The thing about galas is that they're basically battlefields, except instead of swords, everyone's wielding champagne flutes and fake smiles. And as much as I'd rather be anywhere else (a nice volcano sounds good), here I am, dressed to the nines and trying not to spill sparkling water on my ridiculously expensive tux. Mareena's on my arm, radiating enough confidence to power a small country. I'm channeling all my willpower into not tripping over my own feet.
Hermione's voice crackles in my ear, prim and efficient. "Harry, brace yourself. The uninvited guest is Lex Luthor."
I stumble. Just a tiny misstep. Barely noticeable, unless you're Mareena and have the observational skills of a shark that just scented blood.
"Ah," she says, her lips curving into a dangerous smile, "the bald genius himself. This should be fun."
"Fun?" I mutter, still smiling like I'm on a red carpet. "Mareena, this is Lex freaking Luthor. The guy who—"
"—who's about to regret showing up," she interrupts, her voice like velvet over steel. "Relax, Charis. He doesn't scare me."
I envy her confidence. It's hard to be intimidated when you grew up ruling the ocean, I guess. But me? I'm sweating buckets under this suit. Not literally, because that would ruin the image, but close enough.
We're halfway across the ballroom when I see him: Lex Luthor. He's standing just past security, looking as smug as a cat who's about to eat the canary, and wearing a suit that probably costs more than a year at Hogwarts (not counting the broomstick budget). Beside him is Eve Tessmacher, his assistant-slash-secretary-slash-probably-spy. She's holding a sleek tablet and has the kind of poised, no-nonsense look that screams, I'll destroy you in three emails or less.
"Holy plot twist," Wally West's voice crackles in my ear, way too excited. "That's Lex Luthor! Want me to zip over and trip him? Maybe 'accidentally' ruin his shiny shoes?"
"Wally," Hermione interjects, her tone dripping with disapproval, "this is a delicate situation. Harry can't risk exposing—"
"I know, I know," Wally sighs. "But if he starts monologuing about world domination, I'm making a move."
"Helpful as always," Hermione mutters. "Harry, remember, Luthor cannot admit to his crimes without incriminating himself. Keep your composure."
"Cool as a cucumber," I whisper. "Maybe even offer him a drink. Something spiked."
Mareena chuckles, low and throaty. "Make it seawater."
And just like that, we're face-to-face with the man of the hour. Lex Luthor turns toward us, his smile like a shark's. "Mr. Peverell," he says, extending a hand. His voice is smooth, measured, and dripping with the kind of charm that makes you want to wash your hands afterward. "A pleasure to finally meet the heir of Wonder Woman."
I shake his hand, squeezing just a little harder than necessary. Not enough to be rude—just enough to remind him I've got a grip. "Mr. Luthor. Didn't realize you were on the guest list."
He chuckles, a sound that feels as fake as his hairline would if he had one. "An oversight, I'm sure. But influence has a way of... bypassing certain formalities."
Mareena steps in, her smile razor-sharp. "Influence," she repeats, tilting her head slightly. "That's what we're calling it now?"
For the briefest moment, Luthor's smile flickers. Just a heartbeat, but I catch it. Then he's back to full smug mode. "Princess Mareena," he says, his tone dripping with faux admiration. "Your reputation precedes you."
She leans in ever so slightly, her voice a soft purr. "And yours precedes you, Mr. Luthor. Though I have to say, the stories don't do you justice. You're much... smaller in person."
Eve Tessmacher, who has been quietly observing, steps forward with the grace of someone who knows how to diffuse a bomb. "Mr. Luthor is here to enjoy the evening," she says, her tone crisp. "We wouldn't want to sour the atmosphere with unnecessary hostility."
Mareena laughs, a sound that's far too musical for the words she's about to say. "Hostility? Oh no, Ms. Tessmacher. This is just polite conversation. Isn't it, Charis?"
"Polite as can be," I agree, raising my glass in a mock toast. "To LexCorp. Always pushing the boundaries."
"And to Peverell Industries," Luthor counters, clinking his glass against mine. "A true pillar of heroism."
There's a silent battle happening in the space between us. We both know exactly what he did to me. He knows that I know. And yet, neither of us can say a word without blowing our carefully crafted cover stories.
"Well," Mareena says, sliding her arm through mine. "We'd love to stay and chat, but there are more... pleasant people to speak with."
"Of course," Luthor replies, stepping aside with a gallant nod. "Enjoy the evening, Mr. Peverell. Princess. I'm sure we'll see each other again soon."
"Oh, I'm counting on it," Mareena says with a smile so sweet it could rot teeth. Then she steers me away, her grip firm.
In my ear, Hermione's voice returns, calm but firm. "You handled that well, Harry. But stay vigilant. Luthor doesn't show up without a reason."
"No kidding," I mutter. Behind us, Luthor melts into the crowd like the snake he is. "Mareena, remind me why I didn't let you drown him?"
"Because I promised I'd save that for plan B," she says, her lips twitching. "Though if he makes another smug comment, plan B might arrive sooner than expected."
"Dibs on sabotaging his car," Wally chimes in, far too eagerly.
"Noted," I reply, glancing back at Luthor one last time. He's smiling, but there's a gleam in his eyes that makes my skin crawl. "For now, let's just make sure I survive the rest of the night."
—
Mareena and I glide through the glittering ballroom like we own the place. Technically, we kind of do—or at least, my name's on the building, which counts for something. My arm's looped through hers, and she's doing that thing where she looks effortless and stunning, while I'm doing that thing where I try not to look like someone just set my brain on fire. Why? Because Lex freaking Luthor decided to crash our gala.
This isn't just a red flag. This is a parade of red flags, complete with strobe lights, ominous drumbeats, and maybe a sign that says, "RUN, HARRY."
Mareena leans in, her breath warm against my ear as she whispers, "So, are we ignoring the fact that the king of bald, smug evil is probably plotting fifty different ways to ruin your life right now?"
I manage a tight smile for a passing donor. "Not ignoring. Strategizing."
She raises an eyebrow, which is unfairly perfect because my eyebrows never look that good. "Strategizing, huh? Because nothing says 'strategy' like walking around with that slightly panicked 'I just saw Voldemort at a PTA meeting' look while pretending to sip champagne."
"I'm not panicked," I hiss, even though my voice might be two octaves higher than normal. "I'm... cautiously optimistic."
She grins, wicked and knowing. "Optimistic about what? That he trips over his own ego and falls face-first into the lobster bisque?"
"Don't tempt me."
Ahead, I spot Talia Tate, the CEO of Peverell Industries. Talia's the kind of woman who could walk into a boardroom, utter two words, and make Wall Street billionaires wet themselves. She's wearing an emerald-green gown that says, I run this town, and if you doubt it, I will destroy you. Her long, dark hair is swept over one shoulder, and her expression is sharp enough to cut glass. Honestly, she might have a jeweled dagger strapped to her thigh. Wouldn't surprise me. Beside her is Sirius Black, my godfather, who manages to make "charming rogue" look like a viable profession. He's all loose tie, crooked grin, and wild hand gestures as he entertains a pair of investors who look like they've never had this much fun at a party.
"Think they know Luthor's here?" I murmur.
"If they don't, I'm calling dibs on telling Talia," Mareena replies. Her grin widens, and she snags a glass of champagne from a passing tray like she's been doing it her whole life. She probably has. "She'll either laugh or murder someone. Possibly both."
We weave through the crowd, dodging waiters with trays of hors d'oeuvres and sidestepping an overly enthusiastic philanthropist who tries to trap me in a conversation about corporate partnerships. (Note to self: hire better social armor for these events.) By the time we reach Talia and Sirius, Talia's already clocked us. Her gaze flicks briefly to Mareena—assessing, calculating—then locks onto me like I'm a puzzle she hasn't solved yet. Which, let's be honest, I probably am.
"Harry," she says, her voice smooth and cool, like the world's most expensive silk scarf. "You look... troubled."
Mareena doesn't even wait for me to answer. "Wouldn't you be? The bald wonder himself just waltzed through security like he owns the place."
Talia's eyes narrow. "Luthor?"
Sirius, mid-sentence with his investors, stops like someone hit pause on his personality. "Lex Luthor?" His voice is loud enough to turn heads, and he quickly gives the startled investors a sheepish grin. "Excuse us, gentlemen. Important business." He turns back to us, his crooked smile gone. "Are you serious?"
"No," Mareena deadpans. "You're Sirius."
Talia ignores the quip, her expression frosty enough to make the champagne go flat. "How," she says, each word slow and deliberate, "did Lex Luthor get into my gala without my knowledge?"
"That," I reply, "is what I was hoping you could tell me."
Sirius scratches his chin, his brow furrowed in thought. "Security's airtight. We triple-checked the guest list. If he's here, it's because someone let him in."
"Or," Talia says, her lips curving into a smile that could freeze hell, "because he manipulated his way in. As he always does."
Mareena raises an eyebrow, her champagne glass tilting lazily in her hand. "I take it you two have history?"
Talia's gaze doesn't waver. "Luthor and I? We've crossed paths. He's... persistent."
"That's one way to put it," Sirius mutters. "Another would be 'conniving snake with delusions of grandeur.'"
"Either way," I interject, "he's here now. And considering his track record, I doubt he's just here for the shrimp cocktail."
Talia tilts her head slightly, studying me like she's rearranging chess pieces in her mind. "What did he say to you?"
"Nothing incriminating," I reply. "Just the usual power-play nonsense. Compliments, veiled threats, ominous smirking. You know, his greatest hits."
"Typical Lex," Sirius says, crossing his arms. "Always playing games."
"Well," Talia says, her tone icy enough to chill the champagne, "two can play that game. Mareena, keep an eye on him. Harry, I want you to stick to the high-profile guests. Keep the spotlight on yourself and away from Luthor. If he's here to make a move, we'll force him to do it in plain sight."
"And me?" Sirius asks, a hopeful gleam in his eye.
Talia doesn't even hesitate. "Damage control. If he starts schmoozing with our investors, I want you there to counteract whatever poison he's selling."
Sirius grins like a kid who's just been told he gets to blow something up. "Finally, something I'm good at."
As they start plotting, Mareena leans in, nudging me with her elbow. "Looks like the grown-ups have it under control. What's our play?"
I glance across the room, where Luthor is charming a small group of VIPs, his smile as fake as the spray tan on half the guests here. "We stick to the plan. Keep him in our sights, stay a step ahead, and—"
"Accidentally spill punch on him if it comes to that?" Mareena finishes, her grin wicked.
"Exactly."
She raises her glass in a mock toast. "To a night of subtle sabotage."
"To subtlety," I reply, though deep down, I know subtlety is the first thing that's about to go out the window.
—
Mareena and I split the room like an old married couple dividing household chores. She goes off to stalk Luthor like he's the last cupcake at a party, while I navigate the crowd of high-powered tech moguls, CEOs, and whatever else Talia's charity gala has thrown at me tonight. She's got that effortless "I'm better than everyone here" vibe—especially when she's not even trying. Seriously, if Mareena were a superhero, her power would be the ability to blend in while looking like she owns the place. Luthor won't know what hit him.
I'm all smiles and handshakes, trying to convince these fancy-pants people that I actually belong here, even though I can't remember the last time I wore anything that didn't come from a thrift store. Still, a little charm goes a long way, and I've got that in spades. Plus, I'm starting to get the hang of pretending like I'm not about to lose my mind surrounded by a bunch of millionaires trying to outdo each other.
Then I spot them: Ray Palmer and Ted Kord. If you don't know who they are, first of all, where have you been? And second, you're about to get schooled. Ray's the scientist genius—think "I can shrink atoms" kind of brainy, and Ted's the billionaire inventor with a sense of humor sharp enough to slice through steel. They're tucked in the corner of the room, deep in one of their usual debates.
Ray's animated, talking with his hands like he's got a PhD in "passionate gestures," while Ted just leans back, looking amused and, I don't know, maybe a little exasperated? Classic Ted. But you can feel the energy between them—it's like they're both tuning into the same wavelength, just disagreeing about the frequency.
"So what's your big idea, Ray? Shrink everything down to the size of a flea?" Ted says, leaning in, looking like he's about to take Ray's coffee and spike it with sarcasm. "We all know that's not gonna solve everything."
Ray just grins, unbothered. "Well, if you could shrink a few of your bad ideas, Ted, maybe we'd have something to work with."
"I'm just saying," Ted counters, tossing a mock glare at his friend, "there's no substitute for real-world strategy. Tech's great, but if you can't use it, what's the point?"
At this point, I can't help myself. It's like they're begging for a punchline. "Wow, this sounds like the start of a TED Talk," I call out, walking over with a grin. "No pun intended. Or maybe all puns intended?"
They both stop mid-argument and look up at me. Ted's face lights up instantly, like he just found out the best pizza joint in town delivers. "Charis Peverell, right? Or do you prefer Harry?"
"Harry's fine," I say, offering a handshake. His grip is solid, confident, like he knows how to work a room. Maybe a little too much, but I'm not complaining.
Ray's already stepping forward with a grin that could light up a small city. "Ray Palmer. Pleasure to meet you. You've got quite the reputation. Everyone's talking about you."
I raise an eyebrow. "Good or bad?"
Ted laughs, elbowing Ray. "Depends on who you ask. Personally, I'm a fan. Talia's been singing your praises all night. It's like she's your personal PR agent."
"That's high praise coming from her," I remark, trying to sound casual but secretly flattered. "She doesn't exactly hand out compliments like candy."
Ray smirks. "Trust me, we know. She's been pitching us on a collaboration all evening. And honestly? I can't decide if I'm more impressed with her ideas or terrified by them."
"Oh, that's Talia for you," I reply with a knowing nod. "She's always playing 4D chess while the rest of us are stuck in checkers."
"Which brings us to this whole debate," Ted says, turning back to Ray. "Ray thinks tech can fix anything. I say you need the brains to back it up. You can have the best gadget in the world, but if you don't have a plan, it's just… a fancy paperweight."
Ray laughs, holding up a finger like he's about to drop some knowledge. "I'm telling you, Ted, strategy's great, but tech is the game-changer. Why fight fire with fire when you can shrink the fire to the size of a matchstick? Think about it."
I nod, pretending to chew on the thought. "So, let me get this straight—you're arguing about whether it's better to outsmart your opponent or outmaneuver them. Classic chess versus checkers, right?"
Ray's eyes light up. "Exactly! Except in my version of chess, the pieces can rearrange themselves at the atomic level. How's that for a twist?"
"And I'm saying," Ted pipes in, "you don't need all that fancy stuff if you've already got the perfect game plan."
I throw up my hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay. Why not combine the two? Brilliant strategy with cutting-edge tech. That sounds pretty unstoppable to me."
Ray laughs. "Spoken like a true mediator. No wonder Talia talks you up so much."
Ted grins, leaning in with that glint in his eye. "You're not wrong, though. Maybe we're looking at this all wrong."
And just as I'm about to throw in a smart remark, Mareena pops up at my side like some kind of sleek shadow. Seriously, she's got this ninja-like ability to show up at the perfect moment. "Dr. Palmer, Mr. Kord," she says, nodding at the two of them. "Nice to see you two actually agreeing for once."
Ted raises an eyebrow, a smile tugging at his lips. "Princess Mareena. I figured you'd be off charming the crowd."
"I leave the charm offensive to Harry," Mareena says with a lazy smile that could melt the ice caps. "I'm more of a tactical observer."
Ray chuckles, his eyes darting between us. "Which means you're here to make sure Harry doesn't get himself into trouble, right?"
"Someone has to," Mareena replies smoothly, her gaze never leaving Luthor, who's lurking across the room like a snake trying to decide which mouse to eat.
As we all fall into the easy rhythm of conversation, I can't help but notice that Luthor's still hanging around at the edges of the room, his eyes flicking over to our group every now and then. The man's always scheming. But with Ray and Ted on our side? Maybe we can outthink him before he even knows what's hit him.
Maybe.
But that's a story for another time.
—
So, there we are—standing in the midst of what could easily be the most awkward (and frankly, entertaining) scene at the Peverell Industries gala. Ray Palmer and Ted Kord are still nerding out about shrinking technology like it's the most important thing on Earth (and, to be fair, it kind of is), but my attention's elsewhere. Not that Ray and Ted aren't great company—Ray's got that wholesome, science geek charm going on, and Ted? Ted's the type of guy you'd want on your team in a high-stakes game of Monopoly, but right now? Right now, we've got a good ol' fashioned power struggle brewing.
You see, there's this little matter of Talia Tate—CEO of Peverell Industries (aka my company, which, for the record, still feels weird to say)—and Sirius Black, my godfather and the director of said company, making a beeline for none other than Lex Luthor. Yeah. That guy. The one with the all-too-slick smile and a head so shiny it could double as a mirror.
Now, you'd think Luthor would be used to being the center of attention—he does have that I-own-the-world vibe. But right now? He's about to get schooled by the ultimate power couple, Sirius and Talia. And I'm not talking about your run-of-the-mill couple drama. This is like watching two apex predators circle a lone gazelle. And the gazelle is really, really good at pretending it isn't terrified.
I nudge Mareena, who's still chatting with Ray and Ted (and, I'm sure, mentally cataloging every single tech detail they're rambling on about). "Looks like we've got a showdown brewing."
She flicks a glance over her shoulder, her expression unreadable, but there's this flicker of calculation in her eyes that says she's already two steps ahead. "Luthor," she mutters, the name dripping with disdain. "Always lurking in the shadows. Let's see what his game is."
Mareena's not exactly subtle about her dislike of Luthor. Actually, subtlety isn't really her thing. I'd say something about her being a walking, talking ball of intensity, but I'd probably lose my head (and that's not just a metaphor).
Ray, blissfully unaware of the impending drama, is still going on about the intricacies of quantum physics or whatever the heck he's talking about. Ted, though, catches my shift in mood. His eyes flick over to me, then back to the power couple in question. "Everything alright?"
"Yeah, just your typical billionaire ego fight," I say with a shrug. "You know, the usual drama. Nothing we can't handle."
Ted snorts, clearly amused. "If I had a nickel for every time that happened, I'd be richer than half the people in this room."
Mareena, however, is already slipping out of the conversation, weaving through the crowd with the kind of grace that makes you think she's got a magnetic field around her. Seriously, this woman moves like she's always three steps ahead of everyone in the room—and, you know, she probably is. She flashes me a smile that's half-encouraging, half-devious. "Stay here and keep the nerds entertained. I'll go take care of the real fun."
I roll my eyes. "Yeah, don't get too close to the fun, alright?"
But Mareena's already off, disappearing into the crowd. It's like watching a shadow blend into the darkness, except this shadow is a whole lot more dangerous than anything that exists in the dark.
Back to the power couple. Talia and Sirius are gliding toward Luthor like they own the place—because, let's face it, they kind of do. Talia, in particular, is all sharp angles and unspoken power, her smile so cold you could store your drink in it. Sirius, on the other hand, has this predator energy—calm, controlled, and dead serious. Seriously, the man could intimidate a rock into sweating.
And then there's Luthor. He's sitting there with his usual smugness, his secretary, Eve Tessmacher (who, by the way, is probably the only woman in the room who could make a pencil skirt look lethal), standing by his side. I can practically feel the storm brewing as Talia and Sirius approach. This isn't going to be a "Hey, let's network" situation. Oh no. This is about to get interesting.
"Lex," Talia says, her voice smooth as silk, but there's an edge to it. "I must admit, I didn't expect to see you here. Quite... unexpected."
Luthor, of course, smiles like he's the cat who ate the canary. "Well, Talia. Sirius. What a pleasant surprise. I must say, your invitation was most... unexpected."
Sirius takes a step forward, narrowing his eyes. Oh, it's on now. "Funny. I was just about to ask you the same thing. How'd you get your hands on an invitation, Lex?"
Talia's smile doesn't falter, but you can almost hear the ice cracking behind it. "You certainly have a talent for slipping through cracks, Lex. Very impressive."
Luthor tilts his head, clearly enjoying himself. "Oh, I'm sure you'll find my company quite refreshing. After all, we have so much in common—ambition, business savvy, the thirst for progress... It's only natural that I'd be here."
Sirius doesn't move an inch. I swear, the man has the patience of a saint... or maybe a very, very dangerous predator who doesn't need to rush things. "Let's skip the pleasantries, Lex. Why don't you tell us why you're really here?"
Luthor raises a brow, clearly relishing the directness. "Alright, alright, I'll be blunt. I'm here because I believe there's a great potential for collaboration between Peverell Industries and LexCorp. You know... progress, innovation... all that jazz."
Talia's gaze sharpens. "How... interesting. But you're forgetting something, Lex."
"And what would that be?" Luthor asks, leaning in like he's genuinely curious now.
"You're not invited," Talia says, her voice silky smooth but carrying a dangerous edge. "At least, not by us. So tell me, how exactly did you manage to get in?"
Before Luthor can do his usual word-slinging, Mareena sidles up next to me, looking like she's been part of the conversation this whole time. She eyes Luthor with a smirk, then glances over at me. "I don't know, Charis. Maybe Lex borrowed someone else's invite. What do you think?"
I open my mouth to respond, but Luthor is already sending us a look that could freeze lava. "I assure you," he says, his voice smooth like honey, "I'm only here for business. Nothing more."
Talia's smile doesn't reach her eyes. "I'm sure. But business doesn't happen here without our say-so."
Mareena's grin widens, like she's just hit a jackpot. "Well, that's a wrap on the mystery guest, I'd say."
Sirius snickers. "I think we've got everything we need."
Luthor's expression flickers with annoyance, but he plays it cool, like he's some sort of ice sculpture that's somehow still managing to be an asshole at the same time. "I'll leave you to your... private conversation then. But don't think this is the last you've seen of me."
"Oh, I'm sure it's not," Talia responds, her eyes locked on him like she's already planning his downfall.
As Luthor walks off, Mareena looks at me, then at Talia and Sirius. "We'll need to keep an eye on him," she says with a grin that would make a shark nervous. "He's up to something."
Talia lets out a breath, turning toward us. "When isn't he?"
And just like that, I feel like I'm standing in the middle of a chess game, only the pieces are people—and, spoiler alert: Lex Luthor is already losing.
—
Meanwhile, across the city, in a suite so luxurious it practically oozed wealth, Harry's other girlfriends were in full-blown chaos mode—and no, not in a supervillain way, more like ridiculously indulging in the perks of dating a billionaire superhero. They weren't just here for the free food, although let's be honest, that was a pretty major perk. They were here to live like royalty, or at least as close to it as one can get without having to deal with actual royal duties (like public appearances or being polite to distant cousins).
Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl (but for today, let's just call her Kara, because she definitely wasn't acting like Supergirl), was perched on the edge of the king-sized bed like it was a throne—probably because it felt like one after her third steak meal of the day. Her eyes were scanning the room service menu like she was choosing a new superpower, every option too tantalizing to pass up. "What do you think?" she asked, flashing a grin that could melt ice. "We could go with the 'Heroic Feast.' Every type of steak imaginable, mashed potatoes, asparagus... oh, and don't forget the chocolate lava cake for dessert. Just in case we want to feel extra heroic. Or, you know, like gods among men."
Koriand'r, aka Starfire (and honestly, more adorable than a basket of puppies) was studying the menu with an intensity that suggested it was some kind of life-or-death decision. She was glowing—not in the radioactive way, but the way she always did when she was excited. Her orange skin shimmered in the soft light of the room, her bright green eyes sparkling like she had just discovered fire. "How can they create such flavors?" she asked, raising an eyebrow at a dish of lasagna. "It is like... a savory galaxy in my mouth." She shot Kara a grin that could have powered a small city. "I'll have what she's having... all of it, please."
Deedee (yes, that Deedee—Death, but if she had a Tumblr account, it would be filled with glitter and sarcasm) was lounging on the couch, sipping some kind of blood-orange juice that she'd definitely gotten because it sounded goth enough to be on brand. "If they don't give me my sushi with extra eel sauce, this whole suite is a joke," she muttered, not even looking up from her phone as she scrolled through memes about existentialism or whatever weird things Death finds funny these days.
Megan, also known as Miss Martian, was floating a couple inches above the ground—because, you know, she could. She wrapped herself in a fluffy blanket, a bundle of adorably cheerful awkwardness. "What if we get all the appetizers?" she asked, her voice carrying the excitement of someone who was always on the lookout for a new culinary adventure. "We could create a buffet situation. And what about an ice cream fountain? Oh, and maybe chocolate fondue... or is that too retro?" She wiggled her fingers in the air, and you could almost see her telepathically arranging the spread like some kind of psychic Martha Stewart.
Zatanna Zatara, the woman who was basically a walking magic show (and yet still somehow managed to look like a supermodel), was performing a trick with a bottle of sparkling water. It levitated, spun around in mid-air, and made a few twirling loops for no reason other than to entertain her. "You know, I don't think I've had this much fun without a spellbook in years," she mused, glancing over at the others with an almost too-perfect smirk.
Kori leaned over, eyeing Zatanna's magic tricks like she was witnessing something straight out of an intergalactic circus. "That is so impressive. If I could do that with food, I'd make everything glow... and then eat it."
Deedee groaned, rolling her eyes. "You guys are such children," she said dramatically, tossing her phone onto the couch. "You know what would make this night really interesting? Let's throw in a little chaos. Like... maybe move all the furniture two inches to the left. Watch Harry lose his mind. I'm talking about a full-blown freakout."
Zatanna chuckled darkly, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Hmm... you might be onto something there. Maybe I'll enchant a few candles to float and chant 'Happy Birthday' in Latin. Nothing like a little spooky to spice things up."
Megan giggled, the sound of pure mischief bubbling up from her. "Oh, it's definitely going to be a night to remember. Maybe we'll make it an intergalactic buffet. Star, wanna help make everything cosmic?"
Kori's eyes lit up. "YES! I will make it glow! Everything!" And with an overdramatic flourish, she raised her hands, causing the room's lights to flicker in sync with her excitement. A cosmic buffet was now officially happening.
Kara, who was busy devouring a suspiciously large chunk of chocolate lava cake (hey, it's the superhero life, calories don't count), looked around at her friends, taking in the chaos and magic that swirled around them. "Honestly," she said between bites, "I think we've totally mastered this 'living like gods' thing. Harry's got the right idea, huh?"
Deedee leaned back, propping her feet up on the coffee table. "If he comes in here and sees that we've literally rearranged the furniture for no reason... well, at least he knows what he's getting into."
Megan, who might as well have been reading everyone's thoughts (probably was, honestly), nodded. "Definitely. I'm pretty sure Harry would love a little reminder of who's in charge around here."
"Yeah, like moving the chairs over an inch," Kara said with a wicked grin, "or maybe making the lava cake mysteriously disappear."
Deedee flashed a grin that could only be described as too sinister for anyone's good. "Or maybe a little soul-snatching to cap off the evening."
Zatanna raised an eyebrow. "That's... definitely an interesting way to spend the night."
They all burst into laughter. It was the kind of laughter that filled the room and echoed through the halls, the kind that only happens when you're living the kind of life where anything can happen—and usually does.
As the night went on, the food, the magic, and the chaos continued to unfold. Maybe they were a little over the top. Maybe Harry would get back and freak out about a missing table or a chair out of place. But you know what? This was their time to be carefree and ridiculous.
And, really, what's the point of being a super powerful bunch of women with superhuman abilities if you can't use it to pull off a little harmless chaos and have some serious fun while you're at it?
---
Hey fellow fanfic enthusiasts!
I hope you're enjoying the fanfiction so far! I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Whether you loved it, hated it, or have some constructive criticism, your feedback is super important to me. Feel free to drop a comment or send me a message with your thoughts. Can't wait to hear from you!
If you're passionate about fanfiction and love discussing stories, characters, and plot twists, then you're in the right place! I've created a Discord server dedicated to diving deep into the world of fanfiction, especially my own stories. Whether you're a reader, a writer, or just someone who enjoys a good tale, I welcome you to join us for lively discussions, feedback sessions, and maybe even some sneak peeks into upcoming chapters, along with artwork related to the stories. Let's nerd out together over our favorite fandoms and explore the endless possibilities of storytelling!
Click the link below to join the conversation:
https://discord.com/invite/HHHwRsB6wd
Can't wait to see you there!
If you appreciate my work and want to support me, consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support helps me keep writing and bringing more stories to you. You can do so via PayPal here:
https://www.paypal.me/VikrantUtekar007
Or through my Buy Me a Coffee page:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vikired001s
Thank you for your support!