The morning after dinner, Bask woke early, as he always did. The lake was shrouded in mist, the air crisp, almost biting, and he stood at the edge of the dock, watching the water ripple gently in the rising sun. The serenity was a lie, of course. Nothing in this house or this family was serene anymore. Not with Sudan here.He had thought carefully overnight. Every word, every glance, every hesitation at dinner had been a test. And the results were clear.Sudan was not just clever, he was deliberate. He had stirred the household, provoked Zach, unnerved Mary. And yet, Bask could see it too. Sudan was careful. Strategic. Never reckless. He would act, but only when he could measure the consequences. That meant he was dangerous.Bask turned, walking back to the house with long, deliberate strides. He entered the kitchen where Mary stood quietly, her hands wrapped around a mug of coffee, the steam blurring the lines of her tension-filled face.“Bask,” she said softly, voice trembling. “I
Last Updated : 2025-12-15 Read more