Becky Bray smiled, gesturing towards the confection. "Behold!" she announced to the empty hall. A chill snaked up her spine despite the warmth of the many flames. She’d insisted on this elaborate display, a tribute to both milestones. But as she gazed at the cake's grinning skull faces, a creeping unease settled in. The candles seemed to burn brighter than they should, casting dancing shadows that writhed like unseen guests. A faint whisper echoed from the arched windows, too quiet to understand, yet undeniably present. She felt watched, and suddenly, the celebration felt less joyous, more… expectant. Something was coming for her, she knew it. And it would arrive with a sweet, sugary scent.