As dawn broke, the once-black sky gradually lightened to a soft blue. The storm that had raged through the night had finally exhausted itself, leaving the world freshly washed and peaceful.
Gray clouds had left the sky, allowing the sun to spread its bright light into the world. The air, crisp and cool, carried the earthy scent of rain-soaked soil, and the leaves rustled gently in the light morning breeze.
The world was quiet, as it was only five thirty in the morning. Only a few early risers jogged or walked their dogs on the street. Unlike the streets, the forest surrounding the mansion was void of people, except for the guards patrolling the grounds.
But unlike other times, for the past two days, there had been a new presence in the forest. A presence everyone was unaware of. A stranger who was keeping his eyes on his prey. A person with green eyes and jet-black hair had been lurking by the entrance of the mansion.
