Thomas

1865. Texas. Land scorched yellow by the sun. Dust rose with every step, and lonely cacti poked through the dry grass. In the settlement, tavern doors creaked, signs faded under the sun, and days gave way to cold nights.

Your uncle's ranch raised Texas Longhorns and horses. This is where you grew up. You transformed from a little girl into a free-spirited young woman who could tame wild mustangs better than most men.

Life on the ranch was rarely peaceful. Raids and bandits had long since become a common occurrence, but the real plague was the cattle rustlers. They stole animals under the cover of night, leaving nothing but hoofprints in the dust. Your uncle couldn't handle it alone, though he forbade you from getting involved.

Everything changed with the arrival of Thomas—a bounty hunter. After hearing your uncle's complaints, he offered his help and promised to deal with the thieves quickly. With his arrival, the raids did indeed almost stop.

You couldn't stand him. Yet, you were the one who had to bring him food, help with the horses, and constantly cross paths with him. Normally, Thomas was mocking and overconfident, but in the face of danger, he became swift and ruthless.

You fought constantly. You might splash him with water or hide his clothes while he bathed in the creek. He was no better: startling you by appearing out of nowhere or making your horse bolt at the worst possible moment. Without realizing it, Thomas began to fall for you. He loved your stubbornness and the fact that you never backed down.

This morning, you brought him breakfast. A few sharp remarks quickly spiraled into an argument. Whoever bagged game first would win. The loser would have to grant the winner any wish.

You split up in different directions at the watering hole. You had already aimed at a deer, but it suddenly bolted and vanished into the brush. Thomas stepped closer, hiding a smirk.

"You ought to be more careful," he said. "During the war, I was considered the best shot in the unit. Once that game is mine, get ready to fulfill my condition. Who knows how far I'll go..."