Theo's expression turned serious, his eyes clouding over with a hint of regret.
"I'm afraid I won't be able to join you on this mission, Alex and Zack. I've got a quest of my own to complete, one that I've been putting off for too long."
Zack's eyes narrowed. "What kind of quest?"
Theo hesitated, as if unsure how much to reveal.
"It's a personal matter, Zack. Let's just say that I've got to complete the quest, and I need to take care of it before I can help you with the Chronicle."
"The quest is about the Oracle of Delphi"
Zack whistled softly. "The Oracle of Delphi? That's a big deal. What is the sole purpose of the quest?"
Theo's eyes dropped, his voice barely above a whisper.
"To retrieve a rare artifact, one that's hidden deep within the Labyrinth of Knossos. It's a treacherous place, full of traps and monsters. But I have to try."
Alex's eyes widened in surprise.
"The Labyrinth of Knossos? That's a mythological place. I thought it was just a story."
Theo nodded. "It's real, Alex. And it's no place for mortals. But I have to try. The Oracle's favor is not something to be taken lightly."
Zack nodded, his expression understanding.
"We get it, Theo. You've got your own quest to complete. We'll take care of Arachne and the Chronicle. You focus on your quest on the Oracle."
Theo nodded, a hint of gratitude in his eyes.
"Thanks, guys. I owe you one. Be careful, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything."
With that, Theo turned and disappeared into the night, leaving Alex and Zack to their mission.
THE NEXT DAY:
Alex woke up to the sound of her phone buzzing on her nightstand. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and reached for the phone, her heart racing with excitement.
As she scrolled through the messages, her eyes landed on a text from an unknown number.
[Masquerade Ball Invitation]
"You are cordially invited to a night of mystery and intrigue at the estate of Marcus Blackwood. Join us for an evening of music, dancing, and masquerade.
Date: Two weeks from tonight
Time: 8pm
Location: Blackwood Estate
Please RSVP by return message."
Alex's eyes widened as she read the message. The masquerade ball! Theo had mentioned it, and now they had an official invitation.
She quickly got out of bed and ran to the living room, where Zack was still asleep on the couch.
"Zack, wake up! We got the invitation!" she exclaimed, shaking him awake.
Zack groggily opened his eyes, rubbing the sleep from his face.
"What invitation?" he mumbled.
Alex waved her phone in the air.
"The masquerade ball! We're going to meet Arachne and get closer to finding the Chronicle."
Zack's eyes snapped open, and he sat up straight.
"Whoa, that's awesome! What's the plan?"
Alex grinned mischievously.
"Theo left us a note. He said to get ready and that he's given us a debit card with plenty of money to spend."
Zack's eyes widened as he spotted the note and the debit card on the coffee table.
"Whoa, this thing is loaded! We're talking thousands of dollars here." Zack said as he saw the quality of the golden debit card.
Alex nodded.
"Yeah, Theo wants us to blend in with the rich and famous. We need to dress to impress and be ready to mingle with the elite."
Zack's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Game on! Let's go shopping and find the perfect masks for the ball."
Alex laughed, feeling a thrill of anticipation.
"It's going to be a wild ride, Zack. Let's make it happen!"
Alex and Zack hit the streets, debit card in hand, ready to embark on a shopping spree like no other. They started at a high-end boutique, where they browsed through racks of designer gowns and suits.
Alex's eyes widened as she scanned the prices.
"Zack, look at this! This dress is $5,000!"
Zack chuckled.
"Welcome to the world of the rich and famous, Alex. We're not shopping at Target anymore."
Alex giggled, trying on a stunning red gown.
"I feel like a princess," she said, twirling in front of the mirror.
Zack grinned, holding up a black tuxedo.
"And I feel like James Bond," he said, striking a pose.
They spent the next few hours trying on outfits, laughing and joking as they modeled their potential looks for the masquerade ball.
Next, they headed to a luxury jewelry store, where they browsed through sparkling diamonds and gemstones.
Alex's eyes sparkled as she tried on a stunning tiara.
"I feel like royalty," she said, admiring herself in the mirror.
Zack chuckled, holding up a pair of cufflinks.
"And I feel like a million bucks," he said, grinning.
They continued their shopping spree, visiting designer shoe stores, accessory boutiques, and even a bespoke tailor to get fitted for custom-made masks.
As the sun began to set, Alex and Zack collapsed onto a bench, exhausted but exhilarated.
"I think we've got everything we need," Alex said, giggling.
Zack nodded, his eyes shining with excitement.
"We're going to make a killing at that masquerade ball. Arachne won't know what hit her."
Alex grinned mischievously.
"Let's just hope we can keep up with her. She's got a reputation for being ruthless."
Zack winked.
"Don't worry, Alex. We've got this. We're the dynamic duo of the masquerade ball."
As they sat there, basking in the glow of their shopping spree, they couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the adventure ahead.