Chapter 5

CHAPTER FIVE That night Olivia lay in bed with her worries rolling around in her head. But at last, she slept. When she woke, something was tickling her nose. Olivia batted her hand in front of her face and heard a giggle. "Olivia, wake up." The bedroom was in darkness but Olivia could just make out the others standing by her bed. She sat up immediately. "What's wrong?" "Nothing," said Isabel, handing Olivia her fleecy hoodie. "Put this on. We've decided we're going to help Snowflake find her magic!" "How?" asked Olivia uncertainly.

"We've been thinking about the exact moment our unicorns got their magic. It's always happened when someone's been in danger," said Scarlett. "We thought if we could create a few situations, it might help Snowflake to find her magic." "Great," croaked Olivia, wishing she really meant it. They fetched their unicorns and headed to the gardens. It was still dark and Sophia rode at the front, Rainbow using his magic to light the way. Olivia stayed at the back with Layla. Olivia's thoughts were racing and she only half listened to Layla, who, most unusually, was chattering non-stop. "Where is everyone?" asked Olivia, suddenly realising that Dancer had been walking so slowly they had got left behind. "I don't know," said Layla innocently. Olivia heard an eerie rustling ahead.

"What's that?" Snowflake's white ears twitched. Olivia gasped as spiky gorse bushes started shooting up in front of them. "Time to get out of here." Dancer spun round and took off, sandy soil spraying up from his hooves as he galloped away. Snowflake followed, neck arched, her gold and blue tail streaming behind her.

"What's going on?" demanded Olivia. "What's—" She broke off as another wall of bushes suddenly sprang up in front of them. "Jump, Snowflake!" urged Dancer. Huge purple and orange wings burst from his shoulders as he flew effortlessly over the bushes. Olivia felt Snowflake's muscles bunch as if she was about to go after Dancer. She clung on tightly. Was Snowflake about to discover her magic in time to help her? Olivia was torn between relief and despair. I don't want her to, she thought. "Olivia?" Snowflake faltered. "What's wrong?" "Nothing, I'm fine." Snowflake's hesitation cost her. Now she was too close to jump the bushes. She stopped suddenly then reared up, slashing at the bushes with her hooves. "It's too big! I can't clear it." CRACK!

The bushes exploded in a ball of fire that burned with bright-orange flames. "Snowflake, move back!" shrieked Olivia. Snowflake spun round. There was a flash of light and a rainbow appeared, one end anchored in the sandy earth, arching over the fire. Relief rushed through Olivia. Sophia and Rainbow were saving them! Olivia urged Snowflake on and they galloped up the shimmering rainbow but when they reached the top it suddenly collapsed. Olivia screamed and Snowflake whinnied as they plummeted earthward. But what was that? Olivia heard the roar of water, then a blue wave curled ahead of them, catching her and Snowflake on its crest. As the wave peaked, Snowflake slid down it and landed safely back on the ground. The wave disappeared, along with the giant bushes and the fire. In their place were her friends, their outlines glowing in the rising sun.

"Nothing?" said Isabel, her voice loaded with disappointment. "Not even a tiny hint of magic?" Olivia shook her head, her heart pounding. "Not a thing. Sorry." She gulped. "That was pretty frightening though!" "Sorry," said Ava. "We just wanted to try to help." "I know. Thanks– I think," said Olivia, forcing a smile. Back at the stables, the girls found Ms Primrose standing beside Golden Briar's stable with Sage, her unicorn. Another unicorn– one with pink and grey swirls– was parading up and down in front of them. Ms Primrose was nodding approvingly. Olivia gave a strangled squeak as the unicorn turned towards them. It was Owl, the unicorn who belonged to Ms Tring, her governess back