A strange feeling came over Sioni as she clung to Snowstar’s mane, held tightly against Alfred. She was calm, as though someone had taken the nightmare that had been her life and driven it away. She felt sleepy, and strangely lightheaded at the serenity, so out of place while fleeing from murderers and witches. She closed her eyes against the wind from the speed of their ride, and before she could control it, was beginning to fall.
—-—-——
Malvolia almost cackled with glee, but thought better of it. The conjured unicorn’s mere presence, and the simple spell she’d placed upon it, were taking effect already. A strange look had washed over her face, her eyes had closed… Now! The girl began to slip, Confusion swept across Alfred’s face as her body twisted away from him. Malvolia rode forward, stretched to take her daughter from the clutches of the Prince.

Sioni lay across the unicorn’s back before her, and they dashed into the woods, Malvolia’s twisted smile spread from ear to ear.

Sioni was hers.