The Devil In Disguise

Shadows Beneath the Masks

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.