The Agents get ready...

As Ava finished reviewing the gear instructions for a second time, a notification went off on her smart watch. The word “surveillance update” digitally glowed from her wrist. Quickly tapping the watch screen, Ava began to scan the image in front of her. The live footage coming from a hovering GDF drone showed the Romanian castle in question. The castle itself was a medieval architectural achievement. A small footbridge over the moat led to a large courtyard, flanked by a four story keep. Battlements surrounded the structure with multiple towers, all reflecting in the black moat water along with the enormous full moon. The drone stealthily moved closer, being able to pick up what appeared to be guards in black tie attire and armed with SMGs patrolling the castle’s upper level battlement walkaways. Below in front of the footbridge, two guards and what appeared to be an unarmed attendant was checking in guests. Every guest was dressed like they were walking the red carpet, showing their invitations and then being handed various masquerade masks before entering.

“Hmmm…alright,” Ava murmured to herself, scanning every detail she could in the video feed. “Hey Angel, looks like we’re going full fledge masquerade gala tonight!” she called out to the penthouse common room. After a few moments she heard the other agent’s footsteps echo through the hallway before stopping at her door.

“Well good thing GDF packed something like this for me as your plus-one then,” Angel proclaimed, twirling in a black and silver gown, complete with a crisscross halter neck revealing a modestly sexy triangle cut-out. The twirl showed a sweeping skirt and a brief glimpse at a thigh-high slit. Angel posing with her arms spread out as if she was presenting what was behind door number three. Ava chuckled then gave lighthearted cat call of ow, ow! “Well hurry up Banshee, can’t wait to see what Newman picked out for you…hopefully it’s something you can actually run in if shit hits the fan, unlike this number” declared Angel as she walked away in the form fitting gown.

It was good news/bad news for Ava, as she also got something similar to Angel that wasn’t range-of-motion friendly. But in terms of formal gowns, it was gorgeous. After putting on the garment she stepped in front of the mirror to reveal a sleeveless scarlet fitted trumpet gown, complete with a wide deep v neckline and a black crystal-embellished low keyhole back. It matched perfectly for the party they were attending…just not the most ideal in a combat situation. Angel gave agent Hope a similar response seeing her in her gown for the first time, with a half joking applause with lingering eyes.

“Damn Banshee,” Angel commented, “if that was white it’d be a fucking amazing wedding dress.” Ava could only chuckle at the remark, although Angel wasn’t wrong as she turned her back to the mirror. After stretching and seeing how far they could take the fabric without ripping anything, the two female agents reviewed their gear and weaponry one last time. Eye contacts were in, rings on, and they tried as expertly as they could to conceal the baton and firearms. Ava double checked she had her invitation, which conveniently gave her a plus one, as they made their way to the penthouse elevator and, within minutes, were in Ava’s McLaren, speeding off towards the castle.

The castle was surprisingly not too far away, probably about a 10-minute drive even without a sports car and a female secret agent with a heavy foot behind the wheel. As they got close the castle was just as magnificent as it was haunting against the night sky. Parking their car as close as they could, a young man decked out in a full tuxedo took their keys to valet it. Both using their peripherals to make sure they confirmed their potential getaway vehicle’s location. Soon they made their way on a perfectly flat red carpet with three finely dressed men in front of them. Both made mental notes that the two in the back had weapon straps around their shoulders.

“Invitații?” The first tuxedo-ed man asked. Ava and Angel showed their respective grey envelopes with the dark tinted stationary. After a few moments of studying the unfolded sheet, he turned to one of the other’s behind him. “Măști albe,” he called out before motioning for the two ladies to continue towards the main entrance. The guard on the left reached into a close by darkened wood boxes and took out two white masquerade masks. After handing one to each of the undercover agents he gave a nod and reverted back to his original stance of attention. Both agents made their way across the bridge into the main covered courtyard.