“You said you had news,” Scarlett said, voice steady though her fingers betrayed her—nails worrying the cardboard sleeve.

He nodded. “Always.”

“You’re leaving,” she said, not a question.

Dakota inhaled and let out a laugh that wasn’t quite humor. “Updated plans. Different city. Same us, maybe.”

“Possibly.” Dakota’s gaze lifted to meet hers, honest and tired. “There’s a residency — two months. New collaborators. It’s… an opportunity.”

“Send me updates,” she said.