"Alright, Mophead." Lizzie blew out her match. "This candle should keep out any monsters - including Wade and his monstrous D&D campaign."

"Wait - Wade can't get in?" Landon scrunched up his nose.

"I know, your only friend." Lizzie clicked her tongue. "I'm sure you'll survive."

Landon tilted his head as Lizzie closed her matchbox. "Why are you doing this for me?"

"You mean why isn't Josie doing this for you?" Lizzie knew exactly what he was really asking.

"Sure."

"Josie is doing what she thinks is best, but that doesn't mean it's what's right." Lizzie hopped up on the table, swinging her long legs back and forth. "And I may not be your biggest fan, but Josie is. I'm not gonna let anything hurt her which means I can't let anything hurt you."

Landon laughed like he knew something Lizzie didn't. The sound rattled her to her bones, and she sat up straight, scowling at him.

"Do not make me regret this."

"I won't, I won't." Landon clasped his hands on top of the table. "So how is Josie doing with all the pageant stress?"

Lizzie sighed. "You have to actually care about something to be stressed about it."

"What do you mean?" Landon sat up straight, eyebrows furrowing and eyes lasering in on Lizzie.

"Josie doesn't care about the pageant." Lizzie stared back at Landon just as confused. Did he really not know his girlfriend at all? "She thinks it's archaic and misogynistic. The only reason she's even competing is because Mom knows she can win and she wants the crown."

"Oh." Landon looked like the world had just disappeared beneath his feet. "Well you wanted to win, right?"

"Yeah, of course. I'd been planning my campaign since I could talk. That's why I won last year. None of those girls knew what was coming." Lizzie smiled at the memory. Caroline had been so proud of her, wearing her crown and the same dress her mom had won in almost twenty five years ago. "Now it's Josie's turn."

Landon nodded. "Makes sense to me."

"So keep this candle with you at all times." Lizzie passed it to him. "If the flame flickers, trouble is coming."

"What do I do if trouble is coming?"

"You get ready to fight - or find someone who can."

"Funny." Landon rolled his eyes. "Thank you ... for this."

Lizzie huffed like his gratitude was the most annoying thing in the world. "Just don't let the candle go out."