CHAPTER 1 KRYSTAL HUNG UPSIDE DOWN staring at the crowd gathered in the marquee below All heads tilted upward All eyes were glued to her What if I fall she wondered as her heart thudded in her chest Still upside down her gaze sought the other Unicorn Riders Willow Quinn and Ellabeth watched her intently Quinn’s hands were clasped in front of her as if she were praying The Riders faithful unicorns stood nearby Krystal’s unicorn Estrella whinnied and tossed her mane nervously as she watched Krystal Krystal took a deep breath All right let’s do this she thought Releasing her right ankle she stretched her leg out so that she dangled by her foot which was wrapped around the trapeze The narrow bar was held in place by two long ropes attached to the marquee ceiling Below there was no net to catch Krystal if she fell She’d insisted on performing without it claiming her act would be more dramatic that way Now she wasn’t sure her decision had been wise Remember your routine she told herself You’ve practiced this hundreds of times Twirling around and around the bar Krystal performed spins and
turns that made the crowd gasp Her act was one of many to be performed during Princess Serafina’s birthday festivities and she was determined to stand out Krystal’s confidence grew rapidly But on the last movement she misjudged her turn Her fingers slipped and she lost hold of the bar and toppled down Somehow she managed to grip on with her knee It was all that saved her from falling For several frightening moments Krystal dangled awkwardly like a rag doll Down below the crowd thought it was all part of her act Krystal reached up with shaking hands and grasped the bar She sat upright took a second to steady herself then held her arms wide for the applause When the crowd began cheering she reached for the rope and swung over to the ladder before sliding all the way down and landing on
Estrella’s back Go on girl Krystal told Estrella Her hands still trembled though she tried to hide it No one will mind if you use your enchantment magic It will make us both look better Estrella reared up and sent a flurry of magical sparks into the air The crowd was delighted with her radiant beauty People cheered and gave them a standing ovation Krystal grinned with relief Princess Serafina strode over to offer Krystal a bouquet of blood-red roses Thank you Princess Serafina Krystal said But shouldn’t you be the one receiving flowers today After all it’s your birthday Not this time Serafina said smiling These are for you I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday gift than your performance Krystal That last stunt was death defying Krystal blushed but didn’t say anything She didn’t want Serafina knowing she’d made a near fatal error It was death defying Queen Heart said as she strolled over with Jala the Unicorn Riders leader We’d better be careful Jala Krystal might run away to join the circus Jala laughed I hope not she said We need Krystal to help protect Avamay It was the Unicorn Riders job to protect their queen and their people
