MATE MURDER AND SURPRISES.

Chapter: 52.

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The morning arrived like every other, with the sun rising bright and warm in a sea of white canvas and yellow sky. The air was thick with moisture, making the early morning dew seem as if it might be raining. The sound of birds chirping filled the air and the scent of damp earth lingered. A slight breeze rustled through the leaves of the trees and caused the long grasses to sway, and the restless Beta who couldn't sleep a wink to sigh heavily for the millionth time. He rolled onto his side, but there was still no sign of peace, so he groaned again and pulled himself out of bed.

His feet landed with quiet slowness on the cold wood floor and his eyes wandered to his opened windows, which offered him a view across the grounds to the fountain that lay just outside. He sighed heavily again and walked out into the hall. A quick look over the room showed everything was exactly as he left it last night; clothes, books, and papers were strewn about the desk. It was a terr