C3 The invitation

The unfortunate collision between Evie and the perpetrator was of such intensity that it nearly caused her graceful figure to descend upon the ground. Startled, she turned her gaze towards the ruffian who had so rudely collided with her fragile form. However, the scene that unraveled before her very eyes was a sight to behold; the bustling marketplace was teeming with a multitude of individuals, making it a Herculean task to locate the offender. A heavy sigh escaped her lips, expressing her frustration with the cramped and chaotic environment that surrounded her. Determined not to let further chaos befall her already tumultuous day, she pushed forward, diligently avoiding any future encounters with the bustling masses.

As Evie continued her journey homeward, completely consumed by her own thoughts, she failed to notice the ornately sealed card of gold that lay undisturbed upon her humble basket, its presence hidden in plain sight even after the earlier incident. Upon arriving at her modest abode, she set the basket delicately upon the kitchen table, sighing audibly to announce her return to her dear old lady, also fondly referred to as "anny" by Evie. The aged voice signaled her location in the backyard, however, it possessed a fragile quality, as if supported by the very whispers of the wind. Moments later, a feeble figure emerged through the back entrance, her movements aided by a sturdy wooden staff.

Having just quenched her thirst with a refreshing glass of water, Evie, unaffected by its cool embrace, approached her elderly guardian to offer assistance in navigating the aged physique onto a well-worn couch in the cozy sitting room. It was here, as Evie prepared to unpack the basket's contents, that her inquisitive gaze beheld the alluring allure of the golden-sealed card. The richness of its sheen enticed her curiosity, leading her slender fingers to grasp it gently, allowing the mysterious contents to unfurl.

Much to her surprise, the words etched onto the card proclaimed, in elegant calligraphy, an invitation to none other than the illustrious Hallow Party, set to occur on the esteemed Lord Havethron's sprawling estate on the 31st of this very month. The ghastly promise of ghosts giving her bewitching company pervaded the invitation's message, expressing an inexplicable desire to have her in attendance. Overwhelmed by its unexpected arrival, Evie couldn't help but whisper her astonishment to her ever-wise guardian.

The retired scholar, now captivated by the mysterious invitation, found herself almost breathless at its remarkable appearance. She couldn't fathom how such a coveted item had come into their possession, and posed the question to Evie with trembling anxiety woven into her voice. Putting on her thinking cap, Evie retraced her steps, recounting her encounters throughout the day. It dawned upon her, like a bolt of realization striking at the core of her mind, that it could not have been a mere mistake or fortunate coincidence. "Anny," she said thoughtfully, "I bought tomatoes from Mr. Gerald, visited the library, and returned home. It must have accidentally slipped into my basket during those encounters."

The old lady's stern countenance contorted into a thin line, skepticism evident in her penetrating gaze. "No, my dear Evie, this was no accident nor mere coincidence," she replied, her conviction unwavering. "It was a deliberate act, but the question we must seek the answer to is 'why'?"

Eyes glimmering with both excitement and trepidation, Evie held the gilded invitation tenderly in her hands, causing the delicate strands of her hair to sway in anticipation. "Anny, may I be granted permission to attend this captivating affair?" she asked, her voice sparkling with a blend of wonder and desire.

"Why would someone extend such an invitation to you?" The old ladys face displayed a mixture of apprehension and displeasure, accentuating the creases that lined her wise visage.

Contentious yet unyielding, Evie met her guardian's gaze with sincerity, pouring every ounce of charm into her plea. "Anny, dear Anny," she implored, her voice dancing playfully upon the air, "the beings gracing the Hallow Party are not solely nocturnal creatures of the netherworld. There will be many of our esteemed human counterparts in attendance as well, and I assure you, with every fiber of my being, that I shall proceed with utmost caution. My only intention is to explore, to soak in the electric atmosphere that surrounds this extraordinary event."

Caught between a longing to protect her precious ward and the allure of Evie's earnestness, the old lady found herself unable to resist the soft power of persuasion that radiated from her enchanting presence. How could she deny the sweet innocence of those light grey eyes, which pleaded both eloquently and effortlessly? Resigning to her fate, Annabelle succumbed, offering her consent, although not without attaching a condition, her voice imbued with a weighty undertone.

"You may indeed attend this extravagant spectacle, my dear Evie," she conceded, her gaze laden with apprehension. "However, you must vow to return home before the designated curfew, lest the beauty of this otherworldly night be tempered by an untimely conclusion." A tender smile played across her lips, betraying her concern.

Evie's face erupted with joy, an ethereal radiance illuminating her delicate features. She had overcome the final hurdle, granting her entrance into a fantastical world that awaited her presence with bated breath. With gratitude overflowing from the depths of her soul, she knelt before her beloved Annabelle, the embodiment of support and love, allowing her unwavering devotion to shine through.

"Thank you, kind Anny," Evie whispered, her voice soft as a gentle breeze through a moonlit forest. "I will honor your request and return before the night's mortal veil descends upon us, leaving only the realm of phantoms behind."