WHISPERS IN THE DARK

Chapter Twenty- Four

**THE NEXT DAY**

After yesterday's encounter with Mal, I hadn't seen him. With his brother away on his honeymoon, and our only mutual connection being my father, it made sense. I finished packing the last of my things. "Callie, please just stay for a few more days. We still have so much to explore," Leigh and Steph begged as I set the final bag beside my suitcase.

"I have things to take care of back home. Besides, we still have a few hours before I leave," I replied with a smile. They nodded as I sat on the bed beside them. "Now you can party to your heart's content," I added, pulling them into a side hug.

We decided that a ride on the horses would be the perfect end to my trip. Despite wanting to avoid Mal, I needed to get home. There was still much to handle, starting with Luca. He was locked up and being cared for, but I had decisions to make.

After an hour's ride, successfully avoiding Mal, the girls headed off to get something to eat. I made my way to Raven's paddock. As I reached the gate, I saw him grazing near a tree. I chuckled, recalling the memory of Raven charging at Mal and Sam.

My laugh must have caught his attention. He raised his head, neighed, and trotted over to me. I hopped over the gate and stood beside him, letting my hands wander down his neck and back up again. "You're a good boy, Raven. Don't cause too much trouble while I'm gone," I said with a soft laugh as a lone tear escaped down my cheek. I said my goodbyes and made my way back to Ryan's house.

Entering my room, I embraced the silence, glancing around one last time before grabbing my bags and suitcase. At the front of the house, the driver, speaking with my father, quickly took my bags and placed them in the trunk. He opened the back door for me.

"Callie, wait!" I heard Steph yell. She ran over and pulled me into a hug, followed by Leigh, Cole, Marcus, and Sam. We exchanged our farewells, and I told them to have fun and that I'd see them soon. My father reminded me to keep him updated on Luca. I nodded as the driver closed the door behind me.

"What the hell are you doing?" I gasped as Sam jumped into the back seat beside me. "I'm coming too," he grinned, and told the driver to go. I took one last look at the surroundings as the car drove off.

We passed Mal's house, and I saw Raven cantering alongside the field, rearing up before letting out a loud neigh as we lost sight of him. I sighed, resting my head on the window. "It will be okay, Callie," Sam said, and I turned to him with a smile. "I know."

**A FEW HOURS LATER**

We landed at home, the sky dark and the wind rustling through the trees as we stepped off the plane. "Your car is this way, ma'am," one of the men waiting with our luggage said. I nodded and motioned for Sam to follow.

The drive home was quick, my mind occupied with thoughts of Raven and the absence of Mal. I brushed off the feelings as I showed Sam to his room. "So, this will be your room. Mine is through those big black doors at the end of this hallway," I explained, opening his door. "Thanks, Callie," he said, tossing his bags onto the bed.

"I'm going to freshen up. I'll meet you downstairs for dinner," I said before leaving his room. Once in my own room, I set my bags aside and lay on my bed, a smile creeping onto my face as I remembered Mal sneaking in just to sleep next to me. Brushing away those thoughts, I headed for the shower, determined to focus on normalcy.

After a quick shower and change of clothes, I descended the stairs. I greeted a few gardeners and guards on my way to the old gardener's hut where Luca was being held. "Nice to see you back, Callie," Max, one of the guards, said as he stepped aside to let me through.

"It's nice to be back," I replied, entering the main hut. My heart raced as I approached the steel door at the end of the corridor, bringing back memories of being locked inside. I nodded at the guard, who opened the door for me before closing it behind me.