She hesitated, then laughed under her breath, a faint blush rising to her cheeks.
"There's a party tonight," she admitted. "Calvin and I are going. Just something small—music, people, laughter. A chance to breathe again."
I stared at her.
"A party?"
"Yes," she said gently. "You've been drowning in pain for too long, Olivia. You need one night where you don't think about your mates… or the bond… or the break. Just one night where you feel like yourself again."
I looked down at my hands.
"I don't know if I'm in the mood to smile."
"You don't have to," she said softly. "Just come. Let the noise and the lights and the people remind you that the world is bigger than heartbreak."
Her eyes met mine.
"Come with us."
For the first time since I arrived, something inside me shifted.
Maybe… just maybe… one night away from the pain wouldn't hurt.
"Okay," I whispered.
Nora smiled wider.
"Good. I'll help you get ready."
Nora clapped her hands softly. "Alright. Let's get you ready."
