Heart of a Dove: Ydris x Reader

Chapter Two: Beautiful Nightmare Part 1

A/N: Warning, light swearing ahead!

I awoke to the obnoxious beeping of my alarm clock. I realized I was sweating and quickly wiped it away, trying to shake the strange dream from my mind. It had felt so real.. I reached over to turn off my alarm, the glowing numbers on the clock face telling me it was 6:00. Great, time to start my day. My hand lingered on the nightstand, reassuring myself that this was reality as I traced my finger along the grains of wood. The nightmare had been just that, a nightmare - nothing more and nothing less. The beautiful ticket Ydris had given me caught my eye and I picked it up, admiring the shimery, golden surface. I noticed that the time of the show was printed on the back. Apperantly it started at 5:00, which was perfect for me since I still had to go to riding lessons and group training today and I wouldn't be done till three or four.

The Bobcat Girls had a large group competition coming up against the Bull Dogs and, since I was one of them, I was obligated to train too. I didn't much enjoy going to group training since Loretta always found fault with anything I did. I knew she didn't like me but I tried not to let it get to me. I was only in with the Bobcat Girls because I won a race against her. What really bothered me, though, was being the only one who was ever held back when my riding skills were by far the best.

I grudgingly got up, consoling myself with the fact that I would soon get to see Ydris and his Circus of Dreams. I wondered about the almost-kiss again and again as I dressed into a fresh pair of riding clothes and bright pink Bobcats jacket. I checked my phone and noticed that Maya had left a reply. "Omg dude, that's crazy!! Are you sure he's not some kind of serial killer or something? I've asked a few people about him after I saw your text and no one has ever heard of him. I would be careful if I were you.." I read the text over and over, feeling my body go numb as I recalled the sense of dread I had felt in my nightmare. After that dream, Maya's warning seemed more like a bad omen. But that was silly, right? There was no real reason I should feel this way..

~Time Skip~

"For the fifth time, stop lagging (y/n)! The Bobcat Girls are the top riding club in Jorvik and I'm not about to sacrifice that title for you! If it wasn't for Mr. Moorland's insistance you be part of my club, I'd have kicked you out a long time ago!" Loretta yelled at me, shaking me from my thoughts and worries about Ydris and his mysterious circus. (H/n) snorted and tossed his/her head in annoyance at my slowness. I quickly guided him/her into a canter to match the pace of my team mates.

I could hear some of them laughing at me and I felt my frustration rising. I was about to announce that I quit in a fit of anger but I suddenly remembered Mr. Moorland. He was like a father to me, always so kind since the moment I got here and I knew he was so proud of me being part of the Bobcat Girls. I didn't want to disappoint him so I kept my mouth shut.

I rode on in silence, enduring the cruel jokes made at my expence until it was time to quit. I checked my watch and saw that it was 4:00. I'd better hurry if I wanted to get a shower and get ready before the circus started. I definitely didn't want Ydris to see me covered in dirt and grime and smelling like a barn. I tried to make a beeline for the stable but pulled (h/n) to a stop when I saw a familier dark haired face waving me down. "Hey, (y/n), long time no see. How's Bobcat life treating you?" Justin asked. He was wheeling a cart of manure away from the paddocks so I assumed he must have been working out there. "Oh, the usual. All work and no play." I said, hoping I didn't sound as stressed as I felt. I didn't see Justin very often anymore but he was a good friend and I cherished any time we spent together. He was the one that had introduced me to (h/n) when I first arrived at Moorland Stables. He chuckled, nodding his head in understanding. "Yeah, Loretta is like a drill sergeant. I've seen lots of new recruits come and go. She's a tough one to please." He said with a grin that seemed to say he was proud of me for lasting so long. I returned his smile, momentarily feeling better about the turn of my day until I saw Loretta scowling at me from across the yard. "Hey, listen, I have to go but it was good talking to you." I said hastily, praying Loretta wouldn't give me any trouble later. She hated it when I would talk to Justin, convinced I was out to take him for myself. "Sure, good to see you too, (y/n)!" He said with a wave as he wheeled the cart away. I rode to the barn and silently hopped off of (h/n) and led him/her to the stable. As I took off his/her tack and brushed him/her down, Maya poked her head through the stable door. "You still planning on going to the circus this evening?" She asked me. I glanced up and smiled feebly when I saw her. "Yeah.. But hey, do you wanna come with me? I was thinking about what you said and I don't think I should go alone." I said quietly.