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Chapter 30

"Morning" Kennedy greeted, her voice bright but her eyes immediately flicking to my cheek. The bruise was still there, though it had faded slightly. She didn't say anything about it yet but I could see the question lingering in her gaze.

"Morning" I said, trying to sound normal as I moved toward the cabinet for a mug.

Austin leaned forward, resting his elbows on the counter. "Rough night?" he asked casually, though his tone was a little too careful.

I sighed, pouring myself a cup of coffee and avoiding their eyes. "Something like that."

Kennedy exchanged a look with Austin before stepping closer to me. "Estella, you know you don't have to do this alone, right? Whatever's going on-"

"I'm fine" I cut her off, though my voice softened when I saw the genuine concern on her face. "Really. I just... had some family stuff to deal with."

"Family stuff, huh?" Austin said, raising an eyebrow. "Does this have to do with why Noah looked like he was ready to punch a wall last night?"

I winced at that, taking a sip of my coffee to stall. "It's nothing you guys need to worry about" I said finally.

"Too late" Kennedy said, crossing her arms. "We're already worried."

Before I could respond, my phone buzzed on the counter, and I grabbed it quickly, grateful for the distraction. It was a message from Felis.

Felis: Hope you're doing okay. Let me know if you need anything, okay?

My chest tightened at the kindness in his words. After everything last night him finding me at his door, the way he and Sophia had taken me in without hesitation it felt surreal.

"Who's that?" Austin asked, craning his neck to peek at my phone.

"Felis" I said, setting the phone down. "He's just checking in."

Kennedy's eyebrows shot up. "Felis? As in your brother Felis?"

"Yeah" I said, running a hand through my hair. "I went to his place last night."

Austin blinked, his expression shifting to something close to disbelief. "Wait a second. You went to your brother's place? After... whatever happened?"

I nodded, feeling the weight of their stares. "It was late, and I didn't want to come straight home. I just needed to clear my head."

Kennedy stepped closer, her concern deepening. "Stella, you know you can always come to us, right? You didn't have to go all the way to Felis."

"I know" I said quickly, my voice soft. "But I needed to see him. And honestly, it helped. He... he didn't even know about Eden."

Austin let out a low whistle. "You dropped that bomb on him? No wonder he's texting you."

I couldn't help but smile a little at that, even as the heaviness in my chest remained. "Yeah, it was... a lot. But he took it well. I think he is still processing it, though."

Kennedy's expression softened. "I'm glad he was there for you. But, Stella, you can't just run off like that without telling anyone. Noah was worried sick. We all were."

"I know" I admitted, guilt creeping into my voice. "I should have called. I'll talk to him."

"You better" Austin said, though his tone was light. "Because I'm not dealing with grumpy Noah again. That guy is terrifying when he's worried."

I let out a small laugh, despite myself, and Kennedy gave me a reassuring smile.

"Whatever's going on" she said gently, "you're not alone, okay? We're here for you. Always."

I nodded, the weight of their support settling in my chest like a bittersweet ache. "Thanks, guys."