Sicily’s call drew Valentine’s attention from where he grazed lazily further downstream. His dark-tipped ears flicked forwards as he scanned the horizon for his lead mare. She was further away than normal, but the reason for that soon became clear as Valentine noticed that she was not alone.

Rufina. Their daughter had returned.

For a while his eldest had been wandering off to explore the world by herself, though she had yet to tell her parents about any permanent plans for her future, but her last disappearing act had been the longest. He was glad to see her again, but his joy was short lived as an unfamiliar figure appeared on the horizon behind them.

Valentine’s nostrils flared as the stranger’s scent was blown towards him. A stallion. His ears flattened against his skull, and with a snort he lurched into a swift canter along the river’s edge. He let out an angry squeal as he saw the stranger snake his head towards the mares, advising the man to turn around now before Valentine had to hurt him.

When he noticed tiny little Oswin running towards the fray, his heart leapt into his chest. Though he had rushed to Sicily and Rufina’s aid anyway, he knew that they could handle themselves if necessary – Oswin, on the other hand, was still a child and she could be as easily hurt by accident as on purpose.

Thankfully her sister was smart enough to intercept her, and Valentine only spared them a brief glance as he charged past them to square up against the brute that Sicily was trying to chase away. Her lunged at the other man, snapping at his face and trying to shove him away with his weight if the man didn’t heed his commands to turn around and leave.

VALENTINE
you bleed just to know you’re alive