Elena’s POV

The moment I pushed open the dorm door, I was swallowed by color and noise.

“Congratulations!” Dara squealed, tossing a handful of confetti into the air.

The tiny shared room had been transformed into a burst of celebration, paper ribbons, flowers, a cake covered in pink frosting, and laughter bouncing off the walls.

“Welcome back, champion!” Blessing shouted, waving a plastic fork like a trophy.

I blinked, startled, and then laughed softly, warmth unfurling in my ...