I stood upstairs and watched them depart early, heading to the feast hall. Before they left, they did not forget to remind me that I must attend. To witness their happiness.

I nodded in front of them. Agreeable. Obedient.

The moment they were gone, I pulled out the suitcase I had packed days ago.

A notification lit up my communicator. The island territory transfer was complete.

I glanced at it. The corner of my mouth lifted, just barely.

Then I closed the door, walked out without looking back, and went straight for the departure port.

Chloe Ashford. Alaric Nightfang.

From now on, our paths would scatter to opposite ends of the world. We would never meet again.