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As soon as I lead him beside Honey, she looks up and gasps.

“Oh, wow.”

I glance at Hades, who immediately raises his head as though he’s just been waiting for someone to appreciate him. I swear this horse knows when someone thinks he’s handsome.

“This is Hades. My personal horse.”

Nora walks toward him with her hand outstretched, then stops and looks at me.

“Is it okay?”

I nod. “Let him smell you first.”

She holds out her hand and waits until Hades lowers his head toward her. He sniffs her fingers before nudging her hand, and Nora smiles as she gently runs her palm over his muzzle.

“Hello, beautiful Hades.”

I look at him. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

Nora laughs.

“Why Hades?”

I shake my head, already knowing what’s coming.

“It was my current read when he was born nine years ago.”

Nora cocks her head.

“Never took you for a Persephone and Hades kind of guy.”

I smirk. “Lots of things you don’t know.”

I turn away and finish checking the saddle.

“All right. Before I help you up, rules.”

Nora straightens. “Rules?”

“Few.”

“Of course there are.”

“First, don’t walk behind a horse unless you know what you’re doing. Second, no sudden movements. Honey’s calm, but she’s still an animal.”

She nods, looking from me to Honey as though she’s trying to memorise everything I say.

“Third, don’t pull on the reins like you’re trying to stop a truck. They’re for communication, not hanging on.”

“What do I hang on to?”

“Your balance.”

Her eyes widen, and I have to fight the urge to laugh.

“You’ll be fine.”

“That sounded very convincing.”