Wild Grace, Sasha and Beth: #6 (Bozeman Blackout Series)

The first mare broke from Ballydorn's careful schedule, going into labor under a full moon instead of during monitored daylight hours. Cameras caught her pacing her rubber-matted stall, while across the valley, Sullivan's horses gathered at their fence line as if they could sense the coming birth.

Rowan arrived to find her night staff already assembled, their white coats ghostly under fluorescent lights. Monitors blinked vital signs while the mare - registered as Premium Asset 274 but named Starlight by her groom - circled her antiseptic space.

"All readings within parameters," the vet reported, checking tablets. "Though she seems agitated."

"Of course she's agitated," Sasha whispered from her observation post at Sullivan Ranch, where she sat night watch with Jamie. "She's alone except for machines."

As if hearing her, Starlight threw her head up and nickered toward the open valley. Thunder answered from his home pasture, his deep call carrying through the night air. The mare's ears pricked forward, and something in her stance changed.

"There," Jamie murmured. "Watch now."

The foal arrived in a rush of life, perfect despite all human planning and worry. Through binoculars, Sasha watched Ballydorn's staff swarm the stall with monitors and tests, barely giving mother and baby time for first nuzzles.

"Look at that face marking," Jamie said softly. "Thunder's blood showing through."

The foal was beautifully made - Ballydorn's refined lines softened by Sullivan wildness. He found his feet with surprising grace, nickering in a voice that carried his mixed heritage.

Dawn brought...