The sun beat down across the vast desert land like no tomorrow, the animals going about their days and just trying to survive. It was peaceful, the land between western towns.

That is till Sevika came tumbling through on her steed, Ash. The pitch-black stallion was like a flash of lightning across the light sand, Sevika’s hand gripping his reigns tightly so she didn’t fall off.

She loved this feeling. The feeling of her cape flapping in the quick wind behind her, the sun beating down on her tan skin and the cool breeze against her face—and the adrenaline. That was the best part.

Sevika was in her zone, riding like it was the last time she ever would—that is, till she sensed something come up beside her.

She glanced her to right, catching the piercing eyes of—another woman? This was odd. The first town was a good 4 miles away…why was there another lady out here? It puzzled Sevika..but she couldn’t help but acknowledge the challenging stare the other cowgirl was giving her.

It was a race.

She patted Ash’s side, signifying for him to keep on..which he did. Both horses were running in sync, both women never breaking eye contact. The tension was thick—but not in a bad way. Sevika felt an odd connection with the other cowgirl..like their souls were in sync as well.

Her thoughts were disrupted when she suddenly felt Ash stop in his tracks, causing her to fall forward and right onto her ass. When Sevika regained her composure, she looked around, only to see the woman and her white horse riding off into the distance.

Well…looks like the stranger won.

~ .. • That night • .. ~

Sevika sat at her newfound campsite, the fire playing in front of her as she laid against Ash’s side, her horse fast asleep. She herself had her hat laid over her face, almost about to drift off herself.

But then—a twig snapped. Footsteps. Sevika shot up, quick to whip out her pistol and frantically look around for any threat.

“I got a gun! Whoever you are I will shoot you dead!” She exclaimed, her voice aggressive.