This is an interesting take on Samhain and a ritual that needs to be completed by a witch and his familiar so that the forest and the fae who live within it are protected against the forces of evil for another year. Of course, that isn't as easy as it seems. The forces of evil in the form of a dark witch have a cunning plan to stop the ritual so the forest will become dark. Luckily, the forces of light have a few things up their sleeves.

Robert is the witch in this story, and he's been living with Leander, his familiar, for years. They are lovers and very happy together, protected in the forest they live in while protecting it in turn. The one thing Robert hadn’t counted on was his sister interfering in his peaceful existence, since she never talked to him after he came out and even banished him from seeing his niece. Imagine his shock when he receives a letter announcing that Aimee will stay with him for three weeks, but he is not to reveal that he is gay, not that Leander is his lover.

Leander is a great guy and utterly supportive of Robert. They are deeply in love and Leander cannot imagine being apart from Robert for that long. Leander consoles Robert and suggests he stay in his cat form while Aimee is around. That way he doesn't have to leave and they will still have the nights together. It's a good thing he does, since his help will be sorely needed once the evil witch starts her attack!

If you like stories about witches who fight evil, if you enjoy reading about lovers who stick together no matter what, and f you're looking for a slightly spooky Samhain-themed read with a battle of good versus evil, then you will probably like this short story. ( )