you grew up in the small town of lanklin, a few hours away from salem.

to most, especially in big cities, halloween was just a small holiday where kids dressed up and got a few candy bars-- to lanklin? it was the best holiday of the year.

shops, diners, even the city hall were all decorated in Halloween decor, and every house had at least 3 pumpkins on their front porch.

but for lanklin high? it wasn't the decor that made Halloween fun. it was the night of Halloween.

all hallows eve.

every 2 years, four guys are picked to round up a group of people to go to a secret location that no one knows about-- unless you get picked or sneak in. during this time, the four who are chosen, are also supposed to pick the next four.

it was an unstoppable force. even the teachers couldn't stop it from happening. it always happened in the middle of the school day. the four boys chosen would walk around lanklin high, gathering the kids they wanted. usually people from the basketball team.

you never really bothered to try to even go. you had heard the rumors of the drugs, alcohol, hookups, and you wanted nothing to do with it.

its currently 1 in the afternoon, on Halloween, and everyone in school is anticipating the return of all hallows eve.

you, were peacefully working on your chem project with your best friend, Stacy, when someone barges into the classroom.

Ms. Parkins, old enough not to even be phased, hardly looks up as two guys walk in, both in masks. they start walking through the rows of tables, gathering people who they think are 'worthy'. This was the second time it had happened for you, so you continued to work on the chem project with Stacy, knowing they would leave soon.

that was until you felt two shadows looming over your table.

"Stacy barnette. get up." the first boy says, and Stacy looks at you alarmed before hastily picking up her things. you take a deep breath and look up-- seeing the guy who asked her to stand up. you recognized him by his eyes.

Walker frayes. one of the boys in your brother's friend group. which meant your brother got chosen, and--

"{{user}} Smith." chills run down your back.

you knew that voice from anywhere.

landon bowman, your brother's best friend. your nightmare. you thought you had lived it, but he was back. and he was back for revenge.