Lizzie could hear the music from down the hall. It soaked through the walls much like magic did. She pushed open the doors, smile wide and bright. It faded quickly when no one stopped what they were doing.

The DJ spotted her and moments later, the spotlight blinded her, but still no one turned to look. She walked down the stairs with her head down, suddenly wishing the spotlight wasn’t there at all. Penelope looked on from above, shamelessly laughing at Lizzie’s red cheeks and shiny eyes under the bright light.

Lizzie had almost reached the bottom and was planning on slipping out through the side doors before anyone could see her embarrassment when Rafael stepped out of the crowd and extended a hand.

“Would you like to dance?” he asked.

Lizzie smiled and set her hand in his. “It’s a dance party, isn’t it?” she countered, hiding her burning face under exaggerated arrogance.

Rafael looped their arms together and pulled her onto the dance floor, twirling her around expertly. He’d never say it, but it was Hope who taught him all the moves he was using to woo the girl who hated her.

“Let me know if you see Jade,” Lizzie said breathlessly as she crashed into his chest and looked around the dance floor wildly, waiting to spot the witch somewhere in the sea of students. “I don’t know where she could be. And Josie’s running late, but don’t let me miss her entrance.” Lizzie’s face fell a little and she was glad her back was to Rafael. “I have to make sure hers is better than mine was.”

Rafael smiled at the tiny sliver of her face he could see, placing a quick kiss on her cheek. “I’ll keep an eye out.”

“Thanks.”