CHAPTER 20
DANIELLE
" N o, no, NO!" I called out as one of the floating lanterns started drifting sideways. It nearly collided with another that seemed determined to recreate interpretive dance. "They need to create a spiral pattern upward. Not play the world's most inane game of ping pong." I pinched the bridge of my nose as I fought back a headache. After saving reality, you'd think decorating for a party would be easier. I should have known better.
"Having fun?" Lia asked. True to her word, she didn’t have an energy drink in her hand. That was seriously impressive. Although, we should never have questioned her ability to cut back. She did whatever she put her mind to.
"Define fun," I muttered as I watched Noah snag one of the lanterns before it floated away. Phi adjusted her spell and the lanterns finally began moving in the correct formation. Their starlight-infused glow created patterns across the lawn. "Because I'm pretty sure this isn't it. And if that lantern starts doing the macarena again, I'm going to scream."
"That was kind of funny though," Kota called from where she was arranging flowers. "At least until it tried to teach the others."
We'd transformed Willowberry's grounds into something out of a fairy tale. Literally, since our clients were Light Fae. Moonflowers bloomed out of season. Their petals caught the ethereal light from enchanted crystals. The guardian circles' power had been temporarily masked by layers of decorative magic that made them look like elaborate garden designs instead of supernatural protection. That feature wouldn’t remain permanent. Between our mundie and supernatural visitors, we couldn’t afford to have attention on us.
"At least nothing's exploding," Dre offered helpfully as she finished arranging the custom glasses. "Yet. Though I'm a little concerned about those balloons. They seem to be fighting Dea."
"Don't jinx it," I warned, eyeing the arches warily. "We've still got three hours until the guests arrive. Those floating lanterns are one misaligned spell away from recreating the Great Fire of seventeen-eighty-eight."
My sisters continued their banter while I surveyed our work with a critical eye. The floating lanterns created a canopy of light above the dance area. Their glow shifted between silver and gold like captured starlight. Enchanted fountains sparkled with actual starlight thanks to a few handy spells Adele taught us.
"The Silvermists are here early," Noah reported when he returned from his security check. Based on his expression, he expected me to melt down because we weren’t done. "They're impressed with the security measures."
"They should be impressed with security," I replied. Kota was finishing her last flower arrangement, so we were done. "We've got enough protective magic layered into this place to stop an army." I went to greet Jasper and Peni and walk them through everything.
As twilight approached, the supernatural elite of New Orleans began arriving in waves of power and interesting fashion choices. Many of the Light Fae wore elaborate formal wear that probably cost more than our yearly budget. They also floated in like mystical fashion models. A few Dark Fae tried to look appropriately celebratory while maintaining their gothic aesthetic. It resulted in what looked like a Victorian funeral attending a beach party. Gargoyles, elves, and djinn showed up as well.
"Look at them all playing nice," Lia mused from our observation point near the house. "Do they know we just saved their realities?"
"Probably not," I replied, watching as Jasper and Penelope made their rounds. The happy couple practically glowed with Light Fae magic. "And let's keep it that way. I hate all the questions." Lia nodded in agreement and we headed over to get a drink from Brezok.
The celebration was in full swing, with Light and Dark Fae actually mingling without any magical incidents when Keryth approached our group. The elf leader moved with his usual grace. His perfectly tailored suit made everyone else look like they'd gotten dressed in the dark. His hazel eyes held that particular gleam that usually meant he was excited about something.
"Ladies," he greeted us smoothly. "Quite the impressive display. Especially, considering recent... events."
"No idea what you mean," Lia said innocently. There were too many ears around, and none of us felt like rehashing our adventure to stop the Lost Legends. "We've just been doing normal party planning things. You know, arranging flowers, setting up lights, preventing the complete collapse of all realities. The usual."
"Of course not," he smiled. The fellow council member was wise enough not to press the issue. "I have a proposition for you. How would you feel about hosting a Midnight Masquerade Ball during Mardi Gras?"
I heard Lia choke on her drink. "I'm sorry, a what now?"
"A Midnight Masquerade," Keryth repeated with that special brand of elven serenity that made everything sound perfectly reasonable. "It’s a wonderful tradition where guests participate in an elaborate theatrical mystery. Think of it as supernatural dinner theater, but with better costumes and significantly more dramatic entrances."
"And significantly more gossip potential," Dre added with a smirk.
"Give us a moment," I told him, then dragged my sisters into a quick huddle. "Thoughts? It sounds like fun. It would be something we’ve never done before."
"Are we really considering this?" Phi asked. "After everything we just dealt with? I'm ready for a normal event with mundane people."
"It could be fun," Kota mused.
"It would be good for business," I pointed out. "And our property damage fund could use the boost after what we just went through."
"Plus," Dea added. She was still a bit pale from her dimensional adventure but grinning nonetheless. "It's just dancing. There’s no actual danger, no reality-bending cultists, no need to save the world. Just fancy dresses and fake mysteries."
"And excellent networking opportunities," Keryth added helpfully from where he was definitely not eavesdropping. "The Midnight Masquerade is quite the social event in elvish circles. Even the Fae Court considers it prestigious."
I turned back to him. I was already seeing the possibilities. "We'll need details. Lots of details. And some assurance that our garden won't try to method act its way into the performance."
"Of course," he agreed smoothly. "Shall we discuss terms over drinks? I believe your enchanted glasses are keeping the champagne at the perfect temperature. Though perhaps we should move away from the roses. They appear to be workshopping dramatic monologues."
As we followed him toward the bar, carefully avoiding the increasingly theatrical plant life, I caught Lia grinning. "What?"
"Nothing," she said innocently. "Just thinking about how this is exactly what we need. Some normal supernatural fun. Like Dea said. No world-ending threats or dimensional disasters. Just a fancy party with staged mysteries and overenthusiastic flora."
"Plus," Kota added, "it'll give us an excuse to redecorate the ballroom. Those curtains have been bugging me for months."
"And I can finally use that vintage mask collection I've been hoarding," Dre admitted.
"You've been hoarding vintage masks?" Phi asked. "When did this happen?"
"Everyone needs a hobby," Dre defended. "Some of us collect Monster cans. Others collect historically significant facial accessories."
I looked around at my sisters and felt something settle in my heart. Maybe this was exactly what we needed. A chance to just be us and have some normal supernatural fun without reality trying to unravel. Though knowing our luck, we should probably stock up on emergency supplies anyway. Just in case.
But that could wait. Right now, we had a masquerade to plan, roses to discourage from amateur theatrics, and champagne that wasn't going to drink itself. "To new adventures," I proposed as I lifted my glass to Keryth’s. "Preferably ones that don't involve saving reality."
"Or dimensional travel," Dea added quickly.
"Or homicidal plants," Phi muttered, eyeing the roses.
"Or running out of caffeine," Lia finished, making us all groan. Some things never changed. And honestly? I wouldn't have it any other way.
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