Haunted Holidays – The Broken Seal

The orchard shook as the seal split open. Black tendrils of shadow clawed their way out, whispering in a language older than roots, older than earth. The warding circle flickered, its symbols collapsing under the pressure of whatever writhed below. For the first time in ages, the Gate fought to open.

The Lantern Keeper stepped forward, planting their stitched feet against the trembling ground. The lantern in their hand flared ...no longer just a light, but a burning sun of trapped magic. The shadows recoiled with a shriek as golden flame lashed out, sealing cracks faster than they could spread.

Opposite them, the Scarecrow lowered its ragged hood. Fire rippled beneath its feet, circling the runes in molten gold. With a sweep of its arm, a surge of ancient harvest fire roared across the ring, branding the ground with power that would not break again.

The darkness thrashed, but the Gate shuddered—and began to close.

And the harvest would remain protected.

For now.