While Saffron was admiring her perfectly groomed pony, Zoe leaned close to whisper to Alex. ‘You can’t fool me. You did it to stop Saffron getting into trouble, didn’t you?’

Alex shrugged. ‘Well, I did feel a bit sorry for her. I didn’t want her to get into hot water with her dad.’ She would have loved to tell Zoe the truth, but she couldn’t do that without giving away Comet’s secret. She knew that she would never tell anyone about her magical friend.

Comet seemed to know what she was thinking. He tossed his head and gave a soft whicker of approval.

Saffron turned to Alex. ‘Thanks, Alex. I won’t forget this,’ she said warmly. ‘I… I know I can be a pain. It’s the way I am, but I don’t mean anything by it. Friends, OK?’

Alex flushed. ‘I guess I haven’t been that easy to get on with either,’ she admitted honestly. ‘It’ll be different from now on.’

‘Yay!’ Zoe did a little dance of triumph. ‘Does this mean we can all concentrate on having fun and getting ready for the Pony Club fundraising? I’ve got a space on my mirror that’s rosette shaped!’

‘You bet!’ Alex and Saffron chorused happily.

Chapter
EIGHT

Comet’s warm magic swirled round Alex as they paused on the heathery hillside a week later. His sides were heaving after a thrilling gallop and as he looked out across the wide expanse of the fells he caught his breath.

Alex relaxed in the saddle, full of the afterglow of another exciting ride on the magic pony. If she lived to be a hundred, she would never forget the joy of riding him.

She had spent the afternoon at Zoe’s house, watching some of Saffron’s showjumping DVDs. Zoe’s mum had got in some nibbles and dips and pizza slices, and turned the event into a party.

Now Alex and Comet were cutting across the moors on their way home. Another search among the rock formations had proved fruitless. There had been no more signs of Destiny.

‘It was so much fun today and Saffron was great. We’re all getting along better. But Zoe will always be my best friend,’ Alex told him happily, resting her hands in her lap.

Comet huffed out a warm breath and snorted softly. ‘I am glad that things have worked out well for you.’

Alex thought she detected a trace of sadness in his voice and guessed that he was missing his twin sister.

‘They’ll work out for you and Destiny too,’ she said kindly. ‘I know they will.’

Comet’s eyes glowed with new hope. ‘I hope so. Thank you, Alex.’

Grey clouds were gathering above the huge boulders. Alex shivered and reached out to stroke the palomino’s silky neck. ‘It’s getting cold. There’s a warm stable and a bucket of oats waiting for you at home. Shall we go?’