There was not a vicious bone in Yusuf’s body, however there was indeed vicious blood. More than he could imagine. Zenith’s wrath was real, and yet he knew nothing of it. He had never met the silver-black stallion, only heard his name uttered by his father once or twice in passing. Kiral had been careful to shield his son from the twisted values of his family—specifically their belief in keeping their line pure. Thus, Yusuf did not know his elders were hunting him at this very moment. Nor did he know why he continued having these visions of being engulfed in flames, drowning in oil and falling from the sky. He was lost in his own mind most of the time.

Hearing Ava speak was a reprieve, like a melody in a pleasant song—the sort his mother used to hum to him so he would always know where she was. It was comfort. She agreed to help him, and when she moved he knew. He reached out and touched his nose to her flank as she passed by, following her closely.

“Thank you,” he made sure to say. When they reached the water, he lowered his head and touched his lips to the spring, drinking his fill. He feels better at once, the cool liquid filling his belly and tickling his ribs. He knew he must be horribly skinny, but he hardly cared. It was enough just to survive.

So are you a friend of Orhan’s?

Yusuf froze, familiarity filling his head. Orhan? He had heard that name before. Spouted from the lips of the witch mare who cursed him, and maybe the other mare too. This must be his home, Yusuf thought. I am still intruding. He tensed, realizing that any of the others could notice he was still hanging around and see fit to drive him out—or kill him.

”I… doubt that he sees me that way,” Yusuf answered. He wasn’t sure if he should explain what happened on the beach. Maybe Ava already knew. “He at least stood up for me.”

It was a cryptic explanation, and also an invitation for her to inquire further if she wished.



-yusuf