chapter 2

Her Victorian townhouse was a blend of posh library and hidden lair—crystal chandeliers above grimoires, elegant teas beside tarot decks. Edward, fidgeting in his hoodie, froze as Victoria shed her professional shell she then came through the door holding her hands on the drapes in a seducticve manner. Off came the glasses and cardigan; on went bold dark red lipstick, black eyeshadow, heavy eyeliner, darkish red blush. Spiderweb earrings dangled, a spider-bracelet gleamed on her wrist. She zipped into a black leather jacket over a spiderwebbed top, leather skirt, and thigh-high heeled boots—a rebellious goth-punk witch straight from a 90s alt concert.

Edward's eyes widened. "A-Aunt Vicky? You look... different.... he said nervously.

She smirked, sassy and haughty. "Tch, don't stare, you cheeky monkey she puts her indext finger to the lip. This is the real me—your spooky auntie who's always known your secrets and has had you wrapped around this finger for years." Wrapping an arm around his shoulder, she pulled him close, hugging amorously. Cheek to cheek, she rubbed against him, nibbling his earlobe before planting teasing kisses. "Missed my good boy."

He blushed crimson, sensory overload mixing terror and thrill—her perfume clashed with his aversion to smells, but her warmth grounded him.