Chapter 30

Chapter 30

The very next day, Mikhail knocked on Calliope's door, his voice muffled but clear enough. "We're leaving for the outing today," he called out.

Calliope nodded to herself, knowing this would be the last time she’d answer that knock. She gathered her things quietly, packing them into a small weekender bag. She made sure not to take anything that wasn’t hers—the clothes, jewelry, and other luxuries Mikhail had given her. Those belonged to a life she never truly fit into. Where she was headed next, there’d be no need for such things.

She stared at her nearly empty bag, surprised at how little she actually owned. It didn’t even fill the whole space, just a few simple belongings. As she stared longer, her thoughts drifted, becoming heavier.

Is this really happening? Am I truly leaving?

Her chest tightened at the thought. The realization that she might never see Hunter again hit her harder than she expected. And then there was Mikhail...

Would he even miss me?

Her mind raced w