The crowd gasped as Chasing Wind thundered toward me at full speed. I could feel the ground shake beneath my feet, see the massive muscles rippling under that gleaming black coat. The horse that had just thrown a national champion like he was nothing was now charging straight at me.
Behind me, I heard Nathaniel's panicked voice. "Juliana! Move!"
I stood my ground, palm raised. The massive stallion skidded to a halt inches from my face, his hot breath washing over me. Time seemed suspended as everyone watched, expecting me to be trampled.
Instead, Chasing Wind lowered his head and nuzzled my hand like an oversized puppy.
"Remember me, boy?" I whispered, stroking his velvety muzzle. "It's been a while."
The horse nickered softly, pushing against my palm. Years melted away as I ran my fingers along the familiar white blaze on his face. We'd kept our secret well—the runaway teenager who'd spent nights sleeping in the Ricardo stables, earning her keep by taming the untamable.
