‘Oh!’ She gasped in utter wonder at the magnificent sight. Nothing could have prepared her for anything so beautiful. ‘Comet?’

‘Yes. It is still me, Alex. Do not be alarmed,’ Comet said in a deep velvety whinny.

Before Alex had time to get used to seeing Comet in his true form, there was another spurt of violet sparkles and the multicoloured mist broke into shining dust and disappeared, revealing the palomino pony once more.

‘That’s an amazing disguise! Can Destiny make herself look like a normal pony too?’

Comet nodded, his ears swivelling. ‘But her disguise will not protect her if the dark horses find her. I must search for my sister. Will you help me?’

‘Of course I will,’ Alex said, even though she hadn’t a clue about where to start looking. ‘Do you think Destiny might be here at the horse trials?’

Comet twitched his sandy tail. ‘I cannot sense that she is near. We will need to look for her on the slopes and hills nearby.’

‘It’s pretty wild up on the high moors. There are loads of places among the rocks and caves where Destiny could hide,’ Alex said thoughtfully. ‘I’ll be going home to Scarp Hill Farm in a few hours. I could ask Mum and Dad if you could come with me. We’re used to looking after animals. There’s loads of room in our horse lorry, even with two ponies in it already. That’s Pasha, my pony. She’s just gone lame,’ she said, feeling a ripple of anxiety. She dragged her attention back to the magic pony. ‘And… and Maxi, who belongs to Zoe, my best friend. I can’t wait to see everyone’s faces when I tell them about you!’

‘No! You cannot tell anyone my secret,’ Comet neighed, his violet eyes serious. ‘You must promise me, Alex.’

Alex pressed her lips together. She felt disappointed that she couldn’t tell her parents about the amazing pony. But it seemed even worse to keep secrets from Zoe. They usually told each other everything.

She nodded slowly. ‘Well – OK then,’ she said, prepared to agree if it would keep Comet and Destiny safe from their enemies.

Comet reached out to bump his nose gently against her arm. ‘Thank you.’

‘No problem!’ Alex smiled and reached up to stroke him. She rubbed between his eyes, feeling proud that he had chosen her for his friend.

‘I will come to your home. It will be a safe place to stay,’ Comet neighed.

‘Cool! I’d really love that. But how am I going to explain about you and where you suddenly came from…’

‘There you are!’ called a voice.

Alex spun round to see Zoe running up to her. ‘Your mum sent me to find you. Lunch’s ready… Wow! Who does that gorgeous pony belong to?’

‘What pony?’ Alex asked, too flustered to think straight.

‘Du-uh! The palomino standing right there in front of you!’ Zoe pointed at Comet.