Chapter 95. Crude Treatment

Elena’s POV

The house was still half-asleep when morning came. Pale light crept through the windows, turning everything quiet and unreal, like the world was holding its breath. I dragged my suitcase down the stairs, every step feeling heavier than the last. Leaving shouldn’t feel this hard, I told myself. But it did.

Eric was already waiting by the door, jacket on, phone in hand, Alpha mode barely contained. He looked calm, but I knew him better than that. This trip was eating at him too. Then I heard movement behind me. Bella.

She stood near the dining area, twisting her fingers together like she wasn’t sure she was allowed to be there. The moment she saw us, she straightened, nerves written all over her face. “I just…” she began, then stopped, inhaling. “I wanted to see Elena before she left.”

Eric’s expression tightened, but I caught his sleeve before he could say anything. “Can you give us a second?” I asked softly. He hesitated, then nodded. Witho