s Maverick' s powerful

ot for me, but for my half-sister, Charlotte,

im back from a deadly sickness with a

e, the fame, the better shot at the Tr

dark

e thick, sweet scent of m

their polite chatter and clinkin

as

iming Ceremony, the d

the second chance, it happ

et out a sharp cry. He reared dramatically, his po

te. He lowered his head in a clear s

blicly re

the crowd. He was my horse, bonded to

ard. He placed a hand on my shou

for everyone to hear. "Charlotte has a s

look of fat

her have him. It' s for the go

son, disguised as

e career I had helped build,

ds a champion rider.

med in, their voices dri

strong enough for

st. She would hav

ht, pressing down on me. In my firs

elt nothing bu

silence as weakness,

liza won't leave empty-handed.

oward a small

lt lay listlessly

a failure. Charlotte had tried to "awaken" him for

e for a future Triple Crown

pity and contempt. They saw a

triumphant sister, and at t

nd walked towar

, my voice cle

e's shock,

eside the dark colt. As my ha

deep, thrumming connection t

ther's gift.

witched at birth. This was the horse my mothe

seal her victory, coul

d, her voice ringing with arrogance. "So everyone c

ow smile spreadi

agr