Let the shadows gather. Tonight, I light no fire for myself, but for the friends I name in silence, for the few I trust with my truest, smallest heart. May the universe’s sun-god burn off what hunts them; may the old ghosts keep watch, gentle and sharp. Eyed as a child in the branches.

If darkness wants me, let it find me awake, bare-handed and unashamed. Let my mind be a weapon. Let them come. If magic holds, let it be true. And if you’re ever carrying too much darkness, the old trick is to just remain brave: You don’t scare me. My family and friends have me, and I have the ghosts for company.