Pls, polish these,making it 2k exactly.Exactly,means exactly.
Rosaline and her grandmother sat cross-legged on the floor in front of the glowing TV screen, the flickering images of a Halloween special casting eerie shadows across the room. Rosaline had made two bowls of popcorn—one for herself, salted and buttery; the other, fried with a generous dose of sleeping tablets. A trick she had perfected. Her grandmother had a strict rule about not going out on Halloween nights, claiming they were cursed, dangerous, and filled with temptations. But Rosaline had other plans, ones that didn't involve sitting in her pajamas sipping lukewarm cocoa.
She glanced sideways and saw her grandmother's eyelids already drooping. The tablets were doing their job, although not as quickly as usual. Rosaline frowned. "Maybe her tolerance is growing," she muttered under her breath. She had made sure to use the long-lasting ones this time, the strongest in the cabinet. "She's too old for this," Rosaline murmured to herself, guilt nibbling at the edges of her excitement."Those were herbal though"She exhaled through her mouth while she thought.
But guilt had no place tonight—not on Halloween.
She tiptoed upstairs, dressed quickly, and took one final glance at her sleeping grandmother before slipping out into the cool, whispering air of the October night.
---
Meanwhile, in the palace city of Avalone, Bianca and Brittany had arrived early. The palace grounds had transformed into a mystical wonderland—floating candles, pumpkin carriages, dancers in masks of bone and gold. The two sisters, dressed in celestial gowns that shimmered like starlight, were ushered into Empress Recaiah's private dressing chamber.
"My Empress, you look breathtaking today," Bianca said with a soft smile, helping her wear a diamond-studded earring.
Recaiah gazed at her reflection and then turned to Bianca. "You always know how to please me, Bianca. You're such a good girl."
Bianca blushed demurely.
Recaiah tilted her head slightly. "I hope you'll be the one to replace my son's lost heart."
Bianca's eyes twinkled with confidence. "I hope so too, My Empress."
---
Rosaline made her way to the old bridge, her boots clicking softly against the cobbled stones. Fog curled along the edges of the bridge like smoke, wrapping everything in its mysterious grasp. She wore a gothic black lace dress that cascaded like shadows down to her ankles. Her corset was velvet, laced with blood-red strings that hugged her waist tightly. A spider-web veil hung loosely across her shoulder, fastened with a tiny silver skull. Her eyes were rimmed with kohl, lips stained deep crimson, and a thin streak of silver paint trailed from her temple like a fallen star.
She looked like a midnight queen—a vision of haunting beauty.
There, leaning casually against the rail, was Vincent—with Charlotte beside him.
Rosaline's smile faltered for a split second.
Vincent straightened when he saw her. "You look... stunning."
Charlotte rolled her eyes. "Sure. Gothic is the trend now, I suppose."
Rosaline ignored her and turned to Vincent. "Why do you always bring Charlotte with you?"
Vincent shrugged. "She's the only female friend I have."
Rosaline nodded, but inside, she churned with questions. Their closeness made her feel something unpleasant—something sharp and uncertain.
Vincent extended his hand. "Come on. Let's go."
She reached for him, their fingers entwining like puzzle pieces. But Charlotte followed, her heels clicking behind them.
Rosaline halted.
"How long is she going to follow us?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Charlotte stepped up, folding her arms. "Why ask him when I'm the one following you both? Ask me instead. Or are you saying I can't walk beside my only male friend?"
Vincent cut in gently, but firmly. "Charlotte, if Rosaline's not fully comfortable, then maybe give us some space."
Charlotte's mouth parted slightly in shock. She wasn't expecting that. Her eyes glimmered with wounded pride.
She turned without another word, heels clicking louder this time as she walked away.
Rosaline smiled slightly, but Vincent didn't miss the faint tremble in her hand.
"Does your grandma know you're here?" he asked.
Rosaline shook her head, grinning. "I fried her popcorn with sleeping pills. It's the only way I could leave."
He turned to her, eyes wide. "You're too stubborn, you know that? Always breaking rules."
She laughed, tossing her hair over one shoulder. "As if you didn't tell me to be here."
He smiled. "True. But I didn't tell you to poison your grandmother."
"It wasn't poison. It was... powdered pills."
He burst into laughter, and she narrowed her eyes.
"What's funny?"
"Nothing. Just scared you'll poison me one day."
She smirked. "Maybe I already have."
They laughed together, the sound echoing in the fog. That was when Margaux and Cassie appeared, arm-in-arm with their boyfriends—two of Vincent's closest friends.
"You're really looking good tonight, Rosaline," they said.
"You two look gorgeous too," she replied warmly.
The Halloween festival kicked off officially, lights dancing through the city, music rising like a spell. The festival's opening included visits to:
The Whispering Garden, where voices of the dead echoed through the trees.
The Enchanted Maze, filled with magical creatures and illusions.
The Mirror Lake, said to reflect your deepest desire under moonlight.
The Oracle's Tent, where a cloaked fortune teller made chilling predictions.
The palace was alive with music, laughter, and costumes. In the courtyard, the stage was set for the grand show—a famed fortune teller from the Northern Isles was to perform magic under the Avalone moon.
Prince Stefan, however, was in his room, folding his festival attire back into the wardrobe when Bianca knocked.
"Why are you not dressed?" she asked.
"Just not in the mood," he mumbled.
Bianca crossed her arms. "You're coming with me. No arguments."
He sighed. "Fine."
Together, they left the palace.
Across the city, Brittany had already gone out with Prince Kaelion. And Maya? She was curled up in her bed, cheeks stained with tears. Vincent, her boyfriend, had told her he wouldn't be going to Halloween this year. He had sounded tired. Distant.
Charlotte opened the door to Maya's room gently.
"Maya, I know you're upset. But you shouldn't stay here like this. Come with me, please. We'll enjoy Halloween together. I promise."
Maya sat up slowly. "He said he wasn't going."
"Then let's not waste our night."
But Charlotte wasn't being kind.
Her true motive was masked behind smiles.
I know Vincent is planning to tell Rosaline everything, Charlotte thought bitterly. But Rosaline, tonight... tonight, I will make your world crash before you even realize it.
She turned slightly, hiding her smirk. Even before you're dead tonight, I'll make your whole night a mess.
She grinned as Maya wiped her tears.