The massive stallion charged toward Lyra, its powerful hooves pounding the earth like thunder. Spectators gasped in horror, their faces frozen in shock as the scene unfolded.
Percival lunged forward, desperate to reach his wife. "Lyra!" His voice tore through the air, raw with fear.
Raphael too tried to intervene, but the crowd's panicked movements blocked their path. Both men stood helpless as Thunderbolt bore down on Lyra with terrifying speed.
What happened next stunned everyone into silence.
Instead of running, Lyra stood her ground. She raised one hand calmly, her posture relaxed yet commanding. Her eyes locked with the stallion's wild gaze.
"Easy," she said, her voice carrying across the suddenly quiet field.
The effect was immediate. Thunderbolt slowed, his thunderous gallop becoming a trot, then a walk. The massive horse stopped just feet away from Lyra, nostrils flaring, sides heaving.
She remained perfectly still. "That's it. You're okay."
