CHAPTER TWENTY
Carlisle
I take the winding steps two at a time, the cold night quiet and crisp with possibilities. As I step onto the rooftop of Hawthorn's main building, I breathe in deeply. It's a good night.
A perfect night.
The north lookout stands at the far end of the rooftop, studying the trees. My boots slap against the stones as I approach.
"Carlisle." Lee Vassily turns to me. "How's it going?"
"I'm just checking in on all the lookouts. Seeing if you need anything."
Lee shrugs. "Everything's quiet so far. No sign of any trouble."
I nod and scan the trees myself, my eyes sharp and alert. "Good. We don't want any surprises."
Lee nods in agreement, his eyes just as sharp as mine. We stand in silence for a few moments, our eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger. But there's nothing. The night is still, peaceful, and quiet.
I turn to Lee and smile. "Well, it looks like we can both take it easy for a while."