By the time the rain kicked up hard, the rest had already retreated. Naomi was the first to bail, muttering something about her "hair and body not being waterproof for this bullshit." Elena followed with a tray of half-eaten fruit and zero patience. The doors closed behind them with a soft click, sealing the chaos back inside the mansion.
Only Tessa and Atalanta stayed.
Tessa didn't move. Couldn't.
She just stood there, hands wrapped around herself, head tilted slightly toward the forest where Parker had vanished like a ghost wrapped in designer heartbreak.
Atalanta glanced at her, then sighed and placed a steady hand on Tessa's shoulder.
"Give it time," she said gently. No sass. No sarcasm. Just that calm strength she usually reserved for warzones.
Tessa didn't respond right away. Didn't need to.
She didn't have to explain a single damn thing.
The archer knew. She always knew.
