Of Blood and Downfall

Chapter 25.

Mavis's POV:

I guide Nala out of the stables and outside. From afar, Damien, Aiden and Emilia are circling around each other on their horses.

"Come' on, girl." I mutter to Nala, using her for coverage as I peer out to Karden and Aria. "Show me what you got." She grunts in return as I step on the safety stirrup and throw my leg over. Adjusting myself on the saddle, I hold onto the bridle and pull, turning her towards the barn.

Issy comes out with an all-black horse and she gallops towards me, yielding her horse to stop.

"Do you want a helmet?" She inquires and I shake my head.

"I'll be okay. I trust her." I kick with my heel and Nala snorts.

Karden comes out with a larger horse and Aria on another. He looks my way before racing to the rest of the group. They all kick off, their horses running down the hill. I watch in awe, seeing how beautiful and free the horses are in the open.

Issy lightly shoves me in the shoulder and I shake out of it.

"Let's catch up!" She shouts before her horse takes off. I laugh, kicking Nala until she begins to pick up a normal speed. I ground myself close to her, the wind blowing my hair back and the sun beaming down so warmly.

It's breathtaking. The scenery of open land—all green and inviting. Reminds me of the moments I had riding with my mom, hearing her laugh from afar as we rode our horses in upstate New York. Until we found a spot by a stream and ate some snacks until the sunset, and it was time to return to the stables.

I ride with Issy by my side, following her so I don't get lost. The others are far ahead, weaving through each other and their voices echoing in the air. I can hear Karden's laugh and the way it tickles my heart a little.

Nala dodges a few bushes but stays close to Issy's horse as we go up and down the hills and away from the estate. I yield Nala until she slows down and Issy does the same. We watch as the group begin cheering and shouting, all the horses dispersing into the copes of tress and all.

"Oh no." Issy mutters to herself but it's loud enough for me to hear. I snap my head toward her, eyes wide with alarm.

"What?"

"They're starting a game we usually play."

My palms sweat when I watch Damien's horse race into the copes of trees.

"And?"

"It's a mix of hide and seek and tag."

"Do we have to play?" I ask, a bit nervous at the idea of playing the two combined games on a horse...with vampires. The dampness on my hands slips as they wrap around the bridle.

Suddenly, Damien's horse comes pushing out of the trees, leaves flying in the air behind him. His gaze falling on me.

"Yes!" She squeals with excitement as she pulls her horse around and goes darting down the hill. I thrust Nala and she goes racing towards the other way, dodging Damien and his horse.

He hisses, his reach a few inches away from my arm. Instead of chasing after me, he continues towards Issy down the hill. Nala gallops through the trees, skipping over dead branches and stomping down on twigs. I hear shouting and laughter from afar and Nala neighs in return.

"Shush," I whisper to her, leaning down and running a flat hand along her snout. She walks along the large trees covered in lush green leaves. I close my eyes and inhale the sweet air and indulge in the beauty of nature.

A twig snaps and I twirl her around. Karden sits on his horse, his eyes curved with amusement.

"I'm not seeking, if that's what you think." He calls between us, and I pull Nala to a stop.