Once we exit the arena, stable hands come forward to take our mounts as we will go to the underground dining hall for dinner.

I slide from Ran, and the stable hand who comes to take care of her looks at me in confusion.

She has no halter or bridle to lead her with. My guess would be he's wondering exactly how he's going to handle this... situation.

I pat her shoulder. “She’ll follow you. Just click to her. I wouldn’t recommend putting a halter or anything on her, though.”

He comes forward to pat her shoulder. “I saw you riding in the arena. What is so distinguished an animal named?”

I pause. “Ran,” I choke out.

“What was that?”

I cough. “Ran.”

He stares at me. He pats Ran’s flank, brow furrowing. “I’m so sorry you have to deal with this.”

“Excuse me?”

Ran hefts a sigh and drops her head into the stable hand’s hands. “You poor thing. Don’t worry, girl. We’ll take good care of you now. Extra grain and fresh bedding. Plus a good, long brushing. How does that sound?”

She nods her horsey head enthusiastically.

The hand glares at me before clicking to Ran and leading her off, whispering about horrid owners and how she’s in the right place now. Ran follows placidly, but looks back to shoot me a smirk I'd recognize in any form.

I shake my head. That girl is a handful, but I love her.

I turn and spot a mop of dirty blonde hair. “Jack?” I whisper. My heart constricts painfully in my chest.

The boy turns and I see blue eyes instead of Jack’s hazel. He smiles up at his father, who leads him on a haphazard trail through the crowds gawking at the competitors.

Someone bumps into my shoulder, throwing me backwards. I catch myself against a potted plant, and glance up in time to see the grinning, smug face of the timber killer as he throws me a mock salute.

My blood boils, and I realize something is in my hand.

A note. As I read it, my blood runs cold.

I have a meeting at the seediest tavern in Mid. He's the contact between me and the one holding my family.

Wolfsbane knows. Not that I'm the Guardian, but that I am Aria and Sir Ri. If he knew I was the Guardian... a shiver wracks me from the top of my head to the bottom of my toes.

If he knew, my family would likely be dead and so would I. They would take Ran and do whatever they wanted to her.

It's always come back to Ran. They want Ran.

I need to find out why.

I duck my head and quickly walk to a darkened alcove. The cold stone walls of the arena feel blissful to my flushed face. I put my forehead against the wall and try to calm my racing heart.

The mere thought of facing scores of knights and having to socialize over dinner curdles my stomach.

We'll leave, two-legs. Take a deep breath, then come get me. This stable hand is getting suspicious. I had to eat a carrot from his fingers. It tasted like dirt.

I choke on a laughing sob.

Footsteps come from the direction of the main stable. I pull a knife and hold it loosely at my side.

Sir Hans turns the corner, his face grim and concerned, but it lightens slightly when he sees me.

“You alright?” Sir Hans asks.

I take a deep breath and tuck the knife back into my arsenal. “Thought I saw someone.”

He lays a hand on my shoulder. “I'm sorry.”

I push back the emotions and turn to him with a slight smile. “I appreciate it. What’s the schedule looking like?”

He studies my face. I have no idea what he’s looking for. “You are not scheduled until the end of the day tomorrow. The first week is dedicated to swordsmanship, next week will be archery for three days. Jousting comes after, then hand to hand…”

“Jousting?”

He blinks at me. “Jousting is a part of the games. Have you never been to a tournament before?”

I shake my head. “Nor am I great at knife throwing.”

He chuckles. “Has that ever stopped you before?”

I look at him, confusion wrinkling my brow. “Do what now?”

“Has a nigh impossible challenge ever stopped you before?”

“Nope. You’re right. I just gotta get better.” I take a deep breath. “I need my bow and quiver, but I can’t stand to go there by myself..." Taking a second deep breath, I finish, "Also, I need to tell you something.”

“I will come, and if you prefer, I’ll bring Jenny. We can talk then." His eyes glance around our cordoned off cubby, and I know he's just as aware as I am of possible listening ears.

I shake my head quickly. “No. They are probably still watching the house. I won’t put any more lives in danger.”

He grips my shoulder in a firm, but kind grasp. “What happened was not your fault.”

I give him a tight smile. “But sometimes things can be prevented.” If only I'd never entered this stupid contest. Wolfsbane never would've known about me. Never would've told those monsters about me. I shake my head and hold up a hand. “Let’s not argue now. I need to be ready for the competition.”

He purses his lips, but gives a succinct nod. “I’ll meet you at the edge of the forest.”

I nod and head to find the stable hand who most likely will wish me death for naming a horse who is not even a horse. I shake my head. When did life get so very complicated?

That's when my Gift goes haywire and gives me a blasted headache along with the emotions of every individual within horse-lengths of me.

I have to clench my fingers to keep from shouting my rage to the skies.

Just get Ran and get out of here, Aria, I think to myself, grounding myself in the pain of my fingernails digging into my palms.

Good plan. Come to me, rider. You're going to be just fine.

I have the best bond ever.