You have been cordially invited to the Decennial Masquerade of Marvels at the Witchrift Manor. Your presence is requested to join a select few to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event of mystery and magic. Don your most elegant attire and your mask will be gifted upon arrival – a key to unlocking the enchantment of the evening. To maintain the secrecy and exclusivity of this event, we kindly request that you do not disclose the details of this invitation to anyone. Gates to the Witchrift Manor close one hour prior to Witching Hour and will remain closed until the dawning of First Light. The Lady of Witchrift eagerly awaits your attendance on this magnanimous occasion. Welcome to my first finished, but still in its final drafting stages, short story. This was initially written as an anthology submission but I did not complete it in time. I have tinkered with parts of it from time to time, and have shared it on my Patreon. But like so many others, it isn't easy to write into a void. Perhaps what I write may be more receptive here. Where imagination roams and readers may like some of the stranger places I go. A fair warning, I do write like I think. With ADHD and unaccountable squirrels and shinies... I try to reign it in, but sometimes I can not help myself. Enjoy! Trigger Warnings:  Some language. Themes of Death and Loss.