It was Athena DeVries, Zoe's Goth friend. The girl made quite a spectacle in her black satin corset and ruffled skirt, all balanced on top of stocking-clad legs stretching down to leather heeled boots. Her eyes, lined with heavy mascara and sporting violet contacts, scrutinized Joan with unsettling directness.
"Uh, can I help you?" Joan asked.
"I heard you had a magic bracelet. Can I see it?"
"Wait, what?"
Athena clicked her tongue with impatience. "The bracelet. Can I see it?"
Inwardly, Joan cursed her oversight. Zoe had promised not to tell their mom, but of course she would tell her friend. "Look, I know you're probably curious, but I'd rather not deal with the attention right now. And whatever Zoe told you, it's an exaggeration."
Athena rolled her eyes. "I didn't come to gawk. I came to help. Your bracelet's magically stuck to you, right? I have some talent with magic, and I might be able to get it off you. Now will you show it to me or not?"
