“In the end,” Levi says, “they wound up building both a small museum and a youth community center at Stilgarth, all while taking care to restore as much of the original manor as they could. Mrs. Fernhilde happily turned over Mr. Moss’s journal, and it was given an honorary place in the museum’s collection.
“Soon, it became one of the most popular spots in Solitude. Mr. Hutch rebuilt his art gallery, and other small businesses like his created a thriving, more vibrant community.
“As for the Gravemother? Well, visitors to the museum still sometimes claim to hear an odd clicking sound in one of the rooms, the one where the large mantelpiece and its fireplace still remain to this very day, even though the pipes have long been fixed by the Kincaids.”
Everyone around the campfire is silent for several moments. Levi holds his breath.
“I like it,” Blake says, breaking the silence.
Xavier looks at him, surprised. “You know, I was almost sure that you were gonna say that his story su—”
“Shush.” Zoe elbows her brother in the ribs.
“It’s a creepy story,” Blake goes on. “The secret room where Emma was stuck was a nice touch.”
“It’s an excellent tale,” Reese proclaims. “That’s impressive work, Levi. It’s everything I was hoping for.”
“I love how they were able to break the curse,” Addison muses. “Instead of retrieving an object or finding out who was responsible—which would have been meaningless since they were all dead by then—you focused on the Gravemother’s feelings and what she really wanted.”
Levi can’t hold back his smile. Whatever happens with the vote, he’s proud of his story.
“I think we’re ready to vote then,” Reese tells them. “All in favor of having Levi as our newest member, raise your hand.”
Xavier’s hand shoots up in the air, followed quickly by his sister’s and Addison’s. Reese grins and raises theirs as well.
“Blake?” Reese prompts.
Levi holds his breath, waiting. Liking his story was one thing, but if Blake still has a problem with him . . .
Blake smiles and lifts his hand, and Levi feels himself break into a huge grin.
“Then it’s settled!” Reese declares. “I hereby proclaim Levi an official member of the Midnight Society!”
The group erupts into cheers and clapping as Levi rises to his feet and bows.
“I do have one question about your story, though,” Zoe interrupts. “I mean, I can guess at what happened to Ginevra Traithe, but why did she have a missing jaw in the first place? You never explained how that happened to her.”
“I don’t know.”
“What?”
“Just because the Gravemother is at peace doesn’t mean there aren’t more secrets inside Stilgarth Manor, waiting to see the light.” Levi leans forward, having waited for this moment. “After all, who really knows where her lower jaw could have ended up.”
With a flourish, he whips out a plastic skull from his knapsack and snaps its jaws together loudly.
The others scream and scramble back, Addison actually landing on her butt when she abruptly loses her balance.
“The end!” Levi proclaims, cracking up.
“Cheap trick, Levi!” Reese exclaims through their own laughter. They grab a bucket filled with water from behind a log and dump its contents over the fire. “I declare this meeting of the Midnight Society adjourned!”
Levi stands, moving to follow the others who are already running from the campfire, but stops when he sees Blake, who has paused by the dying embers. “You have something to say?” Levi steels himself. Truth is, he isn’t sure whether Blake is still holding a grudge.
“I’m sorry,” Blake tells him. He winces, running a hand through his hair. “There’s only one spot open on the team. Not sure if you knew that? I was afraid you’d take it. Basketball is everything for me.”
“You don’t have to say anything,” Levi replies. “I actually didn’t know that. I honestly wasn’t sure about seeing tryouts all the way through anyway.”
Blake looks up, surprised. “Seriously?”
“I’m more of a band guy,” Levi admits. “Give me a drum set over a basketball any day. If I join the team, all I’ll be thinking about is how much time it takes away from jamming.”
Blake pauses, considering his words. “So what you’re saying is . . . you’re afraid of losing to me.”
Levi stares. “Seriously?”
“No, not seriously!” Blake bursts into laughter. “Man, I had you there.”
“Because I’d obviously kick your butt,” Levi counters.
“In your dreams.” Blake extends his hand. “Can we start over and be friends?”
“Friends,” Levi says firmly.
Blake loops an arm over Levi’s shoulders. “You do tell a seriously scary story. I can admit that. Just . . .”
“Not as scary as yours? That what you were getting at?”
Maybe it isn’t so bad to stand out, Levi thinks. He and Blake laugh as they leave the clearing, tendrils of smoke curling up in the air behind them and making lazy patterns in the moonlight.