"Ellie Everett," Jamie said with a grin as he strolled down the staircase, his tone playful.
"Back again already? At this rate, Sophia should just give you her room to you."
I rolled my eyes, though a smile tugged at my lips. "Don't act like you mind. You were stealing our midnight snacks just last month."
Charlie appeared from the side corridor, his calm presence filling the space. "And I was the one covering for him, as usual."
Jamie smirked. "Hey, old habits die hard."
Their banter was familiar, warm in a way that steadied me.
These weren't strangers. They had always been a part of my extended world through Sophia.
However, tonight, standing here with my things, it felt different. It wasn't the days when I was visiting just for a night of laughter and whispered secrets with Sophia. Instead, it felt more like I'm stepping into something much larger and heavier.
"You're quieter than usual, Ellie ," Charlie observed, his eyes kind but perceptive. "Is everything all right with you ?"
Before I could answer, Tristan's voice cut through, low and firm. "She's here because it's safer. That's all everyone needs to know."
Jamie raised a brow, his gaze flicking between the two of us.
"Safer, huh? What an interesting choice of words, big brother." His smirk widened, though it didn't quite hide the curiosity in his eyes. "Well it's not every day that Tristan insists someone staying under his roof."
Heat crept into my cheeks, and I looked away.
Charlie shot Jamie a warning look. "Don't tease her, Jam. Ellie has been a part of this house since we were kids. Whatever is going on, your jokes are not one she needs at this moment." "Besides, if Sophia knew what you did to Ellie, be prepared for her wrath. I'm not going to save you again."
Jamie shrugged, hands slipping into his pockets. "Fine, fine. I'm just saying. Besides, it's nice to have Ellie here again with us. The house feels less empty with her around."
Their words settled in me, a mix of comfort and unease. They weren't treating me like a stranger. They weren't treating me like the same girl from before, either.
For the first time, I felt the Donovan brothers were not looking at me as Sophia's little shadow, but they were looking at someone who is stepping directly into their world.