The sun hung heavy and gold over the valley, casting long, amber shadows across the rolling expanse of the farm.

In the distance, the dense tree line of the surrounding forest stood like a silent wall, sealing the property off from the rest of the world. This was a kingdom of dirt, green shoots, and isolation. Five kilometers of winding, dusty road separated this house from the nearest town, a distance David had carefully curated to ensure the world stayed out and Sarah stayed in.