Bella blinked, the spell broken, and quickly moved back. She fumbled with her purse, pulling out her phone. Willow's name flashed on the screen, bringing her back to the reality of the situation. Guilt washed over her as she realized she had left the party without informing Willow, who must have been worried.
She answered the call, trying to steady her voice. "Hello?"
"Bella? Where are you?" Willow's voice was a mix of anxiety and mild irritation. "I've been looking for you everywhere! The auction has started, and neither you nor Theo are here. Are you with him? Seriously, you guys just disappeared without a word. You lovebirds totally fooled me."
"Willow, the thing is—" Bella began, but before she could explain, Theodore snatched the phone from her hand, his expression darkening.
