Chapter 26 : Dangerous Rides - 2 I didn't mind this abrupt shift in demeanor . In fact , I found this blunt honesty +8 Points preferable to the forced intimacy she had displayed earlier . At least now I knew where we stood . " For beginners , posture matters most , " I explained , maintaining my gentle tone . " Sit upright in the saddle . " I handed her the reins , continuing my instruction . " To make the horse walk , don't pull back hard . Loosen the tension so the horse feels less pressure - it will then move forward naturally . " Vanessa complied , lightly gripping the reins with her left hand while keeping her right hand tightly closed . Moonbeam responded to the subtle cue , obediently walking forward at a leisurely pace . " That horse's name is Moonbeam ," I said softly , stroking the mare's neck affectionately . " She's very gentle , so don't be afraid . " " Is that so ? " Vanessa's voice was icy , tinged with a strange undertone that made me glance up sharply . " Don't worry . I'm right here , nothing bad will happen ," I reassured her warmly , choosing to ignore the odd note in her voice . Vanessa curled her lips into a faint , unreadable smile . " Well , thank you so much . " The words dripped with false gratitude , but I chose to ignore that too . This was about teaching her the basics of riding , not about becoming best friends . " If you want her to move faster , gently squeeze her flanks with your calves ," I continued with my instruction . " The more pressure , the faster she'll go . When she starts running , remember to relax your legs ." I looked up at Vanessa , noticing that she seemed distracted , her attention focused on something I couldn't discern . Her right hand remained suspiciously closed , as if holding something . " Understand ? " I asked , seeking confirmation . 1/3 < Chapter 26 Dangerous Ri " Yes ," Vanessa answered succinctly , her attention clearly elsewhere . We gradually moved farther from our starting point , following a gentle path that curved around a copse of trees . Vanessa grew increasingly focused on something I couldn't see , her posture tense despite the gentle rhythm of Moonbeam's gait . " How does it feel so far ? " I asked , trying to engage her . " Isn't riding exhilarating ? " " Mm , it's alright , " Vanessa replied perfunctorily , barely acknowledging my question . The sun had begun its descent toward the horizon , casting dazzling hues of orange and pink across the sky . A soft breeze swept across the vast grassland , carrying the sweet scent of wildflowers . I found myself relaxing into the moment despite Vanessa's cold demeanor . " What a beautiful day , " I sighed contentedly , admiring the sunset . After we had walked for about fifteen minutes , I decided it was time to return . Vanessa had mastered the basics of sitting and guiding the horse , and Moonbeam had been perfectly behaved throughout the lesson . " We should head back now ," I said , gently tugging on the bridle to turn Moonbeam around . Vanessa's lips curved into a cryptic smile , her demeanor shifting to something that made me suddenly uneasy . There was a predatory gleam in her violet eyes that sent a chill down my spine . In the next instant , chaos erupted . I caught a glimpse of Vanessa's quick movement toward Moonbeam's flank , but before I could react , the normally docile mare suddenly reared and bolted uncontrollably . It was as if she had gone mad , charging forward wildly with a panicked whinny . Vanessa clung desperately to the reins , her terrified screams piercing the air . " Ah ! Help ! Help me ! " I froze in shock , my mind blank with disbelief . How could gentle Moonbeam suddenly turn violent ? The mare had never behaved like this in all the years I had known her . The entire incident unfolded within mere seconds - too fast for me to grasp the reins 2/3 < Chapter 26 Dangerous Ri . + Points or intervene in any way . Moonbeam was already galloping away at full speed , with Vanessa bouncing precariously in the saddle . As my brain rebooted from the shock , I quickly pulled out my phone and called the stable's emergency rescue team , my heart racing with panic and guilt . " Emergency at the east field ! " I shouted into the phone . " Runaway horse with a beginner rider ! Send help immediately ! " Vanessa , after being recklessly carried for some distance , finally released her grip and tumbled dramatically onto the grassy plain . She rolled far away from the crazed horse , which kept galloping in panic toward the tree line . She appeared to land hard , her body limp on the ground as I watched in horror . Even from this distance , I could see that she wasn't moving .. " Oh my God ," I gasped , breaking into a run toward her fallen form . " Vanessa ! " The rescue staff arrived swiftly in an all - terrain vehicle ; medical equipment at the ready . They reached Vanessa before I could , quickly assessing her condition and hoisting her onto a stretcher . Connor and the others must have heard the commotion , as they came galloping over the rise , faces dark with worry . Connor dismounted in one fluid motion before his horse had fully stopped , rushing to his foster sister's side . Seeing Vanessa's condition - pale , seemingly unconscious , with a trickle of blood from a cut on her forehead - Connor's brows knit tightly . His jaw clenched as he spoke quietly to the medical staff . Then his gaze turned sharp as he fixed on me . The intensity of his ice - blue my stomach drop with dread . eyes made I returned his look in a daze , my eyes clouded in confusion and helpless panic . Comments Watch Ads ( 0/20 ) > 259 H