Wilder.
I stomped, flailed, and laughed as the horses bucked and panicked—my chaos feeding theirs, the frenzy crackling through the air.
Davide bellowed commands, but his voice was nothing against the fury of prey instincts ignited. The Andalusians reared, hooves striking skyward before crashing down again. One hoof collided with Davide’s skull.
The sound was sickening.
He flew—his body twisting midair before slamming against the earth in a crumpled heap. Motionless.
Lifeless.
I froze.
And then… I laughed. A soft, breathless laugh as I stepped forward, brushing dirt from my skirts.
When my movements ceased, I murmured soothing words to Ivory Moon and Frostfire. They backed away, their wide eyes still wild with fear. But they listened. They always listened to me.
Now what?
I hadn’t thought this far.
I turned, strolled toward the picnic blanket, and plucked a ripe pear from the basket. Its skin was warm from the sun. I bit into it, the sweet juice dribbling down my chin as I chewed, thoughtful. When I was done, I pitched the core into the tall grass and watched it vanish.
Then, I sauntered toward Davide’s body.
He lay crooked on the ground, blood puddling beneath his head like a blooming shadow. I crouched beside him and gave his shoulder a light shake.
“Davide?” I cooed softly.
No response.
“Are you alive, my dear?” Still nothing. Only silence and the seep of red.
I stood, placed my hands on my hips, and looked around. The clearing was secluded. Quiet. Far from any road or witness.
“Well,” I sighed. “I suppose it’s up to me to gather help.”
I made my way to the carriage. My hands were steady as I unfastened the traces, removed the reins, and unbuckled the breast collar and backband. The horses shivered beneath my touch, but I worked methodically, whispering nonsense to keep them calm.
I slipped off the bridle and bit from Ivory Moon, and gave him a slap on the rump. He whinnied and galloped off toward the grassy knoll, his hooves pounding a steady beat of freedom.
I turned to Frostfire and gripped the reins. “I know, I know,” I murmured, brushing a hand along his neck. “You want to join him. But you have a job to do.”
With my free hand, I tousled my hair, tangling it, making it wild and windblown. Then I grabbed a fistful of his mane, pulled myself onto his back, and kicked him into a full gallop.
Each pounding stride summoned another emotion—fear,despair, trembling grief. I conjured them all from memory, layering my face with a mask I had perfected since the day I’d betrayed Francesco.
By the time I reached home, I was breathless.
I flung myself off the horse and bolted through the front door, sobbing.
“Papa!” I cried. “Come quick! Something’s happened to Davide!”
He burst from his study, alarm etched into every line of his face. “What is it, Alina?”
“The horses… panicked.” I let my voice tremble. “One of them kicked Davide. He wasn’t moving when I left him.”
I wrung my hands, eyes wide with crafted terror. “Oh, Papa… I fear he’s gone to his maker.”
