Nathan's POV
Derrick decided to use the woods, that's why he chose to journey with horses instead of using cars. As the warriors guided their horses into the dense woods, the towering trees cast long shadows across the path. The scent of damp earth and pine filled the air, mingling with the sweat of the men around me. The chains around my wrists and ankles clinked with every painful step I took, my feet barely keeping up with the powerful strides of the horses.
Derrick rode at the front, his posture straight, his movements controlled. Even from behind, his presence was unmistakable. He hadn't spared me a single glance since we left, as if I were no more than a stray dog tied to the back of the caravan.
I gritted my teeth, swallowing down the resentment building inside me. I had once idolized him, once looked up to him like an older brother. But now, I was just a prisoner. A burden.
A sharp yank on the rope nearly sent me crashing to the ground.
