Page 23 of Hollow

“Here you go, buddy.” Dimitri extended a hand, offering Nikolai some seeds from his spot. “Do you perhaps have any good nicknames for me?”

“Caw-caw-caw.”

“No. Absolutely not,” Dimitri nearly gasped. “You are such a vulgar little thing.”

As the hours passed, Dimitri bid Nikolai a good evening and told the crows he planned on venturing into town.

Jack came out dressed in a black leather jacket and matching pants. He wore a spiked choker around his neck and similar spiked bracelets.

“I thought you said you were not dressing up.”

“Well, I’m still going as me, the Horseless Headsman.” Jack strutted by Dimitri. “I just add a little outfit flair for my shows.”

Astaroth came outside wearing a golden halo and a white robe.

“This is what you picked as your costume?”

“Ah, yes,” Astaroth replied. “The mortals celebrate All Hallow’s Eve by dressing as something frightening. This is the most horrific thing I could come up with.”

“An angel?” Dimitri almost laughed.

“Angels aren’t real.” Astaroth scoffed. “I’m a delusional Christian.”

“The delusional ones are terrifying.” Jack pointed.

“They’re all delusional,” Astaroth replied.

“I wouldn’t say that.” Jack shrugged.

“Didn’t the Church try to burn you at the stake?”

“Twice.”

“Case in point.” Astaroth grinned. “Admittedly, demons could learn a few things from the atrocities committed in the name of faith. It’s almost admirable.”

“And you don’t think humans are good at anything.”

“Generally, no.”

With that, they set off and walked into town. The fog weaved around them, making Dimitri’s steps a bit wobbly. Jack reached out, pressing a hand to his shoulder and steadying his stance.

“Sorry about that, but I figured since we’re going to be walking all around the festival, might as well cut down on the trip through the woods.”

In a matter of minutes, they reached the edge of the forest and stood close to downtown.

“The walk with the trees is the best part, though,” Dimitri teased.

They explored many sights downtown. Scantily dressed people enticed them to play horrifying games, silent masked men stood ominously close with flyers to haunted houses, and vendors shouted about their wicked delicious foods.

“Oh my God, I love your horns,” a drunken woman said, stumbling toward Dimitri. “They’re so sexy. Can I try them on?”

Without waiting for his response, she reached out and snatched him by his antler, yanking as hard as she could.

“Please, let go.” He pulled free and glared at her.

“Okay, rude much? So, rude. You’re actually such an assho—” She fell into the ground, disappearing into the darkness before a scream escaped her lips.

Dimitri’s green eyes widened in shock. “What just happened?”