I glared at the smug-looking guy standing in front of me and Dark. "Why are you continuing to lie? You stole the horse while no one was looking and though you could get away with it."

"No, i didn't. I saw you jerks hurting him and i went over to stop you. We made a deal that, if i could tame him, I could have him. The whole town was there and you all agreed." I said coldly.

He shook his head smiling. "I have you out numbered. The smart thing to do would be to give up and admit the truth."

I looked around the room at all the men, arms crossed over their chests, smirks on their faces. I held my head high and narrowed my eyes. "There is nothing to admit. I didn't steal him."

My uncle put a hand on my shoulder. "Winter, Honey-''

I shook him off. "No."

The Mayor stepped forward. "I think this is settled. Hand over the horse."

I moved so i was in front of Dark. "But, i didn't do it! He's mine and you can't take him away from me!"

Some of the guys came forward and grabbed Dark's reins away from me. "No!" I tried to push them away but, my uncle grabbed me. "Winter, you need to let him go. He'll be alright."

I tried pulled myself away but, my uncle just dragged me back gently. Just as I started to give up, the doors to the Town Hall opened and a small lady walked in. She raised an eyebrow at the crowd of people. "What's going on here?" she asked.

I took the quick distraction to yank myself away and race over to Dark. I wrapped my arms around his neck. "They're trying to steal my horse!" I said.

She raised an eyebrow and turned to look at the Mayor. "Is this true, Fred?" she asked.

He shook his head. "The horse does not belong to her. We are taking it to the breaker to break it and sell it."

"You certainly will not! I know that young girl and I also know that the horse is hers." She crossed her arms. "She got him the other day."

The Mayor looked confused. "What are you talking about?"

"That brave girl saved him from a bunch of brutes." She said 'brutes' while looking at all the men. "They made an agreement that the horse could be hers, at the towns expense, if she could pet the dear thing. She did and walked home with a beauty." The lady smiled at me.

The Mayor glanced at the guy. "Barny? Is that true?"

The guy was glaring at the lady. "Barny?" the Mayor asked again.

He huffed. "Alright. Yes, it's true. She did make the deal and we all agreed." He shot a look at me. "Happy now?"

I glared at him.

The Mayor motion to the men and they let go of Dark's reins. I smiled at the lady. "Thank you."

She smiled. "I used to have energy like you when i was your age." She giggled. "I had to become a 'lady' when i married the Mayor."

My eyes widened. "You're the Mayor's wife?!"

She grinned. "Yup. Have been for a while but, i didn't want to make it a big public affair so we kept it to only people we knew."

I smiled. "Thank you for all you've done. Dark might have been broken if you hadn't shown up."

She rubbed his neck. "No. Not him. He's far too strong for that. He wouldn't have been broken without a fight first. A big one."

I looked up at him and he seemed pleased by her remark. I grinned. "You're right. He is too strong for that."

She stepped back and turned to her husband, the Mayor. "So, is everything settled then?"

He looked around. "I suppose. The horse is hers, i guess."

"And?" She crossed her arms.

"...And the town will pay to feed and keep him healthy." He sighed.

She smiled and looked at me. "Take him home and clean him off. He could use a good brushing."

I smiled and nodded. "Okay. Thanks again for everything."

She nodded and i started towards the door, my uncle right behind me. He fastened Dark to the buggie and hopped in. I jumped up to Dark's back. Then we were on our way home.

About halfway there my uncle stopped the buggie. I turned around to face him. "Uncle?"

He stared at me for a while. Then he sighed and rubbed his face. "God, Winter... You are one of the most stubborn, bone headed, and crazy girl I've ever known and I've known your Aunt for most of my life."

I looked down, for some reason ashamed. "But, i couldn't be more proud of you."

My head snapped up in confusion. "What?"

"That was reckless and dangerous but, I'm proud to know my niece saved the life a beautiful horse and showed the whole town she's got more guts than a man."

I couldn't help but, smile. "Thanks..."

He was quiet but, then said, "We better get going again. Your Aunt is going to wonder where we are if we take too long."

I nodded and turned back around. We started moving again and soon could see the house. My Aunt was waiting on the porch. Whe she saw us she smiled widely. "There you are and you got Dark too!"

We stopped and i hopped down from Dark's back. My Uncle laughed as he got out of the cart. "Did you think we wouldn't?"

"Oh, no. I knew for sure you'd get him. Winter would die before she let that horse go."

"It was all thanks to the Mayor's wife. She said i was telling the truth and the Mayor didn't want to go against her so he said i could have him."

"Sheila is a sweet lady. I would bet she heard what was going on and went there on purpose."

I grinned. "Yeah. Can i take Dark inside? I need to clean him."

My Aunt shook her head. "Absolutely not. The last time he went through he got dirt all over the floor. I set up a stall in the barn for him."

My smile grew. "Oh, thank you so much!" I gave her a big hug. She chuckled. "I found some brushes in that delivery from the town. They're hanging on the wall."

I gave her another hug and unhooked Dark from the buggie. "Come on, Dark!"

I raced him to the barn. He won of course. I led him to the empty stall and tied him to the hook. Pulling down some of the brushes, i began to clean and wash him. When i was done i stepped back. He was beautiful.

I layed my arms over his back and rested my head on his soft fur. "I love you. Stay with me forever?"

It's not like i have a choice...

I froze. "What? Did... did you just talk?"

He looked at me but, didn't say anything more. I frowned and looked around before my eyes rested on him again. "Maybe it was just a trick of the mind."

I smiled again and patted him. Then i left. I was tired and hungry as i headed for the house. I ate dinner and went out to give Dark his. Then i went back to the house and went straight to sleep.

*******

(Unknown POV)

I opened my eyes and looked around. It was pitch black outside.

Oh, yeah...

I stood up and realized I was back to myself again. I guess I'll just have to reapply later. I checked my black pouch and frowned. Only one left. I'll have to hurry up and make sure she is who she says she is.

I walked outside and made my way to the house quietly. When I got there I peeked into Winter's window. She was sleeping on her bed peacefully, her white hair falling in her face.

I blew on the window slightly and the lock clicked, allowing me to pull it open and slip inside.

I looked her over without expression. She looked like her but, sure didn't act like her. I moved her hair out of her face. She moved slightly but, didn't wake up.

Honestly, I was hoping I had got it wrong and this wasn't her. She was nothing like I had been told and it was a little disappointing.

There was a shine from something on her neck. I moved her shirt aside and pulled out a beautiful silver necklace, an small orb-like pendant hanging on the chain.

I guess this confirmed it. I sighed and let go of the necklace. I sat on the floor, my back against the side of her bed. I rubbed my face and stared at the ceiling. I didn't know what I was going to tell the council.

*******

Hey everyone! There is some big stuff up ahead! Hope that wasn't too give-away... Anyhoo! Hope you enjoyed this chapter! AS ALWAYS VOTE, COMMENT, FOLLOW AND STAY AWESOME!

-Nekoco