Arcana will always put the needs of her family far before her own, but she would expect no less of Orhan. Orhan may think he doesn't deserve her, but he is wrong. They deserve each other. Orhan and Arcana are the perfect love story. Their relationship is the happy ending that so few on these islands ever get to experience.

Orhan's eyes are not the only ones to widen in surprise. Arcana is no maiden, but today is not a normal day. Wild eyes dart back and forth. There is nowhere to hide, no cover of night or cover of brush, and there won't be time to walk back to the oasis. Arcana's worried eyes find Orhan's and she pleads, "Orhan, I'm in labor. We won't make it back to the oasis. Please stay with me."

Desperate tones fade into a grunt, as another strong contraction grips her abdomen. Arcana says no more before lying down on the beach, wet, bloodied, and already exhausted, to do what she has to do. Like Indira's, this birth is quick, and free of complication. It's not long before a healthy filly is born onto the beach.

Arcana stands, breaking the umbilical cord. The novelty of a new foal will never grow old. With love in every stroke, the mare cleans their new daughter's face for Orhan to admire.