As they rode out the gate, he felt the tingling sensation, but it was too late—he no longer had control over his body. Fear hit like a lightning bolt, and Derek lost track of everything else as he struggled to control the fear.
Eventually, the fear dissipated and Derek was able to evaluate the situation. He had no control over his body, no matter what he tried. Directly ahead of him, Rex rode without his usual sweeping gaze. They had been taken prisoner in the same manner he had been captured back in Arl.
Derek recognized the wasteland they were traveling through and knew that they were moving rapidly away from safety and toward the coast. And the sun was going down. It had been before mid-day when they left the city.
He struggled for control of his body again, willing his head to turn, but nothing happened. His body simply would not respond to his commands. He had to fight the rising fear that threatened to overwhelm his mind again. By the time he regained a handle on his anxiety, they were riding in complete darkness.