Leonard's hand moved swiftly as he closed the distance, catching Dydra by the waist before she could even react. In one smooth motion, he lifted her onto the horse behind him, steadying her as she found her balance.
Without another word, he mounted as well, adjusting the reins with practiced ease. The stallion shifted beneath them, then surged forward into motion.
The ride toward the festival was quiet, broken only by the rhythm of hooves against the ground and the soft rush of wind passing them by.
Dydra had imagined the festival would be much like the fair she had heard about—smaller, simpler, perhaps even dull. But as they approached, the glow of distant lights began to bloom on the horizon, scattering warmth into the darkening evening.
Her eyes widened.
The closer they got, the brighter it became. Lanterns, colors, movement—life. It all unfolded before her like something out of a story she had never been told.
