Camilla was excited. Mornings usually left her feeling groggy, but not today. Yesterday evening, a young man who looked like a college student arrived at the ranch. He said his name was Ivan and that he was a backpacker traveling through. He had seen online that the ranch offered lodging and wanted to stay for the night.

Camilla immediately agreed, not only showing him around the ranch but also preparing a hearty meal for him. Ivan smiled and said Camilla was as hospitable as the online reviews said she was. She smiled back, saying she just enjoyed meeting new friends.

That wasn't entirely untrue, as soon Ivan would have to spend quite a bit of time with her.

About two years ago, following descriptions in a magic book, Camilla found this abandoned ranch. It was said to be a place where ancient wizards studied various transformation magics. She guessed she might find interesting magic here. However, after investigation, Camilla found that most of the ancient magic had dissipated over time, except for... a stable on the east side of the ranch.

For some reason, only this location still harbored powerful magic. Anyone staying inside for more than six hours could no longer walk out in human form. After several tests, Camilla successfully added two stallions to the ranch (the real estate agent who helped with the land, and her ex-boyfriend), even making some money through horse trading.

Since then, Camilla had made this ranch her new home and research base. Occasionally, she spread the word online that that backpackers are welcome. She converted a corner of the stable into a decent guest room, claiming it offered a special experience close to nature for visiting guests.

This wasn't her first time doing this, but in the past few years of attracting backpackers, she had mostly encountered middle-aged men or women. Young men like Ivan were rare. Last night, before falling asleep, she could hardly contain her excitement at the thought of her ranch having one more young, strong, healthy stallion in the morning.

Camilla quickly finished grooming, had breakfast, then stepped out of her cabin, ready to inspect the results in the stable. Soon, a wooden building, renovated but still showing traces of history, came into view. She eagerly unlatched the door, but immediately heard a cry from inside:

"Miss Camilla, please don't come in yet! I—"

Was that Ivan's voice? But how could that be... Camilla pushed the door open, only to be utterly perplexed by the sight before her.

To some extent, the Ivan before her had indeed transformed into a horse, at least... if you didn't look at his upper body. His torso, along with both arms, remained human, but from the waist down, he was a healthy brown stallion. They stared at each other, frozen in place.

After a few seconds, Ivan regained his composure. He put on a shirt and approached Camilla, his hooves making clip-clops on the ground.

"Miss Camilla, this... I hope I can explain, but I just woke up like this..."

Camilla stared at the strange creature before her, searching for an explanation. The magic here had never failed before, so why would it now...

Suddenly, she noticed the pendant hanging from Ivan's chest, the gem embedded in it seemed to shimmer with a green light.

During dinner last night, Camilla had asked about the pendant. Ivan mentioned it was given to him by his mother before he set out on his journey, said to be a family heirloom that could protect his safety.

Could it be...

Camilla disregarded etiquette and reached out to grab the pendant hanging from Ivan's chest. Indeed, as soon as she touched the metal of the pendant, she felt powerful energy.

Ah, so that was it - she was both awed and inwardly cursed her missed opportunity.

Apparently, the pendant attempted to protect its wearer, but the farther away they were, the weaker its power became, hence only Ivan's upper body could maintain its human form.

Ivan was startled as Camilla grabbed the pendant.

“What are you doing, Miss Camilla? Aren't you afraid? Perhaps this could be contagious..." he asked.

"Oh, I believe it won't be. You look quite handsome like this!” Camilla cut him off with a smile. "Come, let's go to my cabin for breakfast."

It seemed her plan to add a stallion to the ranch would have to wait, Camilla thought. She had considered snatching the pendant and forcibly locking Ivan back in the stable. But realistically, she had no way to contain such an energetic stallion with feeble stable walls. Best to let it go.

Camilla told Ivan she knew some magic-related things, and that the pendant on his chest was what caused his transformation (which wasn't entirely untrue). The pendant housed power, and he was the family member inheriting that power...blah blah blah.

Ivan was rather simple-minded. Apart from lacking pants, he didn't dwell on it much and accepted the facts, not even wondering how to turn back human. He left the ranch by noon that day with his luggage on his equine back, continuing his journey.

That night, as Camilla scrolled through the internet on her laptop, she noticed a new review left on her ranch's map by "Ivan the Centaur":

✯✯✯✯✯
"A fantastic find! The ranch owner was so kind, letting me crash for the night and whipping up a delicious dinner. After a good sleep, I found my pace quickened remarkably. Super friendly vibes and peaceful surroundings make this spot a winner for any traveler!"

This was the first genuine review her ranch had received. Hopefully other backpackers seeing this would come visit as well, and perhaps... never leave. Camilla smiled to herself.