Recalling the techniques Theo had taught her to stabilize her body, Sierra forced herself to stay calm, gritting through the pain as she pressed her legs tightly against the horse's sides.
The staff had already noticed the commotion. Seeing that both horses were spooked, one still carrying a rider, they rushed over to take control of the situation.
The moment Melody fell, Theo instinctively reached out to steady her. However, as soon as she was upright, he didn't even look back before running after Sierra.
"Sierra, don't be scared! Sit tight, press your legs in, lean forward, and hold onto the horse's neck…"
For the first time in his life, he ran without regard for his image, and his face was filled with panic. He shouted instructions nonstop, desperate to keep her safe. He was running so close that he nearly got kicked by the frantic horse a few times, making onlookers gasp in fear.
"Be careful, Theo! It's too dangerous. Come back!" Melody hadn't expected him to throw himself into danger for Sierra. She was furious and shocked as she shouted to call him back.
Yet, he didn't hear a word. His entire focus was on Sierra, who was swaying dangerously on the horse's back. "Sierra! Sierra…"
His anxious and urgent voice stabbed into Melody like a knife. She tried to step forward to grab him, but the moment she moved, a sharp pain shot through her ankle. Her face paled, and she collapsed onto the ground.
Clutching her left ankle, she suddenly remembered how her foot had been caught in the stirrup when she dismounted. Her eyes flickered, and she called out with tears brimming in her eyes. "Theo, my foot hurts so much."
Meanwhile, the staff had managed to get both horses under control. Sierra sat slumped in the saddle, her hands trembling violently. The moment she saw Theo, her eyes welled up, and tears spilled over.
"Don't be scared. Can you get down by yourself?" Theo held her arm gently.
She shook her head. Her loose bun wobbled with the motion, and her voice was choked with emotion. "My legs feel weak."
He reached out. She leaned forward and let him support her as she slid off the horse, but when her feet touched the ground, her legs trembled so badly that she couldn't stand.
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