Love barely expressed the adoration she felt towards pumpkins. Caressing the round shape, fingers tracing indented ridges, caused coursing shivers of delight. Her favorite was plunging her butcher knife, wet with blood, listening for the satisfying whump her blade made while gouging the perfect circle. Ectasy coursing through her veins, she would rip off the chunk, ridding her beauty of the ugly, thorned stem. Promptly, she would tossed each piece aside, leaving them for flies and maggots. Delicious smells of pumpkin pulp filled her senses, hazing her mind, drool puddling in her mouth.

Reaching inside, she held handfuls of gooey slime, squishing past her fingers, her loving embrace. Pumpkin guts reminded her of ribbons of disemboweled intestinal innards slipping free from her grip. Falling inside bowls with moist plops. Juice spotted her face, slicked her arms, until she appeared bathed in orange. Visions of blood danced in her mind, thrilling her, heavy pants escaping her. She licked her hands and nibbled on fingernail like seeds.

She would then proceed to carve the sorrowful faces, pulled from memory. Wrath, pain, mourn and fear was sketched onto the surfaces of her pumpkins, matching the expressions of the lost souls floating among potions and brews, wandering an eternity. Pictures painted, art formed, she created history promising to speak centuries.

The best part was lighting tiny flames inside her hollowed clean pumpkins, masterpieces complete. Regular pumpkins they started, jack o' lanterns they were shaped to become. She would then place them outside her swamp hut, guiding humans and creatures alike down a ghastly trail.

Claudia sincerely loved her pumpkins, the sinful pride shined bright in her eyes. It had been decided that when she died, Cordelia would transform her reincarnating soul into a gorgeous pumpkin, best of her patch, and never rot. Cordelia had yet to comply.

Prancing, the ragged tails of her glittering purple and black dress flitted about. Midnight curls tinted with different shades of glittering peacock feather green flashed in her hair, matching the deep purple shades that marked her glittering black dress, long ends flying out behind her brisk, dreamless movements. "Sister, are the newt tails finished?" Claudia chirped cheerfully as she entered the most interesting room of the swamp hut.

Frizzy black hair stood on end, shielding blue eyes best described by a drowning person. Same blue hues, only darker, streaked her hair strands, design similar to that of the two other counterparts. More serious, Cordelia paid little attention to her murdering, brain mush sister. "About," she grunted, using her knobby hands to stir contents inside her giant pot.

Claudia curiously peeked inside, watching bubbles pop while the water boiled. Red spotted tails bobbed over the surging water, continuing the wriggle. "Why not add some crushed cat fangs? Fango enjoys felines," She suggested, holding a finger over her pursed lips. The scarlet representing lipstick was fresh blood.

Frankie hissed underneath a creaky, scrubbed wooden table. Looming shadows concealed his furry body, but his eyes flashed angrily.

Giggling, Claudia peered underneath the table, staring at the dark tabby cat. "Sorry Frank," she apologized and blew him a kiss.

"I added some rat paws instead," Cordelia grunted again and shuffled over to various collections her sister was more than eager to collect. Goldbug dust, grasshopper wings, spider legs, hawthorn bark, willow tree leaves, anything the witch's greedy hands snatched. Suspicious thick green liquid swirled inside the delicate charm bottle she selected.

"Reptile excrement?" Claudia wrinkled her nose, watching her elder sister pour drops of the slime inside the pot. "I would have chosen unicorn blood, sweet and pretty."

"You know better than to do something like that fledgling; unicorn blood is only used for healing enchantments and concealing poisons. The reptile excrement will enhance the flavors of the newt's flesh, granting prolonged life. We are here to entertain our guests, not insult them. Do your best to remember that, Claudia, or your wish to become a pumpkin will be granted sooner than expected."

Graceful wings flapped, speckled feathers swirling as gusts of silent breezes stirred the air. A male great horned owl landed on a staff,  talons scraping against the bark as it settled. His companion followed, taller and prettier than her sisters, rich magenta eyes like raw pinked flesh raked over their heads. Flattened, sleek black hair tinted various shades of pink shimmered in the wax candlelight.

Cordelia automatically bobbed her head, agreeing with Cemelia. "Of course," she replied, waving her hand. Newt tails surfaced, floating lazily in the air. Fingers twitching, she settled and aligned them on a polished golden platter.

The youngest sister snorted defiantly, crossing her arms over supple breasts; many men died for a mere touch. "I shall change them to pumpkins, the entire lot. Then frogs, and keep them as pets. I especially hate the honeycomb haired witch in Prague, a troubling case she is. Threatened me, bah!"

The other two watched Claudia fume, amusement plain on their cheeky grins and sparkling eyes. "Hush, little sister," Cemelia soothed, calming her nerves before she became a real vicious witch, not her pumpkin massacring, calm form. "Instead, please go, decorate to your heart's content."

"As you wish," Claudia stormed out of the kitchen, her bare feet slapping the dirt floor, creating puffs of dust.

Cemelia's owl hooted, and his master produced a plump mouse, freshly killed from her robe's sleeve. Feeding him, she surveyed the vast array of foods lining the countertops. Each dish interested special kinds of species. Skull shaped bone paste for deities, fire ant powered, candy corn cupcakes for the pixies, miniature boxes filled with black swamp stones when the gnome colony arrived. Squishy human eyeballs that squirted water, blood packed brownies, chunks of dog brains, and her favorite, human hearts.

"Wonderful spread, Cordelia, the guests will be pleased. Make sure they are fed properly, fattened up, persay." Cemelia praised, watching the middle sister practically radiate from the comment.

"Of course," Cordelia echoed what she stated previously, beginning her new brew of parasitic casserole and meal worm sandwiches.

Meanwhile, Claudia hummed chants and curses in the main room, waving her hands, spinning in circles, dress swirling. A stunning black blur, magic pulsing with energy, vibrant strands of green colors swirled like a fog around her twirling shape. Besides pumpkins, she enjoyed Halloween night, the devil's hour where beasts roamed freely without restraints, indulging until drunk on fear.

Streamers appeared above her head, drooping as though reaching for the floor. Color strands criss crossed each other, layered, a mass webbing she created, so tightened she couldn't peek past to see the dirt ceiling.

Raising her hands above her head, the crescendo, she conducted her ritual dance. Misted glitter swarmed the air, mysterious vibes hummed life, her strings of magic tied to the sparkling flecks. Shapes formed, little particles clumping together, massed and molded. Monstrous rats squeaked, whiskers twitching, naked tails disappearing as they darted all over the house. Rabid bats fluttered, leathery wings frantically flapping, tiny fangs dripping with drool. Her favorite project materialized; an exotic albino boa.

Claudia wrapped the heavy reptile, feeling the muscles coil around her neck and drape off her shoulders, the snake's head sticking out. It's pink tongue flicked, tasting the enticing smells. "You can clean up later," she whispered in the small ear hole of her snake, feeding it magic, and its faded shape grew solid again. She brushed the pale, yellow shaped patched scales.

Wax candles flared, orange flames illuminating the dank, dark room with shadows and dim, orange light. Orbs suspended off the decorations, and purple light polka dotted the floor. "Everything is almost finished Claudia, please open the door." Cemelia brushed inside, transporting trays holding varieties of delights Claudia wasn't even aware Cordelia knew how to bake.

"Yes ma'am," she saluted. Carrying her boa, she slipped down a narrow hallways she squeezed her shoulders through. The boa hissed in agitation, scales brushed roughly against the dried mud and clay wall.

Bricks stared, the dead end of the hallway. Claudia stopped and produced a stick of dusty white chalk. Murmuring spells, she drew series of symbols, possibly Latin, in a neat circle along the wall. Normal eyes would have mistaken the words for chicken-scratch, meaningless doodles and scribbles. Experienced, well-taught witches automatically knew it for the talented work of a witch who knew their enchantments. She began the process of opening a portal.

Claudia's misted magic swirled, clouding her bare feet, clinging along her knees. Equally green eyes searched the wall, quirked smile reaching her lips. Grooves sank deep, engraving a door in layers of bricks. Muddy swamp water bubbled, gushing with sharp hisses. Vines stretched, poked through clay, the leafy claws trying to reach doors containing breweries.

Summer leaves wilted, turning seasonal, autumn shades of yellow, orange and red. Gourds formed, lumps roughing the edges. Vegetables spread lines along the walls like a cornucopia. Claudia stomped her feet, mumbling, ending the process. "Finished!" Her voice carried throughout the hut.

"Then let the festivities begin!" Cemelia exclaimed, delighted from somewhere in another room.

Cordelia crowed in agreement.

--------------

Fango arrived first as always. His gruesome, eight foot tall, muscular body almost broke the door. He shouldered his furry body through, ducking his head. He wore a classic ripped plaid shirt and shredded jeans. Fake ears decked his head, but his swishing wolf tail was very much real.

Claudia bounced beside him as he lumbered along, baring his fangs at the small witch. She acted much like a bothersome fly, he couldn't swat her away for she danced all sides, his shaking head barely kept pace.

"Did you see that witch? Huh? Well, did you?" She demanded, angrily stroking her boa's neck.

Fango snapped his teeth close to her hair, missed. "Bug off, you pest. Where's the black cat paws? I'm feeling lucky tonight." He grumbled, snuffling at the assortment of food set upon the tables.

"I'll tell you when you tell me about the witch!" Claudia snatched the concealed bowl. She held them close, fluffy kitty paws and tails tickling her chin.

Guests began arriving while the two argued, leaving Cemelia alone, greeting each one with a polite dip of her head. Most wore masks, concealing hidden identities. Creatures of all breeds, species and brethren crowded the blackened room. Lords or back alley, gutter rats whispered in hushed voices, talking about killing humans. Each main guest was accompanied with a stranger, everyone stuck with tradition. Fango; however, didn't bring his guest, practically handing himself over to Claudia's greedy clutches.

"Where's your guest, Fango?" She whispered, fluttering her lashes.

Fango pawed for the bowl, his curved claws swiping the air. "I couldn't find one," he snarled furiously at her antics, but fright tinged his anger.

Claudia's eyes widened the size of milk saucers. "Oh? What shall you do then?"

"Look, I'll tell you if you spare me, deal?" Fango sighed, defeated, his hand still reaching for the snack bowl.

Claudia handed it over, grinning. "Deal."

Swallowing drool pooled in his mouth; the werewolf scooped up cat parts, moaning happily. He gobbled fur and nails, fangs grinding. "I'm saved for another year," he groaned, eyes closed. "The witch didn't manage to come this year, she had business with her pupils so to speak. Maybe next year, Claudia. Was the antidote in here like promised?"

Claudia's cheeks flushed an angry red. "I hate that cur. Someday she'll become mine." The little witch sneered, her green eyes flared. "Fango, yes, the silver curse won't kill you this year."

Fango polished the bowl, his doggish tongue licking the bloody contents smeared on the wood. "Good, another year of paradise." He growled, feeling more pleasurable since he established he would live until next Hallow's Eve. "Someone she knows is arriving though. If I remember correctly, a man. I don't know the specifics."

Claudia no longer cared; her snake vanished with a puff of smog during her tantrum. "Stupid dog," she hissed, her feet slapping the dirt as she marched into the kitchen.

Frankie watched her, settled comfortably atop the table, frog legs strewn about. He licked his jaws, hoping he would receive a treat. Purrs rumbled up his throat, starting from his chest. The witch grabbed a metal pot. She hurdled it at his black body. Surprised, Frankie cried, darting underneath Cordelia's metal pot.

Claudia snapped her head in his general direction, the menacing aura returning. "Here kitty kitty, don't play with me Frankie. I'm very angry, and if you don't come out, I'll light you afire. Boil off your fur, feed your body to Fango." She leaned over the pot, staring at the Cordelia's frightened feline trembling under the pot, tucked close to ashen logs. Her smile broadened. "Found you," she whispered.

Twigs of holly wood scorched the side of her cheek. Claudia howled, sores weeping water down her right cheek. She cupped the spot, glaring spitefully at her sister, Cordelia. "You leave that cat alone, sister." She warned, holly bark in her grip, burning her hand. "Your pumpkins will be here soon. Now, come out from hiding. Fango told me the witch's friend is here."

Claudia seethed, searching for some aloe leaves hanging from the ceiling.

Cordelia watched her,"not tonight, sister. I hid them."

Claudia screamed her hate, and punched a nearby table. The tenderly cared wood split, cracking down the middle. Hiding her wound, she shoved her sister out of the way, sniffing for the stranger.

Almost immediately she found him, slouched over the punch table, only the ladles poured steaming rabbit's blood instead of sherbet fruity juice. He sipped from a wooden mug held tightly in his grasp. His blue eyes scanned the other monsters, cautious, wary. Claudia stalked through the crowd, smiling sweetly.

The man watched her approach. "Hello," she greeted casually.

"Evening," the stranger replied, setting aside his cup.

Claudia reached it, fingers curling around the wood. She drank deeply, tainting her lips ruby. "You're new, who are you?"

Snowy white curls that couldn't be tamed fell in his eyes. "I go by Vladimer," his voice was soft, but she detected a ruggedness, a viciousness that chilled her core.

"Claudia, the third witch." She introduced, finishing his drink, licking her lips. A bead of blood rolled down the corner of her mouth. "I think I'll spare you."

"Spare me? From what?" He asked her, lifting an eyebrow.

"Nothing special," She waved her hand, leaving him alone, already satisfied. Fango did well, very well. Claudia wandered the room, finding Cemelia happily conversing with a group of newly turned vampires. They stared as she snuck up beside her sister.

"The night grows dark, it's about midnight. I believe the moment has come." Claudia murmured, gripping her elder sister's arm harshly. Power over her sibling flickered in the depths.

"Alright, Claudia, alright." Cemelia brushed her hair over her shoulder, sighing. Speaking good night, she bid her departure from the vampires and approached an altar designed like a Mexican offrenda.

She reached for a crystal glass teemed with rabbit blood. "Monsters of all kinds, attention," her chilling voice rose over the din of noise, heads turned to watch her silently. Cemelia's lips tightened, aware of Claudia watching her. Cordelia remained hunkered in her kitchen, coaxing Frankie from underneath the cooking pot.

"I would like to thank you all for arriving, especially those who appear every year for All Hallow's Eve. The purpose here tonight is to celebrate your awakening gifts, strong underneath this blood moon. To cheer for another surviving year of clearing the humans, good from bad, tasty from the rotted. Please, drink from your goblets, become drunk off the power swirling inside." Cemelia raised her cup, scarlet sloshing in the glass.

The others followed, voices rising in agreement. Then they all drank from their cups, blood spilling down their chins. Fango, including several others did not, remaining hushed, watching. The man with white hair did not drink either.

Claudia covered her mouth with her hands, giggling.

Cemelia frowned in distaste.

Cordelia fed Frankie fish tails from the safety of her kitchen.

The first creature to turn was a wendigo. He moaned as it felt as though his organs melted, his skin a case holding the slosh. Falling to his knees, he hugged his swollen stomach. Others watched in wonder and horror, before others who drank the rabbit blood sank, groaning, rolling on the floor. Blood tears streaked their pale faces, turning Claudia's favorite shade of orange. Cracking, snapped bones heard over the silence. A female fairy shrieked, her wings stripped off her back.

Fango turned his head, dabbing at some human eyeballs floating in a pool of iced water.

The white haired man supposedly named Vladimer inched away from the bowl holding the rabbit's blood. Bile rose up his throat.

Claudia squealed delightfully, watching, the monsters turning to pumpkins. Velvety green leaves split from their skin, splattering blood. Her feet splashed in red as she danced, soaking her dress. She wanted bloody rain to fall, dampen her hair and stain her face. She wanted to bathe in her victims.

Walking off the offrenda altar, Cemelia lips were twisted. She strode over to Vladimer, knowing his real name, but not sharing. Claudia spared his life for unknown reasons, and she wished to keep it that way. Apologetic, she forcefully turned his head toward hers, lulling him inside a trance. She pecked his lips once, wiping his memory clean, so he no longer remembered this nightmare.

Fango was the one that led Vladimer back through the door, the other spared monsters following pursuit. Claudia selected each of them to do her bidding; if they collected pumpkins, best from their patches, she would spare their lives for another year, bid away the curses hung over their heads. If one failed to comply with her demands, she stole their futures, turning them into pumpkins.

Cemelia studied her sister throwing blood in the air, tossing it against the walls.

Laughing, Claudia drank it from her red hands. Green mist fogged the room, her insane mind unable to control her magic. She picked up a large pumpkin that once had been a yeti hybrid. "Beautiful," she kissed the smooth orange shape, holding it close against her breasts. Her fingers rubbed the velvety leaves, the sharp thorns pricked her slender neck. "So lovely," she breathed.

She loved her pumpkins.