“You think that’s the only way I can get a girl?” Knox asked, chuckling.

“Anyway,” I said, ignoring his question. “Promise me you will be one hundred percent sure the fading works on Anamae when you go back to Judaculla. I wouldn’t wish the way I miss James on anyone. Okay?”

Knox lifted my chin to meet my eyes. “I promise.”

It really was the best I could hope for. If Anamae experienced any heartbreak, it would be short-lived. Only a matter of seconds would pass between the time Knox broke it off and then used the fading on her. Knowing Knox, he’d probably skip the breaking up part altogether. Satisfied, I allowed myself to relax.

We swayed on the dance floor, my mind, going back to The Promise Ball. I remembered the thrill I felt, dancing with James during the last waltz. Those few minutes at the ball were perfect, giving me hope that we’d make it. But then I remembered how everything had changed just moments later as James dragged me toward the Elders. I wondered if our relationship would always be so unpredictable.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Victor was focused on a girl who was quickly moving toward the dance floor. I smiled, happy to see him interested in someone other than me. I hoped he’d ask her to dance.

As the song wound down, I felt a sharp pull on my arm. It was probably Anamae eager to have Knox back. I turned to tease her, shocked to find Ever standing in front of me.

“Run,” she yelled.

I stared in disbelief. “You’re not dead,” I whispered.

“And you get smarter every time I see you,” Ever said. “No, I’m not dead, but you will be if you don’t get moving.” She shoved me toward the edge of the dance floor.

Knox read the expression on her face. Without discussion, he sandwiched me between them. Ever gripped me tightly by one arm, while Knox pulled me through the crowd by the other. Victor was following in our wake, Anamae right behind him.

The music changed, and all the other kids took the floor in a rush for a line dance we’d known since middle school. Someone crashed into us, sending Ever and Knox in one direction and me in the other. Victor and Anamae hadn’t made it onto the floor before the sea of kids cut them off.

The sensation of driving through the high altitudes of the mountains filled my ears, blocking out all noise. Amid this disorientation, there was a moment of clarity when a familiar fragrance drifted toward me.

He’s here, I thought.