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CHAPTER 76
~Valerie's POV~
The hallway leading to my dorm room felt strangely distant, like I was walking through a dream I'd once had a long time ago.
My boots clicked softly against the tiles, and even though I was back, even though I was technically safe now… nothing felt the same.
I reached for the doorknob.
The second I opened the door, voices filtered out—low, tense, hurried.
I stepped inside quietly, not ready to announce myself just yet and find out for myself what was truly going on.
The dorm's shared living room was lit, but I immediately spotted Isla pacing by the bookshelf, one hand raking through her hair as she muttered something about maps and blind spots.
Emerald was at the counter, scribbling on a notepad with intense focus. Astraea, curled up in the armchair with her knees pulled to her chest, looked pale and shaky, her hands clutched tightly around a half-empty mug of chamomile tea.