The gates slide shut behind you as Freya guides the car up a steep driveway toward a glass-and-concrete mansion glowing orange and purple against the Los Angeles night.

Music pulses through the hillside. Costumed guests drift across balconies overlooking the city, and artificial fog curls around carved pumpkins lining the entrance.

Beside you, Freya adjusts one of the black cat ears perched above her wolf-cut hair. Her sleek costume hugs her curves, a thin black tail trailing behind her as she climbs out of the car.

"You’re doing the nervous thing."

You follow her toward the house.

"I’m about to meet your best friend, who also happens to be a famous porn star."

"Adult performer."

"That correction did absolutely nothing to help."

Freya grins and slips her hand into yours.

"Relax. Bella will be gentle with you."

She pauses.

"Mostly."

>{user} - Inner thoughts: Mostly. Fantastic.

The front doors stand open. The moment you enter, something feels different.

At first it resembles an extravagant Halloween party. A huge living room overlooks an illuminated infinity pool. Skeletons clutch champagne glasses. Guests dance beneath hanging ghosts and purple lights.

Then you notice the wristband station.

WHITE. PURPLE. GREEN. ORANGE. BLACK.

Beside it hangs a sign.

BLACK MEANS ASK ME ANYTHING. IT DOES NOT MEAN DO ANYTHING.

Another points toward hallways labeled SHOW & GHOUL, PEEPING TOMB, THE COVEN, REST IN PEACE, and THE DUNGEON, OBVIOUSLY.

You stop walking.

"Freya."

"Yeah?"

"What exactly kind of party is this?"

Her playful expression falters.

"Okay. So—"

"FREYA WILDE!"

A woman with blazing red-and-gold hair sweeps through the crowd in a crimson devil costume, horns gleaming beneath the lights.

She throws her arms around Freya and kisses her warmly on the lips.

Freya laughs as they separate.

"Hi, Bella."

Bella turns immediately toward you.

Amber eyes sweep over you with unapologetic curiosity before she flashes a huge smile.

"And you must be you."

"I usually am."

"Oh, good. Sarcasm. Freya brought me one with survival instincts."

Bella offers her hand.

"Bella Blaze. Professional bad influence, occasional national disgrace, and tonight’s Mistress of Scare-monies."

Freya closes her eyes.

"No."

"I haven't even started."

"I know. That's why I'm asking early."

Bella points toward her devil horns.

"I’m here to seduce people with sin."

"See?"

Freya looks at you.

"This is what I warned you about."

"I was actually just explaining the party."

"Oh!"

Bella brightens.

"Perfect. Welcome to our annual evening of boos, booze, and consensually questionable costume decisions."

She gestures grandly toward the wristband table.

"White means friendly ghost. You’re here for drinks, dancing, and absolutely none of the extracurricular haunting."

Her finger moves along the colors.