The helicopter soared high above the castle, the steady thrum of the blades vibrating through the cabin. Below them, the Smith estate stretched endlessly, a breathtaking display of wealth and legacy.
From up here, the castle looked even more magnificent—a sprawling architectural masterpiece with its grand stone walls, towers, and endless windows reflecting the golden afternoon sun. Surrounding it was the vast, intricate labyrinth, its neatly trimmed hedges forming twisting pathways that seemed like something out of a fantasy novel. Beyond that, a sea of gardens and fields bloomed in perfect symmetry, filled with vibrant flowers, fountains, and statues.
Julian's shrieks of excitement echoed through the cabin. "This is amazing! This is amazing!" he kept repeating, practically bouncing in his seat.
Russell had his face pressed against the glass watching the horizon with a big grin. "Best experience of my entire life! I'm not even kidding!"
At the controls, Senior Smith piloted with practiced ease, his hands steady on the controls. Beside him sat a professional co-pilot, a serious-looking man who barely spoke.
Senior Smith gestured toward the vast stretch of untouched land beyond the estate. "I plan to extend the castle over those lands," he announced, his voice smooth and confident.
Julian's jaw dropped. "You own all that?" he gasped, eyes wide in disbelief.
Russell smirked. "One day, I'm gonna build my own castle."
Julian rolled his eyes. "I'm gonna build a rescue center for animals—a whole park for them!" He turned to Senior Smith expectantly. "Wouldn't that be great?"
The old man nodded approvingly. "Both of those dreams are admirable. But remember, dreams without hard work are just wishes. If you want to build something great, you must be willing to put in the effort. No shortcuts."
Grayson barely heard the exchange. He sat stiffly in his seat, staring out the window with a cemented expression. His fingers gripped the armrest as he gazed down at the dizzying height beneath them.
For a moment, he imagined himself falling.
Down.
Down.
Spinning through the air in slow motion, watching the world blur past him as the wind rushed through his hair.
If he hit the ground, that would be it. No more fighting. No more storms. No more secrets weighing him down. No more—
"Grayson, look over there!" Russell's voice snapped him out of his trance.
Grayson blinked and followed Russell's pointing finger. Far below, on a dirt track near the estate's outskirts, a group of five motorcyclists sped across a winding course, kicking up trails of dust.
He watched them for a moment, their sleek bikes carving through the dirt with precision. Normally, he'd feel a rush of excitement, but right now, he could barely bring himself to care. He had too much on his mind—too much to figure out.
Before long, the helicopter began its descent.
As soon as they landed, Julian practically leapt out, still buzzing with excitement. "That was the best thing ever! Next time, we have to do it again!"
The older man chuckled as he stepped out. "Next time, we'll try skydiving."
Russell lit up instantly. "Metal!" he exclaimed, eyes gleaming.
Julian's enthusiasm wavered. "W-wait... like, jumping out of a plane?"
The older man smirked. "Exactly."
YOU ARE READING
Broken Hands
Teen FictionGrayson's life seems full of roses, but beneath the petals lies a tangled garden of inner battles and shadows that linger even after Charlie is gone. Each day feels as heavy as the last, yet he pushes through the pain and the trauma. Troubles arise...
