Nonetheless, Riley was about to say something sharp and cutting—when the smell hit her.
It had been there all along, really. Lingering at the edge of her awareness. But now, standing still in the middle of the courtyard with nothing to distract her, it crashed over her like a wave.
Sweet. So impossibly sweet. Crisp and fresh and alive, the scent of the apples and their released juices hanging in the air like perfume.
It wormed into her nostrils, curled down into her chest, and wrapped itself around something primal deep in her gut.
It was rather fitting, really.
Back in Luca's world, horses had always adored apples. They were considered the ultimate treat, something that would make even the most stubborn mount perk up with interest.
Luca had wondered if the same held true for centaurs in this world. That was why he had brought out so many apples for the little ones.
His theory had been proven correct almost immediately.
