Chapter 48 - Visiting a Friend

Luke strolled around the estate in silence, the smooth oak flooring scarcely audible under his feet. The sweeping shadows that seemed to reach out and touch everything were created by the early morning light filtering through the large windows. He had spent days organizing this visit, thinking through the best moment to depart without drawing too much notice. Now, he knew it was the ideal time to disappear quietly, with the estate still sleepy in the early hours. He had taken care to leave no evidence behind him when he left. He had secured his door from the inside and arranged his bed with care so that it appeared as though he was still asleep before scaling the stairs that ran the length of the home and out of his window. Though it was dangerous, he was confident he could reach the camp and return before anybody noticed he was missing. The sound of rustling leaves, a bird's distant call, and the gentle crunch of twigs beneath his feet enveloped him as he made his way through t