Jordan's mansion was a beacon of excitement that evening, its grand structure alive with activity as staff moved about, transforming the already stunning home into a fall wonderland. The scent of fresh autumn flowers—deep reds, oranges, and yellows—mingled with the comforting aromas of spiced pumpkin and cinnamon drifting through the halls. Caterers moved like clockwork, arranging trays of hors d'oeuvres, while waiters polished crystal glasses and made sure every inch of the ballroom gleamed.
Jordan's parents had always allowed her to throw the Halloween Masquerade Ball, an annual tradition that brought everyone together for one extravagant night. This year, the stakes felt higher. The eerie undertone of recent events added an edge to what should have been a night of pure fun. As the ballroom downstairs was being decorated with glowing chandeliers and flickering candlelight, the girls upstairs were in their own little world, getting ready for the biggest event of the year.
Jordan's bedroom, luxurious and vast, was transformed into a space of organized chaos. The king-size bed was covered in dresses, makeup brushes littered the vanity, and shoes were strewn about as the girls prepped for the night ahead. Their laughter and chatter filled the room, a brief reprieve from the tension that had surrounded them for the last few weeks.
"I still can't believe it's finally here," Jordan said, her excitement bubbling as she sat at her vanity, curling her hair into soft, loose waves. "We all need this night, especially after... everything."
Gianina smiled as she adjusted the straps of her black sweetheart neckline dress, admiring how the silky fabric hugged her body in just the right places. The black lace mask she'd chosen sat nearby, waiting for its turn. "I know. I'm just trying to push all the... bad stuff aside for now. We deserve one good night."
Mary, sitting on the edge of Jordan's bed, sighed as she slipped into her silver heels. Her green velvet dress was stunning, its long sleeves and elegant design perfect for her understated style. But it was clear the weight of recent events still lingered on her shoulders. "I'm trying to focus on the ball, but it's hard. I keep thinking about Jamie, about Destiny..."
Jordan turned from the mirror, giving Mary a sympathetic look. "We're all thinking about them, Mare. But tonight is about us, okay? It's about taking a break from the madness."
Gianina nodded, adding softly, "We've been through so much, but this is our night. Just for a few hours, we can let go."
The girls fell into a quiet understanding, each of them lost in thought as they continued getting ready. Gianina sat down at the vanity, reaching for a tube of lipstick, while Mary fidgeted with the hem of her dress, clearly trying to focus on anything other than her grief. Jordan, however, was determined to keep the mood light.
"I can't wait to see Cal's face when he sees me in this dress," Jordan said with a playful grin. "He's going to lose his mind."
Gianina laughed, imagining Cal's reaction. "He'll definitely have some ridiculous comment lined up. You know he can't resist."
"Knowing him, he'll say something like, 'You're the hottest thing in this room, babe,'" Jordan mimicked, tossing her hair dramatically.
Mary managed a small smile, watching the two of them. "You two are like a comedy act sometimes."
"Hey, it works for us," Jordan replied with a wink. "What about you, G? How are things with Marcus? You guys seem good, but he's been a little... distant lately, no?"
Gianina paused, thinking about how Marcus had been over the last few weeks. He was always there for her, sweet and protective, but there was something beneath the surface, something that hadn't been there before Destiny and Jamie's murders.
"He's been great, really," Gianina said, carefully choosing her words. "But yeah, I've noticed he's been... a little off. I don't know if it's because of everything that's happened, or if he's just dealing with his own stuff."
Mary leaned forward, concern written on her face. "Do you think it's because of Jamie? I mean, they weren't super close, but it hit all of us hard."
"Maybe," Gianina mused, smoothing down her dress. "I've tried talking to him about it, but he just says he's fine. I think he's trying to stay strong for me."
Jordan gave her a knowing look. "That's Marcus for you. Always the protector."
Gianina smiled, though her heart felt heavy. She loved how Marcus was always there for her, always steady and supportive, but she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more going on beneath the surface. Tonight, though, she wasn't going to let those worries ruin their evening. They needed this night—needed a break from the fear that had gripped them all.
"And you, Mary," Jordan said, turning her attention back to their quiet friend. "How are things with Rufus? I mean, he's always had your back, and he asked you to the ball... as friends, but still."
Mary blushed slightly, looking down at her hands. "Rufus has been really sweet, actually. I never thought about him like that before, but... I don't know. It's nice having someone there. He makes me feel safe."
Gianina smiled softly. "He's a good guy. He cares about you."
Mary nodded. "I know. I'm just... not ready for anything more than friends right now. Not after Jamie."
Jordan placed a hand on Mary's knee, giving it a gentle squeeze. "That's totally okay, Mare. You take your time. Rufus isn't going anywhere."
As the girls continued getting ready, the mood lightened. They teased each other about the boys and swapped stories about their favorite memories from past balls. Jordan was the life of the party, as usual, cracking jokes and making sure everyone felt at ease. She always had a way of lifting the spirits in the room, even when things felt heavy.
"Alright," Jordan said after a while, standing up and giving her crimson dress a final adjustment. "Let's finish this up. I've got a ball to host, and you two have boys to stun."
Gianina laughed, slipping into her black heels and adjusting her dress one last time. The black lace mask she picked up completed her look, transforming her into someone mysterious and elegant. Mary did the same with her satin gloves, looking every bit the ethereal beauty in her green gown and her fiery red hair.
They were nearly ready when a knock came at the door. The girls exchanged glances, expecting one of the waiters or maybe even Jordan's mom. But when the door creaked open, three tall figures in black suits stepped inside, their faces obscured by the unmistakable red devil masks.
For a moment, the room froze, the sight of the masks sending a collective shiver down their spines. It was unsettling—seeing those masks on the guys, knowing the danger they symbolized. The silence in the room grew thick as the three masked figures stood there, motionless.
Jordan was the first to break the silence. "Okay, you guys officially win the award for creepiest entrance."
Cal was the first to pull off his mask, grinning as he ran a hand through his hair. "Mission accomplished." His eyes raking over Gianina slowly before turning his attentions to Jordan.
Gianina felt her heartbeat slow as Marcus stepped forward. She stepped back instinctively. Everyone's eyes turning toward her. He looked at her not fully understanding and as if something clicked he gently pulled off the mask. His eyes found hers instantly, and his familiar, reassuring smile made her feel a little more grounded.
"You look incredible, GG," he said softly, taking her hand in his.
Gianina smiled, the warmth of his touch calming her nerves. "You don't look too bad yourself."
Cal, now fully embracing his role as Jordan's date, twirled her around dramatically before pulling her close. "See? I told you I'd clean up nice."
Jordan rolled her eyes but laughed. "I'll give you that. Not bad at all."
Rufus, still holding onto his mask, walked over to Mary, offering her a small, encouraging smile. "Ready?"
Mary hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah. Let's do this."
With their partners by their sides, the group made their way downstairs, arm in arm. The atmosphere in the house was electric, the sound of the band warming up and the soft murmur of guests filling the air. As they descended the grand staircase, the light from the chandeliers flickered across the polished floors, casting long shadows that danced along the walls.
When they entered the ballroom, all eyes turned toward them. The crowd, filled with their classmates and peers, fell into a hush, their gazes drawn to the group's coordinated appearance. The girls, elegant and poised in their dresses, and the guys, all wearing their matching black suits and the chilling red devil masks, commanded attention.
The music swelled, and the group walked arm in arm into the center of the ballroom. Whispers spread through the room as people took in the sight, a mix of awe, curiosity, and fear in their expressions. The rumors about Destiny and Jamie's deaths had spread like wildfire, and the symbolism of the masks wasn't lost on anyone.
But tonight, they weren't just victims. They were taking control, stepping into the night with confidence and unity. Whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.
As they moved further into the room, the music enveloped them, and for the first time in weeks, Gianina felt a spark of hope.