Always a solemn child, Julián embodied the archetype of the eldest son–responsible and obedient. His personality combined the best of his father’s determination and his mother’s patience, and even his adolescent years were mostly absent the usual teenage rebellions. When it became clear that he hadn’t inherited his mother’s magic, he channeled that disappointment into proving himself useful in other ways: excellence in his work; care for his siblings; expansion of the family business. He kept any uncertainties or insecurities contained behind a serene exterior. His family teased that he showed more affection toward the horses they stabled than toward anyone outside the family, and he smiled along, but the truth was that he kept his passions just as secret as his doubts. No one knew that his great romance ended in tragedy. No one understands that when he buries himself more thoroughly in work than ever before, they’re witnessing the aftermath of personal catastrophe.

Like generations of his forefathers in Argentina, Duke Aguilar has always had a way with horses. Even the most spirited stallion or ornery pack horse would yield to his murmured words and calming hands. When his family fled the growing political and social unrest of their homeland, that skill proved just as valuable to the ranchers of California as the ones in Buenos Aires. For years, he coasted on those talents and his charm, weaponizing a sheepish smile and soulful eyes, getting what he wanted with as little effort as possible.

That worked perfectly well until he ran headfirst into Gloria Mata, whose determined disinterest drove him to absolute distraction. Winning her heart took time and effort, but when she finally gave him her hand, she also offered him the truth. She was a witch–the first he had ever known, though he’d long believed in magic. To protect her and soon enough, their children, Duke left his family legacy behind and bent his skill with horses into a slightly different direction. In Never, he runs the livery and works at the forge, with his children following in his footsteps. If the closest he gets to a horse these days is hammering on its shoes… He tries not to let nostalgia sour his overall satisfaction.