"Do you think we have a choice?" Jason asked.
"Not really."
If they remained in the canyon, they risked running into a dead end. It was too easy for the enemy to funnel them in the direction they wanted, leaving little room for escape.
They could continue down the canyon and hope for another way up, but there was no guarantee.
"Caden always says sometimes you have to take the risk rather than wait for an opportunity," Jason said, sounding resigned.
Eva looked over at him. "He'd be proud of you."
Jason had managed to keep hold of his fear and panic, setting it aside to remain in control. Even under duress he hadn't cracked.
He'd done what needed to be done. Even when that was difficult.
It was exactly the sort of behavior Caden expected from his Anateri. The reminder made the halfhearted smile fall from Eva's face.
She pushed those feelings away and clicked her tongue at Caia. "We'll go first to test the way."
Jason maneuvered his horse in front of her. "I should go. You have enough to worry about."
His eyes dropped to Brisa with a meaningful look.
Eva looked down, wanting to argue. By the time she found the words, Jason had already guided his horse past Eva and around the boulder to the trail behind it.
Eva nudged Caia after him. "Wait."
Jason wasn't listening, the storm drowning Eva's voice out. Or maybe he simply didn't want to waste time arguing.
He stopped at the bottom, staring up the small game trail.
Eva shivered as she waited behind him.
"I think you're right," he called. "It's going to be difficult, but I definitely see a way up."
Good news, finally.
Eva started to answer when a sound caught her attention. She fell silent, straining to hear.
Out of place and nearly indistinguishable in the storm, Eva thought she'd imagined it. Her mind playing tricks on her from the pressure.
For a moment there was nothing. Only rain and thunder. The wind ripping through the canyon and along the treetops.
"Jason," she called, starting to turn.
The world turned white. A deafening crash roared, carrying with it an almost tangible force.
Caia half reared with a scream, while Eva tried to make sense of what had just happened.
Instinct kicked in as she controlled Caia. Somehow Eva managed to maintain her seat and prevent Brisa from falling.
The mare dropped back to her feet as Jason's riderless horse pelted past them.
Adrenaline shot Eva's heart into her throat, her pulse pounding with enough force to make her dizzy.
Her gaze landed on the tree, now cracked down the middle and smoking.
Lightning, her mind supplied.
