The gravel crunched beneath Nathaniel’s boots as he stepped onto the mansion’s yard. The porch lights cast a soft glow over the trimmed hedges and smooth stone path. Near the driveway, Ark was crouched by the SUV, rinsing off the day’s dust with a hose, humming a quiet tune under his breath.
He glanced up at the sound of approaching footsteps, ready to speak, maybe c***k a tired joke, but the words never made it past his lips. One look at Nathaniel was enough.
His shoulders were slouched, leather jacket draped loosely over him, boots muddied and scuffed. There was something raw in his eyes, not just fatigue, but something heavier, something quietly breaking.
Ark straightened, the hose falling silent in his hand, and simply gave a small nod.
Nathaniel nodded back.
Without a word, he pa
