~Zoe~
The next morning, I watched from behind our kitchen counter as Elara prepared to leave. She packed light—just a small duffel bag slung over her shoulder—but something about her demeanor suggested she was gearing up for more than a corporate retreat.
"Got everything?" I asked, sipping coffee that had gone cold an hour ago.
Elara nodded, avoiding my gaze. "Should be back Sunday evening. Don't wait up."
"Be careful," I said, the words carrying more weight than she could know.
Her head snapped up, eyes meeting mine with sudden intensity. For a heartbeat, I swore they shifted color—blue to silver and back again so quickly I might have imagined it.
"Always am," she replied with a tight smile. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
The door closed behind her with a soft click that felt l
