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It's the first Samhain after the war. It was the first one for the new world.
It felt strange to simply return to Fort Salem and continue where fate had previously interrupted their story. Its grounds and walls seemed foreign, though they hadn't changed at all.
Tally knew she wasn't alone in feeling this way. Especially in those first weeks, she recognized that same strange unease on the faces of many of her companions and fort personnel. Even Petra Bellweather, who officially led the American Army and was so familiar with this place, looked uncomfortable. In those first months, it was hard not to notice that she barely set foot on Fort Salem's grounds.
And just when the atmosphere seemed to finally stabilize and people were slowly getting used to the new normal, autumn arrived, bringing with it an unmistakable change to Fort Salem. The transformation came gradually, like the turning of leaves - first one, then another, until suddenly the whole forest blazed with colors that seemed more vivid than anyone remembered from previous years. The very air grew thick with something indefinable that made even the most steadfast witches pause mid-sentence and look over their shoulders at empty corridors.
It was subtle at first, manifesting in ways that could be easily dismissed. Like an ethereal scent that would drift through the halls - a familiar blend of aged leather, parchment, and that distinct perfume that had once permeated the General's office. It would appear suddenly, strong enough to make Tally's heart skip a beat, only to vanish when she tried to follow it. Then came the whispers, barely audible yet somehow crystal clear in the dead of night - snippets of conversations in a voice that Tally would recognize anywhere.
But it was the footsteps that affected Tally the most. Those familiar, purposeful strides echoing down distant corridors - the distinctive rhythm of heeled boots against ancient wooden floors, carrying with them the unmistakable authority that had once commanded armies. Sometimes they would sound so close that Tally could have sworn their owner had just rounded the corner, only to find empty hallways stretching before her. Other times, they would echo from far away, growing fainter and fainter until they faded into nothing.
Initially, Tally thought she was going crazy, that her mind was playing tricks on her. She was standing in the fort's upper corridor, talking with Scylla and Izadora, when she heard those familiar echoing footsteps again in the distance.
Each time, her body responded the same way. Scylla's words merged into an indistinct blur, Tally's heart raced, and she had to physically restrain herself from looking toward the corridor leading to the General's office. She almost succeeded this time, but then she heard the sound of the office door slamming, and involuntarily flinched, looking in that direction.
Nothing was there. As usual.
But when she turned back to her companions, Izadora was giving Tally a knowing look. "Samhain approaches," she said, and everything made sense. So Tally wasn't going crazy. Though she still felt close to madness.
It haunted some people while others remained untouched. In the following days, Tally began to recognize the symptoms and the distinct group of people who were susceptible to them.
While Abigail, Adil, and Scylla remained largely unaffected, Petra often walked through the fort pale-faced, Anacostia seemed increasingly shaken with each passing day like Tally, and Raelle appeared increasingly nervous (though in her case, Tally was certain Raelle wasn't even fully aware of what was causing her anxiety). And of course, there was Izadora, who in her characteristic way seemed completely in-tuned with what was happening.
When the day of the festival arrived, it was clear this would be different from all previous celebrations. The glow of the bonfires seemed brighter than ever, and there was something in the air that seemed to encourage greater celebration than usual, pushing people toward louder conversations, more playful dances, and more eager feasting than before.
On this day, Fort Salem felt like returning to a childhood home after years away. People came alive in this feeling. Even the new cadets, those who had received their power no more than a few months ago and had never known the Old Fort, commented that the atmosphere that day was extraordinary. Warm. Inviting. It seemed to say, "This is your place."
Tally choked on her mulled wine when she first heard these words while passing a group of first-year cadets. Though it was hard to determine what surprised her more at that moment - the overheard phrase or the soft chuckle she seemed to hear at the edge of her consciousness after she choked.
Despite everything, Tally couldn't stay among the celebrants for long. The sight of Abigail and Adil, Gloria surrounded by first-years, or conversations with Scylla and Raelle filled her heart with joy, but she felt out of place. Though that wasn't quite the right description. She had an overwhelming feeling that she should be somewhere else.
So she filled her cup with another portion of heavily spiced mulled wine and set off.
That's how she found herself at the distant edge of the clearing where the celebrations were being held. The muffled commotion could still be heard, but it felt distant now, like it belonged to another world entirely. The celebrants and bright bonfires were still visible through the trees, their warm light fighting against the growing darkness. But here, where the festivities ended and the old forest began, everything felt different. The branches swayed gently in the cold autumn wind, and the shadows between the trees seemed deeper than usual on this Samhain night. While laughter and music filled the clearing behind her, the forest remained perfectly still, as if waiting."
Tally sat down on a fallen log, its weathered surface smooth from years of use. She couldn't help but smile slightly at the thought that during Beltane, this secluded spot would be one of the most sought-after locations in the fort grounds. But tonight was different. On this Samhain evening, everyone seemed drawn to the warmth and light of the celebration, huddling together around the bonfires as if seeking comfort in numbers. Everyone except her.
She couldn't pinpoint the exact moment she became aware of another presence there with her - perhaps because the veil had been thinning for days now, or perhaps because some part of her had known all along where this night would lead her.
She didn't turn away from the celebrating crowd when she heard soft footsteps in the grass behind her.
She watched as Adil invited Abi to dance when she caught the familiar and distinctive scent of perfume.
She kept watching as strong arms wrapped around her and someone sat behind her.
Only when she felt the warmth of another body did she allow herself to close her eyes and breathe.
She relaxed into the embrace. Allowed herself to fully feel this moment. Absorbed it desperately. Finally, she opened her eyes, still stubbornly looking ahead. Anacostia was raising a toast while Raelle and Scylla eagerly lifted their cups with her.
Tally felt a chin resting on her shoulder. Warm breath tickled her neck.
"I am happy for them," Tally whispered softly. "I really am."
"I know." Hearing Sarah's voice made Tally lose her breath.
"It's just..." The words caught in her throat. There was so much she wanted to say, so many things she needed Sarah to know, yet no words seemed right. Instead, she let herself sink deeper into the embrace, focusing on the steady rhythm of Sarah's breathing against her back, desperately trying to memorize every sensation - the weight of Sarah's arms around her waist, the subtle scent of her perfume carried on the autumn breeze, the warmth where their bodies touched. This felt right. This was everything. And yet... "You haven't really come back... have you?" Her voice broke.
"You know the answer to that question," Sarah responded, holding her tighter.
"Yeah." Tally felt tears rolling down her cheek.
In the distance, laughter erupted around one of the feast tables. Around the main bonfire, a circle of dancers had formed.