WELCOME TO THE MASQUERADE A long red carpet stretched down the sidewalk, set with through the gates with flickering flames alongside it. Black lanterns hung from drooping tree branches alongside, warming the October night and giving a small shelter from the traffic and life of New York. The air stung like shards of glass and Sophia quickened her pace to get inside. "Come on, Agnes." She looked over her shoulder, finding her friend had stopped to peer at the decorated trees. When she reached Sophia, they both hurried inside the building. "Sophia Campbell." The guard flicked a finger over his tablet. He frowned and looked up from the device at her. "Are you sure you're supposed to here?" No, she just randomly put on a gothic getup and a masquerade mask to stroll about New York! Sophia glanced at the people who had gathered behind them, hearing murmurs of impatience. "Yes." Her voice came out an octave too loud. "I'm certain. Please, check again." The guard sighed, fished out his phone, and dialed a number.
