{AURORA'S POV}
We had been riding since the night we left MoonVeil, through the long stretch of morning, and into the blistering hours of the day. My body ached from the saddle, my thighs felt raw, and my hands were stiff on the reins. Still, no one slowed down. Not until the sun began to set beyond the horizon, painting the sky in streaks of red and gold.
Theo pulled his horse to a halt and lifted a hand. "We'll stop here," he said, his voice carrying over the steady thrum of hooves. "The horses need rest, and so do we. Better to eat and sleep now, and ride at first light."
Relief rippled through the group as one by one, everyone dismounted. My legs wobbled when my boots touched the ground, the earth tilting beneath me for a moment before I steadied myself with the reins.
