Chapter 62

One hand gripping the reins, Marissa secretly jabbed a brooch into her white horse's flank. The horse screamed, a raw, panicked sound, and bolted. Panic choked Marissa as she lost control. Disaster loomed if the horse didn't stop.

Paisley drew closer. Desperation overriding caution, Marissa jabbed the brooch again. The horse bucked, reared, its legs flailing wildly.

Paisley saw the frenzy. As the white horse thundered towards her, she braced herself, her brown horse reacting instantly. It leaped, clearing the fence in a breathtaking jump that silenced the crowd. Its tail flicked; Paisley smirked. "Feisty," she murmured, patting its back. She sat tall, a triumphant warrior queen.

Before the gasp died, Marissa's shriek shattered the scene. She was a dishevelled mess, clinging desperately to the crazed horse.

"Dad! Help Marissa!" Giyin cried, tears streaming down his face.

Dominick frowned. "I chose that horse myself. It's gentle. How...?"

As Dominick, Julian, and security moved in, Marissa's grip failed. A terrified scream, then a heavy thud. Pain seared through her.

The freed horse let out one final cry before bolting, then strangely, stopped, obediently waiting. Its tail swished; its eyes held a mournful grievance.

Grayson rushed to Marissa's side, sobbing. "Marissa! Are you okay? Don't look at me like that!"

The others gathered. Under Grayson's frantic pleas, Marissa's senses returned. Tears streamed down her face. Trembling, she whispered, "Dom... I almost died."