The sprawling Hawthorne manor looked even more magical than usual, bathed in flickering candlelight and draped in cobwebs—both real and fake. The chandeliers were covered with orange and black tulle, carved pumpkins glowed along the grand staircase, and music pulsed faintly from the ballroom.

You stood in front of the mirror in one of the guest rooms, smoothing the skirt of your Winx Club fairy costume. Wings sparkled behind you, glitter dust catching the light with every move. The girls—each dressed as another member of the magical girl squad—were scattered around the room, putting finishing touches on their makeup and giggling about how the boys were being secretive about their own group costume.

“You know they’re going to try to outdo us,” Libby said with a smirk, adjusting your flower crown.

A knock came at the door. “Fairies, your chariot awaits,” Jameson’s teasing voice called.

When you and the girls descended the staircase, you spotted Grayson at the bottom—and your jaw dropped. The boys had gone full Avengers. Grayson, in a perfectly tailored Captain America suit (because of course he was Captain America), stood tall and impossibly handsome, the shield propped against his side.

He looked up, and his eyes locked on you instantly. That subtle, signature Hawthorne half-smile curled on his lips as he met you halfway. “You make a very convincing fairy,” he murmured, leaning close so only you could hear. “But I’m still claiming the role of your hero tonight.”