He had been circling the forests of Paradise. Not yet to the point of concern, but more to try to solve a mystery. The mare who had been here before he arrived seemed to have been missing and he warred with himself over the emotions the fact stirred within him. It was his duty to protect those who called this place home. But it was also her right to go where she wished. Macabre was her own woman in every right. She had not been claimed by him. When he had first come to the island he had offered to let her stay, and she had asked if she could. She owed him nothing, where he owed her everything he could give. His young heart clenched in fear of failing her.

The sky above him darkened, as did his mood. The distress that missing the mare caused him was alarming and new. By no means did he believe she was ‘his’ but there was something else entirely flickering in his heart. Snorting, he stomped harder on the trails of the forests. Just before the rains started to fall from the sky a fresh trail was seen in the dirt. Golden ears flicked forward and the young man cantered in the direction the tracks went. As soon as his blue eyes saw the body of the mare he whickered in relief. She was okay, and she had come back! Gleefully he approached with his ears and his smiles trained on her face. Once he was within reach his nose traveled over to her and froze. He could smell the scent of another stallion. Eyes went wide and his breathing deepened.

What happened? His voice was surprisingly calm. He was not angry with her. He was angry with the offending stallion, and with himself. He should have been better, more aware. Bigger, stronger. His ears flattened for a moment. He should have known better. Had he, himself, not stolen from another stallion when he was younger?