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CHAPTER FIVE

Kiss flies to the Misty Lake. The werewolf roaming the woods sees her fly overhead. Vale accosts Kiss at the lake, asking how is it that she can fly. Kiss explains if the council discovered her flying skills, a black cat under their control would be forced upon her. Kiss says she has chosen her familiar. Kiss brings out the calico cat. The werewolf is surprised that Kiss would defy the council for a small thing like an abandoned nonblack cat. Kiss admits to herself that she would.

Vale watches through the mist for the cat catcher as Kiss dives into the murky water. (The color blue is added to the art.) She discovers an underwater world of unique creatures and plants. She encounters witch mermaids guarding Gillian's vessel with their mercat familiars. They refuse to let her pass. From above, the werewolf calls Kiss' name. Lights from the approaching cat catcher and the council can be seen through the mist.

The merwitches are startled to hear the werewolf call her Kiss. They ask Kiss how she got her name. She explains she is an orphan—left with only a kiss on her cheek. The merwitches turn their heads. They each have the mark of a kiss.

Kiss and the merwitches are part of a coven of witches marked by a kiss—an amalgamation of witches that are destined to change Halloween conventions. They let her pass. Kiss collects the green vessel. (The color green is added to the art.)

CHAPTER FIVE