The horse’s hooves dig into the ground, bringing my attention back to it. Its pitch-black skin has a silky coat, and the flames ripple around its body, which seems to move in time to its heavy panting. The fire along the mane and tail dances wildly around it like a cloak fit for royalty. It moves with grace as it struts side to side, its piercing, amber eyes never leaving mine. I can feel each whisper of passing air on my face from its thundering hooves pounding against solid ground… I am transfixed.
Frozen like ice despite the scorching heat around me.
The beast's incandescent mane flows freely around its massive neck, while the deep red tail seems to billow out behind its body, engulfing both land and sky.
A defense mechanism. The horse is warning me.
Telling me to back down.
It’s more beautiful than a dragon. Now I know why the Gods chose these beasts for us.
Give into it, child.
I hear her voice whispering in the wind around me.
Embers soar in the wind. With every movement, embers flicker in mesmerizing trails that flow effortlessly before they evaporate back into thin air, just another testament to how truly majestic this creature from their Gods was meant to be. Five realms, five Gods, five horses. Even if we have never seen one of dark, I’m sure it's as terrifying as the dragon forged by the God of Darkness.
I must ride the Fireninze. I must show them all that Icando this.
Ordie trying.
To the Gods of Azure,watch over me.
The massive beast scuffs its hoof at me. The amber eyes, filled with fire, stay focused on mine without blinking. I stare at the dark onyx nose, watching it flare constantly as its lips vibrate. The Fireninze is waiting for my move.
I know what to do, and I know what the beast will do.
I stay focused, my hands beside my legs, and I am frozen. Focusing on my breathing as I close my eyes. The noises in the arena start to fade away as my energy drifts over to focus on the movement of the Fireninze. Counting my every heartbeat, knowing the mare will only give me a few beats before it makes its move.
One. Two. Three. Four… Five.
The beast will charge at six.
I open my eyes as soon as I count to six, and the Fireninze is racing right towards me.
Closing my eyes once again, I focus on the counts of the hooves beating against the ground and feel the vibration of the heat coming closer. When I reach six counts again, I open my eyes, feeling an inner strength build up within me and taking control of the situation. I will grip tightly onto the reins with both hands, wrapping them around my palms before stretching them wide and preparing myself to whip it around the flames to claim my ride.
The reins are completely inflammable. They will not combust against the Fireninze’s heat.
“Slide under the Fireninze. The stomach of the mare has less heat, making it easier for you to slide under. Once under, whip the reins around to pull you up. Once you have one leg over the back of the Fireninze, pull your body up. But you must activate your bracelet.” The words of the man I must not speak about replay in my mind.
The man I must keep my distance from.
No matter how much my heart longs to be near him.
Koen.
The memory of his words are distracting me.
The thoughts of him, consuming my every thought.
He is going to make me fail this.
I take a deep breath without removing my eyes from the horse and sprint towards the clouds of fire. As I dash, my fingers press the hidden button on my wristband that sends a signal to alter my clothes. Something I practiced repeatedly during training with the brothers. The material heats up slightly, then begins changing colors to an orange hue that matches the mane of the horse. Ridges are all over my chest, and a clear mask covers my face, protecting me from any heat. I am now covered head to toe in an incombustible bodysuit. Forged by the magic that pulsesfrom the Light Stone. The only way totryand bond with the Fireninze.
I am ready to ride.
I will not die. The Gods cannot have me today.
