PERSEPHONE

Persephone’s mind was numb and tangled. She had withdrawn into the shadows of the Forest, keeping to herself as she dwelled on her fight with Evren. She could not forget the look on her face when she had turned and fled from her, no matter how hard she tried to block it out. At first, Persephone had relished the solitude – she had needed time to cool off, to stew in her anger and her disappointment – but after a while, without finding any signs of Evren’s return, it had begun to make her feel worse. She missed her presence somehow, despite the feelings of anger and betrayal that simmered unresolved just below the pain.

The call took her by surprise when it broke her silent reverie. She had been paying so little attention, in fact, that she did not recognise its familiarity at first. She shook her head, trying to free her mind from its dark thoughts like brushing away a cobweb, and forced herself to focus. She had been too lax with her patrols around the Forest lately, the visitor could be anyone. With a snort, she picked up a brisk trot and headed in the direction of the sound.

A jolt of pleasant surprise flooded through her chest as she emerged from the trees on the outskirts of the Forest, and found a familiar figure waiting for her by the shore.

“Creed!” Persephone exclaimed softly, rushing to close the distance between them.

It had been a long time since the young, frightened girl she had once known had grown and found the strength to spread her wings and move away with Roheryn. She was one of the very first horses the Forest had offered shelter to under Persephone’s reign, and for that reason, among others, she held a special place in Persephone’s heart.

It was the welcome distraction that she needed.

As she neared the other mare, she took proper notice for the first time of the face that she was not alone. A pale youngster accompanied her, close to her side. His colouring reminded her of Roheryn. The familiarity in his face and his body language suggested their relationship quite clearly.

“Creed,” Persephone repeated, a smile curling her lips. It had been some time since she had smiled properly, and the movement in her face felt slightly foreign. “It’s so good to see you again, it’s been too long.”

Her gaze flicked between the mare and the young man.

“Is this… your son?”

“I’m going to need some time.”

all of your demons will wither away

mixed, bay varnish roan, 14.3hh