The lodge was asleep.
At least it appeared to be.
The lights had been turned off hours ago. The fireplaces had burned low. The wind had settled into a gentle whisper moving through the trees. Everything was quiet.
Everything except Sebastian's mind.
He opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. Darkness. Silence. And thoughts.
Too many thoughts.
After several minutes he gave up pretending sleep was coming.
Carefully, so he wouldn't disturb Vivian, he slipped out of bed and pulled on a sweater.
The wooden floor creaked softly beneath his feet. He crossed the room and stepped onto the balcony. Cold air greeted him immediately.
The lake stretched before him like black glass beneath the moonlight. The stars were bright tonight. Brighter than they ever seemed in the city.
For a few moments he simply stood there.
