The Oakhaven Equinox Festival was usually my favorite night of the year.
The town transformed. The gray cobblestones were hidden beneath layers of fallen leaves and sawdust. Lanterns strung between the lampposts glowed with amber light, and the air smelled of roasted chestnuts, mulled cider, and magic.
For one night, the line between the human world and the magical one blurred. Witches sold herbal remedies that were really minor luck potions. Wolves, in human form, competed in strength games that no human could ever win. Even the Council relaxed their grip, allowing a truce of celebration.
But this year, the festival felt like a cage.
I stood at the edge of the town square, clutching a cup of cider I didn't want. The Null Stone around my neck felt heavy, a cold weight against my skin t
