One moment, Merlina had been walking hand in hand with Craig down Avenue de Camoens, now, barely twelve hours later, she was back in the narrow hallway of Belford's dormitory.
Her little suitcase bumping over the scratched linoleum floor as she reached her door.
She knocked once. Then waited. The door creaked open an inch before the third knock even fully landed.
Phoebe stood in the doorway, one arm crossed tightly under the other. Her gaze swept over Merlina with quiet judgement.
No greeting.
Just an eye roll sharp enough to slice through the silence, then she stepped aside without a word.
Merlina hesitated, the handle of her suitcase suddenly heavy in her grip, she dragged it in and shut the door behind her.
Megan was curled up on her bed, legs tucked beneath her, scrolling through her phone. She didn't even glance up.
"Hey," Merlina said quietly.
But nothing.
Just the faint buzz of Megan's phone vibrating against the blanket.
