The glimmer of metal in the night is brief, but like a blazing signal fire to my eye.
In an instant I snap the reins again - just once, no time for more - drop them, and lurch forward, blocking Lucas with my own body as an arrow shoots from the edge of the forest.
I hear Lucas inhale sharply. It hits me in the upper back, buried deep in my shoulder. I hiss out a pained breath, my vision briefly swimming as my shoulder burns with a piercing ache.
I was right to move quickly.
For a band of ruffians desperate enough to set up ambushes and attack caravans in the night during a winter storm, they've got annoyingly good aim.
I wouldn't have a client anymore if I hadn't moved in the way.
Unfortunately, such comfort did little to make the pain stop hurting.
"Diane?!" Lucas exclaims, suddenly frantic, pushing his weight against me, trying to get me off of him.
