14
Maddox
I climbed out of the saddle in my final move toward the rustic structure. I activated my retinal monitor as I prepared to hunt in earnest, searching for heat signatures, electrical signals, anything that might clue me in to Neron’s location. If he had a Hunter’s Cloak, he would be able to hide himself, but not his hostage.
“Thank you, boy.” I patted my horse on the neck but did not tie his reins to the dry, gnarled branch of a dead tree. There was no grass to eat, no water. Should I fail to return, I did not want the animal stranded here to suffer.
And if I survived, the walk back to the ship would be long, but nothing I couldn’t handle, especially knowing Cassie waited for me. I was not unprepared.
Cassie. Simply thinking her name was enough to make my mark flare with heat.
