"Indeed," Heimdall confirms, approval coloring his usual clipped tone. "It seems Gullfax has taken a liking to you, lightborn. You may approach."
Every protective instinct in my body screams to grab Dani and pull her back—this guy stands taller than any mortal horse, its head level with the second story of a building. But I force myself to stay put, my jaw clenching as she moves closer. Something tells me my father's mount wouldn't take kindly to me questioning its judgment.
My heart damn near stops as Dani approaches the corral's edge, her small hand reaching up toward him like she's greeting an old friend instead of a monumental beast. Gullfax—this giant who could crush her with one wrong move—lowers his enormous head with surprising gentleness. His hot breath creates clouds of steam in the frigid air as he huffs softly, those ancient eyes drifting closed at her touch.
My fierce little angel doesn't hesitate, her fingers finding that sweet spot behind his ears that apparently works on mythological war horses just as well as on regular ones. The sound that rumbles from Gullfax's chest is somewhere between a purr and a whinny—like this battle-hardened mount is turning to putty under my mate's delicate hands. Her giggles echo across the snow as she lavishes attention on him, utterly unfazed by the fact she's petting a piece of my father's legacy.
"Rhyland, come here," Dani beckons, her hand never leaving Gullfax's golden coat. I approach with measured steps, my warrior's instincts keeping me alert despite the beast's apparent gentleness. Those amber eyes snap open as I reach Dani's side, fixing me with a stare that seems to pierce straight through to my soul.
He stretches his neck forward, hot breath ghosting across my face as he huffs softly—that typical horse greeting that somehow feels more significant coming from my father's mount. My hand lifts automatically to stroke his velvet nose.
"Hesays don't be scared. He knows who you are." Dani's voice carries that otherworldly note that makes me glance down. Sure enough, the Faerite stone pulses with ethereal light in her crown. Of course, my clever mate would use her gift to chat up this magical creature.
"Hey, big guy," I murmur, my hand sliding along his powerful neck. For all his intimidating size and battle-bred strength, Gullfax's coat feels like silk beneath my palm, that metallic sheen somehow soft as velvet despite looking like living armor. Standing here, touching this piece of my father's past, something shifts in my chest—a connection I wasn't expecting to feel.
"You possess the ability to converse with him?" Heimdall's voice cracks with disbelief, his usual godlike composure slipping for the first time since we arrived.
Dani throws him a look over her shoulder, that signature sass dancing in her beautiful eyes. "Yep. Comes with the whole magical stone package deal," she says casually like she's explaining why the sky is blue rather than dropping a cosmic bombshell. "The Faerite stone lets me chat up anything magical—you know, mythological horses, ancient guardians, grumpy Viking vampires." She winks at me with that last one before turning back to scratch behind Gullfax's ears."Though some are chattier than others."
"Fascinating," Heimdall muses, his godlike voice tinged with genuine curiosity. "Such a gift will undoubtedly prove... advantageous."
"Oh, it's definitely got its perks," Dani agrees, her tone a mix of appreciation and exasperation. "But let me tell you, it can also be a real pain in the ass sometimes."
Heimdall nods sagely. "I can only imagine." He turns his gaze to Gullfax. "The mighty steed will carry you all with ease. He will navigate the realm effortlessly and guard you with his very life."
Erik materializes at my side with his characteristic silent grace, his silver eyes assessing the situation. "It appears, brother, that you've acquired quite the formidable ally." His refined tone carries that hint of dry humor only those who know him well would catch.
Gullfax responds by damn near knocking me on my ass that bulky head butting against my chest with enough force to make me stumble. Dani's laughter rings out across the snow at my graceless recovery.
"What do you think, big guy? Friends?" I ask, steadying myself against his powerful neck.
Gullfax bobs his head in what's clearly an affirmative, and I glance at Dani for translation. Her eyes sparkle with mischief as she listens to whatever he's saying.
"He says, 'Your father's blood runs strong in you, young prince. I would be honored to carry Magni's son as I once carried him.'" Dani's voice softens with the weight of the moment before her sass returns. "He also thinks you're less broody than your dad, which is apparently a good thing. Though I've got to say, considering how much time you spend perfecting that scowl, I'm having a hard time believing your father could out-brood you."
The laugh bursts out of me before I can maintain my composure, and Gullfax's responding whinny sounds exactly like the equine equivalent of a chuckle. Great—my mate's sass is apparently universal enough to amuse even this ancient beast.
"Really, Angel? You're critiquing my brooding when you're the one who called it 'irresistibly sexy' last night?" I smirk down at her, watching that blush creep across her cheeks. "Pretty sure my brooding game is what sealed the deal with you." Gullfax snorts in what sounds suspiciously like agreement, his hot breath creating clouds in the frigid air.
He nudges me again with his head as if backing me up, making Dani roll those honey-gold eyes at both of us. "Great," she mutters, "now I've got two of you ganging up on me. Just what I need—a supernatural powerhouse enabling your smart-ass comments."
I smirk, "What did he say?"
Dani sighs, "Golden Boy here says, 'The prince makes a fair point—your heartbeat tells a different story about his brooding.'" She shoots the stallion a betrayed look. "Seriously? You're taking his side? I thought we were having a moment here, you majestic traitor."
I cross my arms, fixing her with my best brooding stare. "Face it, Angel. You're outnumbered here. My brooding is legendary—even my father's horse agrees. Might as well admit it: you're hopelessly drawn to my dark and mysterious charm."
Dani rolls her eyes, a dramatic sigh escaping her lips.
Erik arches one perfect silver brow. "Your pulse just proved his point, Little Huntress."
"Yeah, yeah," she waves him off, turning to Heimdall with a smile that's just a little too sweet. "It was an absolute pleasure meeting you, Heimdall, but we've got a magical scavenger hunt to get back to. You know how it is—destiny waits for no one."
Heimdall inclines his head, his armor catching the light. "Until we meet again in Ásgard, Lightborn."
Heimdall turns and leaves us with Gullfax, who lowers himself to one knee—a clear invitation for us to mount up. Dani, never one to hesitate, wastes no time unlatching the gate and letting herself into the corral. She runs her gloved hands along his shoulder, admiring his golden coat, before attempting to jump onto his back. Key word:attempting.What actually happens is she ends up falling on her ass in the snow, a surprised yelp escaping her lips.
I can't help but chuckle as I head into the corral to help her up. "I think you might need a boost there, Angel. This isn't exactly your average pony."
