Anastasia and Patricia were in Devin and Lucian's dorm, bags open, clothes scattered everywhere as they argued over what to pack.
"I'm telling you, we don't need three jackets," Patricia said, folding one anyway.
Lucian smirked. "Says the girl who always gets cold."
Devin was quieter than usual, checking Anastasia's bag for the third time. "Did you pack your meds? And the scarf?"
Anastasia rolled her eyes softly. "Yes, Devin. I'm fine."
The door creaked open.
Elise stepped in.
The room fell silent.
She looked… different.
Her smile was there, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. They were tired. Dull with something heavy she was trying very hard to hide.
"Elise!" Anastasia rushed toward her. "I thought you'd be with Davon."
"I was," Elise said quickly, forcing a brighter smile. "He's just… busy."
Patricia studied her carefully. "Are you okay?"
Elise nodded too fast. "Yeah. I just came to wish you guys a good trip."
Devin frowned slightly. He could hear it — the uneven rhythm of her heartbeat, the way it sped up and slowed down like she was holding something back.
"You don't have to be strong all the time," he said gently.
Elise's fingers tightened around the strap of her bag.
"I know," she whispered. "But you guys are about to leave. I don't want you worrying about me."
Lucian exchanged a look with Patricia. "You sure you're not coming with us?"
She shook her head. "Not this time."
Anastasia hugged her suddenly, tight and warm. "We'll be back soon. Promise."
Elise hugged her back, closing her eyes for just a second. "I know. Have fun, okay?"
Patricia stepped forward next, squeezing Elise's hand. "And don't disappear on us."
Elise let out a soft laugh. "Never."
As she turned to leave, Devin watched her closely.
Something wasn't right.
And as the door closed behind her, the forced smile slipped from Elise's face — just for a moment — before she straightened her shoulders and walked away.
Back in the room, the mood had shifted.
"She's hurting," Anastasia said quietly.
Lucian nodded. "Badly."
Devin's jaw tightened. "Davon won't let anything happen to her."
But deep down, they all knew—
Some storms don't show until it's too late.