small creatures seeking shelter from the world .

I tried my best to ignore the constant distraction of Forrest's nearness. But with every shift of his body or subtle brush against mine, I was jolted back to reality.