#Chapter 256: A Grim Reality

Agnes After a relatively smooth and a very uneventful flight, the helicopter touched down on Richard’s estate a little past noon. The sun was shining high above, the birds were chirping, and there was a pleasant breeze rustling through the trees. To anyone else, Thea included, it was just another lovely day in the vast, beautiful wilderness comprising Richard’s territory. To anyone except for Elijah, Richard, and I, it was the perfect Saturday afternoon. Thea took off ahead of us as we approached the house, her backpack swinging wildly behind her. Despite everything, I couldn’t help but exchange a small smile with Elijah. “Looks like she took to Richard more than we thought,” he said quietly, his shoulder bumping against mine. “Looks like it.” At least not everything was doom and gloom. At least we had someone left to trust. Someone who didn’t only care about his own gain, at least. “Uncle Richard!” Thea squealed the moment she spotted him waiting on