The air around him felt thick, the stillness of the farm pressing down on him. The wind had died down completely, leaving the trees unmoving, as if the entire world was holding its breath. George’s own breathing felt loud in the silence, but he couldn’t bring himself to break the quiet with any sudden movement.
Thunder snorted softly, and George’s gaze snapped back to his horse. The stallion’s ears flicked forward, his head lifting slightly as if he were listening for something. George took a deep breath, steadying himself. “All right, boy,” he murmured. “Let’s see who’s come back with you.”