Sereena straightened, her interest piqued. A challenge. She loved challenges. "What kind of challenge?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
Lucas leaned back against the wall, his gaze on her. "Simple," he said. "We'll choose a distance and have a little archery competition. Each of us shoots three arrows. Whoever gets the closest to the bullseye wins."
"Okay," Sereena said, her heart rate picking up. "I accept."
"Good," Lucas said, a smile tugging at his lips. "Tomorrow then. After your training. But don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're tired and sore."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Sereena shot back, her competitive spirit flaring. "And don't be too disappointed when you're the one eating my dust."
Lucas's smile widened. "Is that so? I like your confidence, even if it is a little naïve."
He pushed himself off the wall, taking a step closer to her. "But I warn you, I don't lose. Not ever."
Serena swallowed, her eyes holding his gaze despite the growing thrill of fear mixed with excitement. "We'll see about that," she said, her voice steady despite her nerves. "I don't lose either."
Lucas chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down her spine. "You're brave. I'll give you that."
He reached out, his hand closing around her upper arm in a light grip. "I look forward to seeing what you're really made of tomorrow."
Sereena's heart pounded from the contact, that simple touch sending a rush of adrenaline through her. She struggled to tamp down her reaction, trying to keep the upper hand.
"I can't wait to prove you wrong," she retorted, trying not to let her voice shake.
Lucas quirked an eyebrow, a smile tugging at his lips. "Such confidence, even after today's training?"
He lifted a hand, his fingers moving to trace a path along her collarbone. She shivered again, her skin igniting at the light touch.
Lucas withdrew his hand, his expression becoming more serious. "Enough of that though," he said, his voice taking on a firm tone. "Tomorrow we'll see who's really the better shot. For now, you should rest."
Sereena let out a soft exhale, a mix of anticipation and relief. She nodded, the prospect of the upcoming challenge bringing a sense of excitement that was both thrilling and a little terrifying. "All right," she said, her voice steady again. "I could use the rest."
Lucas studied her for a moment longer, then stepped back. "Good," he said, his voice slightly curt. "You'll need it. See you tomorrow."
Sereena nodded, her tired body protesting as she pushed herself off the wall. "See you," she said, her gaze lingering on him for a moment longer before she walked away, the image of his smirk etched in her mind.
Lucas watched her go, his eyes tracking her movements. His mind was in a whirlwind, his earlier thoughts resurfacing with a vengeance. He was acutely aware of the reaction she had to his touch, the shiver that had gone through her body. It wasn't something he missed or overlooked.
He exhaled heavily, trying to push the thoughts away. It was dangerous to entertain such thoughts. She was off limits, no matter how much she challenged him, no matter how much she drew him in...
But he was only human. And she was... well, she was breathtakingly gorgeous and frustratingly enticing, and being alone with her in this quiet little corner, her exhaustion making her vulnerable... It was a dangerous combination, one that was playing with fire.
Lucas threw himself into training, using the physical exertion as an outlet for the coiled tension in him. The exercise was a welcome distraction, the rhythm of his movements familiar and grounding. As he pushed himself harder, the tension in his body eased, the intensity of the training taking his mind off the woman who had stirred something in him - a dangerous thing.
And even as he continued through the various drills, the image of her lingered in his mind - her tired but determined face, the way her body had reacted to his touch, the way her eyes held his gaze... It was frustrating how one woman could get under his skin so easily.
As Sereena made her way back to her room, her mind was filled with thoughts of the upcoming archery competition. She couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves as she thought about going up against Lucas. She knew he was skilled, and the thought of losing to him didn't sit well with her.
She reached her room and collapsed onto the bed, letting out a weary sigh. Her muscles were aching after the session, a reminder of the intense workout she had just been through.
She closed her eyes, the image of Lucas's smirk still fresh in her mind. The memory of his touch still lingered on her skin, and it was a distraction she didn't need right now. But she couldn't help it. He had a way of getting under her skin, a way of rattling her carefully constructed composure.
She rolled onto her side, her eyes opening once more as she stared at the ceiling. She had to win tomorrow.
The thought brought a spark of defiance and determination to her weary limbs. She'd prove herself tomorrow, show him that she wasn't just a girl who was all talk. She'd show him up, show him that she could hold her own.
She closed her eyes again, trying to calm her thrumming heart. She needed rest. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.
But despite her best efforts, sleep evaded her. The thought of the upcoming archery competition was like a bright flame, not letting her settle down. Her thoughts kept spinning, each one louder and more insistent than the last. She tossed and turned, tangled in the sheets. Arghh I need a walk
Sereena sat up, giving up on sleep. The energy pulsing through her was too much to ignore, and the thought of lying there, restless and unable to sleep, was too frustrating.
She swung her legs off the bed, standing up on slightly wobbly legs. A walk was what she needed, a chance to clear her head and quiet her thoughts.
She grabbed a scarf and quietly slipped out of her room, the quiet hallways greeting her with a hush. The air was cool and crisp, a welcome change from the stuffy warmth of her room.
She slowly walked through the quiet hallways, her footsteps almost soundless. Her mind was still abuzz, her thoughts refusing to let her have peace, but the walk helped. The rhythmic movement, the sound of her breathing, it all helped in its own small way, grounding her chaotic thoughts.
Sereena's footsteps halted at the sight of blood splattered on the floor, her heart skipping a beat. The hallway was quiet, the only sound her own quickening breaths. Her mind immediately leapt to worst case scenarios.