Chapter 14
NEO
The red train hisses to a stop at the edge of Mournton, its wheels steaming. The station is crooked and frostbitten, draped in cobwebs and flickering lanterns that haven’t seen joy since the last full moon.
I step off first, my boots crunching on the snow-dusted cobblestones, coat billowing like I am about to cast a spell—or start a fashion riot.
Behind me, Nox descends with the costume hanging over his shoulder, the red velvet catching the light.
The fur trim brushes his jaw, while his eyes are scanning the town like he’s sizing it up for seduction or destruction.
Ice, the elf hops down next, clutching his bag and muttering something about him not being paid enough for this. "We’ve got two days to make this place festive," he says. The snowman follows, jumping off the cargo car in eerie harmony. His coal eyes glow, the carrot nose twitches.
I turn to Nox excited. "Ready to make Mournton festive?"
Nox lits a cigarette and smiles. "Terrifying."
I step closer, tugging playfully on his coat. "You’re the vampire Santa. You have to deliver."
He leans in, voice low. "Only if you promise to unwrap me later."
Ice groans audibly.
With that, our crew marches into Mournton—a witch, a vampire, elf and a once decapitated snowman—ready to turn gloom into glitter with a side of dread.