Chapter 2

Charlotte and Maverick's bonding ritual was a grand spectacle.

She led him to the center of the main arena, her movements practiced and theatrical.

She recited the ancient words of our family, her voice full of false reverence.

Maverick, playing his part perfectly, nuzzled her neck and bowed his head. He was every bit the loyal champion, cementing their image as the perfect pair.

The crowd applauded, captivated by the show. My father beamed with pride, his arm around his new wife. They were the picture of a perfect, powerful family.

Then, it was my turn.

There was no grand arena for me. Just the dusty, quiet pen where Ash lay.

The crowd watched with a mix of pity and morbid curiosity. They expected me to fail, to complete my humiliation.

I didn't recite any ancient words. I didn't need to.

I simply knelt beside Ash and placed my hand on his forehead. I closed my eyes and let the connection flow between us. It wasn't a ritual; it was a reunion.

I'm here, I thought. I'm finally here.

For a moment, nothing happened. A few people started to snicker.

Then, Ash stirred.

He lifted his head, his dark eyes blinking open. He looked directly at me.

Slowly, shakily, he pushed himself up. He stood for the first time in his life.

As he rose to his full height, the sun caught his coat. It wasn't just black. It was a deep, shimmering color, like polished obsidian, with faint, silvery markings that swirled across his flanks.

A gasp went through the crowd.

He wasn't just a colt. He was a creature of myth. A direct descendant of the fabled "Ghost Stallion" of our lineage, a horse so rare he was thought to be a legend.

An undeniable aura of power rolled off him, silencing the entire estate.

The whispers started immediately.

"Why couldn't Charlotte awaken him?"

"She's supposed to be the prodigy."

"Did you see the look in that horse's eyes?"

Charlotte's face was a mask of fury. Her perfect day was ruined. My father' s smile was gone, replaced by a deep, calculating frown.

I ignored them all. I only had eyes for Ash. He took a hesitant step toward me and rested his head against my shoulder.

He was home.