Chapter 52 The ambush

Lawrence’s POV

The closer Luke approached, the more my confusion deepened. His gaze was fixed on me with an intensity that suggested he had no intention of looking away. He made a beeline for me, and the eyes of the crowd followed every step. With a grin that seemed both genuine and inscrutable, he said, “Thank you, brother. Keep up this energy—we’ll need it on the battlefield.” As he shook my hand, he tried to pull me into a hug. I acquiesced reluctantly, unsure of what to make of his unexpected warmth,warmth, before I finally gave in to the hug.

Why was he acting so friendly after the threats he’d issued back at the house? What was he plotting? Questions swirled in my mind, each more troubling than the last. I was certain he had a hidden agenda, but the nature of it eluded me.

After my time with the army, I prepared to leave. Just as I was about to depart, Luke sprinted towards me, his energy renewed. He closed the distance and, with a voice as unyielding as granite, said, “I see w