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

Chapter VII

Arthur's stallion, Maverick, stretched his powerful stride, consuming the land beneath him as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the vast plains of New Hanover. The wind whipped past Aaliyah, her body swaying with the rhythm of the horse as they rode toward Horseshoe Overlook. Feeling a strange sense of freedom for the first time in months, Aaliyah released her grind on the saddle and spread her arms wide, letting the cool spring air rush over her skin. It was as though she was flying, soaring through the sky like an eagle. For a fleeting moment, she felt untethered, far from the horrors she had endured.

Arthur glanced over his shoulder, his sharp eyes catching sight of Aaliyah with her hands out to the side. A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, but instinctively, he placed a steady hand on her lower back as Maverick began to ascend a hill.

Aaliyah opened her eyes, feeling the warmth of his hand stabilising her. The connection surprised her, a gesture so simple yet thoughtful. Her lips curved into a soft smile, heart warming at the unexpected kindness. She hadn't known much kindness lately.

"You used to ride?" Arthur asked, slowly Maverick to a trot as they reached the crest of the hill, the campfires of Horseshoe Overlook now faintly visible in the distance.

"Yeah," Aaliyah replied, her voice trailing off, thick with nostalgia. "I had a mare in the Grizzlies before I was taken. She was beautiful..." Her words faltered, and the light in the eyes dimmed as guilt washed over her.

Arthur sensed the shift in her mood, reining Maverick to a stop. "You okay?"

Aaliyah swallowed hard, her throat tight. A few tears slipped down her cheeks as memories of her mare flooded back. "I had a black mare. Her name was Freya. She was wild, untamable... even I could hardly control her," Aaliyah's voice was heavy, each word weighed down by loss. She took a deep breath, the silencer between them thick but comfortable. "But the loyalty that mare had... unmatched. Our bond was built on trust and respect."

Arthur remained quiet for a moment, letting her words hang in the air. "You speak about her in past tense. What happened?"

Aaliyah hesitated, her heart aching at the memory. "'O'Driscolls. The night they took me... they pointed a rifle at her so I wouldn't fight. As far as I know, they didn't hurt her. But I don't know, I just... I just hope the woman who owned the barn I borrowed kept her. Didn't sell her." A soft sob escaped her lips, and she quickly wiped her face, but the sadness lingered.

Arthur's grip on the reins tightened, his jaw clenched as he absorbed her pain. "I'm sorry, Miss Stephens," he said quietly, regretting that he'd pried so deep. His legs gently squeezed Maverick into a walk, his hand briefly brushing her briefing brushing her back once more before settling on his thigh.

Without thinking, Aaliyah leaned forward, resting her head against Arthur's shoulder. Her arms wrapped around his torso, seeking comfort in his solid presence. Arthur stiffened, caught off guard by the sudden closeness, but he didn't pull away. He could feel her need for solace, and in that moment, he gave it willingly.

The rest of the ride was silent, but it was a silence they both needed. The evening was shifting to nightfall, the last traces of daylight fading as they approached the Van Der Linde camp at Horseshoe Overlook.

As they neared the camp, Arthur slowed Maverick to a halt. "Who's there?" a familiar voice .

"Just me," Arthur replied, guiding Maverick carefully over the uneven u stopped Maverick at a nearby hitching post and turned his head slightly. "Miss Stephens," he said softly, trying to rouse Aaliyah from her daze. She responded with a soft murmur, her exhaustion evident.

"We're here," Arthur spoke a little louder, gently prying her arms from around his waist before swinging his leg over the saddle and dismounting Maverick. He reached up, his hands firm yet careful as he lifted Aaliyah down from the horse and set her on her feet. She swayed slightly, her legs weak from the long ride, but Arthur kept his hands on her waist until she gave him a small nod, letting him know she was alright.

"You won't have a tent just yet," Arthur said, his voice low as he guided her through camp. The eyes of the gang followed their every step, curious but wary. "You can take mine tonight."

Aaliyah's body ached, exhaustion weighing her down like a heavy cloak. But for some reason, she felt safe with Arthur. Safer than she had in months. His presence soothed her frayed nerves, a strange comfort in the chaos of her life.

He led her to his tent, where she sank down onto the bed with a soft sigh of relief. Her limbs felt like lead, but at least she wasn't tied to a bed in a dark cabin anymore. Arthur knelt beside her, handing her a blanket he'd pulled from his wagon. "If you need anything, let me know."

Before Aaliyah could respond, Arthur was called away by Dutch's low, gravelly voice. "Arthur," Dutch said, his tone serious as he approached with purposeful strides. "Who is she?"

Arthur stood up, his gaze briefly flicking to Aaliyah before he turned to face Dutch. In hushed tones, Arthur explained what had happened at the O'Driscoll's camp, sparing no detail. He reached into his satchel and handed Dutch the money they'd found. "Five hundred dollars," Arthur said, his voice low.

Dutch's expression softened as he counted the cash, clearly pleased. "Bill said something about the O'Driscoll saving you. That true?"

Arthur chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, could've killed me. But he didn't"

Dutch slapped a hand on Arthur's shoulder, amusement flickering in his eyes. "We'll deal with him in the morning. In the meantime, look after her. If she's a goddamn O'Driscoll..."

"She's not," Arthur cut him off, his voice firm but uncertain. "The way they treated her... I don't think she's one of them."

Dutch gave a thoughtful nod before retreating to his tent with Molly O'Shea, leaving Arthur standing alone in the cool night air. Arthur glanced over at Aaliyah now fast asleep, her face softened by the quiet peace of slumber. He shook his head, unsure of what lay ahead but knowing one thing for certain—she didn't deserve what those men had done to her.

With a heavy sigh, Arthur wandered toward a large tree overlooking camp. The stars scattered across the sky, glittering like tiny diamonds against the inky black. He leaned against the rough bark, his thoughts far away as he kept a quiet watch over the camp.