A Haunted Night in Blue Haven Part 1

                                    

                                          
A/N: Hey everyone! This is part 1 of my Halloween Short Story for Selah and Naomi. There will be five parts and I'll be publishing them this week under "A Haunted Night In Blue Haven". A Brush of Blue will continue next Monday! 
Chapter 1: The Haunting at Blue Haven
The crunch of gravel echoed in the stillness of the night as Naomi led the way toward the entrance of the Blue Haven Marine Research Center. Halloween had draped a hush over the town, and Naomi relished the eerie thrill in the air. Dressed in a witch's hat that tilted just enough to add a little mystery, a black cape, and her favorite high-top boots, Naomi felt as if she were stepping into another world. She'd always loved Halloween, but this year felt special. A sly grin crossed her face as she glanced over her shoulder at Selah, who trailed just behind, clearly a bit out of her element.
Selah had been reluctant at first, hesitant about joining Naomi for a full evening of Halloween events. But Naomi, ever persuasive, had convinced her it would be worth it—and had even talked her into a costume. Selah's "black cat" getup was simple: dark jeans, a cozy black sweater, and a pair of cat ears that sat perfectly on her short-cropped hair. The costume was minimal, just as Naomi expected, but she couldn't deny that it suited Selah's subtle charm.
Selah shifted uncomfortably, crossing her arms as the breeze swept in from the ocean. "I can't believe you got me to wear this," she muttered, her voice barely audible as they neared the building.
Naomi's eyes sparkled as she turned to face her, giving her a playful nudge. "You look adorable. Besides, I didn't want to be the only one dressed up. You'd leave me out here looking like a total dork."
Selah rolled her eyes but smiled despite herself. "I'm still not sure how you managed it," she said, casting a sidelong glance at Naomi's bright, mischievous expression.
"Halloween magic," Naomi replied with a wink. "It's not every day you get to be a witch and convince someone to be your very own black cat. Fate, I tell you."
A hint of laughter played at Selah's lips, and Naomi felt a rush of warmth. Halloween had always been about letting loose, about stepping outside her everyday world, but tonight, sharing it with Selah, made everything feel new and more meaningful. Even the anticipation in the air felt different—a shared thrill that made her heart beat a little faster.
They reached the entrance to the marine center, where the usually clean-cut exterior had transformed into something shadowed and mysterious. Softly glowing lanterns lit the path, casting an ethereal light over the walls. Naomi could hear the murmur of voices from inside, mingling with the faint sound of waves crashing in the distance. She paused just before the door, turning back to Selah with a playful grin.
"Ready for some ghost stories?"
Selah raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking up. "I'm not exactly the ghost story type, but... sure, why not?"
With a chuckle, Naomi pushed open the door, ushering them inside. The marine center's sterile ambiance had been replaced by an eerie, muted glow, with shadows dancing across the tanks of marine life that lined the walls. The building's familiar surroundings had taken on an almost otherworldly atmosphere, as if the stories of hauntings and spirits had brought another layer of mystery to its halls.
A small group of about twenty people had gathered near the front, most of them dressed in a hodgepodge of costumes. Naomi spotted familiar faces—a couple of her coworkers from the marine center, some Blue Haven locals—and all were huddled together, eager to begin. In the middle of it all stood Clara, her boss, with her silver-streaked hair falling freely and a deep purple velvet cloak draped over her shoulders. She held the attention of the room effortlessly, her piercing gaze and commanding voice ready to draw everyone into the night's tales.