Lizzie sat in front of the fire, clutching her bowl to her chest. When she had started, it felt nice and cool, but after sitting so close to the fire for so long, it had started to grow uncomfortably hot. As had she. 
The door swung open, the slightest trace of a cool breeze spilling in front the dark hallway.
“Hey.” MG’s voice was soft and quiet. “Why are you in here instead of at the party?”
“A party is the last place I want to be right now,” Lizzie said tightly. 
MG sat down next to her. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t think the witches took me seriously today.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean -” Lizzie blinked back embarrassing tears. “- I worked so hard on my campaign. I did the research. I put in the time.” She took a shaky breath. “And they practically laughed at me.”
MG took the bowl from her, setting it off to the side and taking her fire-warmed hands in his. “Most geniuses are unappreciated in their time.”
Lizzie rolled her eyes but her voice cracked when she spoke. “I’m not a genius.” She tucked the corners of her mouth into her cheeks quickly. “And now you’re gonna be the vampire representative, and I’m gonna lose the election. We won’t be a power couple.”
MG tilted his head at her, smiling, before he pressed his forehead to hers. “I think you overestimate my campaign. Pretty sure Kaleb has a huge lead on me.”
Lizzie pulled her face back, rotating to stare at him with her knees lined up with his. “At least the vampires took you seriously. I’ve heard the witches talking behind my back - and someone tore down all my posters that I worked so hard on.”
“Who would do that?”
“One of the few witches still voting for me said they saw Hope looking at one just before the rest disappeared.”
“But why would Hope tear down all your posters?”
“I don’t know.” Lizzie glanced away. “Because she hates me? Don’t know why though. She’s the perfect daughter my dad never had, stealing him away and being the hero.”
“Hey.” MG pressed his palm to the side of her cheek. “You’re perfect to me, and you’re my hero. And your dad is busy, but he loves you. Even I can see that.”
Lizzie smiled finally, eyes finally sparkling the way MG wanted them to. She wrapped her arms around him, snuggling in. “Thanks, MG.”
“Anytime.”