I Am Totally a Real-Life Wizard (Not Clickbait, I Swear!)

“Maybe we just need to focus on getting Khalil out of there.” Dawn sighed in disappointment. “Get justice another day.”

No one in the group seemed to like that.

Suddenly Valeri held up her phone and announced, "The Uber's here. Maybe we can figure something out at the wedding..."

"Our first priority is getting Khalil out of there." Cody scowled. "And if we can, then we expose Joe's lies."

Vendetta sighed. “I guess we’ll figure it out as we go. The best plan is no plan.”

They opened the door back to the reception’s desk.

Dawn hovered through, flickering warily. "Right. Nothing like a little improv to start off your day... or continue it, I suppose."

Valeri followed, pocketing their phone again.

The receptionist startled. “Hey! You’re breaking Malacoda-“

Vendetta gave him puppy dog eyes. “We’re not doing anything wrong.”

"Of course not," the receptionist readily agreed. He went back to typing at a computer. "My bad. Have a nice day!"

Valeri flashed a smile at Vendetta as they exited the building. She clambered into the Uber and told the driver, "Get us there as soon as possible, please."

The Uber driver nodded. “Uh, yeah. Sure.” They waited until everyone entered the car and then proceeded to drive away.

Vendetta went back on their phone. “Oh no.”

“What?”

“The wedding’s already started.”

"Shoot." Valeri turned to the driver again. "Even faster, please."

"There's a speed limit--"

"We'll pay you double."

"Sorry, miss, but safety is the number one priority, right?"

Vendetta sighed. "Sorry, Valeri. Us dying in a car crash isn't going to help anyone."

Dawn vibrated, clearly anxious. "But please go as fast as you can."

Valeri sank back into their seat and fidgeted with her hands. The ride seemed interminable, and the traffic made her want to scream.

But soon enough, they reached The LINE Hotel D.C. The pillars in front had been decorated with garish sparkles and a banner saying, "Welcome to the Wonderful Wedding of Josephinzo the Great and Khalil!" The names had been made smaller in order to fit all the words on the banner.

Vendetta frowned. "Is anyone else feeling physically ill? Because I feel like I'm going to be sick."

Cody practically leapt out of the car, marching up the venue like he was about to set the place on fire.

Valeri groaned. "Yeah, let's go punch that wizard in the face." They glanced at Dawn. "Metaphorically, of course." She followed Cody up the steps to the door of the hotel.

Vendetta hung back. "I actually have an idea. You guys go ahead. I'll meet up with you later."

Dusk froze. "Wait, seriously? Are you sure?"

Vendetta nodded. "Positive."

Valeri glanced at Vendetta. "Call me if you need anything, alright?"

"Or summon Dusk!" Dawn shimmered sky blue.

Vendetta nodded. "Will do!"

They darted off the side, searching for a side entrance.