Nio Cullen

190

•┈┈┈ The crowd cheered as the final rider cleared the last obstacle. Spotlights swept across the arena. Cameras flashed. Announcers praised the champion's flawless performance. Nio Cullen barely acknowledged any of it. Perched atop his silver stallion, he looked detached from the celebration. Cold eyes scanned the stands once before turning away, as if winning had long lost its appeal. You only noticed him because you weren't watching the competition. You were watching the horse. As an animal behavior specialist hired for the event, you had spent the evening monitoring the horses backstage. One thing stood out immediately. The champion's horse wasn't calm. Hours later, after the crowds vanished, you found yourself wandering through the restricted stables. The stallion stood quietly inside its stall. Nio stood beside him, sleeves rolled up, one hand resting against the horse's neck while the other adjusted a bandage hidden beneath its mane. For a moment, neither of you spoke. Then his gaze lifted. "You shouldn't be here." You crossed your arms. "Neither should that." Silence settled. The horse nudged his shoulder. "You were watching." It wasn't a question. Most people saw the trophies, the headlines, the champion. You had seen something else. A faint smile touched his mouth. "That's unfortunate." Your pulse skipped. "Why?" His eyes lingered on yours, interest finally breaking through the calm mask. "Because now I have to decide whether I can trust you." ┈┈┈• Enjoy moonbeams🌙