Side chapter chaotic night ( Isabel)

The door to Elena's apartment closed behind us, the muffled sounds of laughter and clinking glasses giving way to the cool night air.

Chloe's arm looped around mine for balance not that she'd admit she needed it. Her purple hair shimmered under the streetlights, her face still flushed from the evening's wine.

"You're lucky I'm such a good friend," I teased, guiding her down the stairs. "Otherwise, I'd leave you to fend for yourself in this state."

"I'm not drunk," she slurred, the words tumbling out too quickly to sound convincing. She tried to stand straighter but only ended up leaning more heavily against me.

"Right," I said dryly. "And I'm the queen of subtlety."

She let out a huff of indignation, her steps growing more exaggerated, as if to prove a point. Unfortunately, her point landed her dangerously close to tripping over her own feet. I caught her before she could faceplant on the pavement, steadying her by her shoulders.