Page 77 of Elysian

“Tug on the reins to stop him.”

I did so easily.

“Good, Abrax,” I murmured, rubbing his snout. He snorted and shook his head.

“Now mount,” Cassiel ordered.

I whipped my head around.

“By myself?”

Cassiel grunted. I turned back to look at the massive beast.

Oh, dear.

It was not as if it had grown more difficult for me since I had been riding him, but it was always with the safety of Cassiel. If I slipped or toppled, he caught me.

Cassiel continued to watch me steadily.

I can do this.

I straightened my shoulders and angled myself to place my uninjured foot in the stirrup. I would need to push off from the stirrup while gripping the front of the saddle.

If I continued to hesitate over it, I would end up fumbling. Bracing my hand upon the saddle, I hopped and pushed up with measured force. My bottom thudded on the saddle, slightly to the side. I began to tilt too much. I scrambled to pull myself forward, settling on the seat.

Sweat dampened my temples. I turned with a smile toward Cassiel, but he was no longer standing across the way. He stood at the side I would have fallen down on if I had not managed to catch myself.

“You did well,” he praised. It filled my chest with pride. “Relax on the seat. Once you are prepared, nudge your heel into his side and click your tongue.”

I did it, taking it slow. Cassiel kept pace. He reached for my foot. “Keep your heel down.” My calves pinched, and the stretch sent a bit of discomfort to my hip. “Keep him going around the stone platform.”

I did as he said, keeping my posture straightened. It did not take but a few rounds for me to relax into Abrax’s stride. Cassiel remained quiet as he walked beside me, seeming deep in thought.

“I have read a few more pages of the grimoire,” I said.

“Of course you have.”

“Wraithlings are meant for guidance and protection. A bond beyond the physical that is present from birth. They are meant to keep watch during weakened moments. Specifically during injuries or mating.” A flush warmed my face. “That is why wraithlings speak into their redblood’s mind, but the opposite is not possible.”

I moved the reins, and Abrax shook his head, causing the metal to clang.

“I apologize for not being able to save her.” Cassiel’s gaze flicked away and returned, shame unmistakable.

A knot of emotion formed in my throat. My poor Piper had not deserved such a fate. I cleared my throat instead of answering.

“Have you learned more about your gift? Of how you were able to render that officer unconscious?” He sneered at his mention of Egan.

“The grimoire calls it mirroring. It’s something that will not last. In a sense, I borrow the ability of others for a bit.”

I still did not know how I had taken Hester’s gift. My heart pinched at the thought of her, but I forced myself to refocus.

“Do I turn him like this?” I yanked his reins similar to how I’d seen Cassiel do it. Abrax snorted and reared. I screamed, grasping his mane in a tight grip.

“No,” Cassiel chided, grabbing hold of the reins I had released to force him down, and Abrax calmed.

“I cannot do this,” I choked out, frozen as I kept a death grip on the mane.

Cassiel grabbed my waist and tugged me off, settling me on my feet. My legs wobbled, thighs sore. Despite all the riding I’d done with him, controlling the horse alone felt different. I had to put more effort into the strength of my legs, since Cassiel was not there to brace me.