The Desert Guardian    

Seraphina noticed Horizon's far-off look and frowned slightly. "Are you okay?"

Horizon snapped back to the present, his expression hardening. "It's none of your concern," he said curtly. But then, he softened his tone, realizing she didn't deserve his anger. "Sorry. It's just . . . it's complicated."

"Complicated usually means unfinished business," she remarked with a light chuckle.

"Maybe," Horizon admitted. "But right now, let's just focused on getting out of here."

Seraphina nodded. "Agreed."

Horizon stared into the fire, the crackling embers mirroring the resolve burning inside him. Whatever debts Trisha and Travis owed him for their past actions, he was determined to collect the payment in full—along with the interest they deserved.

The night stretched on, silent but heavy with unspoken promises and looming threats. For Horizon, it felt like the calm before a storm.