The days after the retreat blurred into a familiar rhythm of lectures, late-night studying, and avoiding anything that might remind me of Damien Vale. I stuck to my plan like it was a lifeline sitting in the back, leaving as soon as class ended, burying myself in textbooks until my eyes burned. Founder's Week was exploding across campus, but I wanted no part of it.
Banners in the university colors fluttered from every lamppost. Booths lined the main quad, blasting music and handing out flyers. Students laughed and shouted as they signed up for sports tournaments, charity runs, and talent shows. It was supposed to be our last big hurrah before graduation, but all I could think about was midterms and keeping my GPA strong enough to help with Mom’s bills.
I dodged a group handing out glowin
