Lyra leaned forward, her body perfectly balanced as Chasing Wind approached the first jump. The crowd held its breath. No one expected her to clear even this initial hurdle.
Percival watched with clenched fists as his wife and his prized stallion moved as one toward the obstacle. His heart hammered in his chest.
"She's going to break her neck," Raphael said, loud enough for Percival to hear. "Shame, really. She's pretty for an illegitimate."
Percival didn't respond. His eyes remained fixed on Lyra's form. Something about her posture struck him as oddly familiar.
Chasing Wind gathered himself and soared over the first jump with effortless grace. Lyra remained perfectly seated, her form impeccable.
A shocked murmur rippled through the crowd.
"Beginner's luck," Orla hissed, but her smile had faltered.
