Chapter 59

• The steady sway of the horse beneath us does little to ease my nerves. Though the pace is slow, every uneven step jostles the saddle, sending a spike of anxiety through me. Lucas’s strong thighs press against mine, caging me in. The warmth of his body brings an unspoken sense of security, but I refuse to rely on it.
• We travel in silence, and I seize the opportunity to absorb the forest around me. I’ve never seen one up close before, and it’s more breathtaking than I imagined. Birds call out in a symphony of coos and whistles, their voices echoing through the dense canopy. Some take flight, wings cutting through the air in an intricate, rehearsed dance.
• As we approach a wide creek, the horse pivots, shifting course to follow the muddy bank. My muscles ache from sitting so stiffly, my back protesting the prolonged position, but I ignore the discomfort, shifting slightly in the saddle in a feeble attempt to relieve the strain.