Read the first part of the story.

Letting Go

‘I can’t let you go, Opal!’ Riker threw his arm over his unicorn’s back and shook his head miserably. ‘You’ve been my guard in Unicornia all my life!’ In three days, it would be Riker’s thirteenth birthday—the time, according to tradition, for Unicornians to give up their unicorns.

Opal nudged Riker with her horn. ‘If you let me go, I can help a new child,’ she said softly.

‘Yes, but some teenagers refuse to let go,’ Riker said with a scowl. ‘So why should I have to?’

Opal shook her silky blue mane. ‘The decision is entirely up to you, but look how grown you are. Do you really still need me to give you courage?’

Riker frowned. Year after year, Opal had helped him face his fears. She’d helped him solve every problem, from neighbourhood bullies to a leaky rowing boat. Without Opal, he’d surely panic and mess up.