(Michelle Lui's POV)
The walk back felt longer.
Maybe because my legs were shaking.
Maybe because Kate refused to release my hand — as if letting go for one second would make me vanish again.
Honestly?
I wasn't complaining.
My eyes were still puffy from crying.
My throat hurt.
My body felt cold even beneath my fleece.
But more than anything…
I felt watched.
Every few seconds, I sensed the heat of six different gazes:
Andy's — hovering, worried, protective
Steven's — silent, sharp, unreadable
Anthony's — tight, pale, furious but quiet
Kate's — checking me every ten seconds
Vince's — throat tight, usually loud, now shaken
Lara's — concerned, confused, trying to read the room
Jeff's — relieved but suspicious
And then Jasmine.
Following at the back.
Expression smooth, neutral.
Too neutral.
The forest around us was beautiful — golden leaves, calm breeze, everything glowing in afternoon light.
But inside the group?
A storm was gathering.
Hard.
Fast.
Inevitable.
