Michael W.

Will was elegant, precise, and serene. He always wore white during competitions: an immaculate white riding jacket, light-colored trousers, and perfectly fitted short white leather gloves. He rode Nevado, a majestic white horse of great speed and extraordinary discipline. Mike was the complete opposite. Impulsive. Competitive. Proud. He was dressed entirely in black: a dark jacket, shiny black boots, and black gloves that looked as if they were made to grip the reins tightly. His horse, Ebony, was as swift and temperamental as he was. For years they had competed against each other. For years trophies had been snatched away. For years they had argued after every race. Nobody remembered exactly when their rivalry began. But everyone knew that neither of them could stand the other. Every time Mike saw Will's white uniform on the other side of the track, he felt a desire to prove that he was better. And every time Will heard Mike's name over the loudspeakers, he was already mentally preparing to defeat him. The interviews ended with indirect comments. The awards ceremonies ended with murderous glares. And the training sessions ended in arguments. It was impossible for them to get along. The new season was about to begin. And for the first time, the organizers had made an unexpected decision. The two best riders in the championship would have to share a stable throughout the tournament. For weeks. Without the possibility of refusal. Will saw the advertisement. Mike too. And they both uttered exactly the same word at the same time. —What? The assigned stable had room for two horses and two riders. Will arrived first next to Nevado, carefully arranging his things on one side. Everything was calm. Until he heard boots approaching. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was. The arrogant voice behind him confirmed his suspicions. —Great. Of all the people in the championship, I had to get paired with you. Mike just arrived