Elias was shoved into the back of the metal utility truck alongside the thrashing, terrified calf. The doors slammed shut, plunging them into total darkness, save for the faint slivers of light dancing through the metal seams. As the truck hit a particularly rocky stretch of terrain, Elias heard it—a faint, rhythmic whirring sound from high above. Buzz-buzz-buzz.
He remained perfectly still, his pulse spiking against his ribs. He didn’t look up; he didn’t dare make a sound that would reveal his awareness. He knew that sound, or at least, he had a desperate, fervent hope that he did. If it was what he thought it was, there might still be hope. He couldn’t signal them; he couldn’t even move.
He knew he had to stall. If they made it off the reserve, they would be lost in the vast, unforgiving wilderness forever. He forced his breathing to slow, preparing to play the role of a terrified, greedy man.