Silas tensed as the sound of hooves thundered around the bend. A chariot pulled by a magnificent stallion came into view, its human rider's eyes widening in shock at the unexpected obstacle. Before either could react, a blur of black soared over Silas's makeshift barrier.
Selene, her mane of unicorn horns glinting in the arena lights, landed gracefully on the other side. The human rider wasn't so lucky. As his chariot crashed into Silas's, he was thrown from his seat, tumbling across the dusty ground.
To Silas's surprise, the man stood up almost immediately. Besides his now dirt-streaked clothes, he appeared unharmed. The crowd's murmurs grew louder, a mix of confusion and excitement rippling through the stands.
Seizing the moment of chaos, Silas rushed to Selene's side. With deft movements, he released her from the chariot's harness. The transformed woman trotted away, her hooves clopping softly on the arena floor.
