57

Noah

The view ahead was quiet, serene and still. The trees stood unmoving, only swaying their branches when a slight wind seemed to ripple through. The night was young and the moon bright, although not particularly full. I glanced at my wrist watch before looking back out at the window. It was late and still no word from him.

I wish I could say I was surprised, but I wasn't. I'd predicted this exact same thing and it looked like it had come to pass. If things were any different then I should have received a letter on my desk hours ago.

It was Ethan. Just like he said he would, he really did leave before sundown. I did hear rumours from the servants that he didn't till high noon though, but that wasn't the point. He left without telling me and didn't send his usual letter that he had arrived. Normally, he'd send an attached letter written by Michelle cussing me out, but tonight, there was nothing. Neither his nor hers.

I went back to the night of the marking ceremony and everything th