Page 58 of Wild Spirit Revival

As the group dispersed to gather supplies, Joshua approached Elijah. “You think we’ll find her in time?”

Elijah’s jaw clenched. “We have to.” The thought of Molly, alone and in danger, made his chest tighten in a way he wasn’t ready to examine.

Within minutes, the search party was mounted and ready. Elijah surveyed the men, his gaze steady. “Remember, the smoke will be thick. Stay together, watch each other’s backs. If you find her, fire three shots in the air. Let’s ride!”

The thundering of hooves filled the air as they set off, dust billowing behind them. As they approached the foothills, the acrid smell of smoke grew stronger, and dark clouds loomed ominously ahead.

Elijah’s group pressed on, the terrain growing steeper and more treacherous. Sweat beaded on his brow, not just from the increasing heat. “Molly!” he called out, his voice echoing off the rocks. “Molly O’Sullivan!”

Joshua coughed beside him, pulling his water-soaked bandana higher. “Eli, this smoke’s getting worse. How much farther do you reckon we can go?”

Elijah’s eyes narrowed, scanning the haze-shrouded landscape. “As far as it takes,” he growled, urging his horse forward. “I’m not leaving without her.”

A loud crack split the air. Elijah’s horse reared, nearly throwing him.

“Look out!” Samuel, one of the young cowboys, yelled. A burning tree crashed down not far from them, sending embers flying and horses dancing to get away.

Elijah’s voice remained steady. “Stay calm. We keep moving. Molly’s counting on us.”

As they pressed on, fighting through the smoke and dodging falling debris, Elijah couldn’t shake the image of Molly’s vibrant eyes, her determined smile. He’d never met a woman quite like her—infuriating and captivating in equal measure.

“Hold on, Molly,” he muttered under his breath, sweat streaking down his face. “Just hold on.”

A deafening crack of thunder shook the air, and suddenly, the heavens opened. Rain poured down in sheets, hissing as it met the smoldering earth. Elijah blinked against the onslaught, relief and urgency warring within him.

“Thank you, God,” Joshua shouted over the downpour.

Elijah’s gaze scanned the smoky terrain. The rain was a blessing, though it cut down the visibility.

“Spread out,” he shouted.

They fanned out, calling Molly’s name. Elijah’s heart hammered inside his chest, knowing each second was critical to their search. Then, through a gap in the smoke, he spotted a flash of color.

“There!” he yelled, spurring his horse forward. As he drew closer, his breath caught in his throat. Molly lay motionless on the ground, her camera equipment scattered around her.

Elijah jumped off his horse, closing the distance in long strides at the same time Joshua fired off three shots. Elijah dropped to his knees beside her, gently turning her over.

“Molly,” he said, his usual stoicism cracking. “Molly, can you hear me?”

She didn’t respond, her face pale beneath the soot. Elijah pressed his fingers to her neck, exhaling sharply when he felt a pulse. He looked at Joshua. “She’s alive. We need to get her down the mountain and to the ranch.”

Without hesitation, Elijah scooped Molly into his arms. Her head lolled against his chest, and a fierce protectiveness surged through him.

“I’ve got you,” he murmured, rising to his feet. Elijah handed her off to Joshua before mounting his horse and taking her back into his arms.

The descent was treacherous. Rain-slicked rocks threatened to send them tumbling with each step. Elijah refused to slow down, knowing how urgent it was to get medical help.

“Careful, Eli,” Joshua cautioned as Elijah navigated a particularly steep section.

Elijah didn’t respond, his entire focus on the precious burden in his arms and his horse. He had complete confidence in Twitch, his sure-footed Appaloosa gelding. Molly stirred slightly, a moan escaping her lips.

“Stay with me,” Elijah urged, his voice low and intense.

As they descended, the air began to clear.

“Almost there,” he told her. “Hold on a little longer. I’m not letting you go.” Reaching the base of the mountain, he shouted at Joshua. “I’m taking her to the ranch. Ride to town and get the doctor.”

Without waiting for a response, he spurred Twitch into action. The horse responded as if sensing the gravity of the situation. They tore across the rain-soaked landscape, the world blurring around them.

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