Chapter 224

Evelyn stood torn between laughter and tears, helplessly patting Sophia's trembling back.

"Shh... It's alright now. I'm safe."

Benjamin approached with a scowl, his voice laced with concern. "Are you hurt, Evelyn?"

Sophia clung to Evelyn like a lifeline, refusing to let go. With no other choice, Evelyn let her stay wrapped around her as she glanced up at Benjamin with a knowing smirk.

"Disappointed I survived?"

His frown deepened. "Why would I be?"

Evelyn tilted her head. "If I were gone, you wouldn’t have to deal with your sister’s rival anymore, right?"

Benjamin scoffed. "I don’t want you dead! I just—"

A sudden, frantic neigh cut him off. Stardust, the white stallion, bolted toward Evelyn from the cliff's edge.

Tension spiked instantly. That same horse had thrown Evelyn off earlier—what if it attacked again?

Nathaniel's eyes sharpened. He moved swiftly, positioning himself protectively in front of Evelyn and Sophia.

Dominic, Harrison, and Jonathan stepped forward as well, forming a human barricade against the agitated horse.

Stardust skidded to a halt, pacing restlessly when blocked. Its distressed whinnies filled the air.

Evelyn gently pried Sophia away and nudged past the protective line.

Nathaniel seized her wrist. "Don’t."

She met his gaze steadily. "It’s fine. Let me check on him."

Reluctantly, he released her but stayed close, his body tense.

Evelyn approached Stardust, raising a hand to stroke his muzzle. "Easy, boy. I’m okay. You didn’t mean to."

The horse’s frantic energy eased. He nudged her shoulder gently, almost apologetically, letting out a soft, mournful sound.

A laugh bubbled up in Evelyn’s throat at the ticklish sensation.

Nathaniel exhaled, some of the tension leaving his frame.

Sophia wiped her tears, sniffling. "He wouldn’t leave after you fell. We tried to shoo him away, but he kept coming back. He knew he messed up."

Evelyn’s expression darkened. She turned to Sophia. "It wasn’t his fault. Someone tampered with him."

Sophia gasped. "You mean—someone used him to hurt you?"

Night had fallen, and Evelyn didn’t elaborate. Instead, her gaze swept over the group before landing on Dominic.

"Hey, you. Hand over your flashlight."

Dominic blinked, then smirked, twirling the device between his fingers. "My name isn’t 'you.' Say 'Dominic,' and maybe I’ll consider it."

Evelyn grinned. "Sure thing, you."

She snatched the flashlight right out of his hand.

Dominic clicked his tongue. "Rude."