Chapter 6
In the center of the main corral, Thunder stood proud, his coat sleek, healthy, and completely recovered from the effects of the poison. He let out a low, content snort as the gate opened.
Lily stepped into the dust, barefoot once again, her brown hair catching the warm afternoon wind. She walked up to the massive stallion without fear, her small hand reaching out to gently touch the white scar hidden beneath his mane.
Thunder lowered his great black head, nuzzling her shoulder with a deep, loyal affection that spoke volumes without a single word.
Elena and Thomas stood by the wooden fence, watching the beautiful scene unfold under the shadow of the mountains.
"She’s going to be greater than I ever was, Thomas," Elena said softly, her arm resting comfortably around the rancher's shoulder.
"She’s a Blackwood, Elena," Thomas smiled, adjusting his hat as the wind kicked up the golden dust around them. "And as long as that horse is standing beside her, there isn't a shadow in this world that can ever touch her again."
Lily leaped lightly onto Thunder's back, and with a joyous, triumphant cry, they tore off into the wide-open expanse of the valley, running free, running proud, completely unbroken.
The End
