Nausea twisted in my stomach, rising uncomfortably. I sank down against a sturdy tree, folding my arms across my waist, feeling irrevocably shattered. Would I ever be able to trust again? Would laughter or smiles ever return to my life?

Drawing in a shaky breath, I pushed myself back to my feet. I had to keep moving. Over ten hours of riding lay ahead before I could even approach the territory ruled by the resistance. Rogues often roamed these woods, and while I had thus far been fortunate to avoid them, I knew my luck could change in an instant. Swinging myself onto Thor's back, I urged him onward, determined...