My Savior, My Keeper

Road to Pale River

Sunrise painted the sky in delicate pink and gold as the caravan rolled away from the estate’s main gates. Hooves clacked on cobblestones, wagon wheels creaked under carefully stacked supplies, and the crisp morning air carried a sense of hushed anticipation. Jupiter sat astride a sturdy bay mare, her cloak tucked around her legs to ward off the dawn chill. Though she managed a calm exterior, her heart beat faster than she cared to admit.

Behind them, the towering gate of the mansion shrank from view. She thought briefly of Jennifer and Lilly, who had remained behind for the sake of the estate’s stability, and a pang of longing tugged at her. *Better they stay safe,* she reminded herself. At her side, Calhoun rode his black stallion, posture straight and composed, though a faint line betw