“We cannot use vehicles if they are monitoring the main roads,” Dante said.

“And the trail is too narrow for the trucks.”

“We go on horseback.”

Gregory hesitated for a second, then nodded and ran to get the tack.

I felt a cold thrill of adrenaline in my chest.

It had been two years since I had ridden a horse in the dark.

But as I looked at Vesper, I knew we could do it.

The big black stallion looked back at me, his dark eyes reflecting the overhead lights.

He seemed to know that the wait was over.

The stable doors opened, and a cool night breeze rushed in, carrying the scent of pine and coming rain.

Gregory returned with three heavy leather saddles and several bridles.

I reached for Vesper’s bridle, slipping the bit into his mouth with practiced ease.

The horse accepted it without a fight, his ears twitching as he listened to the wind outside.

“We need to move quietly,” Dante said, mounting his own gray gelding.

“No lights until we clear the tree line.”

The radio on Dante’s belt suddenly crackled to life with static.