Chapter 22: Soulful Search

The smell of the beach would be nice....if it wasn't for the quickly approaching ground that you found yourself hitting. Though it was sand, each of you landed in positions that seemed to heighten the pain you received.

Y/N: Ah!

Frankie: My arm!

Draculaura: Ow!

Cleo: Ugh! I got sand in my hair!

You all laid on the warm sand as waves crashed nearby. You sat up and rubbed your head, knocking your beanie off. You grabbed it and pulled it back on before getting to your feet. You looked around at the beautiful scenery before you pulled out your phone. It looks like you were in Australia.

Y/N: Wow. It actually worked. Thank Satan.

Draculaura also popped up and rubbed her hands together.

Draculaura: Hey, why do you say that?

You looked at her confused.

Draculaura: The Satan stuff.

You rubbed the back of your neck awkwardly. It was just something your uncle always said.

Frankie: So, where is Lagoona? She should be here, right?

Cleo: And would she even want to leave with us? This is a good place to get a tan. Plus it's so much warmer here.

She was right. This place looked like paradise. Not a bad place to lay low and hide.

Draculaura: Rather she comes back or not is her choice. But we still need to let her know that she has a place back at Monster High.

You nodded in agreement. You began to walk along the beach to try and find Lagoona, but you believed that she would probably be underwater. At least, that was until you spotted someone off in the distance.

You all hurried over to see Lagoona sitting there, her knees pulled her chest and tears in her eyes. She sat up and quickly wiped her eyes when she heard you all approaching. She took a glance to see who it was, but her eyes grew wide when she saw you all standing there.

Lagoona: Mates!

She jumped up and immediately tackled you all back onto the sand. She held onto whoever she could grab through the tears and tried to hug all four of you.

Lagoona: What are you all doing here? How did you even get here?

You tried to explain, but you were in such a position that you were simply speaking directly into her breasts. Not that you were complaining.

Frankie: Draculaura's dad and Y/N's uncle gave us this magic stone that can send us to any monster we want.

Everyone got up with you being the last. You looked at everyone and smiled. You were starting to feel a bit normal now. You still missed Deuce and Clawdeen and Ghoulia and the others, but this was a nice start.

Y/N: We were sent to carry on the Monster High protocol.

You walked closer to Lagoona and held out a hand.

Y/N: If you want to come back, you can. The dorms are being set up as we speak. Everyone will be safe there.

Lagoona looked over to the water before she smiled. She then took your hand.

She was the first of many.

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

While normie kids were enjoying after-school snacks and updating their Facebook pages to the smell of dinner cooking, Clawdeen was on all fours, searching the ravine for the Jetta keys. Keys she had tossed the night before because she didn’t want Clawd to take her back to the inn. Which, after five hours in a twiggy, leafy, ant-infested, deer poo–peppered gully, no longer seemed like such a bad idea.

Compared to this, the inn had been upgraded to spa status. Hopefully, Clawd would return from his football game with good news. If not, the whole we-have-to-run-back-to-the-inn-and-then-return-with-the-spare-keys news might not sit so well.

Focus, Clawdeen thought, blinking away her negativity. Clear your mind and become one with the keys. Focus. Look. Feel….A mosquito pierced the back of her ear. (Smack!) The bugs were loving her new black-currant body wash. The latest buy for her Sassy Sixteen, the signature scent would help ring in a new year and maybe attract a guy…or ten. But who knew if her party would even happen now? Her parents seemed to think it was over, but she refused to....

Lilith: We’ll head back tomorrow, free of charge. Bring bikinis. We’ll hit up Blue’s house and go for a swim.

Lagoona’s house? Who is going to Lagoona’s house? Is she back?

After a round of yays, thank yous, and smoochy sounds, the group, which sounded no larger than eight, separated. Most continued up the street while two, wearing some seriously unattractive-sounding footwear, rounded the corner toward Clawdeen. She crouched behind a tree and peered up at the sidewalk. Still, they were too far away for her to identify.

Lilith: Mark the time and day. I’m officially going on the record saying those two are hiding something. Something big.

She had to warn her friends. Had to stop Lilith. Had to find the keys. Had to…

Lilith: What's this?

Clawdeen held her breath, sucked in her stomach, and squeezed her eyes shut. She wasn’t afraid of being captured. Outrunning them would be simple. It was their camera she feared. A shot of “werewolf girl” lurking in the ravine would make proving her harmlessness even more difficult. The damage to her RSVP list could be irreparable. Her black currant would have been wasted on the mosquitoes….

Footsteps crunched toward her. The girls were getting closer. She could hear their beating hearts. One thumped genuine curiosity—babumbabumbabum; the other, revenge—ba-bum ba-bum ba-bum.

The pair approached the tree. Leaned closer. Paused. The anticipation made Clawdeen squirm. Something was crawling up the side of her neck. It was gearing up to bite her. She let it. It itched. She imagined scratching it. It still itched. She imagined scratching it with a rake. She wondered how fast she’d have to run to become invisible.

Lilith shook a branch. Dried leaves rained down around her.

Lilith: Come to mama~

They’ve found me! Now what?

Lilith: Don’t be afraid. Come on.

This girl was more frightening than a monster could ever be. Lilith clapped her hands together.

Lilith: Got ’em!

Clawdeen’s ears tensed. The sound of two metal objects being rubbed together filled her with panic. Are they knives? Silver bullets?

Lilith: Looks like they belong to that Jetta.

The keys!

Lilith: That’s the Wolfs’ car.

She threw the keys. They landed on Clawdeen’s toes.

Lilith: Ha! Let’s see them escape now.

Once Lilith and her group were gone, Clawdeen scooped up the keys and hurried through the ravine. She was so excited to make contact that she almost forgot her anger. But it quickly came back when she reminded herself that the queen bee-otch was, for some strange reason, on Lilith’s side.

Awooo awoooo. Reeeow reeeow. Awooo awoooo. Reeeow reeeow.

Clawdeen stood in the flower beds beneath Cleo’s bedroom window, howling their secret wolf-calling-a-cat call. They’d used it to summon each other back in elementary school, before they got cells. That heap of stone phones at RIP told her it was probably wise to revive it.

Awooo awoooo. Reeeow reeeow. Awooo awoooo. Reeeow reeeow.

All of a sudden someone sneaked up and grabbed her from behind. The assailant smelled like amber.

Cleo: For the love of Geb, where have you been? You’ve completely fallen off the grid! Wait, don’t tell me you’re still out of service at the Hideout.

Clawdeen took a distancing step back. She noticed that she looked like she hadn't slept. Even under her makeup, that looked like it'd been there for a while now, Clawdeen could see bags under her eyes.

Clawdeen: How could you do this to us? You and that normies Lilith and Y/N....

Cleo: Ka!

Cleo giggled, waving Clawdeen’s anger away like a pesky fly.

Cleo: Everyone knows me and Y/N are innocent. I cleared our name before everyone took off. But since you weren’t there, I’ll give you the thirty-second wrap-up. Iwantedtoshutdownthemoviesoyouwouldmodelwithme. Guilty. I admit it. Lilithwasgoingtohelpmeeraseit. Guilty. Admitted. ThenIhearditwasn’tgoingtoair. Problem solved. SoIbailedonthenormie. She did the rest. I had no clue. Now can we move on?

Cleo clapped her hands, opened her arms wide, and hugged Clawdeen, who didn’t have a chance to answer. Then Cleo linked arms with her friend and began strolling across the lawn as if nothing had ever happened.

And in the name of best friendship with a royal, Clawdeen knew it was best to pretend nothing had.

Clawdeen: So everyone left? Where did they go?

Cleo: Deucey went to Greece on one of Mr. D’s private jets. Saying good-bye in front of my dad was double unsatisfying and triple awkward. But Mr. D and Bloodgood started this Monster High protocol.

Clawdeen: What?

Cleo: Pretty much Y/N, Draculaura, Frankie, and I are going around and rounding everyone up. The dorms are open for them so they'll be safe, but the Monster Hunters exchanged a truce since Y/N's uncle is here now. It's a whole deal. We just got back from getting Lagoona back. I think Deucey is next.

Clawdeen couldn't believe what she was hearing. You were bringing everyone back? Lagoona was back? Frankie and Draculaura were still here?

Clawd: We’ve got to go!

The girls looked over to see Clawd was sprinting up Cleo’s lawn. He was still in his green-and-yellow football uniform, helmet under his arm.

Clawd: Did you find the keys?

Clawdeen tossed them to him.

Cleo: What keys?

Cleo hated to not know the details.

Clawd: Come on, let’s move.

He began pulling his sister by the arm. His palm was sweaty. His cheeks were flushed. He smelled like duct tape and sweat.

Clawd: We have to get back to the inn.

Clawdeen: Why?

Now that she had Cleo back with the rest of you at the school, it was even harder to leave than before.

Clawd: Coach Donnelly set me up. He was trying to trap me. A few of the guys on the team warned me before the game, so I took off. He’s looking for me.

Clawdeen speed-scratched her neck again.

Clawdeen: But we haven’t even talked about centerpieces or.....

Clawd: Deenie, we have to go!

Clawd lifted her over his shoulder and began running.

Cleo: Wait!

Clawdeen began hitting her brother’s back.

Clawdeen: Put me down! I want to stay!

Clawd: We’re a pack. We stick together.

Clawdeen: I don’t want to be a pack. I wanna be a lone wolf.

He set her down beside the Jetta, opened the doors, and forced her inside.

Clawdeen: Normies are invading Blue’s house. Ours could be next!

Clawd: It’s just a house.

He hurried to the driver’s side, put the key in the ignition, and peeled away from the curb.

Clawdeen: What about my friends? Monster High? My life is here.

Clawd: If it’s life you want, we need to get out of here. Fast!

Clawd sped toward the inn, with Clawdeen strapped into the seat next to him.

Playing it safe. Just like always.

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

You didn't sleep the night prior thanks to getting Lagoona settled into her new dorm room. It was one she would share with Cleo and looked more like an underwater kingdom than a school dorm. Cleo decided to be her roommate so that she wouldn't be alone. Draculaura and you were still living with Dracula while Frankie was still safe at her own home.

You were actually pretty impressed at Cleo's request. Deuce would be proud. Still, Frankie and Draculaura decided that they would stay in the dorms during the week and stay home during the weekends.

Still, you didn't sleep last night. Draculaura was currently out cold in her room and Frankie was recharging after her purse ran out of juice. Both were now being charged back at her home. Lagoona was also asleep since she went from night to night to day back to day. Jetlag. Or stone lag. You weren't quite sure.

Cleo went back to her house to get some stuff she needed, but she had been gone for a while now. You were looking over the Monster Mapalogue. So many monsters that were hiding. You intended to find them all and tell them that it was okay to come back.

You understood that some may not feel safe here, but that was okay too.

Cleo: Clawdeen is back. Kind of.

You looked back to see Cleo walk into the room with a bag of stuff she had managed to pack. She set it down and crossed her arms.

Cleo: Mr. D said that some of the staff are back. But until the rest return, him and your uncle will be acting as substitutes. Is your uncle a good teacher?

You slowly shook your head. You knew better than anyone that his methods of teaching were a bit...unorthodox. Cleo walked over and looked at Greece. You smiled and held up the stone. She smirked and placed her hand over it.

Y/N: Deuce Gorgon. Extro Monstrum.

You both suddenly vanished from the room, reappearing on stone steps which you landed on. You both groaned, deciding to start wearing helmets from now on, before you both got up.

Cleo looked around in amazement. She had been to Deuce's house a few times, but never to his native home. It looked like a temple that she had seen in a few pictures. You both looked at each other and started up the steps.

Y/N: So, you said that Clawdeen is back?

Cleo: She was, until her brother dragged her away. Something about his coach trying to catch him.

You raised a brow. You knew that Clawd was a part of the school's Casketball team but also the local community center's Football team. Still, that didn't explain what Clawdeen was doing back. You just hope they were safe, even if you and Clawdeen weren't on the best terms.

You both made it to the top of the steps and stood before a large marble door. You took a second to collect yourself while Cleo checked her make up.

Cleo: Wait.

You stood there and watched as Cleo fixed herself with some makeup she had on her. Once she fixed the golden eyeliner that she had as well as her lips, she closed the case and nodded to you.

You just grabbed the golden knocker, in the shape of a snake wrapped around a man's head, and knocked three times. You then took a step back and waited. Soon, the door opened and you found a woman standing there.

Maddy: Hm? Oh. It's you two.

Y/N: Hamahamahamahamahamahamahamahamahama....

Cleo smacked the back of your head with make you wince.

Maddy: What are you doing here? And how did you get here so fast?

You looked to Cleo. If anyone should talk to Maddy, it should be her. Cleo nervously stepped forward and smiled.

Cleo: Well, we're here on the part of Monster High's new...

Maddy: You know what? I don't care. You're here for Deuce.

You and Cleo both nodded.

Maddy: I'm sure Dracula will send me the details. Deuce is in his room.

Maddy walked into the house, leaving the door open. You and Cleo stood there for a moment before you nodded and walked in. The temple was a grand sight with vases depicting stories and battles.

Deuce: Cleo?

You both looked up the stairs to see Deuce standing there, dressed in a pair of basketball shorts and without his glasses. You quickly handed Cleo a pair of glasses as Deuce ran down the steps.

He picked her up in a hug and spun her around as Cleo squealed in glee. You watched with a smile on your face. Things were getting back to how they were.

Well, almost.

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

Frankie draped gray muslin curtains around the glass cage. Sewed five mini beanbags out of jewel-toned fabric samples and filled them with uncooked couscous. Brightened up the sawdust by mixing in some orange and fuchsia flower petals. And winterized the lab rats’ coats by replacing their summery multicolored glitter with shimmering coal-colored flecks. The Glitterati’s Extreme Home Makeover was complete.

Now what?

Her homework was done. Her room was clean. Tomorrow’s outfit had been selected.

Something rapped lightly against her window. Rain again? Soft knocks followed. Y/N? Frankie approached slowly, hoping it might be you. Then she pinched her arm for hoping. The sharp nip was less painful than the stab of disappointment.

Something, a stick of gum?, was pressed against the frosted pane. She looked up and squinted. Her fingertips tingled. Did it say…Gaga?

Frankie dragged over the stepladder, climbed up, and pushed the window open. The mysterious object fell to the ground. Hanging out the window, she looked closer. Was it really? A ticket to the sold-out Lady Gaga concert?

OmiGaga!

She extended her arm, but the ticket moved beyond her reach. Frankie shimmied out the window and tried a second time. It moved again. She scanned the courtyard for an explanation.

The leaves were still; the orange-and-navy sky, clear. It couldn’t have been the wind. She bent down, and the ticket slithered away. Is this some kind of joke? Or worse? What if it’s a trap? Earlier that day Cleo mentioned that Coach Donnelly had tried to trick Clawd. What if the coach knew about her disguise?

Am I next on his hit list?

Summoning every last ounce of willpower, Frankie turned away from the ticket and raced for the dorms.

Y/N: Wait!

Frankie stopped as you stepped out from behind the tree you were hiding behind. You held up a fishing line that was attached to the tickets and smiled.

Y/N: Sorry. Figured it was more fun this time. And I'm also not allowed in the Ghoul side of the dorms.

You walked over to her.

Y/N: What are you doing October thirtieth?

Frankie: They’re real?

You nodded.

Frankie: Really?

You nodded again.

Frankie: Mint!

Frankie pulled you in for a hug. You hugged her back with every muscle in your arms.

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

Nino aimed the camera at his sister. His stringy black hair fell in front of the lens, but he quickly tucked it behind his ear.

Nino: And…action!

More than a cue, the word had become Clawdeen’s only hope for surviving her first week of captivity. No more sulking around the inn, begging her brothers for driving lessons, or doing thousand-piece granny-loving kitten puzzles while mourning the inevitable death of her party. If she wanted to make a name for herself in the cutthroat world of DIY decorating, she’d have to beef up her blog. And so she enlisted her youngest brother, swiped the key to suite 9, and got to work.

Clawdeen: Hi, I’m Clawdeen Wolf. Welcome to another episode of Where There’s a Wolf, There’s a Way…

It was the fifth one she’d shot that week. Not that her seven loyal followers would know. Like her, they would be kept in the dark until life returned to normal and she had access to a computer. But when that time came, they would not be disappointed.

Clawdeen: I was hired to upgrade this hotel room from drab to fab using nothing but construction scraps and my own creative flair.

Nino snickered. Probably because he knew how opposite of hired she really was and how opposite of alive she would be if she couldn’t restore the room to its original state before her parents found out.

Three days earlier, the understated rustic retreat had been furnished with pine-green accents, raw-wood furniture, and a king-sized bed covered with a red and royal blue Navajo blanket. Now, Friday night, the space was well on its way to becoming the Sweet Suite, the must-have room for the eighteen-and-under crowd.

Broken glassware from the kitchen had been glued to the mini-fridge in a colorful mosaic that spelled EAT; above the bathtub the mosaic said CHILL, and behind the bed she’d written REST. Old coffee tins had been covered in fur (thanks, boys) and dyed purple to play up the faux facade. In the cans, Clawdeen displayed hairbrushes, makeup brushes, pens, and even beef jerky.

Old hardcover books “borrowed” from the inn’s library had been stacked and shellacked with glossy, high-fashion photos, transforming them into bedside pillars. One displayed fashion dos; the other, don’ts. The family’s old CD collection, stored at the inn for guests who doubted the staying power of iTunes, had finally been put to use. Clawdeen glued the discs to the wooden walls, reflective side showing, to give guests the sense that they were sleeping inside a disco ball—because who didn’t want that?

Clawdeen: Tonight, I’m going to teach you how to transform an entire Polly Pocket doll collection into a chandelier, or a chan-doll-ier, as I like to call it.

She padded over the soon-to-be-covered-in-glitter rug and stopped at the desk. It was strewn with cable wires, tiny figurines, and spools of metallic string. Nino followed.

Clawdeen: Before you get started, it’s very important that you....

Suddenly, Clawdeen’s ears tightened. Music thumped in the distance.

Nino: Stand by.

Clawdeen checked her reflection while they waited for the disruption to pass. The moon was filling out, and with it came the usual warning signs that transformation was approaching. Her auburn hair and nails had grown at least half an inch since lunch. Her metabolism was firing, making the tight aubergine minidress she had put on an hour earlier loose around the waist. And her yellow-brown eyes radiated fierce passion. Funny, every TV hostess in Hollywood would sell her soul for those traits, and yet she was the one hiding.

The music was getting closer. People were singing, their voices muffled, like they were inside a car. Ke$ha’s “We R Who We R” was blasting at full volume. Clawdeen held her breath and listened to the long-lost sounds of fun.

Nini: They’re pulling in. Look!

A black Escalade pulled up the drive. Typical self-centered normie behavior, assuming the SORRY sign applied to everyone else but them. If they only knew that the woman making their creamed spinach wore a hairnet over her entire body.

Inside the SUV, two voices wailed: “We’ll be forever young!”

Clawdeen sang along.

Clawdeen: We are who we are.

She knew every word. How could she not? Draculaura played it in her car every time on their way to....Omigod! She tossed the suite key to Nino.

Clawdeen: That’s a wrap. Lock up, will ya?

Clawdeen charged down the forest-green carpeted staircase and rushed out to greet the SUV.

The windows were fogged—probably from the blasting heat—but Clawdeen didn’t hesitate. She pulled open the driver’s door and jumped inside. Draculaura and her uncle Vlad were dancing in their seats, waving their arms above their heads and belting out the final chorus.

Draculaura: Deenie!

Draculaura threw herself into Clawdeen’s open arms. Apart for only a week, they hugged as though it had been forever.

Vlad: I know when I’m not wanted.

He leaned over his niece to shut off the ignition.

Vlad: Guess I’ll make like under-eye cream and get the bags.

Draculaura’s fangs began chattering as the heat escaped through the open door. Her gray fedora, yellow hoodie, black satin blazer, leggings, and knee-high boots obviously weren’t enough to keep her warm on a sixty-seven-degree night. And it looked as if she hadn’t eaten for days.

Clawdeen: Bags? What bags? What are you doing here? Where have you been?

Draculaura: Can we talk about it inside?

Draculaura grabbed a couple of parasols from the backseat.

Draculaura: It’s cold out here in the sticks.

Clawd: What’s going on out here? Mom’s been calling you for dinner. Where’s Nino?

He was wearing his basketball jersey for the same reason Clawdeen had painted her nails in green glitter polish and enhanced them with silver bow stickers: hope.

Clawdeen: Look who’s here!

She rub-warming her friend’s delicate arms as they entered the inn.

Clawd: Draculaura.

His expression softening from watchdog to puppy dog.

Draculaura: Fresh off a week of traveling the world!

She slapped him five, jammed her parasols into the steel umbrella holder, and hurried into the warm lobby.

Candlelit and cozy, it was a balanced mix of log cabin and Henry VIII. The granite registration desk was flanked by dark walnut walls covered in black-and-white photos of castles. Navy wingback chairs, a Scotch plaid sofa, and an iron coffee table faced a stone fireplace. Bookshelves offered classic novels and sun-bleached board games. Lala went straight for the hearth and held her hands to the flames.

Clawdeen: Traveling the world? What do you mean?

Draculaura: Dad and Helsing activated this thing called the Monster High Protocol. For the last week I've been going with Y/N and Frankie and Cleo to find everyone and bring them back!

Clawdeen wondered if this was what Cleo told her about, bit she was just happy that her friend was here and safe.

Vlad: Where do you want these?”

Uncle Vlad dragged two massive trunks into the foyer. Old, worn, and wheelless, they could have been recovered from the Titanic.

Clawdeen: Wait, you’re staying?

Draculaura: Sur-priiiise!

Clawd: I’ll get those.

With a small grunt, he stacked the trunks and lifted them over his head.

Clawd: I’ll put them in Deenie’s room.

He began climbing the stairs.

Uncle Vlad pulled a hankie from the pocket of his teal-checked blazer and dabbed his slick forehead.

Vlad: Show-off.

Clawdeen: We have tons of room. I’m sure my mom won’t care.

Draculaura: It was her idea, actually.

Clawdeen: Really?

Draculaura: Our phones were taken away, and I didn’t have your number. So I called the inn and she answered. All she had to do was ask how I was doing and that was it. We had been working so hard for the last week and we got a lot of monsters back, but I needed a break. So your mom said I could stay here until he gets back. I told her not to tell you. Wanted it to be a surprise.

Clawdeen: Fur real?

A friend! A girl! A cohost! A driving teacher! A miracle!

Draculaura nodded and they squealed again.

After a round of good-bye hugs for Uncle Vlad, the girls made their way to dinner.

Clawdeen couldn’t wait to fill Lala in on everything that had been happening. To hear stories about Draculaura’s crazy relatives, laugh their way to stronger abs, and stay up all night gossiping. Draculaura could teach her how to drive. Assist with the Sweet Suite. And help her plan the Sassy…just in case.

The thrill of a weeklong slumber party must have tickled Draculaura too. Not one for silly humor, she approached the suit of armor, which held the inn’s menus with its metal fingers, and smacked its butt.

Howie: Ooh, me next!

Don: I suggest you use gloves.

Nino: The kind they use at the zoo to clean the elephant cages.

Rocks: Why would he need gloves to touch the knight’s butt?

Don: Not him. Draculaura.

Rocks: Why would Draculaura need gloves? She just did it, and her hands are fine.

Everyone burst out laughing, even Clawdeen, who was so over Rocks’s airhead comments. Having Draculaura there definitely lightened her mood and made her feel safe in a way her brothers never could. Like a waitress refilling her cherry Coke before she had to ask. Clawdeen finally felt like someone had her back.

Clawd: Are they being pigs?

The wrinkled football jersey and gray sweats had been replaced by a black tee, skinny jeans, a leather belt, and sneakers. He had even spent some quality time with a comb. Hair gathered in a neat ponytail and smelling like Clawdeen’s black-currant body wash, he was suddenly more fox than wolf.

The boys whistled. Draculaura’s dark eyes gave him a once-over. Clawdeen asked if he was sneaking out later to meet a girl.

Clawd: Relax, I was fixing the clogged tub and I fell in, so I changed.

A round of accusations followed about who should be blamed for the latest plumbing issues.

Harriet: Welcome, Draculaura!

Harriet emerged from the kitchen with a steaming casserole dish.

Harriet: Macaroni and cheese, just for you.

Her toned triceps bulged as she set the dish down. Removing her oven mitts, she pulled Draculaura in for a hug.

Harriet: I’m going to fatten you up.

Her cheeks, flushed from cooking, matched her cinnamon-colored hair.

Draculaura: I can’t wait. I’m starving.

She looked healthier already.

Harriet sat.

Harriet: You look nice. I can finally see your eyes. Now if you could get Nino to....

Nino: No way.

Harriet: Why? Look how handsome your brother looks.

Clawd: Don’t get used to it, Mom. It’s not like this is my new look or anything. I like my hair. I just did this

Dracualura: I bet you’d look cool with a mohawk. They’re everywhere in Romania. My friend gave one to her boyfriend, and he looked hot. I can do it for you if you want.

Clawd: We’ll see.

Draculaura smiled, fangs exposed.

Clawdeen: So, Cleo texted me today. She said everyone is talking about my Sassy. Even the normies.

Draculaura: It’s still happening?

Howie: Thank you!

Howie dropped his fork and clapped his hands.

Howie: Finally, a girl with a brain around here.

Clawdeen: It’s eight days away. This whole thing could be over by then.

Draculaura: That’s true.

Clawdeen knew her friend too well. Lala didn’t believe the party would happen any more than her brother did. Still, she acted as if it could, and that meant everything. It meant there was hope.