---
Chapter 18 – The Gift Left Behind
Athena's POV
The lights of the hall seemed warmer when she walked back in, though her pulse still hadn't steadied. Clara hurried over, grinning, completely unaware of the emotional storm that had just passed.
"There you are! Everyone's looking for you. Come on, it's time to cut the cake!"
Athena smiled, forcing her heartbeat to match the music. "Right, the cake."
As the candles flickered before her, she looked around the room — at her friends, at the laughter, at everything that made this day hers. For a brief second, her eyes caught the tall figure standing near the door. Damon.
He didn't approach again. He only gave her a faint, unreadable smile — something between pride and apology — before quietly leaving.
The candles burned shorter.
She made a wish.
And for once, it wasn't about him.
---
Hours later, the party had ended. The fairy lights had dimmed, and Clara had fallen asleep on the couch in their dorm, still half in her dress.
Athena sat on the edge of her bed, removing her earrings slowly. Her reflection in the mirror looked both grown and tired — like a girl who'd crossed an invisible line.
Her phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number.
> "Check your door."
She frowned, heart skipping, and went to look.
Outside her door, a black box rested neatly on the floor. No card, no tag — just her name written in clean, precise handwriting she would recognize anywhere.
Damon.
She carried it inside carefully, setting it on her desk before lifting the lid. Inside lay a small silver bracelet — delicate, with a single charm shaped like a tiny star. A note lay beneath it, folded once.
> For the girl who used to chase stars.
I hope you never stop.
— D.D.
Her chest tightened. For a moment, she simply stared at the words, unsure whether to smile or cry.
He remembered.
Back when she was younger, she used to tell him she wanted to collect stars — not real ones, but moments bright enough to keep forever.
She set the bracelet on her wrist. It fit perfectly.
Outside, the night was still, the moon bright over Alderidge University. And though she told herself not to think about him anymore, she couldn't help whispering softly into the quiet,
"Thank you, Damon."
---