Iriel gazed through the Lamborghini's window, beholding the pleasant night view of Canyon Bridge. She bent slightly to adjust her black gown and tighten her heels. They had already arrived—the party, Mr. Tony's birthday celebration.
Her grandmother stroked her hair, earning a frown from Iriel.
Monica: You're just getting more and more beautiful, girl. (Giving her a theatrical kiss.)
Iriel: You didn't need to follow me.
Monica: A sin for me to see you off to a party? A night party. (Laying emphasis on the last phrase.)
Iriel: Great. (With a deadpan look.)
Monica: You act like your father when he was your age, always trying to prove he was mature.
Chauffeur Kane: We're here, ma'am.
Iriel: I have to go now, Grandma.
As she was about to step out of the car, Monica stopped her.
Monica: Come on. (Accompanying her words with a peck.) There goes my sweet granddaughter. So remember...
Iriel: In two hours, you're coming back. I remember that.
She stepped out of the car, taking sharp and majestic strides. It wasn't the walk of someone trying to appear important—she was used to it. After all, she was the granddaughter of the richest woman in the city.
Inside the car...
Chauffeur Kane: You need to let her off the hook a bit, ma'am.
Monica: None of your business. (She glared at him.) Can we move now, please?
Iriel walked through the crowded hallway.
Iriel (muttering to herself): Pretty.
She was slowly becoming the cynosure of attention. Red flag. She had to get out of there fast.
She reached the main hall, bathed in disco lights and drunk with music. Lost in the spectacle before her, she failed to notice Alicia standing behind her.
Alicia: Hey, I thought you'd be absent.
Iriel: I had no choice.
Alicia: Thank goodness you came. It was getting lonely here.
Alicia wore a dazzling red gown, her hair tied neatly with a matching red ribbon.
Iriel: You look great... and dangerous. (Giving her a playful scrutiny.)
Alicia: Thanks.
Iriel: What about the guys?
Alicia: I spotted them a while ago. (Looking around.)
Iriel: There they are.
She pointed toward Ryan and Ely, who were talking to another guy, each holding a glass of wine.
Alicia: Let's go say hi.
They made their way through the crowd.
Ely: Thanks, Mike. (Ending the conversation.)
Mike: Anytime, Krueger.
Ryan: That guy is a joke.
Ely: Tell me about it.
Alicia: Hey, guys.
Ely: Hey. You girls really rock this party. (Giving them a sharp scrutiny.)
Iriel: Thanks.
Ryan: What's up?
Iriel: The sky. (With a smile.)
Alicia: You guys drink? (Surprised as if she had only just noticed the glasses.)
Ely: Oh, this? It's just for the uniform.
Suddenly, the MC's voice echoed from the stage.
MC: Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you're having a good time!
The audience screamed in agreement.
MC: Before any activities begin, I'd like to invite today's celebrant and his lovely wife to welcome you all. Ladies and gentlemen, please applaud as they make their way to the stage.
Applause filled the hall as Mr. Tony emerged from a corner with his wife, both dazzling with smiles as they walked arm in arm.
The expression on his face was starkly different from the cold, stern Mr. Tony the students of Degriss High School were familiar with.
The applause subsided as he mounted the stage and gracefully took the microphone.
Iriel: This man is really different from the cold-blooded Mr. Tony I know.
Tony: First of all, I'd like to thank everyone—friends, colleagues, and the students of Degriss High School—
The students roared with excitement.
As Tony continued speaking, a man approached Iriel.
Partridge: Wanna have a drink with me?
He stroked his bushy moustache, attempting to look charming.
Immediately, Iriel moved closer to Ryan.
Iriel: No.
Partridge looked confused. He glanced at Ryan, gave him a thumbs-up, and walked away.
Unfortunately, he bumped into a waiter carrying a tray of wine glasses.
The glasses flew into the air.
Suddenly, time stopped.
Ely: (The four of them scanned the hall.) I think I know what that means.
Hazel's face appeared from their dimensional Kryck through a bluish ray.
Hazel: There's an attack. We need you here fast. Use the blue button to teleport.
The transmission abruptly ended.
Ryan: We got that.
Iriel pressed the blue button on her Kryck. A large portal instantly appeared before them.
Ely: That's fast.
Alicia: What are we waiting for?
She looked more than ready for some action.
Iriel: Let's go.
Ely: But the party just started.
Ryan: It's an emergency, Ely.
Iriel and Alicia stepped through the portal.
As Ryan was about to follow, Ely stopped him and quickly adjusted the waiter's glasses back onto the tray.
Ely: This is also an emergency.
The two of them jumped into the portal.
The portal closed behind them, and time resumed as if nothing had happened.
The party continued, completely unaware of what had just occurred.