Sammy was a gifted makeup artist with magic to boot. But today, even his skills were being stretched. He had a horde of 30 zombies to prepare in under two hours.

He looked at Larry, his best friend and director, who was anxiously tapping his foot and checking his watch. The usual excitement in Larry's eyes was replaced with worry.

Sammy realized that even his magic couldn't make up for the lack of time. He pondered on a risky solution - necromancy. But would it be worth the potential consequences?

Discreetly, Sammy decided to take the risk. He gathered his magical supplies and explained to Larry that he needed a short break to grab some fresh air.

Sammy briskly made his way to the local cemetery, his heart pounding in his chest. He prepared himself and began the forbidden spell, hoping for a miracle.

As he chanted incantations under his breath, the ground beneath him shivered. Soon, thirty zombies stirred from their graves, standing obedient under his command.

Sammy quickly placed pine scent car fresheners around each of them. It was a small price to pay for concealing their musty corpse smell during the shoot.

With the undead following him, Sammy returned to the set. Relief washed over Larry's face when he saw Sammy - but then he noticed the entourage.

"Are they..." Larry began, peering at the thirty figures. Sammy interrupted quickly, "Yeah, in makeup. Took me a bit, but I managed."

Larry looked impressed. He had no clue about the forbidden magic involved, and Sammy decided it was best kept that way. The shoot carried on smoothly.

Word got out about the 'realistic' zombies, and demand for Sammy's work skyrocketed. Inwardly, Sammy sighed. He had to tread carefully to avoid suspicion.

One evening, Sammy found an unfamiliar face at his studio door. The woman introduced herself as Edna, elder of a distant coven. Sammy felt a pang of fear.

Edna had heard about the 'realistic' zombies. Fed by her suspicions, she had come to investigate. Sammy felt sweat bead on his forehead. He had little choice but to play along.

Sammy led Edna around the studio, showing her his makeup techniques. He was careful to keep his magic hidden. But Edna's eyes remained undeniably skeptical.

Later that night, Sammy had a decision to make. Should he come clean to his coven, or continue his necromancy in secret? His livelihood was at stake.

Consulting Larry seemed wise. Sammy explained his predicament under the cover of night. Larry looked at him in disbelief, then concern. "You did what?" he exclaimed.

Sammy insisted, "I had no choice, Larry. And I might do it again." Larry sighed, he understood his friend's position but knew the risks involved.

Sammy decided to confess to his coven. He revealed his secret at the next gathering, his voice filled with remorse. The room fell silent after his revelation.

A deal was made. Sammy apologized and agreed to stop practicing necromancy. In return, the coven decided to help him manage the increased demand.

From that day forth, Sammy worked on his magical makeup skills without resorting to necromancy. His work remained popular, and his coven's support proved invaluable.

Larry was relieved. Not only was his friend safe, but their work continued to thrive. Their friendship remained unbroken, enduring the trials they faced.

Edna left satisfied. She had saved a promising young witch from the clutches of dark magic. Feeling satisfied, she returned to her far-off coven.

Over time, people came to realize that real-life zombies weren't needed for a good zombie movie. What was needed was a good special effects makeup artist.

And Sammy was just that. The Necromancer's Dilemma had taught him the importance of using his magic responsibly. Despite the chaos, he emerged stronger, wiser.

As for Larry, he continued to direct, pushing boundaries with Sammy's help. Their friendship remained steadfast, their shared experiences creating an unbreakable bond.