Beta Ash’s POV
The sun wasn’t harsh today, and the wind had just the right kind of bite to keep my thoughts from spiraling. I didn’t come to the stables often unless it was for training or calming my wolf after a mission, but today? I came to breathe. To think. To not think.
After what happened earlier in my room, I needed this.
The stable boys had already prepped the horses for morning exercises, and I picked mine without much thought. A big, dark gelding with attitude. Perfect match.
“Let’s ride, brute,” I muttered as I mounted.
The stable yard was empty enough for me to race without spectators. Good. I didn’t feel like dodging curious glances or hearing whispered theories about the Beta going soft or spiraling from stress.
I tightened my grip and kicked off.
The horse took off li
