Erik led the mare a few steps away, muttered a quick farewell to Lemiel, and left for the stables without another glance at Sienna.
Lemiel gave the reins a light pull, guiding the horse into a slow walk. The movement was steady, almost lulling. She started to reach for the leather straps herself, but his hands were already there, taking hers, placing them firmly on the reins, his larger grip folding over hers like a second layer.
"Why do I even need to learn to ride a horse?" she asked, keeping her voice neutral though her pulse had quickened.
"So you can accompany Davi and me of course."
She glanced sideways, trying to read his expression, but he was watching the path ahead, as if the answer had been too obvious to require further explanation. Still, something in his tone made her chest warm, an uninvited spark.
