Page 9

Hypocrites, Aerin thought.

“Now that’s resolved, we can get back to more pressing matters.”

“If that’s all, I should let you get back to your gathering,” Aerin said, taking the chance to bolt, since she wasn’t technically part of the choir.

“May you spare us another moment of your time?” Calipsa called after her. Aerin turned back; the easy escape was too good to be true.

“Since we’ve helped clean up your mess, we have a small favour to ask of you before you run off,” Lochana added.

So they helped me because they want something in return, Aerin thought, with no choice but to hear them out.

“You’ve always kept an arm’s length from our kind; we respect that, as you’ve always protected the cove, but I’d ask that you be more careful. You’re setting an example for our young,” Lochana started.

“You don’t have to worry; I’ve no intention of leading anyone astray,” Aerin interrupted. “And it won’t happen again.” At least not in front of them.

“Even if I don’t agree with using our song on those in town, thank you for standing up for my daughters,” Calipsa said, as though it pained her greatly to compliment an outsider.

“You’re welcome, and thank you for keeping the goblin from bringing the matter to the Witches’ Council,” she said, knowing when to be grateful. With an amnesic vampire in her house, the last thing she needed was the Council watching her.

“It’s not without cost,” Calipsa said. “The Autumn Festival takes place next month, and we always find some small way to contribute on behalf of the choir as a whole. This year, we’ve yet to decide on a haunted house.”

“But there is already the haunted castle?” Aerin pointed out.

“Far too dangerous. The Town Council doesn’t want any trouble. We need a house that gives off the right vibe, somewhere rumored to be haunted, a bit run down…” Calipsa rattled off the insults one by one.

“I get the picture. You want me to host the Haunted House so none of you has to contribute?” Aerin asked, reading between the lines. If they saw the blood currently on her floors and the tied-up vampire in her kitchen, they would think it was the perfect setting.

“You would be representing the choir as a whole,” Calipsa said, though they had never welcomed her to the choir. “Don’t you think it would be the perfect setting? You’d barely have to decorate since so many believe it’s already haunted. You’ll be able to put your song to good use in helping calm those who are a little more sensitive to a good fright. What do you say?”

“Seems it’s already been decided for me,” Aerin said.

“Thank you, and don’t worry, I’ll be around to supervise. That way, we can keep an eye on your home and make sure nothing goes wrong,” Calipsa said, resting her hand on her shoulder. So not only was she hosting, but they’d be keeping an eye on her.

“Happy to be of assistance.” Aerin forced a smile. She had four weeks to get the vampire out of her house before the festival began on October 24 and ended on the main event, Samhain.

“Wonderful, I’ll let the council know tomorrow. They’ll be thrilled to hear of our contribution to the community.” Lochana clapped, and the rest of the choir joined in. Did she want to be welcomed into the choir? Yes. Did she want to be used by them? No.

“Mum, can Aerin join us for the swim tonight?” Shelby asked as the gathering started to break up now that they had got what they wanted.

“No, she’s busy,” Calipsa said quickly, not giving Aerin a chance to respond. “I think we’ve taken up enough of her time.”

“Right. I forgot; you better get back to your friend. I wouldn’t want him to get hungry,” Sandy began to explain. Aerin cleared her throat, cutting her off.

“A friend? You’ve a guest?” Calipsa asked, eyeing her daughter.

“She’s talking about my pet turtle; she met him when she came to get me for the meeting,” Aerin interrupted.

She didn’t want anyone asking about the mysterious vampire staying with her until she figured out who he was. What if he was dangerous? Some criminal? She didn’t want to be blamed if he did something terrible. Calipsa looked to Sandy, who frowned in confusion.

“You were concerned about a hungry turtle?” Calipsa asked, not convinced.

“What else would I be talking about?” Sandy said, taking Shelby’s arm. “Are you going to keep interrogating Aerin, because we’re going to be late for the night swim?”

“I’m not interrogating anyone, but you’re right, we should go.” Calipsa sighed and followed after her daughters. “Good night, Aerin.”

“Night, enjoy your swim.” Aerin watched them dive into the ocean, then let out a loud groan. Staring up at the starry sky, she wondered how one good deed had led to having to give up her home to strangers for the Autumn Festival.

Chapter Six