The memory rose like smoke—thick, choking, impossible to breathe through.

Celeste and Terry had stood frozen that night, their horror etched against the dust and the glare of the arena lights. Tyler—strong, fearless Tyler—crumpled beneath the weight of Hannibal’s Fury, the bull bred meaner than most men could stomach, a legend in hide and horn. The beast trampled him without mercy, hooves drumming against flesh until the crowd went silent as stone.

The usual roar of the announcer cut ...