Chapter 39
Amity POV:
The Great Hall of Hexide school has never looked so beautiful. Explosions of gold decorate the room, setting the mood perfectly in the form of banners, balloons and even flower displays. Despite this, there is a certain level of sophistication about the scene before me.
The gentle hum of music surrounds us, as well as voices piling on top of more voices. There’s the kind of buzz about that you can only experience from events like this. I’m sure Luz is thinking the same thing as me- that I’d rather just go home. We’re here on a mission, though, and the mission is not yet accomplished.
I can’t help but feel a little pang of sadness, as I am reminded of all the time I’ve spent away from Hexide. In a way, coming back here for prom almost feels like coming home. I have to remind myself that it’s not the same thing.
Everyone looks almost unrecognisable in their fancy outfits, although I do spot a few familiar faces as Luz and I duck through the crowds. She was right about my change of appearance; no one has yet noticed me, and if they have, no one has said anything. Luz is a little less invisible though, as empty stares and mutters are often directed towards her.
“Just ignore them.” I tell her privately, although I have to raise my voice a little over the noise. She offers me a weak smile in response, but I can tell all the attention is making her nervous. “Here,” I take her hand in mine, not waiting for her reaction as I pull her towards me. “I love this song.” I tell her.
That’s not just an excuse to dance, I really do love this song. Its steady rhythm brings me nostalgia, as I remember listening to it on repeat in my room. It was my comfort song from back when Luz...well, when she left. I haven’t heard it in so long, I’m not sure how to react, so I just follow my gut.
I pull her arms around me, directing them to my waist. She doesn’t resist, pulling me into her as we begin to slowly sway. I can practically hear her heart beating, as a deep blush appears on her cheeks. She swallows it down though, holding me close to her.
My head rests against her shoulder as we sway back and forth in time with the music. She smells so familiar, like home, and her hands grip my waist comfortingly. “I love you, querida.” she whispers into my hair, planting the softest of kisses onto the side of my face.
Quietly, I smile into her shoulder. “I love you too.”
“Thank you, for everything. For making this all go away.” she laughs a little, and I can practically hear the smile on her face, although I can’t see it. We continue to sway back and forth, falling into the rhythm of one another. “When I’m with you, it’s like you’re the only thing that matters anymore. I don’t ever want to be without you.”
Luz keeps talking, but I’m no longer listening. Instead, my attention has been stolen by the shadowy figure who stands at the edge of the room, watching me. As soon as it sees that I’ve noticed it, it disappears into the crowds, dragged away by the sea of students. I don’t know who that was, but a part of me knows it’s who we came here for.
“Luz,” I know I’ve interrupted her, but this feels more important right now. “I think I’ve found them.”