"I'm having the time of my life, and | won't be the one crying at the end," Lana declared with a radiant smile, a picture of allure and grace. Leopold lovingly stroked her hair, his eyes brimming with adoration.
Megan could not stand it. She wished her glare could pierce through Lana's heart like an arrow.
Gritting her teeth, she stormed off. Once she had lifted the poison in her body, she would focus on dealing with that wretch.
The cruise ship was hosting a masquerade ball that night, an event William and Skyler adored.
Skyler, of course, was going as Superman, while William donned the Spider-Man suit, and Sierra embodied the grace of the mythical Orchid Maiden.
Aurelia decided to try out the role of an evil woman, dressing up as Poison Ivy. With her red wig and emerald gown, she was seductive and wild, captivating the souls of all who had eyed her.
Arnold couldn't peel his gaze away from her. "No matter where you are, you shine the brightest," he said, entranced.
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Aurelia smiled. Whether she stood out or blended in, she'd always be a thorn in someone's side, so why not set herself free and enjoy it? "Superman, coming through!" Skyler burst into the ballroom, overflowing with excitement, with William and Sierra trailing behind.
William had even crafted a secret weapon for himself.
Leopold and Lana were the last to arrive, and Leopold's eyes immediately sought out Aurelia. She was so stunning he could barely resist the urge to whisk her away for a passionate encounter.
Megan and Jewel had skipped the party, which was perfect. It meant everyone would have fun at the party, making it a prime time to free Thomas.
The security team was making their rounds outside, leaving one guard on duty in the office.
Jewel sauntered in, striking up a flirtatious conversation with the guard. As they got "cozy," Megan swiped the keys to the holding cells.
Their plan went well with surprising ease. Being on the ocean meant Thomas had nowhere to run, so the guards weren't on high alert.
After exiting the security room with the keys, Jewel handed them off to Megan, who went to the ballroom to establish an alibi.
Thomas was frustrated in the cruise ship's brig, pondering an escape. When the door swung open, hope lit up his eyes.
Jewel tossed him a life vest, and he quickly slipped it on before he escaped.
Reaching the deck, he took a daring leap into the ocean.
In the shroud of darkness, a stealthy black dinghy approached for the pickup. Thomas' getaway was right on schedule, silent and unnoticed.
At the party, William whipped out his strand-spinning gadget, and with a press of the button, a thin strand shot out, sticking to Skyler's costume.
Skyler clapped his hands in delight. "William, | want that strand-spinning gadget, too!" "Here you go!" William passed one to Skyler and another to Sierra. He had made several, being a master of gadgets.
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The trio found a secluded corner and began weaving strands, lost in their fun.
Suddenly, Skyler's wristwatch beeped with a new text message. [Dear Skyler, having fun? | have a special gift for you.] A chill ran down Skyler's spine, which was a bad omen.
[What gift?] he replied.
[You'll see soon enough.] Skyler rushed to find Leopold. "Leopold, Geoffrey said he was sending me a gift. His... his gifts are always...
horrifying." A cold light flashed in Leopold's eyes as he was about to instruct the security to tighten their watch.
Then, from the midst of the crowd, a ghastly howl cut through the noise.
A "werewolf" had gone berserk! It snarled and growled at the guests on all fours, seemingly lost to madness. Its howls were punctuating the air.
A man dressed as a dwarf, thinking it was all an act, laughed and said, "Buddy, you're putting on a good show!" The werewolf growled menacingly, leaped into the air, and pounced on the dwarf, knocking him to the ground and biting his ear with a ferocity that drew blood and screams.