I follow Elise onto the beach, my bare feet sinking into the warm sand with each step. The salty breeze whips through my hair, and the rhythmic crashing of waves fills the silence between us. She walks with purpose, her posture poised and graceful, like she owns the very ground she treads on.

She takes a seat on the sand, folding her legs beneath her effortlessly. For a moment, she simply stares at the horizon, her expression unreadable. Then, she turns to look at me. "Sit," she says, gesturing to the spot right next to her.