*River*
I despise the thick silence stretching between us and the stiffness in Norah's body. Revealing my name would give away not only my identity, but my past… a past I can barely remember, but desperately want to forget.
Norah and I have been riding for hours, taking only a few short breaks. I can't afford to rest for long or sleep. I've lost precious distance between myself and the men who are following me. Strangely, I'm more concerned about the second group. If there are Rangers searching for Norah, they'll be relentless in their pursuit, driven by loyalty, not money.
I withdraw my poncho from my saddlebag. Norah stirs as I slip it over her head, offering her some protection against the cool night air. I'm worried about the blow she took to the head. I should never have left her u
