-Arkan Lawrence-
In the novel, Howard is portrayed as the quintessential master manipulator—someone who knows precisely how to exploit others for his gain. If Clara is working with him—or worse, one of his pawns—there's no doubt Rainer is in grave danger.
I clenched my fists, trying to steady my swirling thoughts. I need to confirm things myself at the church.
I quickened my pace toward the village's central structure: the church. Its grandeur seemed almost out of place amidst the simple and weathered homes of the villagers. The dirt road stretched longer than usual beneath my hurried steps, or maybe that was just my mind spinning with endless worst-case scenarios.
"Howard… If he really is as deceitful as the novel describes, there's no telling how deep his schemes run. But how do I confront him without tipping my hand?" I muttered under my breath.
