So I hunt. The pack ahead of me is making decent time, but it’s not surprising when one of them splits into a separate canyon. I think I recognize Revel’s wild ponytail. It’s only a small betrayal, and one that shouldn’t surprise the others. After all, this is the Races. No one can stay friends forever. I direct my phoenix to the right, following what I can only guess is the duo I met the night before. Capri and the coastal Ashlord. They fought well together, but that was with me cornered and facing three of them. Tonight’s story will be written in my handwriting.

I lean over my horse as the canyons slip past, as the sun sweeps overhead, and I can already taste vengeance in the sun-struck distance, waiting like a promise.

Chapter 30: Blindsided

Where are you, Bravos? Where are you? Where are you?

You continue shouting his name, stumbling over stones, your voice piercing the rising clouds of dust. There are no trails, though, no flashes of movement on the empty plain.

He doesn’t come back for you. You’re afraid to look at your bracelet, afraid of what it might show you. Quinn’s voice sounds behind you, but you ignore it. You need Bravos.

“Pippa.” You hear the unsteady breathing. “Pippa, stop.”

You don’t turn back to look. “Stop? You don’t get it, Quinn. We need Bravos.”

“No,” she says. “We don’t.”

You spin back, a curse on your lips, but the sight silences you. You can’t fathom how, but the girl somehow saddled the blind phoenix. Your eyes run through a standard equipment check. Knots tied correctly along the halter, saddle pad centered perfectly, and even the girth cinched properly. The horse nickers as Quinn traces her fingers lightly along its neck.

It’s impressive, but all you can do is shake your head.

“That’s great, Quinn. But we still need Bravos. Another horse is our only chance.”

Quinn digs in. “He’s not coming back.”

You want to shout that she’s wrong, that you and Bravos are in love, but instead, you turn around and let your eyes trace the endless plain. He must be waiting for you, ahead somewhere. If you can just make your way to the descending valley, you’ll find him, waiting like he promised he would. What does the spirit know about love? How could she ever hope to understand what you and Bravos have together? He would never leave you behind.

“You’re right,” Quinn says. “He’s up ahead. We have to ride, Pippa. Catch up to him.”

You stare back at her. “What if he comes and we’re not here?”

The girl’s voice is steady. “You said to meet up ahead. Let’s go meet him.”

Her calm echoes inside of you. Her voice steadies your shaking hands. You nod.