Aaliyah's Redemption: Bound by Fate ***DISCONTINUED, READ DESCRIPTION***

Chapter II

The West Grizzlies were unforgiving in winter. The trees, tall and ancient, stood silent, their branches heavy with snow that blanketed the forest floor, leaving just an inch of frozen powder. It softened the terrain beneath Freya's hooves, muting the sound of their movement as Aaliyah guided her mare through the icy woodland. The biting cold crept through her thick coat, but the trees at least blocked the worst of the wind, providing a fragile shield against the winter's chill.

Freya maintained a steady, even trot, the mare's breath visible in the crisp air, every puff escaping like smoke. Aaliyah could feel the tension in her horse—an urge to break into a faster gait. Freya's Nostrils flared, her muscles bunching beneath her as if waiting for permission to gallop.

"Easy, girl," Aaliyah murmured, her voice soft and calming. She patted Freya's neck, trying to reassure her, but there was no ignoring the growing knot of unease forming in her own stomach. Something didn't feel right. The forest felt too still, too quiet.

Aaliyah's hand instinctively moved toward the revolver holstered at her waist. Freya's ears twitched, her body tensing again as she snorted, eyes darting around nervously. The mare's instincts were sharp, and Aaliyah had learned long ago to trust them. But today, it was more than the cold or the isolation. It felt as though eyes were watching them, hidden in the shadowy woods.

Suddenly, Freya jolted, throwing Aaliyah forward in the saddle as her back legs kicked out. She reared, forcing Aaliyah to cling to the reins to keep from being thrown. A sharp neigh echoed through the trees as the mare tossed her head, her fear apparent.

"Whoa! Whoa!" Aaliyah pulled the reins tight, her heart racing as she patted Freya's neck, trying to calm her. "We're okay, You're okay," she whispered, though her gut told her otherwise. Deep down, Aaliyah knew Freya's instincts were spot on. They weren't alone.

Then she heard it—the unmistakable crunch of snow underfoot. Someone, or something, was moving nearby. Freya's ears flicked, and the mare stood tense, every muscle coiled as if ready to bolt. Aaliyah's hand moved swiftly, drawing her revolver with a smooth motion. The weight of the gun felt natural in her hand as she cocked the hammer back, her eyes scanning the trees, searching for the source of the sound.

Nothing.

Aaliyah held her breath, listening intently. For a moment, the woods were still again. Then, faintly, there was the sound of something scurrying away. What it was, it had retreated, but the eerie feeling of being watched didn't leave her. She couldn't shake the unease crawling up her spine.

Reluctantly, Aaliyah reupholstered the revolver, keeping her senses sharp as she nudged Freya forward into cancer. The mare's hooves pounded the frozen ground, her pace quickening into a full gallop as she stretched out, eager to cover the remaining distance to the homestead. Whatever had been watching them was no friend, and both horse and rider knew it.

By the time they reached the homestead, Freya's sides heaved with exertion, her breath heavy from the hard run. Aaliyah slowed her down, pulling her to a halt near the hitching post. She dismounted, the cold biting at her cheeks as she patted the mare's neck. Freya was still tense, her sweat darkening the black of her coat.

"Good girl," Aaliyah whispered, tying the reins to the post. She cast one last glance at the surrounding woods before turning toward the small homestead.

Her knuckles rapped softly against the door, the sound echoing through the quiet air. A moment later, the door creaked open, and the kind woman who owned the place greeted her with a warm smile.

"Aaliyah, good to see you," the woman said, her voice gentle and welcoming.

"What brings you back this way?"

Aaliyah smiled, nodding toward Freya, where the doe she'd hunted lay lifelessly strapped to the mare's back. "I bought you something," she replied. "A thank-you, for letting me stay in your barn these last few nights."

The woman's brow furrowed in confusion as she stepped closer to inspect the doe. "That's mighty generous of you, Aaliyah, but you don't owe us nothin'. You're welcome here anytime."

Aaliyah shook her head. "You've done more than you know. It's the least I can do." She smiled softly, before moving to untie the doe from Freya's saddle. With practised ease, she lifted the animal onto her shoulders, the weight a familiar burden.

"Where do you want it?" she asked, her breath visible in the frigid air.

The woman motioned toward the large wooden table inside the homestead. Aaliyah carried the doe in and laid it down, the woman already clearing space for it. "Thank you again, Aaliyah," she said earnestly. "You're welcome to stay as long as you like. We'll take care of the doe."

Aaliyah tipped her hat in acknowledgment. "Much appreciated." With a final nod, she turned back toward the post where Freya waited.

The eerie feeling hadn't left her. If anything, it had grown worse. Freya was even more on edge now, her sides damp with sweat despite the cold. Aaliyah untied her and led her toward the barn, whispering soft reassurances.

Once inside the barn, Aaliyah removed Freya's bridle, hanging it on a nearby hook so the mare could rest more comfortably. She loosened the saddle's cinch, lifting the heavy leather off Freya's back and setting it down beside her makeshift camp. A small smile touched her lips as she ran a sponge over the mare's sweaty coat, wiping away the exertion of the ride.

Then she heard it again.

Footsteps, this time much closer. The crunch of snow is unmistakable.

Her blood ran cold as she reached for her revolver. Slowly, she turned around, and there they were—four men, standing just outside the barn door, their faces hidden beneath wide-brimmed hats, but their intentions clear. Freuna snorted, her eyes wide with fear.

Aaliyah's heart pounded. She drew her revolver, aiming it at the nearest man. "What do you want?"

The leader of the group stepped forward, a grin spreading across his face. "Our boss wants to see you, darlin'," he said, his voice dripping with malice.

Aaliyah's hand moved toward her second revolver, but the leader chuckled darkly. "Now, now, that wouldn't be wise." A man behind her appeared through the window, holding a rifle, its barrel trained on Freya. "You wouldn't want your pretty horse to get hurt now, would you?"

Aaliyah's heart sank. Her fingers twitched on the trigger, but she couldn't risk it. Not Freya. With a heavy sigh, she lowered her gun and holstered it, her heart heavy with regret.

The men advanced. One of them grabbed her, forcing her to the ground as another quickly bound her hands and feet. They made crude remarks, their laughter filling the cold air as they tossed her onto the back of one of their horses, tying her like a piece of game.

Aaliyah glanced back at Freya, the mare snorting and stamping in fear. Relief washed over her as the man with the rifle moved away, mounting his own horse. At least Freya was safe. For now.

But deep down, Aaliyah knew this was just the beginning of something far worse.