Circles cover the entire surface of the massive metal barrier. It’s almost like looking into thousands of glass mirrors. Instead of reflecting back the canyon, each circle features the face of an individual spectator. Supposedly the simulation gear makes the audience feel like they’re standing right on the course and watching the Races. All the highest bidders appear on the top row. Only good money gets full access. Those spectators can cycle from rider to rider with less than a click. Some of the recent riders have claimed to feel a skin-tingling sensation as thousands of viewers move through the digital air around them. Just one more distraction to consider.

“Are they demons?” Quinn asks. “Bound for eternity for their sins?”

You can’t help laughing as you turn a curious glance back to her.

“Demons? No, those are all my fans.”

You wave once and the roars boom even louder, the cheers grow even more obscene. Flicker noses into position and a series of metallic snaps lock in around you. Inside the silver stall, bright-red numbers tick their dramatic way down to zero. Quinn’s breathing heavily. You can almost feel the panicked thoughts as they whip through her head.

You lower your voice to a whisper. “Hey. I’m not sure how all of this works, but follow my rhythm and movements, all right? Leave the riding to me. It’s what I do best. Hold on tight at the start. I’m going to startle our horse out of the gate.”

Quinn grunts an affirmative, but the noise is swallowed as thunder roars out from every direction. The sound refines and snaps into the crisp boom of a gunshot. Metal catches release all eleven horses into the dusty mouth of the desert. Your horse jolts clear of the gate, but a quick tug of the reins stutters him, and you hold on tight as Flicker rears up on his hind legs.

Quinn’s nails dig into your side as his legs kick wildly. And then you land back on the earth. Ahead, there’s horses and dust and distance. Except for one other rider. Bravos’s horse comes out of the gate frantic and unsettled, too. He leans over and whispers to calm the creature. When he rights himself, you can’t help but grin. He’s done up his hair for the event. Intricate braids on one side of his head, all clasped with silver jewelry. He looks so perfect it hurts.

None of the other riders will see that you’ve both stayed behind and that you’re riding together now, but the fans certainly will. It’s the only thing any of them will be talking about after the first day. They’ll see you working together, and how well you’ve hidden your plan, and the crowds will obsess over every single detail.

“Convincing enough?” Bravos calls.

“More than enough! Let’s ride.”