Elena’s POV

I turned to see Sapphire hurrying toward me. She was the girl who had taken third place in the competition. Her energy filled the hallway, bright and easy, her smile wide as always.

“I didn’t think I’d see you here,” she said, slightly breathless. “Thank you again for giving up your seat that day. I still feel bad about it.”

I nodded, keeping my tone polite. “You don’t have to. It’s in the past. Let’s go before we’re late.”

She followed me into the ...