The Selvenhardt rolled to a slow, graceful stop at the edge of Vermillion's student drop-off loop, its engine quieting to a dignified purr before Damien shifted it into park.
Without a word, Elysia stepped out first—fluid, efficient, already scanning the surroundings as if this was a mission perimeter and not a manicured courtyard. Her black heels clicked once against the curb before falling into silence.
Damien popped the lock and opened his own door next, sliding out with the same casual ease he carried into everything else.
Isabelle followed suit, stepping down from the passenger side with her usual quiet composure. She adjusted the strap of her bag, took a breath—and then paused.
For a moment, she just stood there.
Watching him.
Damien walked a step ahead, one hand in his pocket, the other swinging slightly with each stride. His uniform blazer hung open, his tie only half-tightened like usual, but—
'Something's different.'
It wasn't just the way he moved.
