Page 109 of A Crown of Tears and Treason
“It wouldn’t be the first time,” Zandyr said. “Tricksters, all of them.”
Madrya nudged his face; she did not appreciate the joke.
“Alright, alright, you’re saints. All of you.” Zandyr laughed, before his gaze found mine. There was a mischievous twinkle there. “Care for a race?”
I wanted nothing more, but–“If Zorin agrees.”
I got an excited neigh in response.
Zaryn turned toward the jungle. “There’s a stable nearby, we can–”
By the time he’d turned, I was already climbing on Zorin’s back, the movements fast and fluid.
This.
This felt like home. The feel of his powerful body underneath me, ready to take on the wind itself.
“Couldn’t spare the leather for a saddle back at the cabin, now could we?” I eagerly dug my fingers in Zorin’s mane.
“Of course.” Zaryn bit his smiling lip and shook his head, before climbing onto Madrya’s back in one elegant motion. “Bareback it is.”
Madrya tilted her head up like the princess she was and came to stand right next to Zorin.
Then we were off.
Zorin raced at a maddening speed, galloping across the beach with all his might. His white-golden mane swelled in the breeze, enveloping me with that comforting, earthy scent that reminded me of simpler, more restrained times.
The only thing I felt now was freedom.
The wind hit my face with the first drops of warm rain. The sky rumbled above us, the sound of the crashing waves almost drowning out Zorin and Madrya’s frantic gallops.
They ran so closely together, Madrya’s mane almost whipped my face. Neither nazdran let up, running wildly.
Zorin’s powerful muscles thundered under me; I didn’t even need to guide him. He was as stubborn as me.
He wanted to win. Maybe he had something to prove, too.
The rocks in the distance, which had barely been visible a few seconds ago, became massive and threatening.
Madrya neighed and slowed down. Zaryn didn’t push her.
“Do you want to stop?” I yelled over the crashing waves.
I only got a testy neigh in response. Zorin pivoted toward the narrow opening in the rocks. I dug my fingers deeper into his mane.
“Evie!” Zandyr’s roar ghosted after me.
But I wasn’t listening. He saw danger where I and Zorin sensed possibility.
With a great jump, Zorin soared through the gap. The moon winked from between the clouds as we flew, the waves splashing to our left. I was weightless and unrestricted.
In this moment, I felt infinite.
Then Zorin’s hooves hit the ground with a grace that proved he wasn’t a mere stallion.
“We did it!” I threw my arms around his neck, stroking my cheek against his neck. My heart beat too fast, too excited.
This moment was almost perfect.
