After stepping out through the heavy wrought-iron gates of Piquelly Manor, Hawthorne did not Apparate. He stood where he was and took a deep breath of the crisp air outside the estate. The exhaustion and weariness that had hung over him these past days seemed to be blown away with that breath.
A long-lost gleam rekindled in his eyes, sharp as an eagle's.
"Take a walk with me, Ezra."
He said this to the silent Hughes beside him.
The two strolled along the secluded tree-lined road outside the manor. The faint glow of the setting sun filtered through gaps in the leaves, casting long shadows. All around them were the rustle of shoes crushing fallen leaves and the occasional birdsong.
After walking for more than ten minutes, Hawthorne made sure there were no eyes or ears nearby before stopping. He lowered his voice until it was barely more than a breath.
"Madam Piquery told me..."
Speaking steadily but clearly, he relayed everything he had heard in the Living Room—the manipulation of Lila, the conspiracy at a higher level, and the horrifying secret of the Time Particles—to Hughes.
When Hughes finished listening, he did not show the shock Hawthorne had expected. Instead, he merely tugged at the corner of his mouth, revealing a complicated smile that mixed understanding with bitterness.
He lowered his voice as well, his gaze directed toward the faint outline of the manor at the end of the road. "Stella told me the same secret in the garden just now."
Hawthorne raised his brows and looked at Hughes in surprise.
After a moment, the tense lines on his face relaxed. He even let out a low laugh tinged with self-mockery and relief.
"You can still laugh?" Hughes said helplessly, his voice weighed down by heavy anxiety. "I only