I blinked and repeated it as I looked around. I just couldn't get over what I felt. Was it real or not? What was happening? Why did I speak in that language? Who is that wolf?

Different questions were brewing in my mind, but I didn't have time to figure them out as Noah and the rest strode out of the dining room.

I also stood up, as it was already time to leave. Nora remained behind me. Noah and the twins were in the front, and Nora's parents were in the middle. We walked out, locked the door, and got to the parking area.

Mom and Dad were already waiting. The sight of them looking so excited brought a smile to my face. "Mom, Dad, you are here already," I said, walking up to them. It was as if the short period I left home was a long one.

Mom hugged me and whispered, "Don't be apprehensive, daughter; I'm rooting for you." I giggled at her words. She sure knows how to make me happy.

"Sure, Mommy, I'm kind of nervous, but I'll try not to lose focus," I replied, also whispering. She chuckled. Nora smiled as she winked at me.

I boarded Mom's car that they drove over. She insisted the twins ride in our car despite Cynthia's insistence that they let the twins ride with them in their truck. Mom just doesn't get enough of Ariel and Aiden.

Aiden held my palms in his. His expressionless face and gentle eyes reassured me that all was going to be fine.

He blinked twice, and his eyes flickered in gold. I noticed him still gazing at him. Something about this handsome son of mine gives me deja vu. It felt like I'd seen someone so similar to him somewhere, but I just couldn't remember. Perhaps he took after his dad.

I held his small palm in mine, hugging his small body as the car began moving. It drove to the sports center, and Ariel never let a moment pass without talking.

"Such a chatterbox you are, Ariel. Can't you stay without talking?" I asked, but she only responded with a giggle.

"Just let her be a daughter; she's still a young child, or would you want her to be indifferent just like Aiden?" Dad retorted.

The thought of Ariel ever behaving like Aiden felt like an impossible thing to happen. I do not foresee that.

Dad expertly swerved into the parking lot, and I could suddenly feel anxiety strike me. I wasn't anxious before. But now that I'm arriving at the venue, I'm feeling super nervous.

It was like my kids could feel my tense nerves. They both turned to me and hugged me, taking the couple aback.

"Don't worry, mama, I know you'll bring Ariel the gold cup and also the check for money. We'll go to the shop to buy bows and arrows."

Ariel spoke. Her cheesy, squinty voice makes me laugh.

"Yes, Mom, you've got this," Aiden added. He smiled, and that was an assurance. I hugged them back. Happy that my kids were there and never left me for once."

"Alright, my dear Ariel and Aiden, I'll do my best," I muttered.

"That's the spirit," Mom and Dad said in synch, and we all laughed. We alighted from the car and noticed Nora and her family had also arrived.

I took out my gear set from the car trunk. I placed the backpack on my shoulders and then said goodbye to all of them as they headed to the audience spot while Noah and I walked to the changing room.

It was today that I had long dreamed of, the day when I'll finally prove to many others that endurance racing isn't just for guys. My love for horses is just something I can't explain. It's funny how I could easily handle even the most arrogant horse in the stable.

I love them, and I'm just fine with them. But again, each time it's time for training, I get mocked by most of the muscular guys in the classes. They think horse racing isn't for ladies, and I should just go learn how to crochet and how to cook meals. I realize not just they but many others feel the same.

Just because they think so doesn't make it true, right? I worked hard despite being pregnant. Despite studying in college, I found time to bond with horses and ride them through valleys and forests. I took an interest in many tournaments, but I was removed from each of them because of my gender.

It took me years to get to this point. I succeeded in entering the contest, and my goal is to win. Not just for myself, but also for ladies with a love for and interest in horse racing. Not just horse racing, I love archery and sword fighting, which the kids seem to have learned from.

Putting on my leg gear and helmet. I took a deep breath. I just have to put in my all and let nature take its course.

Striding out of the changing room, I met Noah. He was already dressed in his white sportswear. Black boots with his helmet. His eyes lingered on me for a moment, and he nodded.

Noah had joined the team when he realized the amount of bullying I was facing.

Although I didn't need his protection, I felt acknowledged. He gradually became fond of horse racing and took an interest in it.

"Are you ready?" He asked.

"Yeah, are you?" I replied, asking.

"I am," he responded.

We took a look at each other one last time before heading out. I was dressed in all black. Except for the number tag behind my shirt, which was white, Noah is 17 while I am 15.

We got outside and saw the rest of the contestants already in position. I didn't pay attention to their look of mockery as I strode to my agent's position. She was holding the reins of a charcoal-black horse, Thunderous.