A Pact Realized on Halloween | A Deal with the Devil

0:01 Felicia refused the devil's offer to bring back her husband. Then, she wakes on Halloween with Gabriel alive beside her. Her family is whole again, but she never said yes. Somewhere, there's a price for this miracle, and Hellweaver hasn't told her what it is. Trick or treat. There's a chill in the air. Must be fall. Join me for a tale of Halloween. you will experience tales of horror, ghosts, and death. It is not recommended for the weak at heart, but who merely listens to warnings anyway.

1:13 This is Weekly Spooky. Hello, my spookies. It's Mischief Night. Tomorrow's the big day. Halloween. The day when, not only does the veil between the living and the dead start to thin, but it'll also be the seventh year of Weekly Spooky beginning. Seven years ago, tomorrow, we published our first episode. Mischief Night by Shane Migliavaca. And tomorrow, we'll have a brand new story from Shane to keep you scared.

2:09 Expect it a little later in the day, because we'll start it all off with a big Halloween compilation to make sure you have something to listen to before the ghouls and goblins show up at your door asking for candy. And later today, we're bringing back Weekly Spooky Halloween Radio. Over 90 minutes of fun, horror-themed songs for you to enjoy from independent artists all over America. So make sure you're subscribed for that as well. A perfect playlist while you're putting on your makeup. And don't forget to share Weekly Spooky with a friend who understands Halloween is not on a calendar. It's in your heart. And speaking of hearts, we have a heart-wrenching story. as we head back to Strickfield for one last Halloween novella of the season. But before we get to that, just thank you all so much for making this Halloween season so very special for me.

3:09 I've enjoyed bringing you fear and laughter and, well, everything in between, and I can't wait to do it for you again and again. So stay subscribed, and if you want to do me a personal favor, head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify and give us a five-star rating so other spookies like us will know they're in the right place for Halloween all year long. But now, as for tonight, we're going back to a Halloween that should be over. For most of us, that means finding a forgotten piece of candy or finally putting away the skeleton you have on the porch, but for Felicia Bates, it means waking up beside the husband She lost a familiar voice, a familiar smile, and their little girl calling from the doorway.

4:01 Everything she ever wanted back. But there's just one problem. The last time she was offered her life back, she refused that dastardly bargain. So, why is she getting everything she wanted? And if the price has changed, it's only grown. with interest a pact realized on halloween by rob fields greetings comic book nerds and horror fanatics it's your favorite mutant spider girl again in her third issue If you recall, my debut was yours truly getting her spider powers and becoming a superhero. I also faced down a mutant wasp chick.

4:59 After that came a few team-ups with other heroes. I even went to a whole other universe. My first issue fell on Halloween, but it wasn't until the following Halloween that I got my second. Unfortunately, my Second issue brought lots of sadness. I was married to the most wonderful man whom you met in my first issue. His name was Gabriel, though I didn't know it when we first met. He was just somebody my mutant spider mommy vibes wanted me to make babies with. Tragedy took my family when an evil, grown-up version of Madeline Donnerly from the alternate vampire universe I visited during a team-up came to our universe.

5:51 She sired Gabriel and my stepdaughter Millie. Gabriel had tasted human blood, so there was no return for him. He managed to find his humanity and gave me his blood in order to save me after Madeline had left me for dead. Gabriel didn't want to go on, knowing what Madeline had made him do. Ultimately, I was forced to end him. Low Points My third issue begins closer to St. Patrick's Day. I stopped taking classes at Strickfield U. I'm still an emotional wreck. Trying to be a good mommy to Millie is the only thing keeping me somewhat together.

6:38 Millie's all I've got left of Gabriel. I swore on my life I would love and raise that little girl until she decided to head out into the world as an adult. When I'm with Millie, she eases my pain, but once I'm in bed, I cry myself to sleep. Gabriel was my first love and my first heartbreak. The only other relief comes when I become the mutant spider girl. and can go hunt for baddies. When I got these powers, I committed myself to fighting evil. Lately, I've been dealing harshly with vampires. Since a vampire took Gabriel from me, I suppose I'm prejudiced against them. But tonight, I'm not fighting a vampire. I'm fighting Sin, Hellweaver's daughter. And that's another thing keeping me up at night. Hellweaver herself is an all-powerful goddess. If you think you've met the Bible by attending Mass, think again. Hellweaver is the devil made flesh and female. She has the power to give you your heart's desires in exchange for whatever service she wants.

7:58 I hate to say it, but Hellweaver always keeps her word. Woe be unto you if you try screwing her over. Hellweaver has appeared to both me and Millie several times, offering to give Gabriel back to us, and believe me, I know she can do it. All my pain and suffering would be gone, just like that. Millie would love to have her daddy back, no doubt. But Hellweaver's never told me her price, and I know it'll be way too high. She wants to conquer the entire multiverse. If I say yes, she'll make me help her do it. Yes, I want Gabriel back more than anything, but not enough to say fuck you to the entire multiverse. So I'll keep suffering before I give in to Hellweaver. Since last Halloween, she's appeared to me when she knows I'm at my lowest.

9:04 always sweetening the pot. Last time, I broke down in front of her and cried my eyes out. Believe me, you have no idea how close I came to saying yes. And I'm not proud to admit that, comic book nerds. But back to Sin. Hellweaver's a pussycat compared to her daughter. Sin is pure evil disguised as a hot chick with wings. How'd we end up fighting? Well, when I refused Hellweaver's latest offer, Sin was there and lost her shit. Even though Sin's power is second only to her mother, she's not a goddess. She's all about pain, suffering, and brutality.

9:53 While Hellweaver may show you mercy, Sin won't. Period. Make the arrangements. you stupid mortal, Sin roared, laying into me. Again. In human form, I still have my spider powers, just not the full strength of my mutant spider form. Even like this, I can rock Sin and knock her on her ass. but sin's right back on me. Yes, fight me. It makes punishing you that much more satisfying. Hellweaver stands off to the side without interfering. As far as she's concerned, this fight's between me and sin. I try shifting into my mutant spider form, but that takes two minutes. Sin won't give me any kind of time like that. When I beat you down and kill you, I'll savor every bite of your flesh. The hell you will, I fire back.

10:56 I web Sin's face to blind her and keep on punching, but she's far too strong. I'm not sure I could match her strength even in spider form. My hardest punch yet knocks her on her ass. She gets up, smiling sweetly. More. Fight me more. We go at each other hard. Sin cuts loose and beats me down until I'm flat on my back, bruised and bleeding. I want to get up and keep fighting, but I can't move. Sin crouches over me. You really thought you would beat me, she chuckles. I am of Hellweaver herself, and now I shall dine on you, as promised. Fuck you! I yell. No, Sin, Hellweaver calls out.

11:51 You have beaten her. Relish that as your victory. Sin is usually loyal to her mother. Lately, though, she's been rebelling. I want to eat her flesh. Hellweaver remains calm. You heard me, daughter. I said cease. Sin rises and confronts her. No! Even that doesn't anger Hellweaver. As long as you remain with me, you shall obey. Sin is heaving, seemingly ready to strike her own mother, but she backs off. Need I remind you that I only granted you permission to defeat Felicia Bates? Hellweaver tells Sin. You have done that.

12:46 I still desire for her to live. She looks at me. Which is why you continue to do so, mutant. The answer is still no, I groan. Hellweaver smiles and takes my hand. Power flows through me until I'm fully restored. I remind you that you may have the love of your life back, she says. Merely tell me that you wish for me to restore your husband, and he shall be back with you and the little girl immediately. I sit up. But you won't tell me what the price is.

13:29 I know you ain't just gonna give me back Gabriel out of the kindness of your heart. Whatever you're asking, it ain't worth it. Not when you want the multiverse for yourself. Hellweaver smiles devilishly. Then I shall serve you a taste. Hellweaver touches my forehead, and I'm back in our bedroom with Gabriel. I gasp. I moan hard when he squeezes me from behind and kisses my neck and shoulder, making me realize we're both quite naked. I moan harder when he fondles and squeezes the girls. God, I can smell him. and feel my spider pheromones making him want me.

14:21 Gabriel feels so incredibly warm and manly against me. He's a good nine years older, but I never cared about his age. I loved him and his little girl so much that I accepted his Christmas marriage proposal back when I was a senior in high school. When Gabriel squeezes me again, I want him in the worst way. I look behind me and catch that damn lady killer smile. Gabriel always could be the devil in disguise. And then I realize. I break Hellweaver's spell and shove her away with enough spider strength to land her hard on her ass.

15:04 Sin's ready to attack me again, but Hellweaver raises her hand. No, Sin. Then she smiles at me. Well done. mutant. She rises to her feet as only a demonic goddess like her can. My next temptation shall be even more delicious than the previous one. You long for the pleasures of your combined flesh. In time you shall desire it so desperately that you shall enter into an arrangement with me. I'm so pissed at her latest temptation that I spring up and throw punches into her. Hellweaver barely rocks before shoving me away.

15:49 Spare me, mutant, she murmurs. Remember, all you need to do is call my name. I shall appear before you. You shall accept my generous offer. And then you shall serve me as I wish. Never! Never! I scream with all the anger I got. All I can do is watch mother and daughter fly upward. I can't fly after them. Even if I could, they'd both beaten me. Then they're gone. I fall to my knees and burst into tears. I was so damn close.

16:32 So close to accepting Hellweaver's offer. Gabriel's arms felt so real in that illusion. She knows how to tempt me now. I want to say yes so badly, not just for me, but for Millie. I pull myself together and head home to downtown village. Little Millie surprises me by opening the front door. I used to pick her up from school every day. Recently I got so deep in my depression that I forgot and she came home on her own. I kneel inside the door and Millie hugs me tight.

17:13 You're still sad, Mom. She still calls me Mom. Burning hot tears run down my cheeks when I remember that I had recently tried to take my own life. I just couldn't handle the pain anymore. When Millie wasn't home, I grabbed a jug of heavy-duty drain cleaner and downed what was left inside. It hurt like hell when that shit ate right through my stomach. I dropped fast and welcomed death with open arms, but then Hellweaver appeared. It shall never be that easy for you, child, she said in a motherly tone, taking my hand and caressing it.

18:03 I was fully restored, healthy again. You are far too valuable to me, alive, she said simply. In fact, I may just have given you immortality, so you shall continue to hurt and bleed, but you can never die or even age. I tightened my fists. I fucking hate you. I'll never say yes. You shall. she promised. I have taken your mortality, meaning my patience for you is a convenience now. She laughed as she made her exit, and I was left to contemplate what just transpired. Hellweaver was right.

19:00 I even tried to use a razor blade while taking a bath, After slicing my wrists, I healed in seconds. Then I dropped the blade and sobbed, knowing what a coward I was. I could have left Millie all alone in this horrible world. When I realized I'm still holding Millie, I let her go. Holy Jesus, I wasn't paying attention. In my emotional state, I could have... I fall on my back and come apart right in front of Millie. My god, I could have killed her, crushed her with my spider strength. Mom, what's wrong? Millie panics and falls on top of me. Mom! I hold her for dear life. Please, dear Lord, don't let me crush her. I love you, Mom, Millie says, crying herself. Please stop being sad. Holding her brings back the first time Hellweaver appeared to us last Halloween, like it happened yesterday. My spider instinct went critical. Millie screamed and I gasped. I sprang up and put Millie behind me, ready to fight Hellweaver to protect my child, knowing she would easily kill me. It doesn't have to be this way, Felicia Mirren, she said. I have the

20:35 power to give you back your family. It would be as if Madeline Donnerly had never come into your life. So this was it, comic book nerds. The devil bitch first tempted me when I was emotionally broken last Halloween, and all I had to do was say yes. I screamed at Hellweaver. Fuck you! I pointed at Hellweaver. Whatever the price is, it's more than even I can afford. No mirin in the world could ever afford it. My answer is no. Hellweaver chuckled. You say no, she raised her finger. But the time shall come when you shall seek me out. All you need to do is simply call my name. I shall come to you and make the offer yet again, and you shall be more than eager to accept my no matter the cost. But for now, I shall take my leave of you. Then, she disappeared.

21:46 Back in the present, there's no Hellweaver. I'm still holding Millie. I finally stop crying, but it doesn't hurt any less. I can't just lie here and keep feeling sorry for myself. This little girl is my responsibility now. I sit up and face her. What can I do for you, baby? Are you hungry? I'll make you whatever you want. I'll even... I'll order a pizza. I want you to be all right, Mom, she says. I get some tissues and wipe her tears. I'm sorry you saw me like that, but I'm not going anywhere, Millie. You call me Mom, and I'll always be here for you. I love you so much. Please know that. Millie hugs me tight again. I love you, Mom.

22:40 Her calling me Mom is the swift kick in my ass I need. I gotta focus on Millie. She's all I got left of Gabriel. He pleaded with me to take care of her before I ended him on Halloween. Maybe I'm a letdown, but I can't let her down. I ask her again what she wants. Millie finally says she wants me to make that soup I love to eat. I can't eat solid food, but soup's okay, and Gabriel always made the best tomato bisque and taught me how to make it too. I nod. Okay, baby, you got it.

23:24 Grilled cheese sammies too? Yeah, she says excitedly. So I get up and get on with being Millie's mommy. But first, she wants me to go upstairs with her to feed Creepy and Crawly, our pet tarantulas. I smile as she takes my hand and leads me up to her room. The next morning. I think I'm having another vivid dream where I'm making passionate love to Gabriel. Christ, I can smell him and feel his body heat against mine. Then I remember how dangerously real Hellweaver made that last experience feel.

24:10 Did that temptation remain in my mind? I wake up with a gasp. Shit. It's morning. I must have slept really well. For once, Millie put me to bed. I remember spending most of last night with her. We watched cartoons after I made soup and grilled cheese sammys. I was happy knowing Millie was happy, but I smell something. I now realize I'm naked and being held close by a fucking man. I turn and sit up. He sits up with me. Gabriel? I barely choke out. He gives me that lady killer smile that always makes me melt. Morning, Felicia, he says in his suave tone. Then he leans in and smells my neck. Never stop wearing that perfume. He studies my face. What's wrong? I gotta know. I touch him.

25:23 Holy shit. He's really real, but I shake my head and yell, Stop trying to tempt me, Hellweaver. I said no, and I mean it. Gabriel looks at me funny and mutters, Hellweaver? Christ, comic book nerds. Gabriel's smell is, it's overpowering. I haven't smelled it since Hellweaver's illusion, but I'm touching him now. He held me while I slept. His smell is all over me. You're dead, Gabriel. I choke out. I catch sight of the mirror on my makeup table. He's got a reflection, meaning we can check vampire off the list.

26:12 Madeline Donnerly never turned him. Gabriel pulls me onto my back. I gasp when he kisses me full on the mouth and cups one of the girls. I feel myself surrendering to him when I taste his lips and tongue. I crave the way he lovingly fondles me. I don't mean to be sexually graphic here, but he's making me so hot with desire. Hellweaver's gotta be in my head again. She said she'd keep sweetening these experiences for me. God, I wanna have hot, steamy, nasty, dirty morning sex with my long-lost Gabriel so goddamn badly. I can feel him sliding inside me to give me what I desperately need from him. And then, the door opens. Mom?

27:04 Daddy? You up? Millie calls out. Happy Halloween! I cover the girls when Gabriel and me both sit up. Then I know I ain't seeing shit, when Millie sees Gabriel too. He's got a smile for Millie. Hey kiddo, come on up here. Happy Halloween to you too. Millie climbs onto our bed, Gabriel hugs his little girl, and she clings to him like she does to me. Oh, you sure stepped up your game, Hellweaver. I know you're powerful enough to deliver a hell of a fantasy like this. Of course, Millie ain't gonna know any better. So I snatch Millie away from Gabriel. I don't know who the fuck you are, but you ain't my husband. I lost him on Halloween night.

27:52 You can go straight back to perdition and tell your goddess I'll never, ever say yes. Millie gets my attention. It's okay, Mom. It's Daddy. After I let go of Millie, Gabriel flashes that smile, and I'm quaking all over. Gabriel snatches me to him and looks me in the face. I feel my body against his chest. I think you had a nightmare, hon, he tells me. It is Halloween, after all, and I got the day off to spend today with you and Millie. I gulp. Do you remember what happened on Halloween night? He caresses my cheek. Felicia, I just said today is Halloween. I see Gabriel's phone lock screen over his shoulder, and sure enough, October 31st.

28:48 Same year as last year. Mom? Are you okay? Millie asks. You look scared. It's okay, baby, I tell her. Then I ask Gabriel. It's really Halloween today? Sure is, he confirms. Millie speaks up. It's okay, Mom. We're going to have the best Halloween ever. But I choke out. Gabriel turns me back to him. and caresses the side of my face. Tell you what, honey, why don't you lie down a little longer? I'll get breakfast for Millie. When you come down, then we can... I nod.

29:33 I've got to think. Gabriel pulls his boxer briefs inside the covers and puts them on still. He gets out of bed and puts on a t-shirt. Okay, you little half-pint, he says to Millie playfully. What you want for breakfast? Pancakes, Millie cries. Ooh, Gabriel says, pretending disappointment. I can try, little lady, but You know I ain't as good as your mom when it comes to pancakes. I groan. I'll make the pancakes, just let me throw something on. He looks over his shoulder. You sure? I see my oversized t-shirt on the floor and pull it into the covers.

30:18 I slip it on and get out of bed. Millie shoots out of the bedroom, excited for pancakes. Gabriel smiles and my knees go weak. He snatches me before I fall on my ass and kisses me. I finally surrender and kiss him back. Christ, even his morning breath, tastes the same. When we come apart, I love you, he whispers to my lips. I return his whisper with a peck on his lips. Then I move out of the bedroom and downstairs. Millie's got the TV on and is watching Halloween cartoons. I go into the kitchen and start making pancakes. I'm still distraught over having Gabriel here. Hellweaver's got to be doing her shit again. But everything feels so... real.

31:14 And I'm not in pain anymore. But I know I didn't say yes. So how am I getting my wish? I gotta play along until I can learn what exactly is going on. I remember it being almost St. Paddy's Day. Now it's last Halloween again. I remember everything, but Millie doesn't seem to. I gratefully finish making breakfast. When it's ready, my man and our little girl sit down to eat. When Gabriel takes his first bite, he turns to Millie. Told you your mom makes the best pancakes. Sure does, Millie says with a mouthful. When the idea hits me, I go out to the front porch to get today's copy of the Strickfield Journal. Even it says October 31st, same year. What is going on here? The landline phone rings when I come back inside. Gabriel answers it. Like this has always been his house. He hangs up. and gives me a kind of hurt look. I know I said I was off today, Felicia, but things just went down the toilet at work. I gotta go in for a little bit and sort it out, then I promise I'll come back home and we'll do something with Millie.

32:38 Sound good? I nod. Yeah, yeah, go. Yeah, Gabriel, go to work. Then I'm going to see exactly what you're doing there. I know I can trust Millie to be home by herself for a little while. I'm sure she'll just watch more cartoons. I drive my SUV to County Road 29 behind Mirren Automotive. Gabriel's a manager there. I get out of my car and easily get inside the plant with my spider powers. I crawl across the ceiling. Not a single person looks up. There's a commotion around a huge rack on one of the assembly lines. Gabriel's there asking what happened. Everybody seems to know him like he's always been there. He's telling the maintenance people what's gotta be done. Nothing here so far suggests he's not Gabriel.

33:40 Everything's okay here. What else can I check? Christy, Millie's real mom. Christy broke out of Glenview and started shit again. Madeline Donnerly broke her free after I stopped her, turned her, and then they... Well, the memories of that Halloween overwhelm me. I lose my footing and fall from the ceiling, shooting web lines to catch myself above the concrete. Nobody sees me climb back up and get the hell out of the plant. I put my shoes back on. and drive to Glenview. Once there, I pull them off and scale the ceiling just like I had done at Miran Automotive.

34:25 Christy's locked up in a cell by herself. I hear a couple of guards say she started a fight that morning. She also tried escaping a few days earlier, but didn't get far and got more time tacked on to her sentence. Alright, comic book nerds, this one is really bugging me. Too bad you guys can't actually talk to me and give me your suggestions. I could use some. I get a text from Gabriel saying things are going to take longer than he thought. I reply and tell him to do what he's got to do. As for me, I'm going to do what I'm going to do. After leaving Glenview, I know exactly who I need to talk to. I drive back into downtown village and pull my SUV to the corner of West Harlow Road and Main Street. I get out of the car and walk onto the porch.

35:22 The front door opens to reveal Grams. Okay, Anathia Tabon ain't my grandma, but she said to call her Grams since she considers me family. I've been expecting you, Felicia. Grams looks like she's in her mid-thirties, but She's way older, being a vampire. When I ask her today's date, she says it's October 31st. She brings me into her den where she's got her crystal ball and some other stuff set up. No, she doesn't conduct readings for people to make money. These are some of her tools for, well, fighting evil. Sit, Grams invites. Lusabella's out with Aileen. They'll be back later. Right. She saw me looking around and wondering.

36:16 There's no fooling Grams, which is exactly why I'm here. I sit across from her and tell her everything. When I'm crying again, she gives me tissues. I ask her if everything I'm experiencing is real or if there's something I'm not aware of. Grams uses her crystal ball. I even let her glam me so she can look directly into my mind and soul. When she's done, she has things to share. You are telling the truth, Felicia, she confirms. That's why I needed your consent to glam you. Why are you repeating today? Why are the events occurring differently than those you remember? I'm afraid there are blocks that even my powerful magics cannot access. Do you feel... Hellweaver's involved?

37:11 I ask. I can't confirm it, Graham says sincerely. However, I wouldn't rule out the possibility. I become anxious. I told you what Hellweaver's trying to do. Did you find any sign that I might have been tricked into saying yes to her to get my husband back? Graham's answers at once. No. I would have found that the moment I glammed you. Even the visions the crystal ball gives show nothing of such an event. I groan in frustration. For all I know, Gabriel's probably not even my husband, just some fucking doppelganger.

37:53 Then I remember who I'm talking to. Sorry, Grams. She waves it off. I can assure you that Gabriel is indeed your husband and not one of Hellweaver's servants. I feel this is something beneath the Dark Mother. From what you've told me, Hellweaver would have kept on you herself. She gains servants from those who read those Bibles they find, but she has the power to work on you directly. I believe she would rather do that. I cry a little. Are you saying Gabriel really is alive? Most certainly. Grams confirms.

38:38 If I were you, I wouldn't do anything to drive a wedge between yourself and Gabriel. I shake my head. No, you're right. I just want to know what's going on. At least you understand. I wish I could help you further, but I'm almost certain Hellweaver's hand is in this somehow. Oh, wait. There is something I can do for you. Grams puts her hand on my forehead and utters a spell. I gasp and see multiple flashes in my mind. When she's done, she says, I can now remember both realities. Thank you so much for your help, Grams, I tell her. She nods and walks me to the door. We hug and say our goodbyes, and I head home. I'm just glad to know I never made any deals with Hellweaver. I get another text from Gabriel saying he's coming home and everything's fixed at work. I tell him I'm waiting. I have an idea and text Aileen Donnerly. She replies, Almost immediately. Reconciliation.

39:58 It's not long before Gabriel pulls in the driveway and comes inside. After giving me a kiss, he says, Sorry about all that. One of the assembly lines went haywire and they needed me to get it working again. I make small talk with him. Then he asks if I still want to do something tonight. I can call Mrs. Randall next door and see if she'd be willing to take Millie trick-or-treating tonight. I remember Mrs. Randall from my original Halloween. Madeline Donnerly and Gabriel were upstairs, sucking her blood dry. I walk to the back door without thinking.

40:39 I have to know. There she is, rocking slowly in her chair on the back patio. I turn back to Gabriel. Actually, I was thinking Millie could hang with Lucy and Aileen, if you're okay with that. Millie comes into the kitchen. Aunt Lucy and Aunt Inie? Oh, Daddy, can I please have them as my babysitters tonight? Please? We're already here, little angel. We hear a familiar voice calling out. We turn to see Lucy Bella Tabon and Aileen Donnerly at the front screen door. Gabriel motions for them to come in.

41:19 Felicia asked us if we wouldn't mind watching Millie, Lucy says. Her English has gotten so much better. She sounds just like she lives in Strickfield instead of hell. Gabriel stares at Lucy's long pigtails in bewilderment. I know about Lucy, but Gabriel and Millie, they don't. Her pigtails hang unnaturally outward and down, never touching her shoulders unless she turns and they sway enough to brush them you want to go trick-or-treating tonight millie aileen asks in her mousy voice yeah millie replies aileen sweetens the pot we'll even take you to the mall lucy says thoughtfully i'd like to experience frozen coffee again lucy's warming to the mortal realm she doesn't eat a lot of our food but she loves sodas and frozen coffee Yeah, we can stop at the caffeine junction there. Aileen assures her. I want some frozen coffee too, Millie says excitedly. I look at Millie's sitters.

42:29 You let her have coffee? Aileen shrugs. It happened last time we took her to the mall. Lucy also shrugs. I didn't think she would grab my frozen coffee after I took a drink and put it down. She seemed to enjoy it quite a bit though. Lucy and Aileen leave with Millie. When their car is gone, I turn my attention to Gabriel and fold my arms in front of me. I want some more answers. I know us having secrets is still a major turn-on in our marriage, but seriously, how the fuck are you even back in the mortal realm? It's just us now, so be honest with me. He gives me a weird look. I don't understand, Felicia.

43:16 He sighs. Look, you were acting strange this morning. What's wrong? I tell him everything I remember from my Halloween, including what Madeline Donnerly from the Vampire Universe did to him. I point to Mrs. Randall's house. I saw her alive and well just now. But you can't unsee your husband and the vampire bitch who turned him, killing the nice old lady who lives next door. Gabriel looks hurt. He raises his finger. Wait a minute. You said I was a vampire, right? He snatches my wrist and pulls me into the half-bathroom. He moves me in front of him.

43:57 Looks like I can see us both, honey. I'm not supposed to have a reflection, right? I saw his reflection this morning, but here he is showing me he ain't a vampire. How can he be so calm about this? Oof. I groan. Feeling weak from his smile in the mirror, he snatches me around my waist so I don't fall. I can smell him, but something's wrong. I just know it. I turn around and surprise him by lifting him off his feet quite easily. Guess I'm full of surprises too, I say. Right now I'm in full-on mommy mode. I went through hell in the Halloween I remember, and every day since. You made me swear to protect Millie, and I will protect that little girl with everything I've got.

44:48 I know she's safe with Lucy and Aileen, leaving me to deal with you so seriously. Who are you? Yeah, you are very strong, Gabriel admits. I found that out when we started having sex every month after we met, he groans. Come on, honey, I ain't no vampire. I would never hurt Millie. She's my whole world. Well, you and her both. And I'm glad you'd protect Millie if anything ever happened to me. I accidentally let go of him and fall on my ass when he gives me that damn smile again. I don't want to give in so easily, but Gabriel is the only one who can affect me with that smile of his. Gabriel grabs my hands and pulls me back up. He holds me tight against him and slips me the tongue I try pushing him away, but my body won't obey me. I can't let him in like this. I don't want to be wrong and learn he ain't really Gabriel. I want him to be my man so badly, but I just, I can't go through all that pain again. Gabriel is going to win. I long for him so much that I kiss him back with the same hunger. God, I'm going to be burned so badly, but I need him. Gabriel does another Gabriel thing and rips my top open. I get dizzy when he caresses and squeezes my breasts. When

46:20 I swoon, he sweeps me off my feet and into his muscular arms. I'm breathing fast and my heart's gonna explode when he carries me off to our bedroom. I'm still dizzy as he lays me down and undresses me. Once he's naked himself, he lies on top of me and his smell is so overpowering We kiss each other hungrily as he pleasures the girls again. When I feel him deep inside me, I surrender to my man completely and know we're going to make up for so much lost time. I don't care anymore. I need this so badly. I don't ever want to be alone ever again. But I still never said yes. One year later. I wake under the blankets, gentle arms holding me from behind. It's been this way most every day. I know for sure Gabriel is my real husband. The way we make love, there's just no way he's not my man. I'm not dreaming.

47:30 Gabriel feels I'm awake and we start our day with hot, steamy morning sex. I can't believe it's been a full year already. but I cherish each and every day with my man. If my life includes a one-way ticket to hell, then I'm ready to burn forever. I wouldn't give up Gabriel for anything ever again. I'm back to being a full-time wife and mommy, but I never returned to Strickfield University. Gabriel told me he makes more than enough money to support our household. I reminded him that I'm his wife and, I want to contribute. Funny thing, he doesn't remember me telling him I'm a Mirren. Not only that, he won't let me tell him my maiden name. First, it's that secrecy thing between us that keeps fueling our fire in the marriage. Second, he says I've more than proven myself to our family without telling him. You'd think I'd finally be used to that damn smile of his by now.

48:40 I don't care anymore when he sweeps me to him for a passionate kiss before he goes to work. I really love my life. I plead with the universe again for everything to be a thousand percent real. That afternoon. The back door opens. Millie's home from Roth's rings and I'm in the kitchen baking Halloween cookies. Have fun at the arcade, I ask. Great, she chirps. Then she asks, How are you enjoying your life these days, Mom? Wow, that's a hell of a question for an almost eight-year-old girl to be asking, right? Um, great, I chirp back.

49:31 Can't complain. Millie comes over for a hug. She looks up at me. I just... Couldn't let you keep crying like that. What do you mean? I ask. We go to the living room and sit on the couch together. Millie points to the floor. It was right there, Mom. It was almost St. Patrick's Day, remember? You were really crying. I was crying, too. My heart's pounding. Not in a good way. Millie, I don't want to say this to you, but You're really scaring me. Millie takes my hand. You don't need to be scared, Mom. I squeeze her hand back.

50:19 But how do you know everything that happened before? That means you know how things changed for the better. I'm afraid to ask, Millie, but I have to know. Is your father real? She nods eagerly. Yeah, Daddy's real. Always has been. I knew you'd feel better if he was back. I really miss Daddy, too. I put it together at last. Grams said her magics couldn't overcome Hellweaver's power. That's why she couldn't tell me what happened. But she was right.

51:00 Hellweaver was involved, and I never said yes. Millie did. And I remember what Hellweaver said on the original Halloween night. All you need to do is simply call my name. I shall come to you and make the offer again. And you shall be more than eager to accept, no matter the cost. Whether Hellweaver was making the offer to me or to both of us, Millie was there and she heard everything. Oh, please tell me you didn't, Millie, I choke out. But I did, Mom. I called Hellweaver by simply saying yes, just like she said. You were so tired I couldn't wake you up, but I told Hellweaver what I wanted and she gave it to me.

52:01 She brought Daddy back. Now you're not so sad anymore. I'm crying again. What did she want from you? I barely manage to say. Hellweaver never gives you something for nothing. You made a deal with her. I spring off the couch. What did you agree to? When Millie won't answer me, I know who will. Hellweaver! She appears in the living room. I knew you would finally determine what had happened, she says with that devilish smile of hers. And to clarify, I did make the offer to both of you. You may think that a child is incapable of making an arrangement, but Millie has proven quite the contrary. I tighten my fists.

53:00 You fucking coward. You came at me through a little girl. No, I merely acknowledged Millie Bates when she wished to make an arrangement with me, she contradicts. Millie spoke clearly of her desires. I granted her what she wished for. Now when the time comes and I require her services, I shall return to her and claim what is owed. You yourself have experienced the fruits of Millie's wish, have you not? In this new reality that Hellweaver made, Gabriel never left.

53:42 He never met that horrible vampire version of Madeline Donnerly, and was never sired. As far as Gabriel knows, he's been happily married to me since our wedding. Together we're raising Millie. Our family was never broken up. I was so blind to everything. Over the year, I still met up with my friends to fight bad guys. Even Hellweaver showed up at times. She never tried tempting me again. I should have known something wasn't right. She got Bella Tabon with her treachery in the second chance compact. She got Aileen and... She got me. What did Millie promise you?

54:29 I demand. I already told you, someday she shall serve me as I wish, and I have such great plans for her. Give her back her soul, god damn you. If you want a soul, then take mine, please. She's just a little girl. I do not accept your offer, mutant. Take comfort in knowing that I do not require Millie's services this day She shall enjoy her young life. She shall even experience her college years. But make no mistake, I shall come for her in time. And as for you, should I accept your offer, all would be as it was.

55:19 Gabriel Bates would continue to be as you left him. Would you rather leave Millie alone in this world to feel the suffering of his absence all over again? or your own. I'll go through whatever hell you decide to give me if you release Millie from her obligation to you and leave Gabriel alive and well. Millie jumps to her feet, furious. I did this all for you, Mom. I won't let you take my family away. I want Daddy. I want you, too. But you don't want to serve Hellweaver, Millie, I say, trying to reason with her. Someday you're going to regret ever making this deal with her. I promise you that. I wanted Daddy back, Millie yells even louder.

56:09 You wanted Daddy back, and now you want to go away? You and your father would both be safe, Millie shakes her head. No, Mom, I won't let you go. I turn to Hellweaver. What do I have to do to make you leave us alone? Leave Gabriel, leave Millie. Take me. You've been wanting me to say yes for the longest time. You want me for something. So what is it? Come on. You like making deals. What do I have to do to keep this family? To let them live in peace without you ever calling on Millie? Seriously, what do you want?

56:51 Hellweaver folds her arms in front of her even bustier chest. You continue to intrigue me, mutant. You would give your very life to release Millie Bates from her obligation to me. At the same time, Millie also wishes for you to remain in her family. Since you are willing to fight for her and your husband, then so it shall be. Hellweaver waves her hand and the scenery changes. We ain't in the Bates house now. We're in some kind of Hell dimension. The contest. Hellweaver chuckles. Welcome to perdition, Felicia and Millie. Welcome to my home. Sin, Hellweaver's daughter, approaches us.

57:54 Company mom? Then she sees me. You again. If you're looking for another fight, I'll be glad to oblige. Hellweaver gestures to Sin. My daughter shall be your challenge, Felicia Bates. You shall have your opportunity to redeem yourself for your earlier loss against her. It shall be a contest that may only occur here in Perdition, but first I must gain consent from both of you before we continue. What are the full terms, I demand? I want to know exactly what I'm agreeing to. Hellweaver lays out the contest.

58:39 You and Sin shall face one another in the far reaches of perdition. There your immortality shall be temporarily suspended. That means even you shall not heal instantly, Sin. The two of you shall fight until one of you concedes. There are no rules whatsoever. I shall not interfere, not even on my own daughter's behalf. She points to me. If you win, I shall release your immediate family from their original fates, including Millie's obligation to me. You yourself shall retain your life, your betrothed, and this little girl.

59:26 But you shall not be free, for you play an important role In the future, you shall contest sin only for Millie and Gabriel. You yourself must follow your destiny to its end. Even I cannot alter that. Sin smiles gleefully. And when I win, Mom? You cannot claim Felicia Bates as you originally wished. Hellweaver reminds her. What else do you desire? Sin is noticeably upset because she can't have her way, but she has another idea. When the mutant fails, can she be my slave here in Perdition? Technically, I'm not killing her. You do always stress the importance of rules and loopholes, right? Hellweaver is happy. You listen well, my daughter. Sin raises her finger. And I want her family imprisoned in Perdition. for eternity. She looks scornfully at me.

1:00:33 I want to torture them as the mutant watches, especially the child. Hellweaver nods once. Yes, your new terms shall suffice. She speaks to both of us now. The terms are stated. Both of you must accept in order for the contest to proceed. I don't want to accept. If I lose, I know how cruel Sin will be to Millie. But I ain't got a choice. Agreed. Agreed, Sin says. Then the bargain is sealed and cannot be broken. Hellweaver waves her arm. To our destination. The palace-like surroundings shift into volcanic caverns with lava rivers and falls. I gasp at the tortured souls. Christ, their howls and screams scare me.

1:01:32 Now I understand why you never screw with Hellweaver when you make a pact with her. The first time I faced sin, I was in a very bad place. I also wanted to hurt Hellweaver by killing her own child, but I underestimated sin and she kicked my ass. Now I've got my family back. though it wasn't my call. I have no choice this time, comic book nerds. I gotta beat Sin, or there ain't gonna be no fourth issue. Hellweaver waves her hand again. Sin and me disappear and reappear at the top of a stone bridge over one of those lava rivers. Sin looks across the way at me.

1:02:19 I'm going to enjoy punishing you again. Then I'll relish your anguish when I make your husband and brat suffer again and again. I know she's not yours, but the fact that you love her more than your own life will make her torture that much more satisfying. I tighten my fists. That's why I'm not stopping until I kill you. Sin laughs scornfully. Big words, mortal. She looks at her mom. Start the contest. As you wish, my child. Hellweaver raises her hand. Commence. She sits on her throne. Come sit with me, child. Millie obeys when Hellweaver pats her lap.

1:03:11 The goddess holds her gently, as if she were her mother. For a brief moment, Sin and I both glow blue. I think this is what Hellweaver meant when she said we'd both be mortal during this fight. I can't believe Hellweaver made me an immortal. Seriously, why does she favor me so much? No time to figure that out. Sin takes to the air and dives at me, catching me in the mouth with her fist. She lands on me and punches me again and again, then turns me until my head hangs over the side of the bridge. I should just drop you into the slag. Sin taunts. But then you can't watch me torture Millie. After Sin pulls me out of harm's way, she throws me off the bridge.

1:04:00 I fly and land on the stone floor near the lava. Sin's right on me. I cry out when she lifts me over her head with one hand. You never should have agreed to our contest, mortal. Here I have a home field advantage. Sin throws me across the lava river And under the stone bridge, I hit the other side, bounce twice, and slam into a stone wall. My ears ring. Lost souls come at me, and I leap out of their way. My spider instinct warns me that sin's coming too. I land and knock her away. She digs in her claws to keep from sliding into the lava. She scrambles up as the lost souls close in. Be gone, Sin yells.

1:04:48 unleashing her I-beams to send them away. Hellweaver watches from her throne, with Millie still on her lap. I know Hellweaver is pure evil, but I believe she'll be impartial and not interfere, even for Sin. Sin's back in the air. Even with my spider instinct, I can barely dodge her. Her claws catch my arm. I cry out from the burning pain and am bleeding fast. I seal the wounds with my webs. Sin's kick sends me flying into another stone wall. I use my webs to keep from falling into the lava. I'm soaked with sweat. It's hotter than summers in Strickfield here. My spider instinct makes me shake off the cobwebs. No pun intended. Then Sin lifts me back up. I haul off and punch her hard in the face. She cries out and lets me go. I spring at her and punch her again to knock her on her ass. When she wipes the blood from her mouth, I remember the rules. Hellweaver said there's no immortality in this part of perdition. That means if I can make sin bleed, I can also break her bones, or worse.

1:06:06 But to put us on more equal footing, I gotta turn into the mutant spider. The problem is I need Two minutes to change. That means keeping Sin away from me until then. I leap high and dive at her. Blitzkrieg! I scream. I bust her in the face again to send her back to the stone floor. I turn and run. Sin takes to the air, laughing, ready to dive at me. The transformation has started. My spider instinct warns when she tries grabbing me, and I know how to beat her. brute strength didn't work. I gotta fight, like a spider.

1:06:48 Sin almost catches me, but I turn and backhand her away. The transformation continues. I'm growing my eight legs, extra eyes, my gray fur. My clothes come apart except for my t-shirt. That only splits down the middle enough to reveal ample cleavage. You're welcome, comic book nerds. Once the metamorphosis is finished- I face Sin. She changes too. Her hands become menacing claws, her wings grow larger and sharpen like her mother's metallic ones. Her horns lengthen, her skin turns devilish red, and her boots come apart as her feet become talons. Sin flies at me. I leap into the air on my eight legs. Clearly, she isn't well-versed in the ways of the spiders. When she grabs me, I grab her back and dig my fingernails into her skin.

1:07:44 What? Sin cries as my venom enters her. We both drop back onto the bridge, Sin's moaning and trying to move. What did you... Ugh. Ugh. I grab her wrists and dope her up with even more venom. I... I can't... No... Ugh. That yawn was louder. I'm still pissed at what Sin said she'd do to Millie and lift her up with my human arms to lay into her. Sin tries lashing out at me, but her claws aren't really getting it done. My spider instinct warns me each time. I knock her on her back and run right over her with my eight legs. Turning, I use my front legs to spin gooey webbing around her. I pull her up and suspend her in more webs. then unload on her again, remembering our first encounter. Through all this, Hellweaver remains on her throne holding Millie. I can tell she's enjoying this contest.

1:08:51 Millie just has a blank stare. Give up, I tell Sin. She's drowsy as hell, but shakes her head. Never. Have it your way, I tell her. I pop my talons. I could just open you up and lay my eggs inside your tummy. Imagine the pain and suffering you'd feel once they hatch. Don't try and bluff me, she manages. Then she yawns even harder. No bluff. Since your mom granted Millie's wish, my husband's had lots of alone time with me, I say with relish. I'm quite pregnant now, which means I gotta lay my eggs. I slice open my webbing to get to Sin's tummy. She winces when I caress her surprisingly soft skin. Perfect. Get away from me!

1:09:47 Sin groans drowsily. I look up at Hellweaver. You're gonna lose your kid here. Today. My eggs need a nice warm body to incubate in. Then hatch. Sin's gonna help bring in what'll be a rather large family. Hellweaver looks pissed but still makes no move to rescue her daughter. Truly this demonic goddess is a woman of her word. Sin glances over at her. Mom? I cannot assist you, my child. She tells her child. Sin screams and struggles to break free, but she's too drowsy. She goes still.

1:10:30 I caress her stomach and my own. I feel my eggs coming. I look into Sin's two eyes with my four spider eyes. Sorry, honey, but Us mutant spiders got rules we gotta follow, too. Since you're all doped up with venom, you shouldn't feel too much pain. Can't promise anything, though. When I press my thumb claw into Sin's stomach, Stop! I concede! She shrieks. Then she yells upward, I concede! Hellweaver gently picks up Millie, puts her on the throne, then points to me. Sin has conceded defeat, mutant. Back away from my daughter at once. I do so. Hellweaver burns through my webs and Sin falls on her side.

1:11:24 With a wave of her hand, Hellweaver brings us all back to her throne room. Impressive, mutant. She compliments me. I point at her. Now keep your promise. Release my family. Hellweaver turns to Millie and caresses the side of her face. You shall return home with your mother, young one. The goddess pats Millie's shoulder, letting her go. Millie comes to me. When she sees me as a spider, she can't believe it. It really is you, mom, she says. I lower myself so she can climb on my back. Once she's on, I straighten up. Hellweaver gestures to the exit. Upon crossing through the portal, you shall return to Strickfield. You have won your family back, mutant. As per our agreement, Millie is free from her obligations to me. Gabriel shall resume his life without incident, just as we agreed. You have a major role to play, in due time, until we meet again. Sin rises. I remember the blue glow that passed over us when we returned to the throne room.

1:12:44 We're not in that part of perdition anymore. Our immortality is restored and my venom no longer affects her. Sin points to me. I do not accept this. I shall kill you both. Hellweaver puts an energy barrier between Sin and me. No, daughter. You conceded defeat to the mutant. She has won her family's freedom. You shall not pursue them. Sin turns and points at her mom. I am so sick of these rules. I shall do what I wish with them. I serve evil, meaning I don't have to honor shit. Sin tightens her fists and rises into the air, prepared to fight her own mother. I'm taking your throne.

1:13:32 You'd think Hellweaver would be pissed. Nope. She snatches Sin right out of the air and slams her ass right on the throne. Then you shall have it, child. When Sin goes to sit up, I can't move, I can't rise up, Hellweaver smirks and raises an eyebrow. Though you are my daughter, and I would never raise my hand to strike you, you have still tried my patience this day. Now you shall sit here, and learn the error of your ways. I walk on my eight legs with Millie on my back. As we pass through the portal, we can hear Sin calling her mother everything but a child of God. I got a feeling Sin's gonna be an even bigger problem for Hellweaver later on, if not for us as well. Epilogue It's Halloween night. Gabriel and me took Millie trick-or-treating, which made all seven days for Halloween week.

1:14:43 A couple times I had to turn away and cry just a little. When I was in school, I dreaded growing up, but now I'm a housewife, a mommy, and a superhero. Someday I'll give up the third one, but I'll never stop wanting to be a wife and mom. I feel so incredibly blessed. And for the record, I'm not pregnant. Sure, bluffed sin good though, right? Yeah, that would have been disgusting if I laid eggs like that. When we go into the house, I sit down, ready to cry again. You still want to go see Hocus Pocus with Millie and me in a little bit? Gabriel asks.

1:15:28 I manage a smile. Yeah, I'll be up in a minute to change. After Gabriel goes upstairs, Millie springs onto me and holds me tight. I'm so sorry about everything, Mom. I just wanted you to not cry anymore, so I got Daddy back. I can't yell at Millie, nor can I discipline her. Yeah, she did big time wrong dealing with Hellweaver, but we both have Gabriel back again. I kiss Millie's cheek. It's okay, baby. If you ever have another problem, please come talk to me about it, okay? I love you, and I'll always be here for you.

1:16:11 Millie nods. I love you too, Mom. I gently pat her cheek. Okay, go get ready for the movie. Also, don't forget to feed Creepy and Crawly. Millie climbs off my lap and heads upstairs. I let myself cry a little, dry my tears, and follow. When I get into my bedroom, Gabriel's right there, and I get rubbery legs from that damn lady-killer smile of his. He catches me and gives me a long, deep, passionate kiss. I'm so happy to have my husband back. This is my family and I fought for them. I'll gladly fight for them again and again.

1:16:53 Anybody home? A familiar voice calls out. We stop kissing and know Lusabella and Aileen are here. Gabriel smiles at me, not that devastating grin this time. Go see your friends. I'll see if Millie's ready. We share a quick peck. I head downstairs to see Lucy and Aileen. I think I'm gonna hang it up, being a superhero. I just wanna settle down with my family. Lucy smirks and points right at me. Do you honestly think Hellweaver's gonna let you live a normal life? In fact- Great Graham sent us. She wants me to tell you what I know. I invite Lucy and Aileen to sit, then join them and listen.

1:17:40 I'm not sure if you've heard of the Battle Guard, Lucy says. Hellweaver will never leave you in peace because you're a part of it. How do you even know, I demand. Lucy laughs scornfully as only the elder princess of hell can. I have great powers at my command, Felicia. It's my job to know these things. In fact, my parents wish me to become more involved with mortals. And you're doing very well, Lucy, Aileen squeaks. Lucy glances at her. Mother made her my guide in the mortal realm. I'm bound to follow her lead. Okay. So what is this battle guard? I ask. Basically, there will be six of you, Lucy answers. You all shall be the last line of defense against Hellweaver. She will have the Reality Sphere and must drop it within the Infinity Core located in a galaxy far from our own. This is how she'll conquer the multiverse. When the previous battleguard faced Hellweaver, she was defeated, but it came at a terrible cost. Only one survived and imprisoned Hellweaver within perdition for better than two centuries. Obviously, she is free once more. I close my eyes and groan.

1:19:10 So I'm one of the chosen ones. No wonder Hellweaver won't leave me alone. Lucy opens her eyes wider. She'll never leave you alone. She knows who all six of you are and will work on all of you. In your case, you got lucky with Gabriel. Damn lucky. You didn't sell your soul. Know that your inevitable meeting with Hellweaver draws ever so close. Mom went on a quest to gather ancient talismans. to aid all of you against Hellweaver. She even brought help back with her. But when the time finally comes, all bets are off, so you cannot retire from being a hero. Not just yet. Aileen puts a gentle hand on my shoulder. No matter what, Felicia.

1:19:59 We're with you. Lucy looks at Aileen. I know you shall. You yourself are one of the Chosen Six. Aileen looks surprised, but only a little. Are you one of the Chosen? I ask Lucy. I am not, but I can tell you who are. Then she names them. There's you, Aileen here, Mother, the alien woman known as Blue Girl, the one who survived the previous battle with Hellweaver, a Gorgon warrior woman from the Night Realm, and a machine that Mother brought back from the distant future. Lucy leans in a little.

1:20:40 Blue Girl was fortunate in the previous battle. This time, know that Hellweaver shall not allow any of you to survive. You only get one shot at this, so you gotta make it count. Mother has the six talismans. I shall help her locate and unite the remaining few required to form the new, and improved, battleguard. I sigh. I can't stop being a superhero yet, which means there will be a fourth issue, comic book nerds. Perhaps even more issues. Lusabella Tabon sure has given me a lot to think about. Millie and her father laugh together upstairs and my determination returns.

1:21:24 I fought for them earlier. If I have to die to make sure they get to live and be happy, then I'm ready. I got my spider powers for a reason. and I gotta use them to help make a difference against Hellweaver and her minions, including, and especially, her daughter, Sin. So what now? I ask Lucy. She shrugs. Enjoy your life for the moment. Go to the movies with your family. We shall return in time. When Lucy and Aileen leave, Gabriel and Millie come downstairs and see me. You still want to change out of your costume? Gabriel asks. I shrug. Nah, let's just go. It's still Halloween, so other people will probably be dressed up too. The three of us head to the Strickfield Centennial Theater to see the yearly screening of Hocus Pocus, Millie's favorite Halloween movie. And that means, comic book nerds, this is where my third issue ends.

1:22:30 Until my next issue. Or... Guest appearance. So long. A heartfelt thank you to my long-time partner in crime here at Weekly Spooky, Rob Fields, for helping us all realize a pact on Halloween that will echo far beyond even the holiday season. Felicia wanted her family back, but what followed was a reminder that Getting your wish and being safe are two very different things. So make sure you're subscribed right here because we have some scary Weekly Spooky radio for you coming up in just a few hours and a brand new seven-year anniversary episode releasing tomorrow right here on Weekly Spooky. So subscribe on your favorite podcast app.

1:23:23 And thank you again for making it all the more special this Halloween. And I want to say thank you all so much for heading to weeklyspooky.com slash join and supporting us for as little as $ 1 a month. It really does make a huge difference for the show. There are over 90 Spookys supporting us, and now's a great time for you to join up as well. And speaking of, I want to say an extra special thank you to our Patreon podcast boosters. Those are folks who pay just a little bit more to hear their names at the end of the show. And they are Johnny Nix, Kate and Lulu, Jessica Fuller, Mike Eschewy, Jenny Green, Karen Weemet, Jack Kerr, and Craig Cohen. Thank you all so much, and if you want to hear your name at the end of every episode of Weekly Spooky, just head to weeklyspooky.com slash join and sign up at the $ 15 a month or higher tier. It really makes a difference and means a whole hell of a lot to me. But now it's time for me to get back to work because as October approaches, we'll be publishing more than just once a day. We'll have special novellas, extra stories, all kinds of goodies for you to enjoy right here, so make sure you're subscribed. Now it's time for me to get back to it. So many things to record, including a very special Thursday Thrills with brand new horror Halloween releases you will not want to miss. So see you tomorrow.

1:24:39 For myself, for my executive producers, Rob Fields and bobbletopia.com, my producer, Dan Wilder, and my creepy composer, Ray Mattis, talk at you tomorrow. Thank you for listening. Make sure to find your way back next week. But for now, you are safe. Trust me.