Chapter Twenty-Seven: Dorms and Dilemmas
Moving into the university dorms was like entering a parallel world—loud, colorful, and chaotic.
"This feels... weird," Audrey said, looking around at students dragging duffel bags and speakers.
"You mean 'normal,'" Sofia replied, tossing a fluffy pink pillow onto her bunk.
Caleb insisted on helping Audrey carry her things, though his intense presence made more than a few heads turn.
"People are staring," Audrey whispered, cheeks burning.
"They should be," Caleb said smoothly. "You're the most beautiful woman here."
She glanced away, flustered, but the compliment nestled warmly in her chest.
As Caleb kissed her goodbye, a thought struck her.
He's letting me go. Even if it scares him.
That meant something.
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Chapter Twenty-Eight: Shadows of the Past
That night, Audrey sat by her dorm window, staring out at the courtyard when it hit her.
A flash of memory.
A hand grabbing hers in a garden. Laughter. Someone shouting her name—Audrey! Audrey, run!
She blinked fast, her heart racing.
"Sofia?" she called.
Sofia sat up groggily. "What?"
"I remembered something."
Now fully awake, Sofia rushed to her side. "What was it?"
"I think it was my sister," Audrey whispered. "Bianca. We were running... someone was chasing us. Then I tripped and everything went black."
Sofia took her hand gently. "That's the beginning, Audrey. You're starting to remember."
But outside, in the shadows of the courtyard, Mia stood near the trees—watching them through the glass.
And she wasn't alone.