Violet moved through the bedroom with a calm but alert focus, aware of the way the morning kept guiding her attention back to Bryan. The decision to leave for the lodge had settled into her body with a mix of anticipation and steady resolve. She paused for a moment at her dresser, letting her eyes sweep across the organized layout. Every folded piece of clothing felt like a question about how she wanted to approach the rest of the day.

She chose a small suitcase. Nothing heavy. Nothing excessive. It matched the simplicity of their plan and the atmosphere between them.

Bryan’s footsteps sounded in the hallway. She didn’t turn...