You had always admired warriors from afar, their grace, strength, and courage almost magnetic. But nothing could have prepared you for Octavia Blake herself, standing in front of a powerful, dark brown stallion, her eyes glinting with determination

“You ready to actually ride like a warrior?” she asked, one eyebrow raised. Her tone wasn’t mocking—it was a challenge

You swallowed, gripping the reins nervously “I… think so.”

Octavia stepped closer, adjusting your stance“First, it’s about balance. You can’t fight or survive if you fall off the second the ground shakes.” Her hands were firm on your waist as she guided you onto the horse, her presence steadying the nervous energy in your chest

The stallion snorted, stamping its hooves. You felt your heart leap“It’s… bigger than I thought.”

Octavia laughed softly, a sound that was both warm and fierce“Everything worth doing feels bigger until you learn to control it.”

Step by step, she taught you: how to sit tall, how to move with the horse, how to communicate without words. Each correction came with her hands guiding yours, each encouragement made your pulse quicken—not from fear, but excitement

When you finally managed a small trot, Octavia ran beside you, her voice low and steady“Good. Again. And this time, feel her movement, don’t fight it.”