October 15, Tuesday

THE BELL above Coleman's Grocery door jingled as I left with a small sack of items under my arm. The crisp autumn air nipped at my cheeks, carrying with it the scent of fallen leaves and chimney smoke. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what came next.

The library loomed before me, its weathered brick facade somehow more imposing than usual. I pushed open the heavy oak door, wincing at the loud creak that announced my arrival.

Tilda looked up from her desk, her eyes glinting with interest. "Hi, Josephine. What's new?"

I glanced around, making sure we were alone. "The curse," I whispered. "It worked."

Tilda smiled. "Do tell."

I recounted Curtis's latest accident, watching as Tilda's lips curled into a satisfied smirk.

"The universe does have a wicked sense of humor, doesn't it?"

I nodded, a mix of relief and unease swirling in my stomach. "I just hope it's enough to keep him off my back for good."

"So do I," she said, and sounded as if she meant it.

Since we were now on "friendly" terms, I decided to be forthright. "Tilda, what do you think happened to Rose's body? You don't really believe she's back from the dead… do you?"

Tilda was quiet for a long moment, her fingers drumming an odd rhythm on the desk. When she spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper. "All I know is that Rose had powers beyond my understanding."

I felt a chill run down my spine. "But... that's impossible."

Tilda's smile was enigmatic. "You mean, like casting a spell is impossible?"

She had me there.

Tilda glanced at her watch. "I'm sorry, but I have to run an errand. By the way, there's going to be an... event in the graveyard on Thursday night. To celebrate the supermoon."

Curiosity overrode my unease. "What kind of event?"

Tilda's eyes met mine, and I saw something there that looked almost like concern. "The kind you should stay far away from, Josephine. Our little group... well, let's just say things might get a bit intense. There's talk of a sacrifice, and I'd hate for you to get caught in the crossfire."

I swallowed hard. "Sacrifice? What do you mean?"

But Tilda was already ushering me towards the door. "Just trust me on this. Stay in the house Thursday. Lock your doors. And don't come to the graveyard."

With that ominous warning, she practically pushed me out onto the sidewalk. The library door closed behind me with an ominous thud.