(Winter's POV)

I rushed to the door and flung it open as I ran outside. Saturday. The best day of the week. Auntie and Uncle always let me have the day off to do whatever I pleased. I had the whole day planned out.

I ran to the barn and poked my head into Dark's stall. He looked up at me and my smile grew. "Guess what we're going to do today!" I said as I opened his stall and lead him out. I didn't wait for a reply as I said, "We're going to run to town for a little bit, maybe go to the fair, and then we'll take a ride through the woods. I have a place I really want to show you."

Dark's ears seemed to perk up at the mention of the woods and he turned his head to glanced over to the trees not too far away. Then he snorted and nuzzled my chest. I chuckled and stroked his head lovingly. "That sound like fun?"

Almost like he understood, he lifted his head up and down several times. I smiled and quickly found a rope harness to use as reins. As we were leaving, Auntie ran out with a small bag. She handed it to me. "You'll need a lunch, you know."

I thanked me her and we started towards town. Dark seemed pretty energetic today. He kept wanting to speed up and eventually I let him. We raced past carts and people walking on the road and made it to town in a mere ten minutes. I slowed Dark down and we walked through the streets slowly.

I got a couple glares from a few guys from the other day but, I ignored them. Dark was mine. They'd have to deal with it.

I spotted the small Ferris Wheel over the tops of some buildings and urged Dark to go faster. "Come on, boy. We're almost there."

As we reached the front of the fair I made Dark stop and I hopped down. "Hm... Let's see... Oh, I know! Why don't we-"

I suddenly felt a yank on Dark's reins and frowned at him. He snorted and tried to pull away. I frowned. "What's the matter with you?"

I tried to pull him towards me but, he held back, his eyes looking stubborn. "What is it? Do you not want to go to the fair?"

He gave another yank on the reins before he released the pressure and looked in the direction of home. I frowned. "Do you want to go home?"

He snorted again and tugged on the reins. I sighed. I guess I'd go the fair another time. I climbed back up onto Dark's back and started for home again. He must not have like the sound of the fair music and all the kids laughing.

I decided that I wasn't ready to go all the way home yet though so instead I walked around town and said hi to a few people. I didn't even realize how long I had been out until I noticed the sky was a pretty orange color. I patted Dark's neck. "Ready to go home?"

He snorted and I smiled. I headed for home, taking my time so I would have more time with Dark. It felt like magic being around him. It was like I would never be sad again.

I leaned forward and hugged Dark's neck. He tensed and slowed his steps but, I pet his ear gently. "It's okay. It's just me."

I closed my eyes and sighed. He was so warm and comforting. I could lay here forever.

So peaceful...

I breathed in and out with the sound of Dark's steps, the sound of the trees around us lulling me towards sleep. It reminded me of the time I'd first fought with my uncle. I'd run into the forest and hidden in a hollow tree stump. It had been windy that day and I had fallen asleep. When I woke up my uncle was carrying me back home, his arms holding me tightly to him.

"Hm..." I murmured to myself. Maybe this was destiny or something... like finding Dark was meant to be...

Suddenly, I felt a something hit my face. I opened my eyes. I must have fallen asleep. I sat up quickly. I frowned and brought Dark to a stop. It was dark outside and we're not on the road anymore. Where were we? How had it gotten so late all of a sudden?

I hopped off Dark's back and took a few steps. We were surrounded by trees and I couldn't see any light or way through them. How far had we gone? Had we passed the house already?

I heard a twig snap and glanced back to see Dark walking away from me. I frowned and hurried after him. "Dark! Wait!" I said. "Where are you-"

I was pulling on his reins to try and stop him when we came through some trees to a small lake. I frowned as we got closer. Maybe Dark was just thirsty.

I lead him over to the water and waited. But, he didn't drink. He just looked at me expectantly, his big eyes staring me down.

I felt unnerved by this and decided it was best to get home as quickly as possible. Auntie and Uncle were probably worried anyways.

I pulled myself onto Dark's back again and started back for the trees. But, as I got to them, Dark stopped. I frowned. "Come on. We have to get home." I urged.

He ignored me and turned back to the water. I barely had time to think be for he suddenly took off straight for the lake. I held on to keep from falling off as I tried to stop him. "Dark! Stop! What are you doing?!"

Just before he reached the water he bucked. I gasped as I went flying, my arms stretching out in front of me and hitting the water first, followed by my face, and finally my whole body. I choked on some of the water as I tried to swim back up. As I felt my fingers reached the surface of the water something grabbed onto my ankle. I was jerked back down with such force I swallowed a bunch of water. I kicked my legs and squirmed around but, no matter what I did the glowing moon above the water just continued to shrink. As I began seeing stars and my breath finally went out on me I heard a voice.

"Keep your eyes closed." It said. I don't know why I did what it said but, I did and I had a feeling I did the right thing.

*******

(Unknown POV)

I watched her sink into the water and let out a sigh. At least that was over. My head ached where she'd pulled my hair and I shook my head slightly. Then I stepped into the water and started to walk out into the lake. Now, all I had to do was explain all this to her. Great.

Sure that's going to be easy...

*******

Hey everyone! So, I'm starting this book up again! Well, I'm starting them all up but, I haven't written in this one in forever so it's more exciting. I'm sure you've all guessed who the unknown POV is but, I'm still keep in it a secret until the next chapter. Hope you enjoyed this chapter! AS ALWAYS, VOTE, COMMENT, FOLLOW, AND STAY AWESOME!

-Nekoco