Into the Flames

Chapter 21

“This is insane,” said Jenna, looking at herself in Gianna’s mirror. Her birthday passed quietly and her training continued. She stared at the girl in the mirror wearing the black dress Gianna chose out for her with black high heels. She was almost unrecognizable. “I can barely walk in these; I’m going to break my ankles.”

            “Nonsense,” said Gianna. “Now come here and let me do your hair and makeup.”

            “This isn’t some school dance, I don’t need my makeup done.”

            “Jenna, this is a dance!” she said, surprised. “And not just any dance, it is Wizard Norton’s ball. So come here.”

          Jenna, too surprised at her admonishment, obeyed Gianna and sat down in front of her vanity set. “Just make sure my pores can breathe,” she muttered. She remembered how much makeup some girls at her school wore everyday.

            “I don’t do that,” said Gianna, rolling her eyes. “Now close your eyes.”

            When Jenna opened her eyes after Gianna told her to, she blinked a couple of times, staring at herself in the mirror. “What the hell did you do, Gianna?” she asked.

            “You look nice!” she insisted, now doing her own makeup.

            “I look like an idiot!”

            “How does makeup make someone look smarter or dumber?” asked Gianna, confused.

            “I don’t know. I just look weird.”

            “You look fine,” said Gianna, adding a couple of finishing touches up. “Okay, let’s go. And don’t forget your cloak.”

            Gianna herself wore a simple, short white dress with long boots. Multiple rings adorned her fingers as she clasped on a wine red cloak. She handed Jenna her dark blue cloak. “We’re meeting Adam and Dylan in the Ops.”

            Dylan and Adam were already there. Dylan leaned against the table, casually chatting with Adam, who subconsciously pets Boss. His eyes quickly glanced over to the door as he heard it open, and he got up. “You finally show up,” he said. He wore simple black pants and black dress shoes, wearing only a white dress shirt with a tie. Adam wore identical clothing, only with a bowtie and a jacket also. “How are you going to take your weapons?”

            “Don’t worry about it,” said Gianna, sliding a sheathed knife into her boots.

            “How about you?” Dylan asked Jenna. She held up her hands. “Already here,” she said with a smile.

            He shrugged. “Suit yourself.” He turned around, facing Gianna and Adam. “Are we ready?” he asked with a grin. “Let’s go.”

            He looked out the window, a low whistle escaping his pursed lips. “Wizard Norton sure takes go big or go home to heart.”

            A huge mansion was lit with fluorescent lights that decorated the main garden. Music could be heard from outside, and the garden was perfectly trimmed. A huge fountain spilled water, the lights changing colors inside of it. They all got out of the car and handed it to the valet, walking up. “You have the invitation, right?” asked Adam. Gianna nodded. As they reached the front door, Dylan grabbed the lion head knocker, and banged it against the huge wooden door. It slowly opened, revealing a butler in a black and white suit. “Invitation?” he asked, holding out his gloved hand. Gianna handed it to him.